Home How to Take a Trans-Siberian Train Trip

How to Take a Trans-Siberian Train Trip

For those who want to take an unforgettable train journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway is a good choice. The trip is described as being the journey of a lifetime.

This train journey mixes together Asian and European cultures, providing splendid landscapes along the way that change from plains to grassy steppes to forests.You will have a great opportunity to mingle with fellow passengers that originate from different countries.

Decide on the Route

The original Trans-Siberian Railway starts from Moscow and stretches all the way to Vladivostok, the largest city in the Far East. Now the Trans-Siberian Railway also refers to a network. It includes the following three main rail routes:

  • The traditional Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Vladivostok
  • The Trans-Mongolian route between Beijing and Moscow, passing through Mongolia
  • The Trans-Manchurian route between Beijing and Moscow, passing through Harbin, China

Get Your Tickets

You can purchase trans-siberian train tickets online or buy them offline at the train station or ticket office.

Booking Tickets Online with a Travel Agency

International train tickets can be bought online, at train stations, or at designated local travel agencies. Trans-Siberian train tickets are available for purchase 30 days in advance. During peak seasons (usually from May to September), tickets usually sell out quickly. Therefore, the most convenient option is to buy tickets online via a reliable travel agency, such as Train Spread.

We have an easy-to-use English website that allows you to make a booking quickly. Tickets will be delivered to your hotel/address in China, saving you a lot of time and hassle.

Trans-Siberian train tickets can also be bought at train stations or local travel agencies provided you have your original passport with you.

Booking Tickets Offline

You can also get your tickets offline at the designated ticket office or train station.

1. Buying Tickets in Beijing

International train tickets between Beijing and Moscow can only be bought at the designated travel agency located in the lobby of the Beijing International Hotel (北京国际饭店). Only cash (CNY) is accepted. No English is spoken there.

Trans-Siberian train ticket

Beijing - Ulan Bator international train ticket

2. Buying Tickets in Ulaanbaatar

There is an international ticket office located on the second floor of the ticket hall at Ulaanbaatar Railway Station. Only cash is accepted and no English is spoken there.

3. Buying Tickets in Moscow

Domestic Russia train tickets and international train tickets can be bought at any train station in Russia. If you have a flexible schedule, it is a good idea to buy train tickets for traveling around Russia at the nearest train station.

For more infomation about How to Buy Trans-Siberian Train Tickets

Pack Your Luggage

Clothing

This depends on when you are planning to travel. In summer, thin clothes are sufficient. In winter, however, you need to take more clothing.

The winter temperature in Siberia can be as low as -40°C (-40°F). You need to take thick, warm clothing as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. Even in winter, it is warm on the train so take some thin, loose clothes with you as well.

Shoes

Besides your outdoor shoes, don’t forget to take slippers for added comfort on the train.

Toiletries

You need to take essentials, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, soap, and a razor.

Food and Drink

It is a good idea to take instant food and drinks with you that only require the addition of hot water, such as tea and instant coffee. An unlimited supply of boiling water is provided in a samovar at the end of each car.

Entertainment Equipment

Staring at the scenery outside for a long time may be tiring and boring. A few entertainment equipments such as books, smart phone, iPad and kindle make your time on board more pleasant and easier.

Security Check and Customs

There is a security check before boarding at every train station. Passengers need to complete immigration inspections at the border of each country. These inspections will be made on board so passengers don’t need to disembark from the train.

Can I Get Off Along the Way?

Trans-Siberian train tickets do not allow you to hop on and off the train along the way. Tickets need to be reserved with a specified departure date, a train number, the departure and destination stations, and the seat class. If you want to disembark and travel around a city, you need to buy separate tickets.

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