version for print

Frequently Asked Questons

1. Is it safe to travel by long-distance train?
It is safe provided you use common sense and comply with several basic rules:
·Never leave your documents, money, photo camera etc unattended.
·Always bring your documents, money and train ticket with you when your go out of the train on stations along the way.

2. What does it all looks like?

There are 3 classes of coaches:

1st class (spalnyi): 2-berth compartments, 9 compartments per coach. Both beds are at the lower level. Lavatories are at the both ends of the corridor. It is twice more expensive than 2 class, but it has twice the space per passenger.

2nd class (kupe): 4-berth compartments, 9 compartments per coach. Lavatories are at the both ends of the corridor.

3rd class (plazkartyi): 54 bunks per coach, arranged in bays of 2 along the coach wall on one side of the aisle and in bays of 4 on the other side of the aisle. It is the cheapest option but least comfortable.

Prices of WildRussia's TransSiberian tours are based on 2nd class coaches.

There are 2 train attendants per coach. They will check your tickets and probably your passport before boarding, and soon after departure take one sheet from your ticket and bedding fee (about 2$).

You can put your luggage either under the lower bunk or on the shelf under ceiling.

2. Are there any meals provided in train?

There is a tea-urn (called titan in Russian) in each wagon, so you will always have free unlimited boiling water. Train attendants (there are 2 in each coach) will provide you will cheap tea and instant coffee, but just to be on the safe side it is better to take tea, sugar and coffee with you. Other meals may also be available but this depends on type of train and wagon.Most long-distance trains have dining-car where you can buy drinks, snacks and ather unexpensive full meals. Usually Russian people buy some food (tea and coffee, fruits, bread, biscuits, cheese, noodles etc) and bottled water before boarding on train or replenish their supplies in station shops along the way, but prices there are usually too high. Besides, these stays are usually very short and you can easily miss the train trying to find your favorite yogurt in a station shop.

3. What if I miss my train?

You better not! 99 chances out of 100 that in this case you will have unforgettable adventure. So, do not go far away from your train at stations. If the train starts going unexpectedly, do jump in any coach and go to yours inside the train. You should remember that trains often stay at stations less time then is indicated in the train schedule.
Anyway, if you miss your train go straightly to the Head of the station (Íà÷àëüíèê ñòàíöèè). You should have your ticket and passport with you – in this case it is possible that you will manage to get out of the city, otherwise you may stay there longer then you would like to…

4. What personal things should I bring with me?

You will be provided with woolen blanket, pillow, mattress, 2 sheets, pillow case, and towel. Depending on train and coachtype, you may be given also toothbrush and toothpaste, mineral water etc. Anyway, what Russian people traveling by train usually take with them is toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, and tea-cup.

5. How much luggage may I bring with me?

Up to 36 kgs, that is approximately 80 pounds. Nobody will check this as long as your luggage does not get in other passenger’s road. But if you are planning to take your favorite kayak with you you might have problems.

6. Is any medical assistance available on train?

In the case of emergency you should ask train attendant in your coach to connect the Leader of the train team, and medical aid can be arranged at the next station.

7. What about communication with other people during traveling?

Nowadays many young people in Russia speak English, but often they are too shy because they have little practice. They should be encouraged to speak, and after few minutes of conversation they will feel themselves more comfortable and may prove to be good company.