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Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

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Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

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• The Treasures Of Thailand

15 Unique Travel Experiences Around The World

Experiential tourism isn’t a new trend, but it continues to influence travellers when it comes to choosing where to go next. Whether splurging at a beachfront resort or staying on a family farm, connecting with traditions, art, history, food and people is a must-have travel companion these days. Here are our favourite places and ways to dig deeper into local culture.

By Kimberley Lovato

15 Unique Travel Experiences Around The World.

W Hotel in Punta Mita, Mexico – Punta de Mita is heaven for south-of-the-border surf junkies, and this property’s beach offers a break that’s both easy on beginners and a gnarly ride for advanced riders. The pros at the hotel’s WAVE surf are locals who’ve been surfing since childhood. Lessons are USD 169 and include use of a GoPro and epic photos.

Visit American Express Travel to explore more travel ideas and savings.

Tetherow Hotel in Bend, Oregon – Not only does Bend, Oregon draw outdoor enthusiasts, it lures budding rock stars, too, thanks to complimentary in-room use of a beloved made-in-Bend product: a Breedlove and Bedell guitar or mandolin , crafted in the central Oregon town since 1992. Tours of the factory upon request.

Hotel Sumaq in Aguas Calientes, Peru – Stay at this luxury hotel high in the Andes, and experience a private session with a local shaman who imparts his spiritual and historical knowledge of the sacred Incan site of Machu Picchu. The USD 390 per person cost includes transportation, entrance ticket, private tour, boxed lunch and a “Mystical Pachamama” kit as a souvenir.

Glendeven Inn in Mendocino, California – Napa has the star status, but rural Anderson Valley boasts mom-and-pop vineyards and prized pinot noirs. A customisable tour offered by the Glendeven Inn stops at tasting rooms of ‘cultish’ wineries, and for lunch in Boonville or Philo. USD 425 for two includes tasting fees, lunch and gorgeous scenery.

Uri Buri Restaurant in Acre, Israel – Celebrated hotelier and chef Uri Jeremias is known for his Galilean seafood and fish dishes, and his new culinary tour starts with a fish lesson before leading guests through the market’s spice and fish stalls in Acre, 4,500-year-old city about an hour from Tel Aviv. Join Uri for lunch at his restaurant, Uri Buri, one of Israel’s most famous.

Great Spirit Circle Trail on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada – The largest freshwater island in the world is home to the Anishinaabe people who offer insight into their history and culture through local experiences such as retracing ancient canoe routes, listening to songs and stories, tasting traditional tea and foods, and even setting up teepees.

Hotel Su Gologone in Oliena, Sardinia – Rooms at this family hotel in the heart of the Barbagia region are dedicated to Sardinian artists who’ve created furniture, hand-sewn cushions and blankets, tapestries and other décor. Skilled local women in the onsite studio teach embroidery, painting and drawing and jewellery making from USD 30 to 50.

Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad – Trinidad gave the world the only new acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century – the steelpan – and through Banwari Tours (USD 65 per person), guests can watch and listen to musicians in local panyards (practice areas) and even make their own steelpan to ship home.

The Toucan Rescue Ranch in San Isidro, Costa Rica – The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a rehab centre for Costa Rican toucans, parrots, sloths and other wildlife. A guesthouse accommodates up to 5 people, and has a kitchenette and a covered verandah with rocking chair. “Donations” of USD 165 per night are requested and include a tour as well as daily breakfast.

Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo, Japan – The graceful Japanese tea ceremony dates back more than 1,000 years, and Keio Plaza is one of the few hotels in central Tokyo with a ceremonial tearoom, where a tea master sits on the tatami mat and goes through carefully choreographed ritual, pouring tea and offering traditional sweets. Open to hotel guests and non-guests at USD 19 per person.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel in Belize – The threatened Green Iguana is the star at the rehabilitation and educational centre built on this hotel property . Learn about the project on an interactive tour, hold an iguana in your hands, or adopt and name one. Funds support the centre as well as scholarships for local children in San Ignacio.

Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, Colorado – Part of the YMCA of the Rockies, this 5,000-acre property promotes the great outdoors, from summer tubing, mini golf and swimming to 120 kilometres of Nordic skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing trails and more. BYO equipment or rent on-site and stay in affordable hotel-style lodge rooms, campsites or the popular yurts.

Gyde and Seek – Want Rio, Santiago, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Budapest at the tip of your fingers? This app and website connects you easily and instantly to local guides offering anything from a jewellery workshop with a designer in Argentina to a hunt for live music in Rio or a tailored street art tour in Santiago, just to name a few.

VizEat – With a network of hosts in 110 locations around the world, such as Paris, Seville, Athens and Brazil, VizEat invites travellers to savour local flavours via cooking classes, food tours or sit-down meals in private homes.

I Like Local – This online platform connects travellers with locals in Asia and Africa for affordable home stays, like an overnight with the Watasittikul family on their rice farm in Thailand. Pricing varies by location.

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Best credit cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Stepping into an airport lounge from the chaotic main terminal can feel like stepping onto dry land from a whitewater raft. It evokes a feeling of peace, tranquility and “phew – we made it.”

As a result, airport lounge access is one of the most enviable perks you can get with a travel rewards credit card. But which cards still offer it in 2024, and from that list, which are still worth getting?

The best cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Best overall: capital one venture x rewards credit card, best for extensive lounge access: the platinum card® from american express, best for affordable lounge access: u.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® card, best for delta: delta skymiles® reserve american express card, best for united: united club℠ infinite card, best for american airlines: citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard®.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to a wide lounge network comprising Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Plus, its $395 annual fee is easy to recoup on account of the $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options

Other benefits

• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like this card: We like how the Capital One Venture X comes with a hefty 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network, and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

The $395 annual fee may seem steep, but it’s actually a relative bargain among premium travel cards offering unlimited lounge access. Plus, you’ll earn $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary–a combined $400 in travel value–which instantly covers your fee for the year.

The cherry on top is up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, so you can scoot through security and get to the lounge a little faster. All things considered, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the airport lounge card to beat. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express claims to have the widest lounge access of any card on the market, with access to well over 1,500 lounge locations in over 140 countries. Combine that with a list of travel-centric benefits longer than a CVS receipt, and it’s an easy pick for this list. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Reward Rates

• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.
• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like this card: Like a fully-loaded Mercedes S-Class, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an eye-watering price tag but an expansive list of benefits to justify it. 

Naturally, one of those benefits is airport lounge access. You’ll have access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. That’s 1,500+ lounges in total, meaning an Amex Platinum is the closest we have to an airport lounge master key. 

You’ll also get up to $189 back per year on a CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®, up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card, up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal (enrollment required), up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card® (minimum 2-night stay required) and a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership, so there are plenty of ways to extract value from your “Plat” outside of an airport lounge. 

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page  

Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta review Best travel credit cards

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card card includes four free visits to over 1,500 Priority Pass locations worldwide, a $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and a $500 welcome bonus–all for a modest annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

• 5x 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x 4X points on travel, at gas stations and EV charging stations
• 2x 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services
• 1x 1X on all other purchases
• High earnings on travel
• No annual fee the first year
• 4 Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• Points not transferable to travel partners
• Additional perks: Cell phone protection, Trip cancellation/interruption, TSA/Global Entry fee rebate
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: As an affordable travel rewards card, U.S. Bank’s Altitude Connect card is a worthy rival to the reigning Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card . Unlike the “CSP,” the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with four airport lounge passes, a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to 4X on travel purchases. 

The card also waives its $95 annual fee for the first year and offers a hefty welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days worth $500 towards travel and more. In short, it’s positively packed with value for travelers, and if you’re not sure whether you’ll even visit a lounge more than four times this year, it’s a logical choice.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers Delta fans a truly elevated experience, with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, four guest passes, free checked bags, an Annual Companion Certificate, upgrade priority and more. It doesn’t include automatic Medallion status, but offers plenty of ways to to get there faster (e.g. MQD Headstart).

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Intro bonus.

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like this card: Though it charges a heart-stopping $650 annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does include a 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership to help cover your first two years with the card. You’ll also get 3X Miles on Delta purchases, 15% off award travel, a free first checked bag, a $240 Resy Credit, $200 Delta Stays statement credit and more to make the card’s high fee more palatable. 

In terms of lounge access, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year. That’s objectively pretty stingy considering there are cheaper cards on the market offering unlimited access to a larger network for both you and multiple guests. Still, if you’re a solo Delta traveler, 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year may be all you need.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card may charge $525 per year, but it covers a United Club membership–which alone retails for $650–and includes a litany of other travel-friendly benefits like Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• 4x 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• United Club lounge membership
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Path to earn elite airline status by card spend
• Mostly useful if you want lounge access
• Additional perks: Primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement

Why we like this card: If you and your travel companion frequently fly United, check multiple bags each and relish the thought of decompressing in the United Club lounge, the United Club℠ Infinite Card might deserve a place in your wallet. 

That’s because the card’s marquis feature is a $650 United Club membership, granting unlimited access for you and your travel companions. You’ll also get Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 25% back on food/beverage/Wi-Fi purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Once the welcome bonus dries up it can be hard to continue justifying the United Club℠ Infinite Card‘s $525 annual fee–especially since you can only take advantage of the card’s best benefits while traveling with United. The lack of Polaris Lounge access is a bummer, too. But if you’re a hardcore brand loyalist who doesn’t travel light, the United Club℠ Infinite Card could still be a worthy travel companion. 

With complimentary Admirals Club membership (valued up to $850), up to nine free checked bags per trip and an “enhanced airport experience,” the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® rolls out the figurative red carpet for AA frequent flyers.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• 10x Earn 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.
• 4x 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (5X after you spend $15,000 on airfare)
• 1x 1x AAdvantage miles on all other purchases
• Earns AAdvantage miles, which are not easily accessible outside of co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.
• Every dollar spent earns one Loyalty Point toward elite status.
• Includes Admirals Club lounge membership, valued at up to $850.
• High spending requirement for earning the 70,000-mile welcome bonus
• No category bonuses outside of American Airlines spending.
• Travel perks: AAdvantage club membership, checked bag benefit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Credits: Up to $120 annual credit to Avis or Budget rental cars, Up to $10 monthly credits to Lyft and Grubhub

Why we like this card: If you’re ready to pledge fealty to American Airlines via a $595 rewards card, you’ll be receiving plenty of perks and value in return from the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. For starters, you’ll get a complimentary Admirals Club membership and free first checked bags for you and up to eight travel companions–saving up to $720 per round trip. 

You’ll also get 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, 25% savings on inflight purchases of food and beverages on flights and 10X AAdvantage® miles on hotels booked through aa.com/hotels. But perhaps most intriguingly, the card unlocks an “enhanced airport experience” with priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying with AA. 

Just keep in mind that Admirals Club membership only includes access to 50ish Admirals Clubs and 60ish partner lounge locations total, so you may want to confirm that there’s one in your home airport before committing. 

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for airport lounge access.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has the most expansive lounge access, with unlimited visits to locations within the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. 

However, we think the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers better value, with access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group locations for a $395 annual fee ($300 less than the Platinum).  If you are looking for a lower price tag, check out our article about the best cards for cheap airport lounge access .

Are lounge access cards worth it? 

A rewards card with airport lounge access could be worth it if you fly several times a year, value having a secluded place to work, and relax and plan to take advantage of the card’s other benefits. 

Some say that the most underrated perk of airport lounges is having access to a dedicated airline representative inside. That way, you can skip the long customer service line outside if something goes wrong with your travel plans. 

How do I know if my credit card has lounge access? 

Check your card benefits, which can usually be found online following a quick search. While you’re there, check to see if any of the included lounge networks require you to register your membership in advance–that way, you can save time and hassle at the airport.

Methodology

Fortune Recommends surveyed all the cards still offering airport lounge access in 2024 and handpicked the very best. In evaluating cards that offer airport lounge access, we compared the annual fees to the amount of lounge access provided. From the card granting access to the most locations worldwide to another charging a mere $95 annual fee ($0 for the first year), we found the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2024.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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Moscow Travel Guide

• Guide to Russia
• Russian Destination Guide

Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

MORE SIGHTS

• Moscow Fact File
• History of Moscow Russia
• Arriving in Moscow
• Getting Around
• Moscow Museums
• Nightlife in Moscow
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• Outside Moscow

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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Home » News » Helloworld completes $70m acquisition of Express Travel Group

Helloworld completes $70m acquisition of Express Travel Group

Helloworld Travel Limited announced the completion of the 100 per cent acquisition of the Express Travel Group (ETG) in a sale worth $70 million.

The $70 million acquisition is set to be paid in two tranches.

The first will be a combination of a cash payment of $40m and the issue of new Helloworld shares equal to $10m, while the second tranche will comprise a $15m cash payment and the issue of $5m worth of Helloworld shares.

HLO CEO and managing director, Andrew Burnes said, “We are pleased to complete this acquisition and look forward to working with Tom Manwaring and his team as they continue to support their agent networks and customers in the years ahead.”

The acquisition received almost total support from those voting on the decision to acquire ETG, with 99.75 per cent of the votes being for the move.

The Helloworld Directors said the following of the transaction: 

• It presents an opportunity for Helloworld to expand its existing retail network presence in Australia and New Zealand; 
• It is strategically compelling for Helloworld as it recognises that the ticket consolidation business of ETG and Helloworld together will enable a competitively stronger business; 
• It represents an attractive financial impact, with earnings accretion expected from FY2024 and a reasonable multiplier of 7 times forecast earnings for FY2023;
• It enables strong synergies through the use of Helloworld’s Smart Tickets solutions, enabling the ETG agent networks to engage with the best in market solutions while continuing to work with the ETG team; and 
• The two-tranche payment and escrow agreement for the consideration shares provides a further de-risking of the transaction.

Founded as Orient Express Travel Group in 1983, Tom Manwaring joined in 2000 after 29 years with Cathay Pacific and took full ownership of the business in 2003. In 2014 the word “Orient” was dropped from the name.

Today ETG operates an air ticket consolidation business, retail travel networks and cruise and package wholesaling in Australia and New Zealand with a national support network and offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland.

The company employs over 100 personnel and encompasses a suite of brands, including Express Tickets, Independent Travel Group, Select Travel Group, Alatus, italk travel & cruise, Creative Cruising AU/NZ, and First Travel Group, YOU Travel, and Lifestyle Holidays in New Zealand.

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The World’s Slowest Express Train and Other Mind-blowing Rail Trivia

Posted: August 18, 2023 | Last updated: December 9, 2023

Facts to send you off the rails

The US has the largest railway network

You might be surprised to hear that the US has the largest railway network in the world , and by a large margin. With a total route length over 155,342 miles (250,000km), it's two-and-a-half times longer than the second-largest network in China. It's the US freight rail network that makes up 80% of the staggering length while passenger rail, run by Amtrak, is comprised of more than 30 train routes connecting 500 destinations across 46 American states.

Glacier Express is the world's slowest express

The slowest express service in the world, Switzerland's Glacier Express takes a whooping eight hours to cover a distance of just 181 miles (291km). That's because the scenic route takes in sights like Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey, and the Landwasser Viaduct – a six-arch bridge which stands at 213 feet (65m) and plunges straight into a tunnel that leads through the mountain. The day-long trip covers 91 tunnels, 291 bridges and offers the chance to take in stunning alpine meadows, mountain lakes and chalets. 

The steepest railway is also in Switzerland

The steepest cogwheel railway in the world , this train, ferrying passengers up to the summit of Mount Pilatus, is no mean feat. Reaching a maximum gradient of up to 48% it can be a challenging journey as it feels like the train is about to topple over at any second. The track's steep gradient is not its only spine-chilling feature. Clinging on to the mountainside, the train passes through tunnels carved into the mountain which open up to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

This is the longest distance you can travel by train...

Crossing two continents, the incredible journey from Porto in Portugal to Singapore is the longest you could possibly do by train alone. Covering an approximate distance of 10,000 miles (16,000km), the route leads from Porto to Warsaw in Poland before traveling east to Beijing in China. From there the journey turns south to Vietnam and reaches Singapore via Cambodia and Thailand. The full journey would cost around $7,000 and would take at least 12 days to complete.

...and the longest direct service

However, if you're after the world's longest direct train service, you'll find it in Russia. With two scheduled trains, an express departing once every two days and a regular service departing daily, the Trans-Siberian route from Moscow to Vladivostok is the longest direct train journey in the world . It covers 5,772 miles (9,289km), crosses eight time zones and takes 166 hours (144 hours on the express) to complete, which is equivalent to almost a full week. The train has 142 stops and passes through 87 cities and towns.

The longest railway tunnel is also the deepest

Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland is not only the longest but also the deepest railway tunnel in the world . It runs for 35.5 miles (57km) with a maximum depth of 8,040 feet (2,450m) – that’s eight times the height of The Shard in London. The tunnel provides a high-speed link under the Swiss Alps between central and southern Europe.

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Middleton Railway is the oldest railway still in operation

Founded in 1758, the Middleton Railway in Leeds, England operates as a heritage railway today but it was originally opened to transport coal from the Middleton pits to Leeds, which led to the city becoming a center for many developing industries. In 1812 it also became the first commercial railway to use steam locomotives successfully. Passenger services on the line didn't begin until 1969 and today visitors can still ride trains and visit the museum.

Strasburg Rail Road is America's oldest

America’s oldest operating railroad, the Strasburg Rail Road first puffed off the buffers in 1832. Today it takes its passengers on a whistle-stop tour through Pennsylvanian Amish country. Four steam locomotives still pull original rolling stock on the 45-minute round trip to and from Paradise, and an audio commentary dispenses nuggets of knowledge on the nation’s oldest continuously operating short line railway.

The busiest train station

Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan is the busiest train station in the world with over 3.6 million passengers passing through daily. The station has more than 200 exits and is made up of five smaller stations. Europe's busiest is Gare du Nord in Paris, France, serving around 214 million passengers every year while Penn Station in New York City is the busiest in North America , with a thousand passengers alighting and departing every 90 seconds.

Check out these beautiful images of the world's train stations

The world's highest railway

Traveling at an extreme altitude, the Qinghai–Tibet railway is the highest line in the world , extending between Golmud and Lhasa. Just five pairs of passenger trains run along these tracks as each has to be specially equipped for high elevation. For example, the locomotives are turbocharged to combat the effects of extreme altitude, the passenger carriages on Lhasa trains have an oxygen supply for each passenger and there's a doctor on every train. The line's highest point (and also the highest in the world that can be reached on a train) is the Tanggula Pass at 16,640 feet (5,071m) above sea level.

Seven Stars is the world's most exclusive train

Japan's Seven Stars is a so-called cruise train that takes travelers on a multi-day tour around the island of Kyushu and is often considered to be among the most exclusive and expensive train journeys in the world . Bagging a ticket on this exquisite service is not as easy as just heading to the booking site – only 28 passengers travel on each journey, so prospective riders must enter a lottery to be invited to purchase a ticket for an upcoming departure.

These are the jaw-dropping rail journeys you'll never forget

Canada's first transcontinental train

Built between 1881 and 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway's first line connected eastern Canada with British Columbia – an incredible achievement considering the diverse landscape the train had to traverse. The first train to travel the full route departed Montreal's Dalhousie Station at 8pm on 28 June 1886 and reached the final terminus on the western seaboard, Port Moody, at noon on 4 July. Here, that first train is photographed in Fernie, some 600 miles (900km) east from Port Moody.

Take a look at incredible images that capture the history of train travel

The first train to traverse Australia

Indian Pacific travels on a very special track...

Today the trip aboard the Indian Pacific spans four days, three nights, three time zones and passes through the scenic Blue Mountains as well as across the famous Nullarbor Plain. Here the train travels on the world's longest straight stretch of railroad, which extends for 303 miles (487km).

...and stops at the most remote train station in the world

On this remarkable straight stretch of tracks you'll also find the world's most remote train station . Although Cook was once an important stopping point on the long journey across Australia, today it's more a ghost town with just four residents left. The trains still stop here to refuel and serve as a rest stop for the drivers, but if any passenger was to get off here, they would be about 62 miles (100km) from the nearest road and around 513 miles (826km) away from the nearest city.

These are Australia's eeriest abandoned towns and villages

This is the highest railway bridge in the world

Taking from 2004 to 2022 to be built, this remarkable bridge across the Chenab river in India is  the world's highest . Suspended 1,178 feet (359m) above the river – that's 98 feet (30m) higher than the Eiffel Tower – the railway line crossing the bridge connects Udhampur and Baramulla. The full length of the bridge is  1,532 feet (1,315m) and will surely make for a spine-tingling ride.

You can walk across these breathtaking bridges

Can you pronounce the longest train station name?

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – you'll find this remarkable train station in Wales in the UK. Exactly 58 letters long, the station serves the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll and roughly translates as St Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio near the red cave in English. As it turns out, the name has no historic significance and is a marketing gimmick from the 1880s to attract tourists that stuck.

You can ride the Hogwarts Express in real life

Dubbed Britain's most scenic train route, the West Highland Line runs from the Scottish city of Glasgow to Fort William before continuing its journey towards the port of Mallaig. After a brief stop in Fort William, the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the same bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter movies. What's more, the Jacobite Steam Train was used as the Hogwarts Express in the movies and is available to ride during the summer months (roughly April to October).

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There are ghost trains running in London

Did you know that several times a week there are empty ghost trains traveling in and out of London? Due to complicated legal procedures required to shut a railway line in the UK, it's cheaper to just run a so-called ghost train down the line every now and then. Currently, there are four services running on otherwise disused lines that don't stop or take on passengers – Overground to Battersea Park, Overground to Enfield via Stratford, Chiltern to West Ealing and Southeastern to Beckenham.

Murder on the Orient Express isn't set on the Orient Express

Bookworms and movie buffs alike might be surprised to hear that Agatha Christie's famous novel isn't exactly true to fact . By the 1920s and 1930s there was a whole host of trains connecting various European cities with Orient Express featuring in their name in addition to the Orient Express itself. The events described in the book take place on the Simplon Orient Express, which departed from Calais via Paris Gare de Lyon while the Orient Express departed Paris Gare de l'Est.

World's oldest travel agent was started thanks to a train journey

The expansion of railways in the UK is what inspired businessman Thomas Cook to create the world's first travel agent . He ran his first trip on 5 July 1841, escorting around 500 people to a teetotal rally in Loughborough from Leicester.  After organizing tours of the UK and Europe for World's Fairs, Cook set up shop on Fleet Street in 1865 and began offering travel services. Pictured is a train ready to leave London Victoria on a Thomas Cook vacation to Italy in March 1937.

There are more than 20 countries without a railway network

Although many countries without a railway system are island nations (like Tonga) or among the smallest countries in the world (like San Marino) others, like Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, all lack a railway network mostly because the transport systems there are highly dominated by roads. Others like Malta and Cyprus used to have train lines, but they closed as they proved to be financially unsustainable. Iceland doesn't have a public railway system either, mostly due to harsh weather, however, plans have been made to build a high-speed airport railway.

You could go to the Moon and back on trains

There are approximately 807,783 miles (1.3 million km) of railway tracks on Earth . And while it certainly sounds like a lot, it's hard to imagine how far exactly that is. Put into perspective, the Moon is 238,855 miles (384,400km) away, which means there are enough tracks on Earth to go to the Moon and back, go to the Moon again and come back nearly halfway. 

Maglev is the fastest train in the world

Traveling at a mind-boggling speed, Shanghai's maglev (magnetic levitation) train is the fastest passenger train in the world . With a spine-tingling operational speed of 267mph (430km/h), the train connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Longyang Road Station in the outskirts of Pudong. Traveling at an average speed of 143mph (230km/h) , the 19-mile-long (30km) journey can be completed within eight minutes.

There's a station without an entrance or an exit

A railway station in Japan exists just so passengers could get off the train and admire the stunning landscape. Located on the Nishikigawa Seiryu line in southern Japan, the Seiryu-Miharashi station has just one small platform only accessible to passengers passing through on the train. The platform looks over the Nishiki River and the surrounding forest, and the passengers have about 10 minutes to take in the views before the train leaves again.

There's a secret station hidden under the Waldorf Astoria

Hidden deep below New York’s Grand Central Station and the Waldorf Astoria, the city’s first skyscraper hotel, there is a secret train platform known as Track 61 . Although the station was allegedly used to secretly transport VIPs including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the platform was actually built as a powerhouse and storage area for unused New York Central Railroad cars and not as a passenger station. 

Now take a look at more abandoned stations around the world

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Mount Ruang Erupts in Indonesia, Spewing Lava Thousands of Feet Into the Sky

Hundreds of earthquakes were detected in the weeks preceding the eruption of the volcano in North Sulawesi province. Hundreds of people were evacuated.

By Christine Hauser

Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday, spewing fiery lava and ash thousands of feet into the night sky and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people in the North Sulawesi province, according to the authorities and local news reports.

The volcano erupted at about 7:19 p.m. local time, Antara, the national news agency, reported. The country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said on Wednesday that more than 800 people in nearby villages were displaced by the eruption, many using ferries and taking shelter in churches and community centers.

The authorities said supplies such as mats, blankets, cleaning materials, and tents were needed, and that more shelters might be opening for people fleeing the volcano.

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation. It is spread across what is known as the Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates clash under the surface of the Pacific Ocean and spawn earthquakes and eruptions from volcanoes.

Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano , or a steep, conical volcano that has built up over years in layers from explosive eruptions of lava, rock fragments, ash and other properties.

“It is in a part of the world where there are a lot of active volcanoes,” said Dr. Tracy K.P. Gregg , who chairs the geology department at the University at Buffalo.

Its last major eruption was in 2002, when the column of lava and ash that it spewed reached up to 17 miles, Dr. Gregg said.

She said the volcano in 2002 measured 4, a “large” volcano on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, a scale used to measure the strength of an eruption by looking at several factors, such as duration, ash volume and plume height. Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 measured 6 on the index. Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 measured 5.

“So it is a little bit smaller than that,” she said of Mount Ruang. Right now, it is not as violent as the previous eruption, she added, but the volcano cannot be fully assessed while it is in progress.

More than 300 volcanic earthquakes were detected over a period of at least two weeks preceding the eruption of Mount Ruang.

It is not immediately clear why the volcano erupted when it did. “Every volcano has its own personality,” she said.

In the past few years, several volcanoes in Indonesia have erupted. In December, 2023, the bodies of 11 hikers were found on the slopes of Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra, after an eruption that spewed an ash column of nearly 3,000 meters — about 10,000 feet high.

In December 2022, more than 1,900 people were evacuated from the area surrounding Mount Semeru as it erupted. In an eruption there the previous December , more than 50 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

Christine Hauser is a reporter, covering national and foreign news. Her previous jobs in the newsroom include stints in Business covering financial markets and on the Metro desk in the police bureau. More about Christine Hauser

Indian Embassy in UAE issues travel advisory for Dubai due to unprecedented weather

NEW DELHI: The Indian Embassy in the UAE has issued a travel advisory for Dubai due to unprecedented weather conditions.

"While the UAE authorities are working around the clock to ensure normalisation of operations the situation is unprecedented. The authorities have advised that passengers may travel to the airport only after final confirmation from their respective airlines regarding the departure date of the respective flights," said the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

In light of the advisory, inbound Indian passengers transiting through Dubai International Airport are advised to reschedule non-essential travel till operations are normalised.

In order to assist Indian nationals at the Dubai International Airport, the Consulate General of India in Dubai has operationalised emergency helpline numbers around the clock.

Meanwhile, aviation services from India to Israel too are impacted due to the ongoing volatility in West Asia. Air India has decided to suspend all flights to Tel Aviv until April 30.

"Our flights to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended until the end of this month in view of the emerging situation in West Asia. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers who have confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," said a statement issued by Air India.

Meanwhile, as the situation continues to be tense, travel advisories continue for Israel and Iran.

The 16 sailors in Iran are yet to head back home, though one female cadet was permitted to leave and landed in Kochi on Thursday.

"The 16 Indian sailors continue to be housed on the ship MSC Aries. The Indian government is in touch with the authorities in Iran and hopes they return back soon," said a source.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials reaffirm that the Indians are not under arrest and will leave when the ship's captain permits them.

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