Russian Train Travel Practical Information

There are three major types of train cars at the overnight trains - 1st class, 2nd class and 3rd class.
All of them are equipped with bathrooms which have a WC and water basin.
Some of the trains have delux cabins with en-suite WC and shower.
Due to the sanitary reasons, bathrooms get closed in approximately 30 minutes before arrival to the destination and on major stops on the route. Modern Russian train cars are equipped with bio-toilets which do not get closed.
Most of the modern cars are air-conditioned.

1. First class car (SV, business class)
Russian first class train car has 9 compartments (coupe), for 2 persons each. In a compartment, there are 2 berths to sit or lie on, and a table between. Luggage can be placed under berths. Compartment door can be closed.
First class in a seating car (usually at daytime trains) has a table and extended room for legs. Seat rows are nearly the same as in an airplane.


2. Second class car (coupe, economy class)
The difference from the first class is that there are 4 berths instead of 2: two lower and two upper ones. Luggage can be placed under lower berths and to the compartment above the door. The door can be locked. By the window, there is a table. 36 people can travel in such a car at the same time.
The second class in a seating car has seat rows, about the same as in an airplane.


3. Third class car (platzcart)
In a third class car, 54 persons can travel at the same time. Compartments in such cars are open, there are 4 berths in each plus 2 berths over the corridor. Luggage can be placed under lower berths and on 3rd berths, specially designed to store luggage. Travelling in the third class is less comfortable than in the 1st and 2nd classes, but much cheaper.


In every car, there is a conductor. Some trains have a restaurant car.

The availability of the mentioned classes can be different depending on train and destination.

Russian train tickets

Train tickets for domestic trains can be purchased not earlier than 45 days before departure. For international trains it is 40-60 days.
This can be explained by changes in a timetable and prices, taking place from time to time.
To purchase a ticket, information about the name and passport number (the number of a certificate of birth) of a passenger is needed. Tickets can be purchased by passengers themselves (then, passport itself is to be presented in most cases) at Russian Railways ticket offices, usually situated at railway stations, or with the help of train tickets and travel agencies. It can be difficult to get a ticket close to the departure date, especially in high season.
Most of the train tickets can be purchased online at the Russian Railways website or websites of the ticket agencies.
In a ticket, information about a passenger and his route is provided.

Travelling by a Russian train
Boarding on a train usually starts 30 minutes prior to departure. At the entrance to a car, the train attendant checks tickets and passports.
Depending on terms of your ticket, you can have your bedsheets and meals prepaid or not. In the first class cars in domestic trains they are usually included, and you will find them in your compartment. If not, you can pay to the train attendant. Train attendants also sell tea, coffee, mineral water.
Russian train attendants may not speak English, but usually there is no need to communicate a lot.

Safety Generally, Russian trains are safe and tens of millions of citizens and guests use them to travel every year. Police units can go with trains, as well as ensure security on railway stations. Still, avoid leaving your belongins unattended, keep your valuables in a safe place and beware of doubtful contacts. In the case of an incident, you can appeal to a conductor, police, your travel agent, c onsulate or embassy.