russian train guide
Russia

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ENJOY THE RUSSIAN TRAINS

September 17, 2018 / 26 Comments

The Russian Rail ways (RZD) is one of the biggest and most complicated railways networks in the world. I was lucky to travel by many Russian trains during FIFA World Cup 2018. Here are some hints about the Russian trains.

1 First, we start with the online tickets booking process. It is really very complicated. First you have to register on the RZD website, then book your tickets, but read well the available facilities on the carriage. If you think it is a complicated process you can try another website, it will be much easier but they charge extra fees.

2 All Russian trains all over the Russian lands follow Moscow local time, even if it doesn’t pass by Moscow. you should take care of that point because in some areas there is 5 hours time difference with Moscow.

3 Good news! All Russian trains arrive and leave in the exact time. No delay.

4 Main Russian train stations has automatic lockers, where you can leave your baggage. But it is small lockers, fit one small bag. It is not free service.

5 There is a luggage room in main Russian train stations, where u can leave your baggage for one hour or up to many days. it is not free service also. Before leaving your baggage, make sure it is still open when you come to take it back.

6 Most of the Russian trains are sleeping trains. in the first class trains you can get a cabinet with 2 beds and private bathroom. in the second class trains, each cabinet contain 4 beds 2 down and 2 upper beds. while in the third class all cabinets are open, there is 2 lower beds, 2 upper beds and 2 lateral beds one upper and one lower bed. Most of the cabinet are mixed, but also some cabinets are for women only.

7 There is one hostess in each carriage (same as air hostess). They are very friendly and helpful. If you have a problem they will help you, Also they may help you to swab beds with other passengers if possible.

8 The hostess will supply you with free bed linen, cover, pillow case and towel. Also according to your booking, you may get a free meal. Ask the hostess about it.

9 The other passengers in you cabinet, will be your travel partners for long hours. They will offer you some snacks or soft drinks, so be ready to offer them back some snacks or biscuits

10 Russian people are very friendly. If they can speak English or if you can speak Russian, it will be a great chance to know more about their life and culture. also they like to know about your country and see photos of your country and family.

11 Food and drinks are available in all Russian trains, mostly in the carriage number 7 or 8. Prices are little bit expensive, however it is not forbidden to bring food and drinks on the train.

12 Hot water is free and available in all Russian trains, regardless he class. Bring a cup, sugar, spoon, tea or coffee packets. Enjoy your tea/coffee.

13 Train schedule is available, you can find it near the carriage entrance. If there is long stops (maybe up to 45 minutes), you can go out to get some fresh air, smoke, buy food or water. There are many groceries on the train station.

14 Each carriage contain 2 bathrooms in the second and third class (private bathroom in each cabinet in the first class). Usually there is a queue on the bathroom door specially in the morning time.

15 Most of the bathrooms are locked before reaching main stations and 15 minutes before arrival to the final destination.

16 Soap and toilet papers are available in all bathrooms. However, near the end of the trip, usually the toilet papers run out.Bring your own toilet paper with you.

17 In some trains you can take a shower. Ask the hostess about it early, because you have to book an appointment first. Sometimes it is not available and the shower is over booked. the fees are 500 Rubles.

18 Smoking is prohibited in all Russian trains. But it is very frequent to find smokers between the carriages. take care it is dangerous.

19 Internet access is free in all trains and train stations. But most of the trains run for a long distance, so mostly you will lose signal in the rural areas and away from cities.

20 Air condition is not available on all trains. Check the facilities on the train before booking your ticket.

21 Unfortunately, electricity source is not available in all trains. Most of the time, only one electricity socket for each cabinet, means one socket for 4 passengers.

22 Always keep your valuable belongings with you or at least under your eyes.

23 Before you get on the train, bring enough food and water, tea and coffee, eye bandage and ear blog. Read our post about how to pass the time.

If you have better experience or stories with the Russian trains, I will be glad if you share it with us

Hello, My name is Yahya. I am 39 years old and soon will be 40. I was born and lived in the historic city of Cairo, Egypt. I Work as a doctor; cardiologist. Traveling is my passion. I am proud to be the owner and creator of Traveler78 website. If you like the material on my website, please subscribe to my website and share it with your friends. Also, you can follow me on your favorite social network. For further information, please contact me either in the comments or via E-mail.

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