If you’re looking for an adventure, the Trans-Siberian Railway is a trip worth taking. With its vast landscapes and ancient cultures, this 9,000 km train ride will bring you to some of Russia’s most remote regions. The train starts from Moscow, Russia, and ends at Vladivostok, after traveling through eleven time zones. But before you go on your journey, be sure to read our 7 facts and prepare for your epic trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway!
The Longest Ride
On March 29, 1891, Emperor Alexander III signed a decree on the construction of the Great Siberian Railway, better known as the Trans-Siberian Railway. The two extreme points of the Trans – Siberian Railway are Moscow and Vladivostok. The journey between them takes 6 days and 2 hours. Despite the fact that Vladivostok is officially the final station of the Trans-Siberian Railway, there are stations on the branch to Nakhodka that are more remote from Moscow – Vostochny Port and Cape Astafiev. Therefore, the Trans-Siberian Railway actually reaches directly to the Pacific Ocean.
Scenic Route
Trans-Siberian railway tours provide the best opportunity to explore the biggest country in the world right through your window! There are 87 cities located on the way, including Yekaterinburg (the capital of the Ural region), Irkutsk (near Lake Baikal), and Novosibirsk (the largest city in Siberia and the 3rd largest in Russia). Each town on the Trans-Siberian Railway has its own history, its own unique atmosphere. The Transsib is unique in that it is a cultural and historical panoramic view that represents the entire rich history of Russia. Moreover, the Trans-Siberian Railway crosses 16 major rivers, the largest of which are the Volga, Kama, Yenisei, Amur, and Irtysh.
Trains and Tickets
There are two trains connecting Moscow and Vladivostok without transfers: the branded “Russia” (№002-from Moscow, №001 – from Vladivostok), which runs for 6 days, and train №100 (№ 99-from Vladivostok). The train “Russia” goes through Nizhny Novgorod and №100-through Yaroslavl.
If you want to make your trip as smooth and hassle-free as possible, it is better to book your tickets in advance. Thanks to the Internet you can easily do it online using different websites, like Russia trains for example, where you can choose the most reasonable prices and options.
The Most Atmospheric Itinerary
Planning a trip along the Trans-Siberian Railway is an adventure in itself. There are so many things to consider. If you want to make your country tour more in-depth, divide the railway journey into separate segments, stopping in the cities for one or several days. And don’t forget to visit one of the most popular attractions – Baikal Lake, located near Irkutsk. It is the deepest lake on our planet and the largest storage of freshwater!
Food on the Train
Meals on the train depend on the type of ticket you have. If the Russian letter “У” is placed in the “Category” column (or when buying it on the booking system), it means that food is included in the price. If there is no letter “У,” you will have to to pay for meals yourself. But don’t worry, you can always have lunch in a special restaurant car or take food with you.
Hygiene and Comfort
Hygiene on a long-distance train can be challenging sometimes. Unfortunately, there are no showers in the cars, so pack wet wipes and a towel. These will be lifesavers on your journey.
The Best Time to Travel
The best time for traveling on the Trans-Siberian railway depends on which types of landscapes that you prefer, but in general, the most popular months are between May and August. If you prefer winter views, then go on a trip between November and February.
When you travel by train on the Trans-Siberian Railway, it feels like a dream. Exploring all the changing landscapes outside the window, time zones and cities is meditative. Going on a trip like this guarantees you a unique and unforgettable experience!
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