...While at it, some examples of other train and flight ticket prices

Train schedule

Hints from a ticket-procurement expert

Recommended Trans-Siberian resources

stay safe

what to do in case of trouble

• Make photocopies of your passport and visa, and keep them in a separate place. That will make restoring them easier.

• Carry a cell phone with you. Bring your GSM standard phone to Russia and buy your SIM card locally. Or, if you prefer, I can procure and send you one to let me be in touch from the moment the plane lands.

• Change enough currency into Rubles in Moscow to avoid exposing yourself to extra risk associated with money exchange.

• Learn a few Russian phrases to be able to explain your predicament. It's worth to have dictionary with you.

• Find a few of your compatriots on the train and keep an eye on each other.

• Clearly label your possessions.

• Don't step off the train. I've heard and seen personally of cases of trains leaving ahead of the schedules, with people being left behind. Carry your money and travel documents on your pocket at all times. If you get off the train on the stops please stay near your car and follow conductor's instructions. I recommend to learn your train route (there is one in each car) and get off the train on the big stations where train stop for 15-30 min.

Remember that Russia has a strong hospitality culture. Except in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and a few other large cities, somebody will always offer shelter, food, and assistance should you find yourself in a predicament.

Relax and enjoy.

Trans-Siberian Index  |  Russian Girl Friday

rusgirlfriday [at] yandex [dot] ru
 

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT I CANNOT BUY TICKETS ORIGINATING OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA (BEIJING, ULAN-BATOR ETC.). TICKETS ORIGINATING IN RUSSIA MAY OR MAY NOT BE PROCURED - ASK ABOUT YOUR PLANNED DATE NO MORE THAN 60 DAYS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE. EX MOSCOW TICKETS ARE NO PROBLEM.