1st or 2nd class train? What are the facilities on the train? Can I smoke in the train? Where can I leave my luggage in the train? What will I eat on the train? What can I do on the train? What is the best time to go? Will I be safe?
1st or 2nd class train?
All our programs are based on 2nd Class 4 berth mixed sex cabins, through an optional upgrade to 1st Class 2 berth travel is possible. 2nd class does provide more opportunity for interaction with other travelers. There is little difference between 1st and 2nd Class other than the number of berths contained in the cabins and a slightly greater amount of space in a 1st Class cabin.
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What are the facilities on the train?
It is important to understand that you are NOT going on the Orient Express! You are going on working commuter trains that shuttle back and forth across the continent, taking all types of passengers.
Carriages usually contain nine compartments and are serviced by two attendants (conductors). Clean linen, including sheets, towels, blankets and pillows, are provided for each berth. Apart from the full bedding, the compartments have personal reading lights, space to store your luggage, a big window and a small table. There are facilities to provide hot water for drinks in every carriage and a basic but adequate bathroom is located at each end of every carriage. The bathroom contains a sink with running water and a western-style toilet (squat-style on some Chinese trains). Hot water is always available. The bathrooms are spacious enough to have a strip –wash and also to swash your hair if you wish. Most trains do not have shower facilities and you should expect to go without showers on all train sectors.
Some of the Russian long-distance trains now have a pay-to-use shower. If this service is available on your route, you have to go to the “Special Services” carriage. One use is approx. 1-2£ (prices are set by the varying train operators). No towel or soap is included in the price, so make sure to bring your own!
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Can I smoke in the train?
Smoking is not permitted at any time in the cabins, however, you can always smoke in the designated separated areas between the carriages.
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Where can I leave my luggage in the train?
Train cabins have a sufficient amount of storage space for your luggage. The 2 bottom bunks can be lifted up to provide access to storage compartments. In addition, there is storage space near the ceiling for additional luggage. It is better if you keep your money, cameras, electronics, etc. on your person when the cabin is empty, and luggage should be locked at all times.
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What will I eat on the train?
All the main Trans-Siberian trains have a Buffet/ Dining car. The service is provided by whichever country you are crossing, and the menu changes accordingly. Typical meals in Russia include ham and eggs for breakfast, schnitzel and potatoes for lunch or dinner with soups and salads for starters. The Buffet also sells beer, Russian champagne, caviar, vodka, chocolate and snacks. The Mongolian Buffet will mostly offer rice and mutton. The Chinese Buffet will offer Chinese noodles or rice. Meals, snacks and drinks are available all day and into the evening, with waitress service and take-away option available. The food is café quality with reasonable prices. For most travelers, the dining car becomes the centre of life on board. Apart from the food – a combination of standard fare and locally sourced produce – it is the place to socialize between meals, meet other travelers and practice your language skills.
You can also buy a lot of local food from the many vendors on station platforms when the train stops. You will be surprised with the variety and good quality of the homemade starters and snacks, including the famous Russian pirogi and pickled cucumbers.
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What can I do on the train?
When you get into a little routine on your journey and meet other travelers in your cabin and carriage, you will be amazed by how quickly the time passes. If you want to sit and do nothing, there will be up to 7 days to do as little as you want. You also have the options of reading yourself blind, writing, learning Russian, conversing with any number of people, playing cards or chess, drinking tea, getting off at station stops and taking photos, eating all you want, watching the scenery slip by, or the Russian favourite – drinking good Russian vodka!
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What is the best time to go?
The journey can be undertaken year-round. In winter (December through April), views of the snowy Russian countryside from warm train compartments evoke scenes seen in many movies and city museum slack crowds. The spring period from May till June is the great time to travel – really the best combination of weather throughout the trip. You get the spring greenery and flowers and find the locals in an upbeat mood after the long winter. The climate is great for sightseeing and the crowds are yet to fully arrive. The summer months of July through mid September are more conducive to those interested in outdoor activities. Autumn (mid September – November) is often a surprise. The weather can be hard to predict, as Russian autumn weather barely exists - it’s just a quick change into winter. Russia can experience fine weather until the end of September, summer crowds are dispersing and snow starts falling usually by mid November.
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Will I be safe?
Yes, although as with travel anywhere, common sense is your best protection. Don’t leave valuables unattended and keep your passport and money on your person. Cabins can be locked from the inside and attendants do keep a very close eye on what is happening in their wagon. As a result, trains are one of the safest means of travel within Russia, Mongolia and China.
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