RUSSIAN TRAINS: SECRETS OF SURVIVAL

Russia is a huge country, but we still like to travel by trains. In this article you’ll find out all pros and cons

First, let’s talk about why many people prefer travelling by trains. Of course, planes are faster and more comfortable. But plane tickets cost more than train ones, and there are many places in Russia, where you can’t get by plane: there are no airports, aircompanies close some destinations, because they are not popular, and etc. Another reason is that Russians like night trains, where you can sleep. You take a train at night, sleep on it, and in the morning you arrive – so easy, and convenient, and no need to pay for a night at a hotel, if you travel like this.

Some foreigners are really surprised to hear that in Russian trains there are berths that people lie, and sleep on. Well, it’s all because of the distance. You must agree that it’s not so comfortable to sit for 8, 12, and more hours. We have trains, where people just seat, but mostly those are electric suburban trains or fast trains for short distances, for example there is a 5-hour train from Saint Petersburg to Petrozavodsk, super cozy and fast.

Russian long-distance trains have different compartments

1st Class (SV)

First is the most comfortable and expensive option: the SV ticket. This is a first class compartment for only two people and contains two lower couches that convert into beds and a table next to the window. Also sometimes on some Russian trains which run a long journey there are showers in those SV compartments that also adds some comfort to your journey. If you would like to travel by yourself there is a possibility to buy two tickets for the couches at the same compartment. So this could be almost the VIP traveling.

2nd Class (coupe)

The next option is a less expensive class (2nd class) that is organized in compartments, each of which contain two lower and two upper berths. These are called coupes in Russian. Just like an SV, coupes have a door which locks from the inside, and thus privacy between the four people is kept inside the compartment.

3rd Class (Platzkart)

The next class is cheaper still and is called Platzkart in Russian (3rd class). This means that the entire wagon is open and there are no closed compartments or curtains. There are two lower and two upper berths, a small and narrow corridor and another two berths that are located on the opposite side near the window. So instead of a compartment there are six berths and no doors, thus there is no possibility to lock anything or for people to have any privacy. Platzcart tickets are convenient tickets if you have a short journey or if you are not interested in comfort but want to save money.

Can I buy a train ticket online?

Buying tickets for trains is very easy. You should go to the website of Russian railways, find your destination, choose dates, and seats/berths, and pay with a VISA/MASTER CARD. Sometimes you don’t even need to print out the tickets – just save them to your smartphone. To get on the train you usually just need to show your passport.

Have a nice trip, and share your train experiences with us!