Types of Russian trainsThere are three types of trains in Russia: high-speed express trains "Sapsan", regular overnight trains and luxury overnight trains. |
Express trains run between large Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg and on select international routes, ie: from St. Petersburg to Helsinki.
Seating arrangements on Express trains are very similar to that on European intercity coaches. There are two classes of seats on Express trains: the first and the economy. First class express train are similar to first class seats on a plane and economy class seats are very similar to economy class seats on a plane. There will be two seats on each side of the central row in both classes.
The second type of Russian train is called overnight train. These trains are designed for overnight travel and have bunk beds instead of seats. Some of these trains are faster and more comfortable than others.
Overnight trains have three types of cabins: "SV", "KUPE", and "PLATSKART", which means 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class respectively. We recommend our customers book 1st class cabins unless you are traveling with a group of 4 passengers.
A 1st class cabin will have two lower beds in one enclosed room. A 2nd class will have two lower beds and two upper bunk beds in one cabin, so if you travel with 4 family members or friends, it may be suitable for you. Tip: if there are three of you traveling, you can book four beds in 2nd class cabin to enjoy the entire cabin to yourself. For two people traveling, we always recommend a 1st class option.
3rd class has 6 beds in one non-enclosed area.
Luxury class cabins are available on select trains. They are larger and come with showers and satellite TV. These luxury trains usually run on Moscow – St. Petersburg, Moscow – Helsinki, and Trans-Siberian routes and come at a hefty price tag.
Although there are official rules regarding allowable luggage on Russian trains, there is a basic principle of “if it fits, it ships.” If you are traveling with a large item such as bike or kayak, the best thing to do is purchase a special ticket at a train station's ticketing kiosk and place your item in the luggage car of the train.
Most Russian trains have a restaurant car. You can also buy sandwiches at the train station before your departure. Please note: we are not able to provide you with details regarding specific menu options as they are different for each train.
Smoking policies on Russian trains
Smoking is not permitted in cabins or in common areas. It is permitted only in a special enclosed areas in the back of the train.
Russian Railways allow travelling with pets on most of the domestic and international routes. Pets as cats and small dogs can be transported in cars of 3rd and 2nd class preferably in a cage. In this case a special ticket for pets should be purchased at the Train Station. Dogs of large breeds can be transported only in private 2nd class cabins ("kupe") meaning that if you are travelling with a large dog you have to book the whole cabin (4 tickets). All animals have to have veterinary certificates allowing them to travel on Russian trains. Such certificates can be received at animal clinics in Russia.
