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Moscow - St. Petersburg Train
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Posted by: Traveler

I'll be taking a train from Moscow to St. Petersburg later this month. I've seen a basic list of the train options but I hope perhaps someone here can give me a recommendation. I thought it would make sense to take a (Sunday) night train that left Moscow about midnight and arrived in St. Petersburg in the morning.

I am travelling with a friend (another man) and it would make sense to have a sleeping compartment with two separate berths.

It doesn't seem to make much sense to pay for luxury or meals because I think I will mostly sleep.

Can anyone here enlighten me and recommend a train?

Thank you in advance

Posted by: deccie

No recommendations although I am told their is a luxury train between the two cities that should be experienced at least once.

I'll be also taking a train ride between these two cities within a few weeks time.

I do have one recommendation..... TAKE TOILET PAPER!

Posted by: Traveler

Thanks KD. Excellent recommendation!! I have also read in these forums that on some trains the bathrooms get locked by the Conductor after a certain hour?

I have seen the luxury option (train named Kresnaya Strele) with a fare of $395 one-way. That would be very intriguing if I were travelling with "Miss Right" - but I'm just with a fishing buddy.

The remaining options seem to be:

1st Class (with or without food)
2nd Class (with or without food)

Fares range from about $63 to $205.

I found another web site (trainsrussia.com) with an office in Atlanta. I'll call them tommorrow and see what they say.

Posted by: deccie

I don't know about locked at certain times but they are locked when your in a station.

I leave it to your imagination as to why that is...

Posted by: Texas Proud

I took the "Red Arrow" which had an anniversary when I was there... can not remember which one, but like 60 or 70...

First class is two berths.... you get a box meal, not much to eat, but something... they come by and you get a drink, either juice, wine or vodka... I sitll have my bottle of vodka as a souviner (sp?)....

I understand if you go to 2nd class you are in a 4 berths compartment with someone else... 3rd class is even worse... I have no idea as I never saw any of them...

The train is LONG... I thought I walked halfway to Moscow when I boarded the train..

The bathroom is just a 'hole'... just in case you can not imagine!!! It looks like a plane toilet, but when you flush....

There are a lot of trains that leave about the same time... I was surpised at how many were leaving within a 30 minute timeframe..

Posted by: Traveler

There are so many trains that I felt like I was just throwing darts. After a little thought - it became obvious that I should just pick one with a convenient arrival time. I am sure there are differences between trains - but the overriding concern is not to arrive too early or too late for my morning plans.

Posted by: davidg

I went both ways 1st class without food. The cost per ticket was about Ł40 ($75). My wife (g/f in 2004) bought the tickets herself in Moscow, so I suspect there was no mark up for an agent.

The train we went on left around 10pm and arrived at 6am and a bit later on the way back. Can definitely recommend it.

At that time of night can't see the need for food, although did take along a bottle of champagne (not Russian!) and some snacks.

It was a really good trip and would recommend it to anyone. the birth would certainly be adequate for two blokes. Substitute six pack and pork scratchings for the champagne!

Let me know if you want me to ask the Mrs how to book/how she booked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveler

There are so many trains that I felt like I was just throwing darts. After a little thought - it became obvious that I should just pick one with a convenient arrival time. I am sure there are differences between trains - but the overriding concern is not to arrive too early or too late for my morning plans.

I would say just go for it and for most tourists, 1st class prices are worth it, as you do not want to see how real Russians travel!

Posted by: Leprechaun

Ive done this Journey a few times, theres 2 trains that leave around 23.50 and 00.00 arrives about 7 am, you eat sleep, and arrive.

There is a Q for the loo in the morning that wasnt locked overnight.

1st class is fine for two lads and a must if you are with a lady......
I travelled 2nd class the 1st time just for the fun. 4 beds, 2 students an old lady and me, she made my bed for me (and put a nice tuck in at the corner) it was great but no food.

I booked the ticket for 1st class there and then at about 22.00.
Ive also booked through an internet company.

Greenbarb got a train recently and was told by the police that came onto the train "no alcohol allowed, new law"......

Posted by: misha06

Hi,

Just come back from Russian, took the overnight SPB Mocow train. My wife and I went 2nd Class (4 bunks no food) was ok.

imo if you just want to sleep for the journey 2nd class is fine, we woke up refreshed. and got a very acceptable cup of tea in the morning.

Regards to the lavatory locking, it remained unlocked until about 45 mins before arrival.

I have also done Yaroslavl to SPB, a bit longer 13 hours but again in 2nd class was fine.

Have travelled from Moscow to Yaroslavl 3rd class - Huge mistake 3 1/2 hours seems like days.

Posted by: MikeCa

I have taken the Moscow-Piter train 2nd class with four sleepers in the compartment. I can say that the berths get warm without ventilation. Wear very light clothing, one guy in the comparment was so bothered by the heat he slept in nothing but his boxers.

Posted by: ira156

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeCa

I have taken the Moscow-Piter train 2nd class with four sleepers in the compartment. I can say that the berths get warm without ventilation. Wear very light clothing, one guy in the comparment was so bothered by the heat he slept in nothing but his boxers.

Yeah i slept in mine and it was 1st class, the meal was nothing to write home about. Just a boxed salad and roll ect, but i must say they run right on time. worth the trip which ever option. Have fun!!