The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the world’s most famous and iconic train journeys, spanning 5,772 miles across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. For many travelers, taking the Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket list item and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the long duration of the journey (around 6 days non-stop), potentially high costs, and other factors lead some to question whether the Trans-Siberian Railway is actually worth it. Here we’ll examine the pros and cons to help you decide.
The Pros of Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway
A Truly Epic Train Journey
The sheer vastness and epic scale of the Trans-Siberian Railway journey is a major selling point. Crossing the entirety of Russia from European Russia, through the Ural Mountains, and across Siberia to the Pacific Ocean is an unparalleled rail adventure. You’ll pass through diverse landscapes including the steppes of Central Asia, the forests of Siberia, the shores of Lake Baikal, and more. The length and remoteness of the journey help make it a meaningful travel experience.
Opportunity to See the Real Russia
Many travelers choose the Trans-Siberian Railway as a way to truly experience Russia and get an insight into local life. Being on the train for 6 straight days is an immersion into Russian culture. You’ll share the train cabins with locals, converse with your fellow passengers, try Russian food in the dining car or at station stops, and watch the countryside pass by. It provides a perspective on Russia that a typical tour wouldn’t.
Stopovers and Short Trips
While some choose to do the whole railway in one go, many people break up the long journey by planning stopovers in cities along the route. Popular stopovers include Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, and Vladivostok. This allows you to explore the destinations along the way. You can also take short trips on the train instead of the full 6-day journey. For example, you could take an overnight train between Moscow and Yekaterinburg or Irkutsk and Beijing.
Cost Advantages Over Flying
For long distances across Russia, the train can actually be significantly cheaper than flying. While not the cheapest travel option, taking the train avoids the high costs of internal flights. You save money on things like baggage fees, airport transfers, and transportation within the cities. Meals are included in the ticket price, which also helps limit costs. The relative affordability makes the epic railway journey more accessible.
The Cons of Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway
It’s a Long Journey
The most obvious downside of the Trans-Siberian Railway is the sheer amount of time it takes. A direct Moscow to Vladivostok journey takes 6 nights and 7 days of nearly non-stop travel. That’s a huge chunk of time where you are just sitting on a train. Some travelers get restless being cooped up that long. You miss out on a week that could have been spent actively exploring Russia. The duration makes it hard to take the railway as part of a brief 1- or 2-week holiday.
Basic Accommodations
Unless you splurge on a luxury carriage, the train accommodation itself is quite basic. Cabins are simple with just bunk beds, some limited storage space, and a small table. There are shared bathrooms at the end of each train carriage. The dining cars offer basic Russian food. It’s far from a fancy or luxurious travel experience. For some, 6 nights in a basic cabin could be uncomfortable.
Language and Visa Challenges
Russia can present bureaucratic and language challenges for tourists. You’ll need to get visas for Russia and possibly other countries like Mongolia or China if you stop over. Booking the train tickets themselves can also be confusing if you don’t read Russian. On board, you’ll encounter language barriers with locals who mostly don’t speak English. Having a Russian phrasebook helps make things smoother. But it does require some planning and preparation.
Can Be Pricey
While cheaper than flying, the Trans-Siberian Railway isn’t necessarily a budget-friendly trip either. Costs for tickets, meals, visas, and activities at destinations add up. Expect to spend around $1000 or more per person just for a one-way Moscow to Vladivostok ticket in a 2nd class 4-berth cabin. First class or private cabins cost even more. Add in stopovers, tours, hotels, etc and it becomes a significant expense for most travelers. It’s not an inexpensive backpacking-style adventure.
Weighing Up the Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick comparison of the major pros and cons of taking the Trans-Siberian Railway:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Epic train journey | Very long duration |
Immersion into Russian culture | Basic train accommodations |
Stopovers and short trips | Language and visa challenges |
Cheaper than flying | Can get quite expensive |
Overall, the Trans-Siberian Railway is an amazing and unforgettable experience, but also requires significant time and budget commitments. It’s ultimately best suited to travelers who:
– Love train travel and don’t mind multi-day journeys
– Want an epic trip and immersion into Russian culture
– Are able to take 1-2 weeks or more for the full railway or stopovers
– Have a moderate budget for the train tickets, visas, etc
For travelers who prefer a faster-paced trip, luxury, and sticking to a tight budget, the Trans-Siberian Railway may not be the ideal choice. But for adventurous travelers who check all the above boxes, the railway can certainly be worth it.
Tips for Riding the Trans-Siberian Railway
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided the Trans-Siberian Railway is for you, here are some tips to make the most of the experience:
Book Early for Lower Fares
Ticket prices increase significantly during the summer high season. Book as early as possible (ideally 4-6 months out) for the best fares in your chosen cabin class.
Consider Stopovers
Break up the long journey with overnight or multi-day stopovers in cities along the route. This allows you to explore destinations like Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, etc.
Pack Light
With limited storage space in cabins, packing light is key. Bring layers, as train cars can run either too hot or cold.
Bring Food and Entertainment
Load up on snacks, instant noodles, tea/coffee to supplement train food. Download films, shows, books, games, and music beforehand too.
Keep Cash Handy
Have plenty of small currency on hand for buying food and drinks onboard and at station stops.
Get Necessary Visas
Don’t forget to obtain Russian visas, Chinese or Mongolian visas if stopping over, and any transit visas needed. Allow plenty of time to apply.
Learn Key Russian Phrases
Learn some basic Russian words and phrases like hello, thanks, please, bathroom, food, water, ticket, etc.
Secure Your Belongings
Use lockers provided in cabins to secure valuables. Keep your passport and money on you.
Respect Compartment Mates
Follow proper etiquette like keeping noise down after 10 pm, not eating aromatic foods, etc to keep a harmonious journey.
Soak Up the Views
When not sleeping, maximize scenic viewing from the train windows in the dining and lounge cars. Bring binoculars!
Sample Trans-Siberian Railway Itineraries
Here are some sample Trans-Siberian Railway itineraries with stopovers:
Moscow to Vladivostok (10 days)
– Day 1-2: Arrival Moscow
– Day 3: Board morning train from Moscow to Yekaterinburg
– Day 4: Arrive Yekaterinburg in morning, explore city
– Day 5: Board afternoon train Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk
– Day 6-7: Arrive Irkutsk, explore city & Lake Baikal
– Day 8: Board morning train Irkutsk to Vladivostok
– Day 9: Arrive Vladivostok in evening
– Day 10: Depart Vladivostok
Moscow to Beijing (12 days)
– Day 1-2: Arrive Moscow
– Day 3-4: Moscow city time
– Day 5: Overnight train Moscow to Yekaterinburg
– Day 6: Yekaterinburg city time
– Day 7: Overnight train Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk
– Day 8: Irkutsk & Lake Baikal
– Day 9: Overnight train Irkutsk to Ulan-Ude
– Day 10: Ulan-Ude & bus to Mongolia border
– Day 11: Transfer across Mongolia & board train to Beijing
– Day 12: Arrive Beijing
St. Petersburg to Irkutsk (14 days)
– Day 1-4: St. Petersburg city time
– Day 5: Overnight train St. Petersburg to Moscow
– Day 6-7: Moscow city time
– Day 8: Overnight train Moscow to Kazan
– Day 9: Explore Kazan
– Day 10: Overnight train Kazan to Yekaterinburg
– Day 11: Yekaterinburg city time
– Day 12: Overnight train Yekaterinburg to Krasnoyarsk
– Day 13: Krasnoyarsk time & overnight train to Irkutsk
– Day 14: Arrive Irkutsk
Conclusion
The Trans-Siberian Railway is an epic train journey, but also requires extensive travel time and planning. For adventurous travelers able to take at least 1-2 weeks, it offers a rewarding immersion into Russian and Siberian culture amid beautiful scenery. Carefully considering the pros and cons and planning stopovers, accommodations, and activities can help maximize the rewards of the experience versus the challenges. With the right mindset and preparation, riding the rails from Moscow to Vladivostok through the heart of Russia is truly an unparalleled adventure.