Train travel from Moscow to St. Petersburg tips for booking

Traveling by train in Russia is not just a means of transportation; it's an experience that immerses you in the heart of this vast and diverse country. The journey between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is one of the most popular routes for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into the beauty and culture of Russia. In this guide, we will delve into our own experiences traveling between these two iconic cities and provide you with practical tips on how to easily book your train tickets in Russia.

First, let's tackle the booking process, which can seem daunting at first but is quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. There are various agencies and platforms available for booking train tickets quickly, though many charge a commission. After testing several options, here are the ones we found most useful:

• Real Russia
• Russian Trains
• Russian Railways

However, we recommend booking directly through the official Russian Railways website. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the booking process:

1. Visit the official site: https://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en.
2. Create a new account to manage your bookings.
3. Select your route (Moscow to Saint Petersburg), and you'll see all available trains with their schedules and types.
4. Choose your ticket type (class) and review the available cars (e.g., CAR No. X), how many seats are left, and what amenities each car offers (air conditioning, bedding, meals, etc.).
5. Select your desired car and the seat/bed number.
6. Continue with the reservation by entering your details and adding as many passengers as needed (click "ADD PASSENGER"). The seat selection process may seem unusual at first: for beds, you can choose between upper (cheaper) or lower (more expensive) berths. Filters are available to help you find the right options.
7. Finally, make your payment and download your ticket in PDF format to print it. This ticket will be valid for travel!

If your ticket includes a meal, you can customize your meal choice after booking, although we opted for the standard option since we weren't sure about the alternatives.

Understanding the Types of Trains in Russia

Russia boasts a variety of train services tailored to different travel preferences. You can choose from:

• Day trains with seats, with the САПСАН being a popular high-speed option.
• Night trains with sleeping berths (first, second, third class), where you can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep during your journey.
• Historical trains that offer a nostalgic experience, often at a premium price.

Among the historical trains, you might want to look out for:

• № 032А «Лев Толстой»: Named after the famous author Leo Tolstoy.
• № 054Ч «ГРАНД ЭКСПРЕСС»: The Grand Express, known for its luxury services.
• № 002А «Красная стрела»: The Red Arrow, a legendary overnight train.

Traveling by Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

For our journey, we opted for the № 006А, which turned out to be an excellent choice. This train was classified as Premium, and we were pleasantly surprised by the amenities: upon entering our cabin, we found complimentary water bottles, pastries, and a travel kit (earplugs, wipes, hotel slippers, and more). The sleeping arrangements were comfortable, with bedding provided for us to make our own beds. A small towel was also included.

If we could change one thing, it would be the type of berth. We chose an upper berth (being budget-conscious), but later realized that the lower berths are much more comfortable. They offer ample space for your belongings and don't require you to climb up mini-stairs, which can be a hassle.

The boarding process was seamless. Our train departed from the Leningradsky Station, and we arrived about an hour early, though a half-hour arrival would have sufficed. After passing our luggage through a security check, we found our train's details on the departure boards. The platforms are conveniently located right next to the station, making it easy to navigate.

You'll need to go through another quick check to access the platform, where your ticket and passport will be verified. Once aboard, a uniformed staff member will check your ticket again before letting you into your compartment. After settling in, you can connect to the train's Wi-Fi, catch up on your favorite shows, and relax. The conductor will check your passport and ticket again about half an hour before arrival, allowing you to enjoy your journey without interruptions.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best way to travel from Moscow to Saint Petersburg, we highly recommend taking the train. It’s far more comfortable than taking a bus or flight, and the experience itself is memorable.

For those interested in a visual representation of the Russian train experience, check out this informative video:

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