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Amtrak Adventure, Group Travel Edition

Whether you’re planning a girl’s weekend, school trip or a family reunion, Amtrak group travel is an instant memory maker. We love seeing groups experience the perks of train travel. Honestly, what’s better than enjoying the journey with friends or family? But truth be told, planning the trip can get tricky. To ensure your group travel experience is stress-free, here are a few need-to-knows about  Amtrak group travel .

Twenty Can Lead to Savings If you’re planning an Amtrak trip, keep in mind groups of  20 or more may be eligible for discounts. Let’s repeat that. Twenty or more can lead to savings in your pocket and the half-fare children’s discount may be applied to eligible members of the group. Fine print,  our group discounts are not available on every route. So make sure to ask about available discounts when booking your trip.

Plan Ahead If you’re a savvy Amtrak rider, you already know booking early is the way to go. But how early is early? You can book trips  up to 11 months  in advance. But for those travelers that procrastinate (no biggie we’ve all been there), groups traveling with us must reserve their trip a  minimum of four business days  in advance of the departure date.

Speaking of Booking Your Trip… After you have confirmed the required number of travelers and a plan of where you want us to take you, then head over to complete our  Group Travel Request Form . From there, our Amtrak Group Travel team will contact you to get the process rolling. Not a fan of online forms? You can send an  email here  or call 1-800-USA-1GRP (1-800-872-1477) to speak with a representative.

Meals and Snacks Savings on your tickets aren’t the only Amtrak perks you receive when your group travels with us. We offer a variety of meal options too. From light snacks to full meals (on long-distance routes), full bar options or non-alcoholics drinks, we’ll work with you to customize meals and beverage options for your group.

At the Station We recommend groups arrive at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure. This allows for plenty of time to get the pack together, alert Amtrak staff of your arrival and grab last minutes items. After the leader of your group has spoken to a staff member get ready, because it’s almost time to board.

Leader of the Pack If you’re traveling with minors, we require a minimum of one designated chaperone for every six minors in your group. Chaperones are responsible for minors traveling with the group and must follow the Group Leader and Chaperone Guidelines. These guideline ensure the safety and security of not only your group but for your fellow Amtrak riders.

Other Group Travel Perks Pre-boarding, an exclusive train car (for additional fee and if the group is larger enough to occupy an entire car) and a designated train car attendant on select departures, are just a few of the other Amtrak group travel perks. If you’re interested in traveling with us for your next big group trip, contact us so we can help you with the planning today.

Has your group traveled with us before? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Group travel booking: all your questions answered

What are the challenges of buying train tickets for a group, insufficient ticket availability, lack of preferred seating arrangements, strict ticketing and booking policies, difficulty making travel changes or amendments, disjointed communication with passengers.

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Group Travel Train Tickets

Buy train tickets to any destination in britain – no booking fee.

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Travelling in a group of 10+ people? Then SWR group train tickets are perfect for you

If 10 or more of you are travelling together on a group booking you can save with a Group train ticket for Standard Class and  First Class off-peak journeys. The cheapest tickets will always be offered to your group for your journey. If you’re travelling to London, we can include unlimited travel on London Underground and Docklands Light Railway with a  Group Day Travelcard.

How to book group train tickets?

To get a quote or book for your group please email   [email protected]  with your requested itinerary and the number of adults and children (aged 5-15).

Be the first to hear when our cheapest Advance tickets go on sale

Buying a ticket with us just got more rewarding!

Travelling in a group smaller, of 3-9 people?

GroupSave train tickets could save you up to 34% off adult tickets when 3 to 9 people are travelling together. We’ll automatically apply the GroupSave discount when you buy online and on the SWR app. Make the most out of this fantastic saving.

Can I reserve seats on South Western Railway trains with my Group Travel train ticket?

We don’t do seat reservations on our trains, but you can you are free to choose any available seats – this must be in Standard Class if you have a Standard Class ticket.

What times can you travel with a Group Travel ticket?

Group discount rates become available once off-peak begins. This is generally after 09:30 but we advise that the traveller always checks. All fares are subject to availability.

Do Group Travel tickets work on weekends and public holidays?

Public holidays and weekends are classed off-peak and group products would be fully available – subject to availability.

 How far in advance do you need to buy the tickets for the Group travel?

We advise requesting your Group train ticket discount 14 days before the date of travel.

Can you buy Group Travel train tickets at the station?

Group travel discount train tickets can be purchased at any train station . Payment is by card or cash only.

What are the payment options when booking through the Group Travel Team?

We can offer payment either via card through a telephone call or via a BACS transfer for businesses and organisations.

How do I receive my tickets for Group Travel?

Physical tickets require collection from any station that has a ticket desk or ticket machine.

Where travel is exclusive to SWR services and does not require any TfL or Bus sections we will provide a single Group Authority to Travel via email.

Tickets are not posted.

Can I use my Railcard in conjunction with Group Travel?

The Group Travel discount provides the best discount for groups of 10+ travelling together. Railcards are not compatible with group fares.

Can I cancel my tickets?

There is a £10 administration fee per ticket if you wish to cancel. The fee is set out by the Rail Delivery Group.

Do I get access to SWR Rewards?

Yes. To get access to SWR Rewards , you'll need to inform the Group Travel Team so collection references can be provided to get a physical ticket.

Do I get access to 2FOR1 offers?

Yes, you can use your group travel ticket to gain access to 2FOR1 offers . You must be able to show your rail ticket, so you will need to ensure you have printed any tickets off via the booking reference  we provide to you. You can take your booking reference to the ticket office to print your tickets.

• Please allow five business day to receive a response to a quote for your proposed journey.
• Group Travel needs to be booked and paid for at least fourteen days before you travel.
• We will try our very best to accommodate your whole group on one train, but you may be asked to split the group over two or more trains if you have a large group or are travelling at busy times.
• If the majority of your journey is with another Rail Operator, we may ask you to liaise with them.

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Group travel request

Are you travelling with a group of 10 people or more? You can then request a quote for a group trip.

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Top destinations

Curious about the costs of a group trip? Check the average price of a group trip here. In summer 2023, you cannot request a group trip to Antwerp and Brussels.

*Single fare per person, 2nd class, from Amsterdam Central Station. Final prices may vary.

Can we help you with anything?

What is a group rate.

The following conditions apply to a group rate:

• The trip is led by a group leader.
• The same rate applies to everyone.
• The minimum group size is 10 adults per departure station.
• The group departs together from the same station.
• Group tickets have one main ticket with a barcode that can be used to open gates at stations in the Netherlands.

What is the difference between a group rate and an individual rate?

Can i travel with a group on any route, how do i request a quote for a group trip, what are the booking fees for a group tour.

Do you have another question? Check our FAQ

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Group travel vs several individual bookings

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Group Travel to the 1880 Train

What could be more fun than enjoying a ride through the Black Hills of South Dakota on board an authentic steam train? Experiencing your ride with a group – and saving money! We would love to have your group visit us this season for an unforgettable experience!

Group Rates for 20 or More

See our Group Rates for discounts on:

• Motorcycle and Car Rallies
• Family Reunions
• Corporate Retreats

Group Amenities

• Free, private parking at the Hill City Depot
• Conveniently located bus drop-offs at both Depots
• Close to Crazy Horse, Mt Rushmore and other Black Hills area attractions
• Covered boarding area
• Handicap accessible

The 1880 Train is happy to offer group rates for those who meet the following criteria:

• There are 20 or more paying guests in your group.
• Your group is under one reservation and one payment.
• You make a reservation at least one week in advance.

Request a group reservation by completing the Group Reservation Request Form , email us at  [email protected]  -OR- call  605.574.2222 . If you leave a message, please include your phone number, e-mail address, date and time your group would like to ride, and how many people will be riding.

Group Reservation Request Form

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• Tickets & Savings

Book group train travel for school trips, events or an extra special journey.

Book as a group and save money.

Planning a school trip? Organising a group celebration? Booking the whole team's train tickets for the company day out? Our Groups Travel team are here to help you get the best deal.

Did you know if you are traveling in a group we can help you to book your travel. Our team are always happy to help and on hand to make sure your travel experience is the best it can be.

Groups of 10+ people

More than 9 of you looking to travel? Our team are always on hand to help with booking large group trips via train. You'll find some fantastic savings by travelling together as a group.

You can contact us using our Group Travel Form and we'll be back in touch within 2 working days.

Contact our Groups Travel team

Our team are always on hand to help with booking your group travel. You'll find some fantastic savings by travelling together as a group.

You can contact us using our Group Travel Form  and we'll be back in touch within 4 working days.

Or if you'd prefer - give us a call on 03455 280253 (Option 4 & then Option 1). We're open Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm.

Contact us for large group bookings

10 or more people in your group? Complete our group bookings form or if you'd prefer - give us a call on 03455 280253 (Option 4 then Option 1).

We're open: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm.

Group travel options for business or pleasure (or both)

We have a range of Group travel options available, so if your looking to celebrate in style, get your team out of the office or take a class on on their school trip, get in touch with our groups travel team who will be happy to help.

Book a school trip

10+ people travel

Hire a private carriage

Group travel options available from Avanti West Coast:

• Avanti VIP - Private Carriage Hire
• School trips and educational days out
• TV Production and film crew travel
• Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events (MICE)
• Celebrations - Weddings and Birthdays

Make it extra special

Along with your own private carriage you'll get:

• An exclusive host for your journey.
• A choice of Standard, Standard Premium or First Class carriage.
• A designated point of contact within our groups team for all your queries and questions.

Learn more carriage hire for your special event >

Terms & Conditions

• Group-e discount is only available on selected Advance tickets purchased online at avantiwestcoast.co.uk. This discount is not available at the call centre, station or on-board.
• The discount will only apply to groups of 3-9 travelling together.
• Tickets are valid on Avanti West Coast routes and services only.
• Seats must be booked by 23:59 one day before travel and are subject to availability.
• A discount of 20% off selected Advance fares applies to all adult and child passengers.
• Groups must have at least 3 passengers in the party to qualify for the discount.
• The discount is applicable in addition to the usual child discount; however no additional Railcard discount or other offers/promotions apply.
• Tickets are non refundable and no change of journey is allowed.
• Breaks in the journey are not allowed.
• Seat reservations are compulsory and travel must be made on the date & services specified on the ticket.
• Dedicated Advance fares are subject to availability on Avanti West Coast trains only.

10+ Group bookings - Terms & Conditions

Ticket types: Advanced Group: Ticket discounts are based on at least 10 people travelling together, and are single (one-way) tickets. School Group: Available to Teachers and pupils from registered schools in the United Kingdom. There must be at least 20 people in the group, with a maximum of 50 including adults, per train service. There cannot be more than 10 adults and children must be under 18 at the time of travel, students aged 18 or over will be classed as an adult. The School Group Fare is based on a return ticket. Children (under 18 on most group discounted tickets) travel at around half the price of the adult fare, those under 5 travels free with no seat reservations. Advanced Non-Group: Ticket for fixed trains for less than 10 people which are non-refundable. Child ages are 5-15 inclusive. Flexible Non-Group: Example of tickets are Anytime tickets and Off-Peak tickets. Can have seat reservation; but is not compulsory. Available as singles or returns. Child ages are 5-15 inclusive. Luggage: We have three spaces to store luggage; above seats in the small overhead luggage racks, beneath seats and in the dedicated luggage areas by the doorways. Please be considerate and remember that luggage cannot be placed on seats intended for fellow passengers. Although there’s no weight restriction, luggage must be managed without additional assistance. We can carry anything (within reason) that fits on our train, however, if it exceeds the free allowance we may need to charge extra for it on-board the train.

You can bring:

• One item of hand luggage that can fit on a lap
• One larger item of luggage, not exceeding 30 x 70 x 90 cm in size

Please note: If the above limits are exceeded and the luggage cannot be carried on our train due to space limitations then a courier may be arranged by Avanti West Coast at the clients’ expense. Terms and conditions Available on Avanti West Coast services only. Connecting services on other Train Operating Companies to be confirmed at 12 weeks prior to travel, or as made available by the other Train Operating Company. Avanti West Coast takes no responsibility over the scheduling of other Train Operating Companies and their connection with Avanti West Coast services. Travel can be confirmed 52 weeks prior to departure on Weekday services (Monday to Friday), excluding Bank Holidays, for groups of 10 or more passengers travelling together on the same service. Weekend and Bank Holiday Travel can be confirmed 12 weeks prior to departure, or as soon as Network Rail Maintenance schedules allow confirmed services. Train times quoted at 52 weeks prior to departure are subject to change, and will be confirmed 12 weeks prior to travel. Avanti West Coast takes no responsibility for scheduling changes. Seat reservations can only be confirmed 12 weeks prior to departure. All Avanti West Coast group advance fares require seat reservations. Quotes given are an indication of the current fares available, and cannot be guaranteed until a booking is confirmed. Prices quoted are valid for 2 Business days from time of quoting, subject to availability. After this time, prices and availability are subject to change and will be re-quoted based on current availability. Any verbal quote is an estimate only, subject to availability and can only be guaranteed when the reservation is confirmed. All bookings must be paid in full within 7 days of booking confirmation or 7 days prior to travel, whichever occurs first. Bookings made within 7 days of Travel require immediate payment by Debit/Credit Card to confirm the reservation. Group discount tickets are sold in limited numbers, are subject to availability at the time of booking and should be booked a minimum of 7 days prior to travel. Whilst Avanti West Coast will endeavour to accommodate all requests within 7 days of travel, Avanti West Coast shall not be responsible for the delivery of tickets within this time. Confirmed numbers must be advised prior to making payment. Once a reservation has been confirmed & payment applied to the invoice, any changes or amendments to time or date of travel and/or group size will be subject to admin fees, see Refunds/Cancellations/Amendments section for details. Unless specified, group tickets are issued as one ticket per group per train. Outward and return (if applicable) services must be specified at time of booking. Group bookings cannot be used in conjunction with any special offers and/or Railcards. Tickets are valid ONLY on the date and train service(s) shown on the ticket(s)/travel document(s). Avanti West Coast group tickets are only valid for travel, if presented alongside seat reservation documentation. Relevant postage fee will apply to bookings under the value of £250.00. £6.00 charge will be applied for all Special Delivery requests. A £7.00 charge will apply for all international postage. Groups should arrive at the departure station shown on your seat reservations in good time to catch the train. It is recommended that large groups should arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to travel. Groups of 25 or more passengers please make themselves known to a member of station staff on arrival at the station. If you miss the service on which you are booked, a new ticket will have to be purchased. No group discount will be applied. Changes to tickets cannot be made on-board the train. If you board a train without a ticket and reservation for that service, you will be required to purchase a new ticket for the journey. Although a list of travellers is not usually necessary, Avanti West Coast reserves the right to request such list. Avanti West Coast reserves the right to withdraw its group travel offering at any time without notice. Refunds/Cancellations/Amendments We appreciate travel plans might need to be cancelled from time to time. Once a reservation has been confirmed & payment applied to the invoice, any changes or amendments to time or date of travel and/or group size will be subject to a flat £10 fee per ticket, per change, plus any difference between the fares (i.e. if a smaller level of discount applies to the new services required) and is subject to availability on the alternative departures. Appropriate postage charges will be applied for delivery of the amended tickets and all previous tickets must be returned to Avanti West Coast group travel, at the clients’ expense. A minimum of 14 days notice is required to make amendments to confirmed bookings. If a refund is required, please contact us as soon as possible and we will advise appropriate procedures accordingly. Please find refund percentages as below:

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• 14 day's or less prior to travel: No refund will be given.
• On or after the date of travel: No refund will be given.
• Underground Travelcards are non-refundable.

£10.00 admin fee will also be applied to all refunds. Terms & conditions of sale Contract First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Limited (“the Company”) agrees to supply the services (“the Services”) to the Customer named overleaf (“the Customer”) subject to the following terms and conditions. Force Majeure and Frustration Whilst the Company will use all reasonable endeavours to fulfil its contractual obligations here under, it shall not be liable for any delay brought by events which are beyond the control (for any reason) of the Company. Payment Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Customer shall make payment for the goods within 7 days of the date of invoice, or 7 full days before travel if this occurs first. Liability The Company shall under no circumstances be liable for any indirect, special or consequential loss (including loss of anticipated profit or third party claims) howsoever arising either from breach or non-performance of any if its obligations under the contract or from the supply of or intended use of the Services, even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such potential loss, except that the Company shall be liable for loss arising from death or personal injury resulting from proven negligence of the Company. The Company’s liability in respect of each group booking shall be limited to the value of any tickets purchased.

Groups Covid-19 Refund Protection Tickets:

• Groups Covid-19 Refund Protection is based on a minimum of at least 10 people travelling together.
• Groups will have the option to cancel or amend their booking up to 48 working hours prior to their travel date dependent upon travel day.
• If a booking is cancelled, then the customer will receive a full refund.

Monday – Friday 08:30 – 18:00

• Please note the groups team call centre is not open on weekends. The 48 hour window only applies to working days.
• Groups must contact a member of the Avanti West Coast groups sales team on 0345 528 0253 and speak to an agent directly to amend/cancel their booking.
• Groups will only be able to cancel/amend for COVID related reasons.
• Only the lead customer of the group will be able to make changes to the booking. The lead customer is the person who we have been given contact details for in relation to the booking.
• Groups Covid-19 Refund Protection will only be available on fares for travel on train services operated by Avanti West Coast.
• Groups will need to purchase Groups Covid-19 Refund Protection for all members of the group and must be purchased when making payment for the initial booking. It cannot be added after payment for the booking is made. This includes payment for deposits.
• All fares purchased with Groups Covid-19 Refund Protection must be issued as e-tickets to make the process of amendment possible with short notice.
• If booking is cancelled all Food & Beverage products purchased will still be charged for Avanti VIP bookings.
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• Groups will be able to add passengers on to their booking for the lowest available fare that is showing when they add on passengers. Groups will be liable to pay any fare difference if there has been an increase.
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• Groups Covid-19 Refund Protection is included in all Avanti VIP bookings free of charge.
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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 63 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Golden Ring of Russia

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Best of Russia

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

Highlights of Russia

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

Best Moscow Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Moscow Tours by Price

Top Moscow Attractions & Experiences

Moscow Tours & Travel Guide

Moscow Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

See all Moscow reviews

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11 beautiful train trips around the world

Posted: September 25, 2023 | Last updated: September 25, 2023

• Train travel is trendy again thanks to its low carbon footprint and romantic aesthetic. 
• One of the best parts of traveling long distances by train are the scenic views. 
• From Switzerland to California, these are the world's 11 most beautiful train routes. 

"Tagskryt," a Scandanavian word that means bragging about train travel (guilty) , is all the rage nowadays as younger generations rediscover the sustainable and aesthetic means of transportation. 

While it's not the quickest way to get from point A to point B, long-distance trains are definitely one of the most scenic ways to explore a new country. 

Below, in no particular order, we rounded up some of the most stunning train rides that are definitely worth bragging about.

The list includes train rides around the world, from Canada to India, and itineraries that range from a couple of hours to multiple days. All the costs are estimates — international train fares are dependent on many factors like exchange rates, the company, and selected travel dates and itineraries. 

1. The Belgrade to Bar Railway

Country : Serbia, Montenegro

Duration of trip : Approximately 10 hours

Description: The Belgrade to Bar railway takes passengers over 435 bridges and through 254 tunnels from Serbia's capital to the shores of the Adriatic in Montenegro. 

Cost:  Approximately €24 

Source:  Seat 61

2. The California Zephyr

Country : USA

Duration of trip : 51 hours

Description: There's no better way to see the heartland of America than the California Zephyr, a railway that climbs the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada before descending to the Pacific Coast.

Cost:  Approximately $150 - $300 

Source:  Amtrak

3. The Canadian

Country : Canada

Duration of trip : 86 hours

Description: Passengers of the Canadian spend four days watching golden prairie fields, rugged lake country, and picturesque towns pass by their dome cars from Toronto to Vancouver.

Cost:  Approximately $500

Source:  VIA Rail Canada

4. Palace on Wheels

Country : India

Duration of trip : 7 nights, 8 days

Description: Palace on Wheels is a luxury resort aboard a train — complete with a spa — that takes riders past India's temples, forts, and Taj Mahal on a seven-night passage.

Cost: Between $665 and $2,391 per night

Source: Palace on Wheels

5. The Glacier Express

Country : Switzerland

Duration of trip : 7.5 hours

Description: The Glacier Express connects two major mountain resorts in the Swiss Alps, giving riders a whirlwind tour of Switzerland's snowy peaks, mountain meadows, and storybook villages.

Cost:  Approximately $80 to $300, plus fees

Source:  The Glacier Express

6. The Train to the Clouds

Country : Argentina

Duration of trip : 15 hours

Description: The "Tren a las Nubes" follows zig-zag tracks across the rugged Andes on its way from Salta, Argentina, to the Chilean border. It's one of the highest train rides in the world. Read more about what the journey is actually like here . 

Cost:  Approximately $84

Source:  Train to the Clouds

7. The Shongololo Express

Country : Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Duration of trip : 12 to 15 days

Description: Explore Southern Africa onboard the Shongololo Express, which includes excursions and pit stops in wildlife reserves and craft markets across Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Cost:  Approximately $ 6,500 to $13,000

Source : The Shongololo Express

8. The Trans-Siberian Railway

Country : Russia

Duration of trip : 14 days

Description: The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world. There are several trains to choose from, like the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, which offers 14-day excursions through Russia. Traveling between Vladivostok and Moscow, the luxury train passes by endless grasslands and Lake Baikal, the deepest lake on Earth.

Cost:  Varied 

Source:  Golden Eagle Luxury Trains

9. The Ghan

Country : Australia

Duration of trip : 54 hours

Description: The Ghan takes riders through the fiery red center of Australia, offering access to the dramatic scenery and indigenous sites that are off-limits by other modes of transit.

Cost: Packages start at approximately $2,050

Source:  Great Southern Rail

10. Venice Simplon-Orient Express

Country : Multiple, including the UK and Italy

Duration of trip : 1 to 5 nights

Description: The revived Orient Express transports riders to the golden age of rail travel, with its four-course dinners and black-tie glamour. It offers a variety of overnight trips to over a dozen European cities, including Paris, London, Vienna, Venice, and Istanbul. 

Cost: Between $6,800 and $48,000, approximately

Source:  Belmond

11. The TranzAlpine

Country : New Zealand

Duration of trip : 5 hours

Description: In New Zealand, the TranzAlpine lets riders take in the epic vistas and awe-inspiring plains between Christchurch and Greymouth. It covers 139 miles in just under five hours.

Cost: Approximately $120

Source:  Great Journeys of New Zealand

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Total Guide to plan & book a great Trans-Siberian Railway Trip

31. December 2020

Destination The World

This post may contain affiliate links, where we may receive a small commission if you purchase something through following the links at no extra cost to you.

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It’s slow travel at its best, taking you from one continent to another, through big cities, over the Siberian steppes and along the largest lake in the world. Without a doubt, a Trans-Siberian Railway trip will take you on the greatest railway journey in the world. This legendary adventure stretching over eight time zones is one of the best travel experiences you can have, and no other rail journey can compare to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Travelling the Trans-Siberian Railway is a dream for many people, and for one of us, this ultimate adventure was a lifelong dream. Doing this trip independent can seem like a bit of a challenge, and it also did for us in the start. The questions can be many but read on. This blog post has all the answers on how to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway independently. We will also shortly present the stops we had en route and give you some suggestions on what to see there, as an idea, while you start planning your journey.

1. Planning your Trans-Siberian Railway trip

We chose the classic, original route, starting in Moscow, before ending in Vladivostok, and we had our Trans-Siberian Railway trip in winter. That is just one way of doing it, but the options are many.

There are many things to consider when you start planning your journey, but first things first. A trip with the Trans-Siberian is perfectly safe, both for families, solo and female travellers. It is the way Russians have travelled for years, and very few reported incidents. Take precautions, choose your berth wisely, and take care of your belongings.

A journey like this requires some planning. But if you are like us, then you also find planning your trip half the fun.

Checklist for planning your Trans-Siberian Railway trip:

• When do you prefer to travel? Which season?
• Do you want to travel eastbound or westbound?
• Which visas will you need to organise? Check visa requirements
• Make sure that your passport is valid six months after you return
• What should be your final destination?
• Which route should you choose?
• How much will it cost?
• Do you want to stop along the route? Where?
• Organise travel insurance

The above list gives you a brief overview of things to take into consideration when planning your trip. What you choose will mostly depend on your wishes, budget and the time you have on hand.

2. Best time to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

If there is one best time to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway or not, is really up to you and what you prefer. The train runs all year round, and each season has something to offer. Some periods are busy or warm while others are freezing cold.

Trans-Siberian in summer

Summer is the most popular time of the year for a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. With the summer holiday in the western world, lots of travellers find themselves onboard the train. It can get busy and harder to find tickets for some routes. The summer months are great if you travel solo and want to meet other fellow travellers.

The climate in Russia is mild, but July and August can get very hot. The same goes for Mongolia. Even the summer is shorter in Mongolia it really can get warm also there. China is hot and humid in the summer months.

Trans-Siberian in autumn

Autumn is by many considered the best time to travel the Trans-Siberian. It is less crowded, the worst heat is gone, and the foliage let you catch the autumn colours along the route. The weather can still be nice the whole route. In China, the humidity from the summer is gone.

Trans-Siberian in winter

A Trans-Siberian trip in the winter is spectacular. Yes, it can get freezing cold, like in really Siberian cold, and you will see that Siberia looks like yes, Siberia. The trains are heated and, you can expect to sweat even in winter. But to snug up inside while watching the Siberian winter pass by outside the windows is a magical feeling.

It is much fewer passengers in the winter, so it never gets crowded, and finding tickets is rarely a problem. Bring lots of warm clothes (think layers of clothes) for exploring the places you choose to stop.

Winter is considered the best time to visit Lake Baikal with its clear thick ice perfect for winter activities. The lake usually freezes from mid or end of February and last at least throughout March.

Trans-Siberian in spring

The spring is maybe the least recommended time for a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. It is no longer winter and also not summer. In late spring when the snow has melted, and nature starts to wake up is also very pretty. China has pleasant weather in the spring.

Spring is also not the busiest time on the train. It’s great for avoiding crowds and, tickets are available.

TIP: Read our post on the Harz Mountain Railway or the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn in Germany if you would like a nostalgic journey with a steam train

3. Choose your Trans-Siberian Railway route

The Trans-Siberian Railway is not one train route, but it’s a network of railways connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East. The building of the railway started in 1891 and finished in 1916. Train services ran along the route much before its completion. Today, the expansion of the railway system continues, with connecting routes to China, Mongolia, Japan and North Korea.

You can choose from three main routes, but the Trans-Siberian Railway also has several other options for connections along with its extended network. You don’t have to follow the same route the whole time, and you can combine more routes in one journey.

Eastbound or Westbound?

You can make your Trans-Siberian Railway trip in both directions. The choice is up to you and what you prefer. The eastbound route tends to be more popular among western travellers, so westbound is recommended if you are looking to avoid too many other travellers.

Usually, you will have to book one long-haul flight. Either to start the journey or when you have finished. Check airfares before you decide, it can be a big difference in costs depending on where and when you fly.

BUDGET TIP: In case you end your journey in Vladivostok, you save big bucks on flying domestic back to Moscow, and then have your international flight out from there, instead of flying out from Vladivostok

We chose eastbound from Moscow for two reasons. Firstly we found it kind of more romantic to start our adventure with the long train journey first, instead of with a long haul flight. Secondly, starting our winter trip with the Trans-Siberian in Moscow, also gave us the chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve there before we boarded the train the next day.

TIP: Read our post with tips and attractions in Moscow for a Moscow city break

Trans-Siberian line: Moscow to Vladivostok

The legendary and original mainline from Moscow to Vladivostok is mostly following the historic path over the continent. Trains leave Moscow daily for this 9,259 km long journey. Depending on the train number, this route takes at least 143 hours, or around six full days. It can take longer. Some of the trains have slightly different routes or more stops en route.

The prime choice for this route is train number 1/2, the Rossiya. Train 1 is westbound and, train 2 is eastbound. Rossiya is regarded as the best train along this route, with the best comfort, service and food. It is also the most expensive one, so if you’re on a budget, consider doing only shorter legs with this train, and combine it with other trains, e.g. train number 62.

• Train number 1/2 has daily departures, in both directions
• Train number 61/62 departs Mon, Thurs, Sat, both directions
• If you plan to stop on your way, it is also possible to travel by trains that follow the same route but doesn’t go all the way to Vladivostok. It is still the Trans-Siberian Railway.
• Train number 70 will take you from Moscow to cities like Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk or Irkutsk. In any of these cities, you can catch up with train number 2 or 62.
• For stops before Irkutsk, you can travel with the trains going to China and Mongolia and later change to trains for Vladivostok.

Trans-Manchurian line: Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria

This route takes just over six days for travelling 8,986 km. Train number 19/20 has weekly departures to or from Beijing via Manchuria (train 19 is westbound and train 20 is eastbound). This train follows the mainline on the Trans-Siberian Railway between Moscow and Chita. Also here you can combine it with stops and other trains. This route is operated by Russian trains.

• Train number 19/20 departs Saturday nights from both cities
• This train does not go via Mongolia. You will need visas for Russia and China only
• Take this train if you wish to visit the Harbin International Ice Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Trans-Mongolian line: Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar

This is the most popular route for western travellers on a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. This route is 7,621 km and takes 6 nights. With this train, you will have the chance to experience three different countries with their unique cultures. After travelling over Siberia, this train cuts across Mongolia and the Gobi desert before entering China.

TIP: Read our post on the Oslo to Bergen train an incredible beautiful train journey

The major train on this route is the weekly train number 3/4 (train 3 is westbound and train 4 is eastbound). This route is operated with Chinese trains, but when in Russia, a Russian restaurant car is attached, then later a Mongolian before a Chinese restaurant car for the last part of the trip is attached.

• Train 3 departs Beijing every Wednesday
• Train 4 departs Moscow every Tuesday
• Between Moscow and Ulan Ude you can combine this route with all other trains
• Most travellers on this train need a visa to Russia and China, and some also to Mongolia

Other routes

There are other alternative routes to take on your Trans-Siberian Railway trip as well, where you later can connect with the mainline to Vladivostok, or with the trains to China.

One route runs via Kazan, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan in southwest Russia. Another option is the train via Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow. Yaroslavl is part of the Golden Ring of ancient towns in Russia.

TIP: Read our post on the best places to visit in Russia’s Golden Ring

4. Choose your Trans-Siberian Railway stops

When you have chosen your preferred route for your Trans-Siberian Railway trip, it is time to choose your stops. It is possible to travel the whole journey in one go. But we do recommend stopping en route to your destination. Russia has so much to see, so it would be sad to miss out on a stop there.

Depending on the time you have, you can almost have unlimited stops. If you follow the mainline, there are several interesting places in Russia to visit. Perm, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk (Lake Baikal) and Ulan Ude are all recommended places to stop, among many others.

We chose two stops along the route, in Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk. If you have limited time, and can’t do too many stops, these two cities will give you many options to explore Russian culture, cities and nature.

Best things to do in Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg just west of the Ural mountains is the gateway between Europe and Asia. With a population of over 1,3 million, it is a major Russian city. The history goes long back but is maybe most famous for being the city where former president Boris Yeltsin came to rise, and also for being the city where Russia’s last monarchs, the Romanov family were executed.

The city centre is lively, with a mix of grand old and communist-era style buildings. The city has good cafes and restaurants. After some time on the train, a break here can be very welcome. If you visit Yekaterinburg in the winter, the city has a small ice sculpture festival in the city centre.

If you like opera or ballet (and think Bolshoi in Moscow is too expensive), Yekaterinburg has an excellent opera and ballet house showing first-class productions throughout the year. We were lucky and got good tickets for The Nutcracker for only €50.

If you’d like a detour out of the city, you can visit the Europe-Asia border, located 40km west of the city. Yekaterinburg For You can arrange the trip for you.

Our highlights in Yekaterinburg:

• Visit the Church upon the Blood. This is the death site of Tsar Nicholas II and his family
• See the mansion house of Sevastyanov
• Watch an opera or ballet at Ural Opera & Ballet . Book tickets in advance
• Eat excellent Uzbek food at the restaurant Nigora
• Visit the Ascension Church
• Enjoy the mix of architectural styles

Best things to do in Irkutsk

This Siberian city is such a hidden treasure. Irkutsk is beautiful. One of the best things to do there is simply to wander around its streets and take in the beauty of the city.

From streets full of beautifully crafted wooden houses to spectacular churches and monasteries, Irkutsk really was a pleasant surprise. The food scene in the city is also great. Cute cafes serve delicious breakfasts, trendy cafes have excellent coffee and restaurants serve mouth-watering Asian food.

TIP: Read our post on Flamsbana Railway in Norway . It is said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world

Irkutsk is the gateway to the famous Lake Baikal. You can visit the lake on a day trip from Irkutsk, or better spend a night or two. Most hotels and hostels in Irkutsk can help arrange trips to Baikal. The nearby, lakeside village of Listvyanka is a good starting point for exploring Lake Baikal. You can reach the village by hourly bus from outside the tourist office in Irkutsk.

Our highlights in Irkutsk:

• Wandering along the river and the streets to look at all the cute wooden houses and churches
• Visit the amazing Kazan Church of Irkutsk
• Visit Znamensky Monastery
• Eat excellent Asian food and Russian dumplings
• See the Epiphany Monastery

5. Classes on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Of the regular trains, train number 1/2, the Rossiya , has the best standard. It is very comfortable, but don’t expect luxury even when travelling on this train.

There are usually two or three classes to choose from when booking your ticket, but this may vary from train to train, season and demand. The berths (rooms) don’t vary that much. It is more about the space, and how many you will share the berth with.

Which class you should choose depends on your wishes and your budget. If you value privacy, choose the first class. If you travel on a budget, choose the third class. On the other hand, if you want to meet the locals as they travel, choose this class as well. Choose the second class for anything in between.

To get the best experience of a Trans-Siberian railway trip, we would recommend a mix of the classes (if you have stops along the route). It will give you unforgettable memories with locals, and ensure some privacy and calmness on the trip.

First class

1st class berths, known as Spainy Vagon or SV , on Russian trains are usually the same as 2nd class, but only the lower beds as used, meaning you only share the berth with one other person. On Chinese trains, known as deluxe sleeper , you normally sleep in the upper bed and can relax on a sofa during the day.

On trains without first class, it is possible to buy out the whole berth for single-use or to buy out the left-over beds in your berth if you are more people travelling.

The luggage is stored under the lower beds, and the berth is equipped with a reading light and electric socket. There are toilets and washrooms at each end of the wagon. Some trains have a shower available. Ask your train host if your train has showers for rent.

Second class

Usually, 2. class is known as Kupe, which are 4-bed berths with two upper and two lower beds. The lower beds function as a sitting area during the daytime. Expect to share your lower bed with passengers from the upper bed during the day, e.g. for meals. The second class on Chinese trains is called soft sleeper .

The luggage is stored under the lower beds, and the compartment is equipped with a reading light and electric socket. There are toilets and washrooms at each end of the wagon.

Third class

The third class, known as platskartny , has an open plan with 54 bunks per wagon, arranged in groups of 4 or 2. Here you will have a lack of privacy, but on the other hand, you are guaranteed nice encounters with your fellow passengers.

If you are travelling on a tight budget, the third class will be the best option. It is significantly cheaper than the higher classes.

Private luxury trains

If you have the money and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one of the private luxury trains could be the option for you. Here you travel in a secluded world, with meals, excursions and the best comfort included. It is expensive, so only expect to meet other wealthy travellers on this train. The downside is that you won’t have many encounters with the locals if you choose one of these trains.

Check Golden Eagle or Imperial Russia for more information on private luxury trains.

6. How much does the Trans-Siberian cost?

It’s a myth that a Trans-Siberian Railway trip is very expensive. On the contrary, when thinking of the distance travelled, it comes out as very affordable indeed.

In addition to the Trans-Siberian-Railway ticket itself, there are some additional costs you need to add:

• Costs for the visa(s)
• Health insurance
• Flights (or other transport) to start and endpoint
• Accommodation before and after the train ride, plus at the stops you make
• Food and drinks
• Personal expenses

The price of the train tickets depends on the time of year you travel, and your preferred class. The high season is June to August when the ticket prices are at the highest. Also around Russian New Year and Christmas, the prices rise. The same goes for the Chinese train around Chinese New Year.

In general, it is cheaper to travel the whole Trans-Siberian without stops, as you then travel on the same ticket the whole way. Making stops will raise the ticket cost, but not that much. The more stops you make, the higher the total cost you will get (when you stop you have to buy several independent tickets).

Your travel class will affect the ticket price the most, and in general, a first-class ticket is around double of a second-class 4-berth ticket. The lower bed is more expensive than the upper bed. Some tickets on certain trains also include one or a few meals, but far from all the meals, you’ll need.

Price example (per person) from our Trans-Siberian Railway trip (January 2020):

• Train number 70 Moscow-Yekaterinburg, 2nd class, 4-bed berth, lower bed: €68/ $83
• Train number 2, the Rossiya , Yekaterinburg-Irkutsk, 2nd class 4-bed berth, upper bed:€129 / $158
• Train number 100 Irkutsk-Vladivostok, 2nd class, 4-bed berth, upper bed: €121/ $149/ lower bed: €157 / $193

Total price Moscow-Vladivostok with two stops: €672/ $825, or only €336/ $412 per person. With more stops, the price will go up, and without stops, it will go down, but the difference is really not that much.

Tickets from Moscow to Beijing can cost as little as €550/ $680, but the real bargain is on the classic route from Moscow to Vladivostok.

As seen above, it is possible to make a Trans-Siberian Railway trip quite cheap. If you travel only third class, you can save more, and first-class would cost around double. The total price for the whole trip will then more depend on your choice of accommodation before, during and after the trip, and how much the flights or other transport costs before and after the train itself. With budget accommodation and low-cost airlines, it is possible to do this whole trip for less than €1000/ $1230, food and activities not included, if you live in Europe.

Expect to pay much more if you use a travel agent. Should you prefer to book via a travel agency, you will get the best deal from local offices in China or Mongolia, while the western ones usually will be the most pricey option.

For private luxury trains, you should expect to pay more than €10,000 (up to €20,000). And that’s per person!

7. How to book Trans-Siberian Railway tickets?

When you have decided your route and planned which stops your Trans-Siberian railway trip should have, it is time to book your tickets.

Booking tickets to the Trans-Siberian Railway is surprisingly easy and straightforward. There is no need to ask a travel agent at home or in Russia to do this for you. Expect to pay much more if you use a travel agent.

Tickets are available for booking 60 days before departure. Especially in the high season, it is recommended to book in advance, but often it is possible to find tickets 2-3 days in advance online or at the train stations in Russia. The Trans-Mongolian line is popular and can sell out due to only one departure per week. Book way ahead unless you are very flexible on time.

During the booking process, you can choose between available berths and between upper or lower beds. You can also choose between mixed-gender or female berth only. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the train, so you don’t have to fear smoking in your compartment.

TIP: There are toilets at each end of the wagons. If the toilet is full, it can stink really bad, also in the corridor and berths close by. Choose your berth in the middle of the wagon.

How to book tickets at the Trans-Siberian railway (for trains starting in Russia)

• Go to the official website of the Russian Railways (site in English)
• Click on log-in or registration to create a profile (mandatory before booking)
• Type in from/to and date and search
• Click on the from-price in the class you prefer, and see which berths are available
• Choose your berth, and if you want an upper or lower bed
• Fill in personal information, confirm, and pay (NB: you need to add your passport number)
• Voila! You have your ticket
• Tickets work electronic but, we recommend a print-out in case of battery issues

PLEASE NOTE: This way of booking is at the moment only available for trains starting in Russia. You can not book tickets online on this site for trains starting in China or Mongolia. Some US-issued credit cards may get rejected.

How to buy tickets on trains starting in China and Mongolia:

• You can not buy tickets for the Trans-Siberian Railway at Beijing stations
• The CITS international train booking office is recommended for purchasing tickets in China and Mongolia
• In Ulaanbaatar, you can buy tickets at the international ticket office next to the train station

8. Life onboard the Trans-Siberian Railway

A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway is slow travel at its best. Prepare yourself for days on the tracks with many fellow passengers coming and going. The encounters with fellow passengers, tourists and locals, will be some of the most memorable moments of this trip. Keep in mind that the Trans-Siberian is not run for tourists. It is as it’s meant to be; a passenger train made for transporting many people over long distances. Don’t expect nightclubs and entertainment onboard.

Even though you will spend hours and days onboard the train, you hardly will have time to get bored. Somehow, the days pass by as the Siberian landscape slowly glides by outside your window. Relax, watch the scenery outside, read, play a game, listen to music or podcasts or watch a downloaded movie or series. Talk with your fellow passengers, stretch your legs at the stops, have a drink and enjoy your journey. That’s all that it’s about!

Please note that onboard the train, they always use Moscow time. Time tables show both Moscow and local time. Keep track of the time zone, and you will manage.

Before boarding the train

Essential items to pack

• Comfy clothes
• Slip-on footwear
• Electric adapter
• Toilet paper
• Bottled water
• Instant food

Arrival and boarding

• Trains in Russia are punctual
• Check the name of the station closely
• Arrive latest 30 min before departure
• Platform and track will be displayed in the departure hall
• Keep tickets and passports safe but available for inspection

Arrival on the train

Upon arrival, you will meet your train host, the provodnitsa. She is the boss, your best friend, and must be obeyed. Each wagon has its provodnitsa, and on long trains, they work in pairs (one works while the other rests). They only speak Russian and can seem very strict and fearsome, but mostly they are friendly and helpful.

On arrival, she will check your ticket and provide you with the bed linen. Her most important task is to keep her wagon clean, tidy and warm. She also makes sure that the samovar (water boiler) at the end of the corridor always contains hot water for your use.

At the beginning of the journey, they usually also offer some souvenirs or snacks they have for sale. Buy something, and you have a friend and helper for the rest of the journey. If you need something, like plates, cups or cutlery, you can often borrow it from her (for a small tip).

Your compartment

Depending on if you travel solo, as a couple or in a small group, usually, you share your compartment with other passengers, unless you have bought all beds. Be polite, greet fellow travellers and try to interact with them.

You can be lucky or not so lucky with your roommates, but that’s also a part of the experience. Put baggage under the seats, and keep personal belongings in your bed. Respect that people want to sleep in the night, and expect fellow passengers to come and go at all times as the train stops frequently.

If you have the lower bed, you are expected to make room for passengers in the upper bed to sit in your bed and share the table at meals. Not everyone is so happy with doing this, but all passengers have the right to use the table.

TIP: If you are two travelling together, book one lower and one upper bed on the same side. Then you can rest whenever you want, and sharing the lower bed as a daytime sofa and the table is never a problem.

Meals on board

Let’s be honest: don’t expect your Trans-Siberian Railway trip to be a culinary journey. In that case, you will get deeply disappointed. If your ticket includes some meals, you will get them brought to your compartment. Every train has a restaurant car, with various decorations. The food in the restaurant car is disappointing and nothing special. It is quite pricey for such low quality.

Try the food in the restaurant car as part of your experience. But don’t have all your meals here. Eat most meals in your compartment, and rather use the restaurant car for a drink or two during the day. It is a good place to meet other travellers.

Buy instant food, like noodles, soups and stews before you board the train. The samovar in your wagon always has hot water you can use. Stock up on fruits, crackers and other dry food items. When the train stops for more than just a few minutes you can buy more food at the stations along the route.

Short stops along the route

The many shortstops along the route are one of the highlights during the day onboard. Sometimes the train stops for just a few minutes and other times for anything between 30 minutes to an hour. Each wagon is equipped with a timetable showing the stops along the route. The timetable states arrival and departure times at each stop.

When the train only stops for a few minutes, it can be worth getting off to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Don’t be late back. The train will not wait for you.

Life on the stations is some of the most fun and memorable moments of this journey. Passengers come and go, and everywhere it’s busy activities. Small stalls sell fresh or preserved food, drinks, fruits and sweets. Locals often also offer local products for sale. It can be handcrafted items, souvenirs, food and drinks. Often you can find fresh bread on the stations, and in some places, you can also find warm food. Try the smoked fish offered at the stations in Siberia. It’s delicious and a good supplement to all the instant food.

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2 thoughts on “Total Guide to plan & book a great Trans-Siberian Railway Trip”

Hello guys!! Just loved your blog on the transiberian. It cleared my mind and encourage us to a future trip. Have fun and enjoy life as you two always do and maybe our paths will cross some day on a post covid dream trip. Big hugs from Monterrey, Mexico.

Thank you very much for your feedback! Trans-Siberian is such a great adventure that we would recommend to everyone.

Comments are closed.

We are Matthias and Kent. With a strong desire to travel the world, we create articles and travel guides from our many trips. We aim to inspire you to explore the world, near and far. Maybe your next adventure is closer than you think?

Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Monday 8 April 2024 06:40, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes

US to Require Two-Person Crews for Most Train Operations

FILE PHOTO: A railway worker helps load railcars onto a train in San Diego, California, U.S., November 30, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Transportation Department's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) said Tuesday it will require major railroads to have at least two crew members for most trips.

The final rule creates a special approval process for railroads seeking to initiate new one-person train crew operations and requires trains carrying some hazardous waste to have two-person crew.

The Association of American Railroads, an industry trade group, criticized the rule, saying the agency "is doubling down on an unfounded and unnecessary regulation that has no proven connection to rail safety."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg rejected the criticism.

"I would also appeal to common sense - the simple idea that a moving object that is more than two miles long ought to have at least two human beings on it," Buttigieg said. "I don't know what problems the railroads could possibly hope to solve by reducing it to one other than to take their profits from ridiculous to stupendously ridiculous."

In 2019, the administration of then President Donald Trump withdrew a proposed regulation on crew staffing, saying "no regulation of train crew staffing is necessary or appropriate for railroad operations to be conducted safely at this time."

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO union federation, praised the Biden administration rule, saying it "acknowledges that crew size is fundamentally a safety issue at its core .... Two-person crews are inherently necessary to ensure the safe operation of our rail systems."

The issue of rail safety has garnered new attention since the February 2023 derailment of a Norfolk Southern operated train in East Palestine, Ohio. The train caught fire and released over a million gallons of hazardous materials and pollutants. Legislation in Congress to strengthen rail safety rules has stalled in the face of industry opposition.

FRA Administrator Amit Bose said in June the agency was conducting safety assessments of all major U.S. railroads and issued a critical review of Norfolk Southern.

On Tuesday, Bose said the agency has completed a review of BNSF, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and would complete remaining ones this year including of Union Pacific and CSX.

(Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by Franklin Paul and Mark Potter)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: environment , United States , Transportation , infrastructure

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Man killed by wild elephant in northern Laos

Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024

Related News

Train tickets go on sale seven days before Lao New Year travel dates

Vietnam and laos sign new trade pact, sixteen moon bear cubs doing well after laos rescue, wildlife group says.

Illustrative photo

VIENTIANE: A man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in northern Laos' Xayaboury province, local media reported.

The incident occurred on April 7 when a 49-year-old-man left his home in the morning to feed pigs at his farm in Napho village in Paklai district of Xayaboury province, some 170km northwest of Lao capital Vientiane, local news website Lao Pattana News reported on Wednesday (April 10).

A witness informed local authorities that he had heard both the loud sounds of an elephant and the frightened scream of a man. After everything was quiet, he saw a wild elephant walking into a nearby forest. - Xinhua

Tags / Keywords: Laos , elephant , trample

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U.S. Finalizes Rule Requiring Two-Person Crews on Freight Trains

The regulation ensures that the nation’s largest freight railroads will not be able to reduce the number of workers aboard their trains from today’s status quo.

By Mark Walker

Reporting from Washington

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it had finalized a new rule that will require the nation’s largest freight railroads to maintain their current staffing of two crew members per train, settling a contentious issue between organized labor and the industry.

Federal regulations had not previously specified a minimum crew size, but the nation’s largest freight railroads typically have two workers on each train, an engineer and a conductor. The industry’s adoption of efficiency measures known as precision scheduled railroading had stoked fears among workers that freight rail companies would move to reduce their crews to one person per train as a way of further cutting costs.

The Federal Railroad Administration proposed requiring two-person crews in 2022, arguing that doing so would improve safety. The issue received further attention after a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed last year in East Palestine, Ohio, putting the issue of railroad safety in the spotlight. A bipartisan rail safety bill introduced in Congress in response to the derailment included a requirement for two-person crews, though the legislation has stalled .

The Norfolk Southern train, which investigators believe derailed because of an overheated wheel bearing , had three crew members on board: an engineer, a conductor and a conductor trainee.

“Common sense tells us that large freight trains, some of which can be over three miles long, should have at least two crew members on board — and now there’s a federal regulation in place to ensure trains are safely staffed,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “This rule requiring safe train crew sizes is long overdue, and we are proud to deliver this change that will make workers, passengers and communities safer.”

In a statement, Edward A. Hall, the national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said 11 states already required two-person crews. He called the administration’s action “an important step in making railroading safer in every state, rather than a piecemeal approach.”

The Association of American Railroads, a trade group that represents the major freight railroads, has long opposed mandating two-person crews, saying the federal government and unions have not provided evidence connecting crew size to safety.

In a statement, the group noted that in 2019, when President Donald J. Trump was in office, the Federal Railroad Administration abandoned a similar effort to require two-person crews, saying it could not justify the safety need for such a rule.

“F.R.A. is doubling down on an unfounded and unnecessary regulation that has no proven connection to rail safety,” said Ian Jefferies, the chief executive of the Association of American Railroads. “Instead of prioritizing data-backed solutions to build a safer future for rail, F.R.A. is looking to the past and upending the collective bargaining process.”

Mark Walker is an investigative reporter focused on transportation. He is based in Washington. More about Mark Walker

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