Basics of Russian Train Travel

 

There are three different fare classes on Russian Railways trains. First class compartments have two beds in them, offering maximum privacy and access to amenities like a shared shower and private toilet. First class cabins often sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance in order to reserve these beds. The next option in terms of price is second class, which is known in Russian as kupe. Here, four travelers are together in one compartment, which is convenient for groups of four, but may be uncomfortable for solo travelers or smaller groups, as the cabins lock, and you cannot be sure who your neighbors will be. Kupe cars have no showers and communal washrooms at each end of the car. Third class is known as platzkart. These open-plan cars have twenty or more beds in a single car and communal toilets at the ends of the cars. They can be noisy and offer virtually no privacy.

Train Travel Tips

Every train car has a steward or stewardess, known as the bortprovodnik. This person will check your tickets, provide you with your linens, and sell and serve you any food items you order or purchase on the train. If you have any issues, this is the person to turn to, as he or she is responsible for the safety of passengers in the car and for resolving any issues.

In terms of food, it is a good idea to stock up on non-perishable snack items for the long journey that awaits you. Snacks and hot food items are sold on the train, but often with high markups. Granola bars, bread, long-lasting fruit, and other items that can survive several days without refrigeration will keep you full and happy during the ride. Every car is also equipped with a samovar that provides free hot water, so you can also bring along a mug with tea, instant coffee, and powdered soups or ramen noodles.

You will also see that the train makes certain longer stops at larger cities. These stops, which last about 20-30 minutes, not only give you an opportunity to stretch your legs out on the track; they also give you some time to visit a nearby shop at the train station and load up on food and supplies. Sometimes, people sell items like hot pies and ice cream cones right along the tracks, which gives you another chance to add to your stores if you need to.

Always be aware of the time when you leave the train. The rail runs on a strict schedule, and even though each steward takes a head count to make sure no one is left on the track, it is best to be back in your berth well before departure to the next station.

Russian long-haul trains can be very crowded, with new passengers boarding and departing along the way. For this reason, it is important to be very careful with baggage. Large bags should be stored either underneath your bed if you have a bottom bunk or on the high shelves if you are sleeping in an upper berth. Always keep personal belongings with you, and invest in a money belt to keep your most valuable items (money, credit cards, passport) safely on your person.

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