...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 do 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 SIMM 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 your dollars or Euros into roubles 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

• 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 of cases of trains leaving ahead of the schedules, with people being left behind. Carry your money and travel documents on your at all times.

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.

 

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 40 DAYS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE. EX MOSCOW TICKETS ARE NO PROBLEM.

Most of my clients buy 2nd class (4 persons per compartment) tickets. 1st class (2 persons) are almost twice as expensive. Cattle car tickets are half the 2nd class price. Economy enthusiasts may consider local commuter trains (na sobakakh - on the dogs in local travel slang) which will take you across the continent for $50-80.