western railway journey

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Showcase Departure

CANADIAN SUNSET

Our Canadian Sunset is a jewel of a trip featuring a rare four-night voyage through Upper Canada and scenic 1000 Islands aboard Canada's only riverboat, the 66-passenger Canadian Empress , at the height of autumn colors.  Also included is scenic train travel, four nights in New York State's beautiful Finger Lakes region, fine hotels, daily sightseeing and much more, concluding with visits to historic Niagara on the Lake and Niagara Falls for visual splendor throughout.

Being based in California, we must admit a built-in bias to the Western United States and we cover this beautiful region from top to bottom, starting at Glacier National Park, Montana and extending all the way to the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles in the south. Our Great Western Limited classic train offers vista-dome viewing over three different routes with all scenic sections timed for daylight.

Whether you choose our stunning ‘Elegant Canadian Rockies’ program with Glacier National Park, Montana or the awe-inspiring ‘Yosemite to Denali’ holiday which features a virtuoso visual treat with Yosemite, Alaska’s Inside Passage and Denali all in one sublime, relaxing vacation, we can show you the West best. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Featured Videos

Rockies to Red Rocks

Great Western Holiday

Steam Through the West

Itineraries in the western u.s..

New Year’s at the Grand Canyon

2024/25 date:, december 29, 2024 – january 5, 2025, 8 days from $2,395 per person.

One of our most popular and affordable holidays to one of the prettiest places on earth. Travel to Gallup, New Mexico aboard the Southwest Chief train from either California or Midwest points starts this eight-day getaway, followed by a trip over the storied Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While cool, this is a magical time to be at the Grand Canyon with a light dusting of snow against the purple canyon walls and few visitors.

We have two nights at the South Rim with sightseeing and free time before, on January 2nd, doing the scenic drive to Las Vegas for a three-night stay at the iconic Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Here too, fine dining awaits including a magnificent farewell dinner at famed Lawry’s, the Prime Rib. Starting at just $2,395pp, this is a wonderful end to a year, or a nice beginning to a new one.

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September 20 to 27

2025 dates:, march 17 to 24, october 13 to 20, 8 days from $3,995 per person.

This is a showcase trip that is literally and metaphorically a peak experience, combining in one holiday great train travel with extraordinary sights including Pikes Peak, the Royal Gorge, the Garden of the Gods, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway and three nights in glorious Santa Fe. Limited to 24 guests, we begin with vintage train from Chicago to Denver with classic Pullman sleeping cars, fine dining in a swank diner-lounge car and attentive service. Naturally all meals, wines & spirits aboard are included.

We then enjoy fine hotels along with rides on the famed Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, and plenty of free time to enjoy lovely Colorado Springs. Heading south we travel on the storied Royal Gorge Railroad through the Royal Gorge before the high point of the trip, a steam train trip over the extraordinary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad , the longest, highest and most authentic steam railroad in the country. We traverse the entire line on this full day magical excursion. Saving the best for last, we then have three nights in glorious Santa Fe with great dining and sightseeing.  You may want to book now as this trip will sell out quickly.

Southwest Enchantment

September 30 to october 8, march 24 to april 1, october 20 to 28, 9 days from $4,495 per person.

We have long found the Southwest one of the most stunning parts of the country and have created a brilliant holiday with fine hotels, a leisurely pace, travel over the original Route 66, some exceptional dining and a train ride on the storied Grand Canyon Railway, all in a small group that will not exceed 18 guests. Discover one of the most enchanting towns in America, Santa Fe, and in Winslow explore the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest before the centerpiece of your trip, a two-night stay at the famed La Posada Hotel.

Visit little known Homolovi State Park with its excellent visitor center devoted to the Hopi, and stunning Meteor Crater, the best-preserved meteor impact site on earth. Saving the best visual splendor for last, marvel at the Grand Canyon, traveling the entire South Rim. Board the Grand Canyon Railway for the scenic trip to historic Williams, AZ. Next, travel west over the most interesting part of Route 66 through towns like Ash Fork and Seligman on this historic roadway, complete with 1940’s era road signs for Burma Shave, a wonderful journey back in time while en route to Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, we have included a deluxe hotel stay for two nights a farewell dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib.

Rockies to the Red Rocks

2024 dates:, april 23 to 30, october 15 5o 22, 2025 dates:, april 22 to 29, september 23 to 30, 8 days from $4,295 per person.

Experience the majesty of America’s spectacular Western parks, carved over the eons into masterpieces of nature, from the soaring stone bridges of Arches to the mesmerizing spires of Canyonlands and from Monument Valley’s iconic vistas to the timeless grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Aboard the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , take in an extraordinary landscape of towering mountains, deep canyons, the Continental Divide and along the Colorado River, the same route once showcased by the original California Zephyr .  

As a special treat, marvel at the beauty of Dead Horse State Park, a rarely visited beauty just as stunning as the National Parks, and in the Grand Canyon, relish a panoramic ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway . Along the journey, magical touches abound, including an expert Navajo guide in Monument Valley, two nights in entrancing Moab, a farewell dinner at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Las Vegas and, of course, all hotels, transportation and sightseeing included along with your dedicated Uncommon Journeys professional tour manager.

Spring West Coast Swing

April 17 to 28, 13 days from $2,495 per person.

Operating in spring of 2024, our West Coast Swing offers up the very best of the West Coast by train and ship, with some of the prettiest sights on earth. Beginning in historic Old Sacramento, our guests enjoy relaxed visits with comprehensive sightseeing included to Yosemite, stunning Hearst Castle and Morro Bay, the California Coast, the wine growing region of Paso Robles, and San Diego.

And this is all before the highlight of our holiday, a rare five-day Pacific Coastal voyage aboard the splendid Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Line from San Diego to Vancouver that features two more legendary West Coast stops, lovely Santa Barbara and charming, very British Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, followed by Vancouver. With fine hotels, most meals and special attractions like the California State Railroad Museum and more, we look forward to showing you the very best of the West Coast. All Aboard!

Rocky Mountain Majesty

2024 dates:, may 3 to 10, october 18 to 25, may 16 to 23, october 17 to 24, 8 days from $4,695 per person.

Rarely does one holiday offer the visual splendor this one does beginning with visits to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, along with a visit to lesser-known Dead Horse State Park which is a hidden jewel, with complete touring of each park, and this is after two indulgent nights at the superlative Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. After Arches & Canyonlands, we board, right in Moab, the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-day journey, traveling in daylight hours only, to Denver. In addition to this fine train, our guests enjoy an overnight stay en route in historic Glenwood Springs. This train trip is legendary, traveling along the Colorado River and through Glenwood Canyon and through the Rockies in supreme comfort in big-windowed cars and every creature comfort onboard.

Upon arrival in Denver, we transfer to lovely Colorado Springs for a three-night stay where more stunning vistas await, from the spectacular Garden of the Gods to the famed Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak. We also visit the impressive US Air Force Academy and enjoy a trip through the Royal Gorge over the Royal Gorge Railroad . With fine hotels, great dining, transportation, all transfers and complete sightseeing, this is one of our nicest western holidays ever. All Aboard!

Springtime in Yellowstone & Grand Teton

June 9 to 15 – once only, 7 days from $3,495 per person.

Our ‘Springtime in Yellowstone & Grand Teton’ is the first of our new Uncommon Journeys Select departures featuring deluxe small-group touring with never more than 14 guests on a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with personalized attention, roomy 2-1 seating, upgraded complimentary snacks (including See’s candy) and best of all, the ability to see places and things not possible with a big bus.

We begin with a stay in one of America’s grandest hotels in Spokane and then enjoy Yellowstone and Grand Teton at the perfect time of the year, before crowds and hot weather. With comprehensive sightseeing included everywhere, well-chosen hotels, most meals and a professional travel manager, this is a supremely comfortable way to travel. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Best of the West

June 19 to 30 sold out, july 10 to 21, july 31 to august 11, september 4 to 15, 12 days from $5,995.

Gaze at the delicate persimmon-hued rock formations of Arches National Park and then peer across a landscape of extraordinary shapes carved over millennia by the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. Float down the Snake River beneath towering peaks in Grand Teton National Park, witness Old Faithful keep her schedule in Yellowstone National Park and in Glacier National Park, ascend to the heavens along the Going to the Sun Road.

Ride aboard America’s greatest train ride, the showcase Rocky Mountaineer , with a stunning daylight passage through the Colorado Rockies from Denver right to Moab. Experience Lake McDonald’s mirror-like waters, the frontier fun of Jackson and Park City’s captivating silver mining history. As you watch the rising sun reveal the vertical cliffs of Moab, listen to the wind whisper through the pines at Yellowstone National Park, and touch the sky from the soaring mountains of Glacier National Park, the magnificence of America’s beauty envelops you.

Wonders of the West

June 29 to july 7 sold out, july 20 to 28, august 10 to 18, september 1 to 9, june 21 to 29, july 26 to august 2, august 16 to 24, september 6 to 14, 9 days from $3,995.

Bask in the grandeur of America’s western landscapes, from surreal pools and geysers to idyllic lakes and colossal peaks seemingly shaped by a heavenly sculptor. Journey by elegant train to Glacier National Park, where you’ll wind along the breathtaking Going to the Sun Road, every turn a visual marvel. On shimmering Lake McDonald, the crown jewel of Glacier Park, you will enjoy a cruise on emerald-hued waters while gazing at the Continental Divide.

Relish additional time on pristine waters with a dinner cruise to Jackson Lake’s Elk Island during your visit to Grand Teton National Park, a unique opportunity to dine amidst a sublime setting. In timeless Jackson, soak up the exhilarating atmosphere of the Old West, and in intriguing Salt Lake City, applaud the architectural jewels of Temple Square. Whether watching majestic bison roam or spouts of steam gush skyward, this uncommon journey will bring you closer than ever to the miraculous wonders of the west.

Canadian Rockies & Alaska with the Queen

July 27 – august 10 – once only, 15 days from $4,995 per person.

For summer of 2024, we have a one-time special holiday that is very special indeed since it combines in one stylish and relaxed journey two places on every traveler’s bucket list: Alaska’s stunning Inside Passage including Glacier Bay and the majestic Canadian Rockies, both at the perfect lime of the year.

And since how one travels is often as important as the destination, here too, we offer up two more bucket list experiences: Travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies on a stunning daylight passage aboard Via Rail Canada’s showcase Canadian with its iconic dome cars followed by Alaska aboard  the acclaimed  Queen Elizabeth of Cunard Line . Thus, our guests enjoy the last great train in North America along with travel aboard a ship that is the heir to the great traditions established with the original Queen Mary , Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2 . While countless ordinary cruise ships offer Alaska cruises, there is only one Queen ship offering it and these two components make our holiday a splendid undertaking.

Glories of the West

August 22 to 31 – once only, 10 days from $4,695 per person.

Our new Glories of the West holiday offers up great vistas of some of the most extraordinary scenery in North America, on a leisurely paced and well-designed Western holiday. Begin in Denver with two nights in the ‘Mile High City’ which allows not only time to see the historic downtown center but a beautiful full day excursion that takes the storied Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, a short but fun ride aboard the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad and last but not least a driving trip with an expert narrator through the epic Garden of the Gods.

Next we board the California Zephyr for a spellbinding day trip through the Rockies over the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , the ”Main Line through the Rockies” to Utah, a visual feast of the highest order. Then we move on to two nights at lovely Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and then for a long time favorite of ours, the gorgeous Gates of the Mountain cruise on the Missouri River near Helena, made famous by Lewis & Clark on their great expedition west. After two nights in Helena, a scenic drive west to Coeur d’Alene Idaho and historic Spokane. Better still, as an early booking bonus, guests m ay continue to the grand spectacle of Alaska including Glacier Bay aboard Holland America Line for as little more as $199pp.

Great Glacier Park & Pacific Coast

September 11 to 22 – once only, 12 days from $4,295 per person.

Begin with train travel to Spokane aboard the Empire Builder followed by a stay at one of the great hotels of America, the historic Davenport, followed by three days in Glacier National Park with complete sightseeing including the Going to the Sun Road, a cruise on Lake McDonald, Many Glacier and adjacent Waterton National Park. Then, on to Banff and Lake Louise with special treats like dinner atop Sulphur Mountain and its epic gondola ride, the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper past dozens of glaciers and towering mountains followed by an overnight stay in lovely Jasper. Next up is a daylight train ride through the Rockies aboard Via Rail Canada’s famed Canadian with its iconic vista-dome cars.

After the train ride, travel to Vancouver and the Queen Elizabeth , stopping for filet mignon at the celebrated Gotham Steakhouse in Vancouver. Aboard the Queen Elizabeth , enjoy the closest thing to a classic ocean liner voyage available today. And there can be no grander end to any holiday than sailing into San Francisco aboard a majestic liner. This holiday has only one flaw– it will sell out quickly and prompt reservations are encouraged.

A Train Holiday to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, the Black Hills & Mt. Rushmore

September 13 to 22 – once only, 10 days from $4,895 per person.

For many years, our guests have asked us to offer a trip to impressive Mt. Rushmore in addition to our usual offerings to Grand Teton and Yellowstone each summer, and we have finally tailored the perfect holiday that offers, on one leisurely vacation, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore. Nicer still, our tour ends with a style and manner of transport that has all but vanished, travel aboard our own vintage streamliner train, the Great Western Limited on an overnight passage from Denver to Chicago, a rare chance to enjoy classic train travel with Pullman sleeping cars, an observation lounge car and excellent dining (naturally, all meals, wines & spirits while aboard are included).

Comfort, along with wildlife and stunning views, abounds on this trip, with most of our hotel stays being at least two nights long. Our guests enjoy time in Salt Lake City, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, historic Cody and three nights in Black Hills/Mt. Rushmore. Comprehensive sightseeing is featured and highlights include a cruise on lovely Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, complete touring of Yellowstone including Old Faithful, the Upper and Lower Loops and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. In Cody, there is not only a visit to the Buffalo Bill Historic Center but a chuckwagon dinner under the stars. And, of course, visits to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, historic Deadwood and even a ride aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad.

Connoisseurs Great Pacific Northwest

September 14 to 22 – once only, 10 days from $3,595 per person.

For September of 2024 we have created a special one-time holiday that combines in one relaxing trip a number of unusual destinations in the great Pacific Northwest along with two famed modes of travel: Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train with its epic views of the Pacific coast and the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth , one of the nicest ships afloat, on a rare Pacific coastal voyage. To these fun modes of travel we have added in fine hotels, some great sightseeing, a visit to spectacular Olympic National Park in Washington and lovely Harrison Hot Springs, BC.

After two blissful nights at Harrison Hot Springs a short drive brings us to Vancouver, where another highlight awaits, a grand bon voyage sailing day luncheon at the acclaimed Gotham Steakhouse, one of the highest rated restaurants in Canada. Saving the best for last, we then board the stately Queen Elizabeth at Vancouver Harbor, setting sail on a rare Pacific coastal voyage with all of the luxury and amenities you would expect on one of the world’s most fabled ships. While there are many reasons to savor a short sampler voyage on the Queen Elizabeth , one of the best reasons is the excitement of sailing under San Francisco’s majestic Golden Gate Bridge in true Ocean Liner fashion.

Steam through the West

October 4 to 12 – once only, 9 days from $3,995 per person.

A one-time trip that features three great train trips behind Steam through the American West with rides over the storied Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the historic Nevada Northern Railway and the fabled Virginia & Truckee Railroad . Nicer still, we have great ‘non-train’ adventures like a tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a ride over the original Route 66 across Arizona, a full day visit to stunning Lake Tahoe and much more.

With a relaxed pace, fine hotels, some great dining including breakfast daily, comprehensive sightseeing and more, this is a wonderful trip. Additional highlights include an overnight stay in Las Vegas on the Strip, a trip aboard the California Zephyr over the Sierra Nevada between Reno and Sacramento and a visit to the acclaimed California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. All Aboard!

North by Northwest

April 30 to may 10, 11 days from $3,995 per person.

Our one-time North by Northwest offers up a visual feast of great vistas beginning with the rightly praised route of the Co ast Starlight train from California to the Pacific Northwest. And this is just the beginning of wonderful sights that include Mt. Rainier National Park followed by a full day exploration of seldom-visited North Cascades National Park. And this is just the warm up for what comes next, an Alaska Inside Passage mini-cruise with mile after mile in the Inside Pasage where whales, bears and eagles are often sighted. This rare five-day voyage also features two fun ports in Alaska – Sitka and Ketchikan – for the ultimate Pacific Northwest holiday.

Nicer still, we have fine hotels, with each stay being two nights, comprehensive sightseeing (all included), some great meals and a professional tour manager to oversee the entire program with transfers, special parties and much more. This is an ideal springtime holiday when crowds are less, at a remarkably attractive price. We look forward to welcoming you aboard this vacation, with ease and comfort throughout. All Aboard!

May 2 to 13

12 days from $3,995 per person.

Our Spring 2025 West Coast Swing offers up a visual feast in one elegant and relaxing holiday that includes Old Sacramento, Yosemite, stunning Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach and train travel over the famed Coast Route of the Union Pacific Railroad , traveling along the blue Pacific for 131 miles.

Our guests enjoy two days at Yosemite National Park and a ride on the pretty Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad before traveling to Hearst Castle for a visit of this stupendous sight! We also visit Morro Bay and picturesque Pismo Beach, all before the centerpiece of our holiday, a rare Pacific Coastal cruise from California to Vancouver aboard the Royal Princess with stops in San Francisco and lovely Victoria, BC en route. One departure only and certain to sell out so call now. All Aboard!

Journey to the Great Bear Rainforest

October 1 to 12 – once only, 12 days from $3,495 per person.

This is a splendid one-time trip to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Alaska that visits the land of the white spirit bears. You will see mist-shrouded inlets along British Columbia’s untamed coastline, isolated outposts like Bella Bella and view Alaska’s Inside Passage. With train travel aboard the famous Coast Starlight , a comfortable three-night deluxe hotel stay (with breakfast daily and all taxes), a full day visit to Mt Rainier National Park and sightseeing to wondrous sights like Snoqualmie Falls and quaint Gig Harbor, this holiday is a visual treat.

Other nice features include a visit to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park with bears, moose, mountain goats and deer in a natural setting that we drive through with an expert narrator. And to end on an elegant note, during our stay in Victoria we visit lovely Butchart Gardens, where our guests enjoy Afternoon Tea. Call now for special early booking bonuses and amenities. All Aboard.

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5 Top Train Trips for Exploring the West

Article By: Ralph Spielman

Simplify your family vacation planning with these five top train trips for exploring America’s Western states. Each of these rail travel adventures are sure to make for interesting family travels.

What could be simpler than train travel? No driving worries, strange motels, bad food, security checks, airport hassles or cramped seating afflict those who experience about long distance travel by train. Flights are much faster, true. Train trips, howevr, are much more immersive. Picture travel at eight feet or 12 feet above the ground versus 35,000 feet and, it’s not as bumpy.

Were your kids cooped up at home during the pandemic? Hopefully, they practiced online learning skills and hung around the virtual Amtrak Activity Center ? It’s time to introduce them to train travel and the fun of moving around train cars.

Heading Out on Amtrak’s Western Train Trips

As an avid train traveler and vacation-lover, I want to share a few of my favorite longer train trips. They are out West and suitable family travel fun, filled with history, geography and the natural sciences.

They’re all operated by Amtrak. America’s national rail operator runs 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. Did you know that Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day to more than 500 destinations? ?

If that sounds daunting, there are travel agents who specialize in rail travel. Alternatively, consult with Amtrak Vacations , the railroad’s official tour operator. Let’s look at my top five train trips for exploring the Western U.S. plan ahead for future journeys.

What Makes These Western Train Trips Memorable

Any train travel offers great sightseeing out the windows. As a bonus, these trains also make servicing stops. Stops range from five minutes to an hour and allow passengers a chance to get off the train and walk around a new station a little.

There’s no special responsibility weighing on the driver – that’s someone else’s job so your family can relax together. All of the Amtrak trains noted offer reasonably comfortable seats and meal services, with a selection of food, snacks and drinks for the duration of the trip. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives are also available.

One item to remember is train timekeeping is not always exemplary; on all these runs, Amtrak owns or shares track with host freight-carrying railroads. These “landlords” may be bent on putting their freight train in front of yours. Expect possible delays.

Keeping Everyone Busy When They’re All Aboard!

Another item worth remembering is that WiFi is not generally available on these trains, but some of the larger stations should have it. Given the lengths of these suggested trips, you might want to bring favored snacks and games (both board and electronic games).

Unlike flying, there are a lot of toilets to choose from and strollers are free to carry on. Many stations on Western train trips offer advanced boarding for families with young children. If you are traveling in a sleeping car, the showers on-board can be a big help, with big towels supplied by Amtrak.

And even if your kids don’t belong to Greta Thunberg’s Kids Rights movement, they surely know that rail travel is much more environmentally friendly than CO2-burning road and air transport.

What’s Special about Overnight Amtrak train trips in the U.S.?

This author has had occasion to travel overnight in long-distance coaches, where every seat is comparable to an international business class airline seat. It is, surprisingly, better than you might think, relatively quiet at night and very affordable for families. The long-distance rail cars are built for the job and big windows on each side afford some fantastic views of scenic areas.

Why go West? Sleek double-decker trains carry everyone in quiet luxury with longer horizons and large windows for better viewing. When you alight at a service stop and look down the length of the train, both the length and height of your rolling home combine to make it seem like a linear apartment building. These rolling behemoths stretch more than three city blocks in length.

If your budget can afford it, the way to travel is in a sleeping car on the runs west of Chicago.

Special Facilities & Amenities on Western Train Trips

The sleeping car first appeared in the 1850s and, for my money, is the most unique way to travel anywhere in the world, especially in that part of our nation. These Western trains travel from Chicago and New Orleans to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon and Seattle.

Each two-level Western train offers an upper-level dining car with tableside meals, and an upper-level sightseer cafe/lounge car, with floor to ceiling windows to ensure memories and incredible photos. Chances are, either sleeping car or coach, your accommodation will be on the upper level with its own amazing views.

Western Long Haul Train Trips with Sleeper Cars

The gamut of overnight Western rail trip offerings starts at a lower-level, full-width family room, suitable for as many as four family members! Other accommodations offered are a cozy roomette, suitable for two in upper and lower berths and deluxe double bedrooms, suitable for up to three people, equipped with an ensuite shower, sink and toilet.

Accessible rooms are suitable for physically challenged travelers plus a companion. Showers are available for all sleeping car passengers.

While there are roomettes on both levels, the family and accessible rooms are on the lower level. Double bedrooms, the premium accommodation, are strictly on the upper level, and offer amazing views.

Favorite Amtrak Stations in the West: Albuquerque, Denver, Fort Worth

Servicing stops in places like Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas afford breaks in the ride. The whole family has a chance to take leg-stretching platform walks and witness the activity at the station.

Albuquerque even offers opportunities to purchase Native American handicrafts during the stop the Southwest Chief makes there.

I’ve tried to describe westward journeys in most cases to give everyone a longer day as you chase the sun on its westward journey. Let’s hop aboard each one for a look at their respective routes.

Have a memorable trip, no matter which train you decide on!

Chicago and New Orleans>Los Angeles; Texas Bayous, Farms and Deserts on the Sunset Limited

With a set of through cars from Chicago joining the New Orleans-originating Sunset Limited in San Antonio, Texas, the southernmost transcontinental Amtrak train travels three times a week in both directions.

Should you depart from New Orleans, the Sunset will whisk you west by way of a 900-mile transit of Texas. Bayous, farms, ranches and desert are all visible on this trip.

Should you book from Chicago or St. Louis to connect with the Sunset Limited , a sleeping car and a coach start on the Texas Eagle , which runs through Little Rock on its way to the San Antonio rendezvous, where both trains join. By the time the sun rises heading west, you are gazing on the farmlands of eastern Texas.

Traveling southwesterly through the state, it takes 16 hours (about the time to drive from New York to Chicago) to go from the Arkansas border to your connecting point.

West from Texas>Los Angeles; Crossing New Mexico on the Sunset Limited

When both parts of the Sunset Limited unite and head west, a New Mexico morning greets passengers. Daylight in New Mexico and Arizona takes the train through what was the Gadsden Purchase, land the U.S. purchased from Mexico to build the very route the train travels on.

The Arizona desert gives way to nocturnal transit of California’s Imperial Valley with an early breakfast arrival at Los Angeles.

Chicago>Los Angeles; From Lake Michigan to the Pacific on the Southwest Chief

While the Texas Chief/Sunset Limited will take you from Chicago to Los Angeles through the desert, the shorter way between those two points is on the daily Southwest Chief , which travels through scenic, largely unpopulated Northern New Mexico during daylight hours in both directions.

You view the High Desert, a riot of reds and browns against a sunny blue sky, through large windows. From an elevation of 600 feet in Chicago, the train climbs to an amazing 7,588 feet above sea level at the Raton Tunnel in Northern New Mexico. This marvel of engineering is the highest point in the Amtrak system.

Fun stops for the family to disembark and tour would be Lamy, New Mexico — a short taxi ride from Santa Fe – and Albuquerque. Flagstaff, Arizona is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Fullerton, California is close to Disneyland in Anaheim.

Along the way, the friendly crews will be happy to point out attractions of interest; you may just see wild stallions on the range in Southern Colorado! It’s a wonderful way to see the Southwest go by, instead of zooming above it at 500 mph. The thrill of having a leisurely meal while floating through scenic vistas from the flat Illinois plains to the Rocky Mountains? Priceless.

On a Western adventure, a train trip is a lot more real than flying over and more restful than a long drive.

Chicago>San Francisco; Through the Mountains on the San Francisco Zephyr

If Denver, Salt Lake City, or the San Francisco Bay Area are points on your destination horizon, a mid-afternoon departure on the daily California Zephyr makes for perfect family travel to your special destination. It is a spectacular transit between Denver and Salt Lake City in daylight in each direction. There are 44 tunnels through the Rocky Mountains, a 50-mile climb out of Denver and a six-mile long Moffat Tunnel to keep everyone interested in the journey. The views on a clear day from the sightseer lounge car climbing out of Denver on a clear day are breathtaking.

The full trip, at over 2,400 miles, is one of the longest routes Amtrak currently offers. The western end of the line in Emeryville, California is but a short connecting bus ride to San Francisco over San Francisco Bay.

Western Rail Favorite: Northern Crossing; Empire Builder and the Pacific Northwest

The daily Empire Builder offers up the plains of the Midwest, the Rockies and Pacific Northwest forests en route from Chicago to its twin destinations, Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The window of your coach or sleeping car room will afford a better than wide screen television 3D view of constantly changing vistas.

Heading West, the trains leave in the afternoon, with second day arrival at the last stop in the late morning. The Eastbound train leaves in the late afternoon, with an arrival in the late afternoon in Chicago on the second day of travel.

Kids will love daylight views of the Northern Rocky Mountains through miles of Montana wilderness, dotted by the occasional small town. If you look closely on the way through Glacier Park, you might just see some mountain goats! On the way to and from Seattle, you will travel through almost eight miles of the Cascade Tunnel, currently the country’s longest railroad tunnel.

These Western Stations Encourage You to Stay Awhile

You might want to make a family friendly detour, perhaps at Glacier National Park, served by stations at East Glacier Park, Essex, West Glacier and Whitefish, all in western Montana. Or, spend an overnight in the Twin Cities, filled with family-friendly museums, restaurant, and cultural events.

If you want a shorter flavor of local culture, a 30-minute stop in Minot, North Dakota; a 25-minute stop in Havre, Montana; or a 20-minute stop in Shelby, Montana; will allow for some daytime platform strolling as your two-level train is serviced. Train time is always busy at these  places, integrating the locals with the travelers arriving at each station. For your budding engineers, there is a large Great Northern Railroad steam engine to glance at as part of the Havre Station.

Please note: the Sunset Limited only runs three days a week in each direction; the other trains run daily.

Ralph’s Train Western Trip Tips

It pays to book your Amtrak tickets in advance online or in person. Young trainfans will probably enjoy a visit to their local station to plan and purchase tickets for their next journey.

Full dining car service is available to both coach and sleeping car passengers on long distance trains. On many trains, the original china and silverware are back in use too.

Coach passengers can purchase food in the cafe car. Full dining car service (plates and linen on the tables) is available to all passengers on the Sunset Limited , the Southwest Chief , San Francisco Zephyr , and the Empire Builder section to Seattle. The Empire Builder section to Portland, Oregonand the Texas Chief offer a lessened meal service for sleeping car passengers.

Get New Amtrak Deals And Learn About New Amtrak Fare Rules

Amtrak introduced a new, simplified fare structure. It’s great news for a few reasons. New Amtrak fares are more flexible and affordable since October 2023. Amtrak has also committed to refunding credit card purchases to the original form of payment, rather than giving you an eVoucher. There are now only two fare types but each has its own rules, so read on.

Amtrak Flex Fares :

These tickets allow maximum flexibility in travel planning.

Flex Fare Rules : Flex Fares are fully refundable if canceled and can be changed without fees before departure . However, buying new tickets will reflect the latest fares. Note that when even deeper discounts are available, these fares will be non-changeable and only 50% will be refunded if canceled.

Amtrak Value Fares :

These tickets are the best value if your dates/travel times are locked.

Value Fare Rules : Take advantage of a these lower-priced tickets. However, travel times and dates are non-changeable. Plus, you only get a 75% refund if canceled.

Take advantage of recent Amtrak Fare improvements you may have missed.

• Ultra-low  “Night Owl” fares , which are as low as $5 – $20 on select Northeast Corridor (NEC) routes.
• Amtrak Guest Rewards  members can now redeem tickets with points on more fare types.
• Revised children’s discount  means all children (2-12 years old) can travel for 50% off with an accompanying adult (previously limited to 1 child discount per adult fare).
• Expanded passenger discounts – such as senior and military –apply to all fares, including sales.
• Book Share Fares , which allow groups of 3-8 people traveling together to receive discounts ranging from 17% to 60%.

Our Next Station?

Please share your feedback in the Comments section below! If you’re interested in more rail travel ideas for tweens, teens and lifelong railfans, let us know.

The last time, I covered my favorite train trips in the East . For our next installment, we will travel up the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to Seattle, visit Canada for some great across-the-border train trips, and visit a few tourist railroads for some short, family-friendly and truly memorable rides.

Ralph Spielman is a retired Fortune 500 Corporate Travel Administrator, a lifelong train enthusiast, a volunteer docent at Grand Central Terminal and a volunteer at The High Line, both in New York City. He has ridden many trains, large and small in Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

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NOT AFFILIATED WITH GWR

According to the Bath station attendant who could not help me use the eticket I purchased, this app and the GWR website are now owned by a different company. The refund process also seems to be a scam as they will charge you £10 to get a refund on your unusable ticket, if you’re lucky enough for the online refund portable to actually function. I’ve been trying for the last hour to register, submit, and upload all the info they require for refund and it still won’t accept my submission because there is no option for “nonfunctioning ticket” or “error with app”. To be clear, I actually purchased my tickets via GWR online directly, but was then told I need to download this app to use it. In fact, neither the website nor the app are of any use. Purchase your ticket at the station and save yourself a headache.

Do NOT use if you’re a non-UK visitor

I wish I would’ve read the reviews before I attempted to buy three tickets: charges all pending on my credit card, but no tickets in the “my tickets” portion of the app, nor have I received an email confirmation after the purchase. Ended up going to Paddington Station in person to buy tickets, with the other three tickets purchased on the app still pending on my credit card. Help through the chat function says the charges will drop off, but who knows. Absolutely unacceptable, do not use this app if you are a non-UK visitor. As others have said, I am also currently in London so even if you try to make a purchase with your US credit card while you are physically in the city of London, you will be out of luck.

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Trans Siberian Railway Map- 12 Highlights To See Along The Way

The legendary Trans-Siberian line from Moscow to Vladivostok is the longest railway in the world in the world. It starts in Russia’s capital and ends a week later in the Far East of Russia in Vladivostok, a city that was closed to foreigners until 1990. The longest train ride in the world will take you from Europe to Asia without leaving Russia, passing by eight different time zones. In this article, we’ll explore the Trans Siberian railway map and introduce you to some of the main highlights along the way.

The train departs every two days and can help you get to know Russia in just two weeks by enjoying the changing landscapes and breathtaking scenery and listening to stories from Russian people from all parts of the country. The world’s longest railway still attracts a lot of passengers even in today’s era of cheap flights . And don’t think that the people on the train will be mostly tourists. The Trans-Siberian line connects 87 cities and villages and it’s the first choice for most locals. It’s more than a train line. In fact, I could even say it’s a lifeline for millions of locals…

Winston Churchill did a great job describing Russia as a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” and that’s arguably true even today. This journey might not give you all the answers but it can surely give you a lot of them. From the mesmerizing monotony of the Russian landscapes , the empty fields and useless pieces of land, the lonely villages , and of course the people that hold everything together.

What to expect from the longest train ride in the world?

There are three types of carriages: platzkart (open carriage), second class, and first class. The beds on the coaches are quite comfortable: I’m 6 feet tall and I didn’t feel uncomfortable not even for a minute. The food was much better than I expected but the most difficult part was the shower. The only showers on the train are reserved for first-class passengers. However, don’t forget that this is Russia and you can get a hot shower for a small fee if you get friendly with the conductor.

The only bad thing about this journey is that you only pass by places and you don’t have the time to stop and explore deeper. The train only stops a few times per day, obviously leaving you with nowhere near enough time to get to know a place. The good news, however, is that there are tours that aim to replicate this whole experience by making stops on the most interesting destinations along the Trans Siberian Railway map. One such example is the Trans-Monglian Express tour by G Adventures .

But, if you’re not planning to take a tour, you can always learn a lot from the people who get on and off the train. Every person you meet on the train can uncover a jigsaw from the big enigma Russia is. Every breakfast shot of Vodka, every game of Durak (a Russian card game), every drunken discussion about politics in the late nights…

It’s not just 7 days on the train. It’s a chance to meet people from all around the country and learn a lot about Russia on the way. Their faces and stories simply became images in my head of the regions where they were coming from. They were a big part of my journey.

Part 1: Moscow to Irkutsk

I’ve dreamed of this journey ever since I saw a documentary at school about the longest train ride in the world at school. Today was finally the day when that dream came true. Loud applause echoed in the train as it was leaving the train station in Moscow. We just started the world’s longest and most majestic train journey …

The provodnitsas (train attendants) were doing a great job of maintaining the train for the whole seven days and the hygiene was always on mark even in the cheapest class. As I said, the beds were clean and quite comfortable and there were flash blankets and sheets every day.

I was riding in the cheapest coach because I knew I’d have the chance to meet more local people there. And I was right. It wasn’t long enough until a couple of Russian guys from the next coach offered me a glass of vodka. One of them said showing through the window while hitting his chest: “This is Russia and I love this country. It’s amazing”. And I couldn’t agree more.

For someone who has been a victim of the visual harshness of urban cities for most of his life, there was so much to see. The endlessly green sweep of the countryside was passing by in front of my eyes, yet I could only see glimpses of Russia all the missing pieces were unveiled by the passengers hopping on and off the train, the smiling babushkas, and the crafty hawkers selling anything you might imagine.

Part 2: Irkutsk-Vladivostok

The Trans-Siberian Railway was built simultaneously from both, east and west resulting in the two lines meeting at Irkutsk. It was here that in the past, passengers had to take a ferry to go through Lake Baikal and take the other train on the other side of the lake. Nowadays, trains just steam around the lake beside a little-used spur line right next to the satin-surfaced water of the world’s largest lake.

A night away from the Baikal Lake is Ulan Ude, the capital of the Buryat Republic, and home to the largest Siberian ethnic group. It’s also the starting point of the Trans Mongolian Railway. The city is surrounded by deep steep and remote landscapes that make this region look like one of the most isolated places on the planet .

If you’re one of those people who associate Buddhism with East and Southeast Asia , you’ll be in for a surprise. You will see Buddhist monks coming out from Russian cottages, sometimes even boarding the train…

It was the next day when we reached the far east of Russia. It was incredible; we started off in Moscow , right next to Europe and we were only a couple of hundred miles away from Japan , and even closer to North Korea and China. I know it took a week but it felt like the journey lasted really short. Eventually, we reached Vladivostok, an elegant city that was forbidden fruit for tourists until 1990 and the fall of the Soviet Union.

The world’s greatest train journey came to an end. In summary, it was an amazing experience with a lot of breathtaking sights and I would recommend everyone to put this journey on the top of their bucket list . Finally, I will try to summarize the top highlights along the Trans-Siberian Line.

Related: the best things to do in Sochi

Top 10: Highlights along the Trans-Siberian Express

Now that we covered some basics, this article wouldn’t be complete without some of the main highlights on the Trans Siberian railway map.

1.  Perm

The landscapes that one of the biggest rivers in the world uncovers are nothing short of spectacular. The train also passes by one of the oldest Russian cities and the oldest cities along the Volga: Yaroslavl, built in 1010. Today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yaroslavl’s architecture is the ultimate mix between the Russian and the Western and you’ll surely be impressed.

2. Yekaterinburg And The Ural

Yekaterinburg is a city under the Ural Mountains that separates Europe and Asia in two. This city is the melting pot where European and Asian civilizations have merged together. There’s a spot in the city surrounding where you can literally have your two feet on two different continents. Yekaterinburg is also a must for all history lovers as it was the place where the last Russian Tzar Nicholas II and his family were murdered by the Bolsheviks back in 1918. Today, Yekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia.

Planning to visit Yekaterinburg soon? Then you’ll probably like this list of the best hotels in Yekaterinburg .

3. Tyumen

Tyumen is a Russian city, established in Siberia; its ancient past intertwines with current economic development. Stolichnyy Ugol (funded in 1586) was transformed from a fortress to the main capital of the oil and natural gas industry of Russia. The area’s significance increased considerably due to the discovery of large oil and gas deposits in its proximity, which led to its industrial and scientific development. The Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Tyumen to throughout Russia’s extensive land, therefore, it serves as a keynote hub in the country’s transport system.

Omsk occupies a significant place in the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway, with its history being linked with the progress of the military and cultural development of this part of Russia. Now Omsk is known as a hot spot for arts with theaters and museums reprising its glorious heritage with architectural masterpieces like the Assumption Cathedral, the Dormition Cathedral, and the Vrubel Museum to name a few.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to Seversk, one of Russia’s closed cities .

5. Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk in Siberia is not a mere station on the Trans-Siberian Railway, but a metropolis that is home to over three million people, being the largest agglomeration in Siberia and Russia’s third-largest city. It’s famous for being a sort of scientific hub, and for being home to the popular Akademgorodok, where scientists from different disciplines meet. A couple of other landmarks include the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the largest in Russia, and the Novosibirsk Zoo, said to be one of the most modern ones in Russia.

6. Krasnoyarsk

One of the greatest Russian authors of the 19 th century, Anton Chekhov described Krasnoyarsk as the most beautiful city in Siberia. And who am I to disagree with Chekhov? The nature surrounding the city is absolutely breathtaking, especially the Stolby Nature Reserve. You will also be able to see the traditional Siberian timber mansions spread across the forests and amazing landscapes along the Yenisei River.

7. Irkutsk

Known as the Paris of Siberia, Irkutsk is the city where the two lines of the Trans-Siberian Railway connect. The city will blow you away with its wooden architecture and neo-classical buildings. Irkutsk is located right next to the Baikal Lake, which takes us to the next point:

8. Lake Baikal

There’s not much I can say about the world’s deepest lake which holds one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. Located in the south of Siberia if you’re traveling in the winter you will witness the marvelous look of the frozen Baikal. At this time of the year, you can literally walk on top of the lake. If you want to take a short detour you can go for the Circumbaikal Railway which takes passengers around the lake.

9. Ulan Ude

Ulan Ude is the capital of the Republic of Buryatia in Russia and offers a unique blend of culture that can be described as a mixture of Russian and Mongolian/Buddhist influences. The most notable feature of the city is the iconic statue of the giant head of Lenin, the symbol of the city’s communist past. Ulan Ude is also a place to start a voyage to the previously mentioned Baikal Lake, the world’s deepest. As far as other landmarks go, the city is also home to the National Museum of Ethnography which provides a glimpse into the local Buryat culture, traditional clothing, dwellings, and customs, and the Museum of History that showcases the historical development of this unique multicultural city.

10. Khabarovsk

The town of Khabarovsk, located on a border close to China, is a charming town on the bank of the Amur River. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers looking to catch a break from the long train ride along the Trans Siberian Railway map. However, the city isn’t just about beautiful natural scenery; it’s also home to numerous museums, theaters, and galleries reflecting the multiculturality and artistry of the Russian Far East region.

11. Vladivostok

Finally, we made it to the end of the rail line. Vladivostok is a city that is much closer to China and North Korea but the city has a surprisingly European feel. Vladivostok is comfortably framed by the rugged mountains surrounding the city and this location made the city the perfect choice for a center of the Soviet Pacific Fleet. That’s why foreigners were forbidden to come here until 1990.

12. The Feel Of The Train Journey

Spending a week on a train (2 weeks if you’re going back) sounds like an amazing adventure. It is indeed, the longest train ride in the world that covers 8 different time zones and shows you practically all parts of Modern Russia and the differences between them. Just looking at the beautiful nature and endless steep and the feeling of being lost in the middle of nowhere just adds to the reasons why the Trans-Siberian journey should be at the top of your bucket list.

13. The People

Finally, the people. As I mentioned, the longest train ride in the world passes by 87 cities and villages. Unfortunately, you won’t have the time to visit all the places individually but you can experience them through the eyes of the passengers who are boarding the train. The longest train ride in Russia is a very common way of transportation around the country and there will be a lot of people from different parts of Russia that you can meet on the train.

Things To Know Before Exploring The Trans Siberian Railway Map

Only a handful of nationalities can visit Russia without getting a visa. So, unless you’re from some of the former Soviet/Yugoslavian countries or South America, you probably need a visa before visiting. If you want to learn everything you need to know about getting a Russian visa and learning how much it costs, visit this website .

For the best travel insurance deals, check out SafetyWing . They have a special offer for people who take the longest train ride in the world.

For the cheapest flights to Russia, use this Qatar Airways offer to save 15% on all flights to Russia . I use it for booking most of my flights because it saves me a ridiculous amount of money.

Finally, if you want to spend some more time exploring the best of Russia’s countryside, consider G Adventure’s Trans-Mongolian tour . No matter how good you are at saving money while traveling, I’m sure you can’t do all the things on this list, and arrange your transport and accommodation for less than what this tour costs!

Did you like exploring the Trans Siberian railway map with us? Would you ever consider embarking on the longest train ride in the world? Let us know in the comments.

If you liked the article, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest!

Emman Damian

Monday 31st of December 2018

Wow! There's so many places to see! I haven't been to Russia let alone in Moscow. I'll definitely put this in my bucket list! I can't wait to video it!

Passport Symphony

Friday 4th of January 2019

There sure are, Emman.

Blair villanueva

Saturday 29th of December 2018

Wow this is something awesome! I also enjoy the the train ride and i think this is something I want to try plus I think its cheaper, right? This also reminds me of the movie Murder in the Orient Express :)

Yes, it's quite cheap if you take into account the distance it covers. I know, right? I had that feeling too at times :)

Thursday 27th of December 2018

Wow. I’ve never taken a train ride more than 6 hours. I love the peacefulness. Glad to know there’s a way to get a hot shower when you’re not in first class! This was definitely a fun read!

Thank you, Marcia :)

Archana Singh

Moscow to Vladivostok is one of my bucketlist journeys. I love train journeys and this one sure is an epic ride. I was already going to do, your 10 reasons added more fuel to my desire.

Thank you, Archana and I hope you experience this someday.

Wednesday 26th of December 2018

What an incredible post and I always know I'm enjoying reading something when all I want to do know is jump on that train! Incredible photos and loved that you didn't gloss over the good and the bad. The stats are incredible and even though we all know Russia is a vast country, until you give us the number of cities it passes in a week, you never really realise how big it is. Lake Baikal in the winter looks absolutely stunning. No showers in coach for a 1 week trip?? mmm.... not sure if I can handle that part no matter how "friendly" we get with the conductors!

Thank you, Amy- I'm really glad to hear you liked it :)

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Train drivers across rail companies to stage fresh strikes in May, Aslef announces

The uk has seen almost two years of industrial action on its railways, with hundreds of millions of journeys cancelled, article bookmarked.

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Fresh travel disruption will impact rail passengers in May as train drivers at rail companies across England will stage a new series of strikes in a bitter, long-running dispute.

Members of the Aslef union will walk out on 7–9 May over pay, and ban overtime for six days from 6 May – the early May bank holiday Monday.

Drivers at c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway will strike on 7 May.

On 8 May there will be strikes affecting Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Most operators will not run any trains on strike days.

Although the strikes affect train companies in England, cross-border services to Wales and Scotland are likely to see some knock-on effects.

The union said that after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks. Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

General secretary Mick Whelan said: “It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.

“We first balloted for industrial action in June 2022, after three years without a pay rise. It took eight one-day strikes to persuade the train operating companies [Tocs] to come to the table and talk. Our negotiating team met the Rail Delivery Group [RDG] on eight occasions – the last being on Wednesday April 26 last year.

“That was followed by the Tocs’ ‘land grab’ for all our terms and conditions on Thursday April 27 – which was immediately rejected. Since then train drivers have voted, again and again, to take action to get a pay rise.

“That’s why Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable.”

Mr Whelan said the year-old offer of a 4 per cent pay rise followed by a second 4 per cent increase was “dead in the water”.

The Independent has contacted the Department for Transport for comment.

A spokesperson for the RDG, which represents the train operators, said: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aself leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running.

“We continue to seek a fair agreement with the Aslef leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn’t taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.”

The latest industrial action comes after thousands of trains were halted during a string of rolling strikes in early April .

Before that, an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs hit for nine days from 29 January to 6 February .

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• Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway

5. Description

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest single rail line in the world. Also known in Russia as the Great Siberian Way, it runs a total of 5,867 miles from Moscow to the port of Nakhodka, just beyond the city of Vladivostok. The railway passes 87 cities and towns and crosses sixteen rivers including the Volga , Ob , and Amur Rivers. About 130 miles of the Trans-Siberian follows along the banks of Baikal Lake and, nearing the railway’s end, about 24 miles are along the coast of the Sea of Japan . A trip all the way across the Trans-Siberian Railway, from Moscow to Nakhodka, takes about eight days.

4. Construction and Historical Role

The construction of the railway began in 1891 simultaneously in the west, from Moscow, and in the east from Vladivostok. Due to the harsh weather conditions, construction was extremely difficult. The forests and large rivers which run through Siberia also were obstacles in laying down track. In the region around Baikal Lake , workers were force to use dynamite to create the mountain tunnels. They also constructed bridges across the mountain river canyons. Apart from the difficult terrain, the cost of such an endeavor and the required manpower were also problematic for the Russian government. The latter was mostly solved by using prisoners and soldiers as workers, who worked at a record pace to complete the railway in only twelve years. They succeeded in connecting Europe to the Pacific and opened Siberia to settlement and industrialization. The Trans-Siberian Railway was of great economic and political importance for the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union .

3. Modern Significance

Today the route remains the longest railroad journey in the world. It runs through eleven time zones and there is the possibility that the route may become longer. The Russian government is interested in extending the line to Seoul, through North Korea , in order to import Asian manufactured goods. A passenger service from Moscow to Seoul may also be a possibility but currently the commercial interest takes precedence. New track has already been laid in North Korea. The Trans-Siberian railway continues to be an important means of transporting goods and people wanting to reach various parts of Siberia.

2. Sites To See Along The Way

The cities en route have become interesting cultural centers. Moscow, currently at the western most end of the railway, has many fascinating things for tourists and locals. Two and a half hours of train travel leads to the city of Vladimir, which was once the capital of Russia , and to its four UNESCO World Heritage cathedrals. Nizhny Novgorod is six hours away and was an important trading center with the orient. It was closed to outsiders for many years, during which time it served as a detention area for political exiles. The city also holds well preserved memorials from the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries. The Baykalsk region is popular for its ski resorts. Since there is a compulsory overnight stay in Khabarovsk, passengers can take advantage of the many theaters and museums in the city.

1. Environmental Threats and Territorial Disputes

Though there are plans for extending the railway, and test operations on the rail track were already completed, disputes between North and South Korea are hindering progress. Shipping companies in the east are also endangering the railway’s value as a means of communication and transport between east and west. However, the railway could remain a competitive alternative to sea transportation if the South Korean funds help the Russian government to modernize and extend the Trans-Siberian Railway.

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Total Guide to plan & book a great Trans-Siberian Railway Trip

31. December 2020

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It’s slow travel at its best, taking you from one continent to another, through big cities, over the Siberian steppes and along the largest lake in the world. Without a doubt, a Trans-Siberian Railway trip will take you on the greatest railway journey in the world. This legendary adventure stretching over eight time zones is one of the best travel experiences you can have, and no other rail journey can compare to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Travelling the Trans-Siberian Railway is a dream for many people, and for one of us, this ultimate adventure was a lifelong dream. Doing this trip independent can seem like a bit of a challenge, and it also did for us in the start. The questions can be many but read on. This blog post has all the answers on how to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway independently. We will also shortly present the stops we had en route and give you some suggestions on what to see there, as an idea, while you start planning your journey.

1. Planning your Trans-Siberian Railway trip

We chose the classic, original route, starting in Moscow, before ending in Vladivostok, and we had our Trans-Siberian Railway trip in winter. That is just one way of doing it, but the options are many.

There are many things to consider when you start planning your journey, but first things first. A trip with the Trans-Siberian is perfectly safe, both for families, solo and female travellers. It is the way Russians have travelled for years, and very few reported incidents. Take precautions, choose your berth wisely, and take care of your belongings.

A journey like this requires some planning. But if you are like us, then you also find planning your trip half the fun.

Checklist for planning your Trans-Siberian Railway trip:

• When do you prefer to travel? Which season?
• Do you want to travel eastbound or westbound?
• Which visas will you need to organise? Check visa requirements
• Make sure that your passport is valid six months after you return
• What should be your final destination?
• Which route should you choose?
• How much will it cost?
• Do you want to stop along the route? Where?
• Organise travel insurance

The above list gives you a brief overview of things to take into consideration when planning your trip. What you choose will mostly depend on your wishes, budget and the time you have on hand.

2. Best time to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

If there is one best time to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway or not, is really up to you and what you prefer. The train runs all year round, and each season has something to offer. Some periods are busy or warm while others are freezing cold.

Trans-Siberian in summer

Summer is the most popular time of the year for a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. With the summer holiday in the western world, lots of travellers find themselves onboard the train. It can get busy and harder to find tickets for some routes. The summer months are great if you travel solo and want to meet other fellow travellers.

The climate in Russia is mild, but July and August can get very hot. The same goes for Mongolia. Even the summer is shorter in Mongolia it really can get warm also there. China is hot and humid in the summer months.

Trans-Siberian in autumn

Autumn is by many considered the best time to travel the Trans-Siberian. It is less crowded, the worst heat is gone, and the foliage let you catch the autumn colours along the route. The weather can still be nice the whole route. In China, the humidity from the summer is gone.

Trans-Siberian in winter

A Trans-Siberian trip in the winter is spectacular. Yes, it can get freezing cold, like in really Siberian cold, and you will see that Siberia looks like yes, Siberia. The trains are heated and, you can expect to sweat even in winter. But to snug up inside while watching the Siberian winter pass by outside the windows is a magical feeling.

It is much fewer passengers in the winter, so it never gets crowded, and finding tickets is rarely a problem. Bring lots of warm clothes (think layers of clothes) for exploring the places you choose to stop.

Winter is considered the best time to visit Lake Baikal with its clear thick ice perfect for winter activities. The lake usually freezes from mid or end of February and last at least throughout March.

Trans-Siberian in spring

The spring is maybe the least recommended time for a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. It is no longer winter and also not summer. In late spring when the snow has melted, and nature starts to wake up is also very pretty. China has pleasant weather in the spring.

Spring is also not the busiest time on the train. It’s great for avoiding crowds and, tickets are available.

TIP: Read our post on the Harz Mountain Railway or the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn in Germany if you would like a nostalgic journey with a steam train

3. Choose your Trans-Siberian Railway route

The Trans-Siberian Railway is not one train route, but it’s a network of railways connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East. The building of the railway started in 1891 and finished in 1916. Train services ran along the route much before its completion. Today, the expansion of the railway system continues, with connecting routes to China, Mongolia, Japan and North Korea.

You can choose from three main routes, but the Trans-Siberian Railway also has several other options for connections along with its extended network. You don’t have to follow the same route the whole time, and you can combine more routes in one journey.

Eastbound or Westbound?

You can make your Trans-Siberian Railway trip in both directions. The choice is up to you and what you prefer. The eastbound route tends to be more popular among western travellers, so westbound is recommended if you are looking to avoid too many other travellers.

Usually, you will have to book one long-haul flight. Either to start the journey or when you have finished. Check airfares before you decide, it can be a big difference in costs depending on where and when you fly.

BUDGET TIP: In case you end your journey in Vladivostok, you save big bucks on flying domestic back to Moscow, and then have your international flight out from there, instead of flying out from Vladivostok

We chose eastbound from Moscow for two reasons. Firstly we found it kind of more romantic to start our adventure with the long train journey first, instead of with a long haul flight. Secondly, starting our winter trip with the Trans-Siberian in Moscow, also gave us the chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve there before we boarded the train the next day.

TIP: Read our post with tips and attractions in Moscow for a Moscow city break

Trans-Siberian line: Moscow to Vladivostok

The legendary and original mainline from Moscow to Vladivostok is mostly following the historic path over the continent. Trains leave Moscow daily for this 9,259 km long journey. Depending on the train number, this route takes at least 143 hours, or around six full days. It can take longer. Some of the trains have slightly different routes or more stops en route.

The prime choice for this route is train number 1/2, the Rossiya. Train 1 is westbound and, train 2 is eastbound. Rossiya is regarded as the best train along this route, with the best comfort, service and food. It is also the most expensive one, so if you’re on a budget, consider doing only shorter legs with this train, and combine it with other trains, e.g. train number 62.

• Train number 1/2 has daily departures, in both directions
• Train number 61/62 departs Mon, Thurs, Sat, both directions
• If you plan to stop on your way, it is also possible to travel by trains that follow the same route but doesn’t go all the way to Vladivostok. It is still the Trans-Siberian Railway.
• Train number 70 will take you from Moscow to cities like Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk or Irkutsk. In any of these cities, you can catch up with train number 2 or 62.
• For stops before Irkutsk, you can travel with the trains going to China and Mongolia and later change to trains for Vladivostok.

Trans-Manchurian line: Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria

This route takes just over six days for travelling 8,986 km. Train number 19/20 has weekly departures to or from Beijing via Manchuria (train 19 is westbound and train 20 is eastbound). This train follows the mainline on the Trans-Siberian Railway between Moscow and Chita. Also here you can combine it with stops and other trains. This route is operated by Russian trains.

• Train number 19/20 departs Saturday nights from both cities
• This train does not go via Mongolia. You will need visas for Russia and China only
• Take this train if you wish to visit the Harbin International Ice Snow Sculpture Festival in China

Trans-Mongolian line: Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar

This is the most popular route for western travellers on a Trans-Siberian Railway trip. This route is 7,621 km and takes 6 nights. With this train, you will have the chance to experience three different countries with their unique cultures. After travelling over Siberia, this train cuts across Mongolia and the Gobi desert before entering China.

TIP: Read our post on the Oslo to Bergen train an incredible beautiful train journey

The major train on this route is the weekly train number 3/4 (train 3 is westbound and train 4 is eastbound). This route is operated with Chinese trains, but when in Russia, a Russian restaurant car is attached, then later a Mongolian before a Chinese restaurant car for the last part of the trip is attached.

• Train 3 departs Beijing every Wednesday
• Train 4 departs Moscow every Tuesday
• Between Moscow and Ulan Ude you can combine this route with all other trains
• Most travellers on this train need a visa to Russia and China, and some also to Mongolia

Other routes

There are other alternative routes to take on your Trans-Siberian Railway trip as well, where you later can connect with the mainline to Vladivostok, or with the trains to China.

One route runs via Kazan, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan in southwest Russia. Another option is the train via Yaroslavl, northeast of Moscow. Yaroslavl is part of the Golden Ring of ancient towns in Russia.

TIP: Read our post on the best places to visit in Russia’s Golden Ring

4. Choose your Trans-Siberian Railway stops

When you have chosen your preferred route for your Trans-Siberian Railway trip, it is time to choose your stops. It is possible to travel the whole journey in one go. But we do recommend stopping en route to your destination. Russia has so much to see, so it would be sad to miss out on a stop there.

Depending on the time you have, you can almost have unlimited stops. If you follow the mainline, there are several interesting places in Russia to visit. Perm, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk (Lake Baikal) and Ulan Ude are all recommended places to stop, among many others.

We chose two stops along the route, in Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk. If you have limited time, and can’t do too many stops, these two cities will give you many options to explore Russian culture, cities and nature.

Best things to do in Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg just west of the Ural mountains is the gateway between Europe and Asia. With a population of over 1,3 million, it is a major Russian city. The history goes long back but is maybe most famous for being the city where former president Boris Yeltsin came to rise, and also for being the city where Russia’s last monarchs, the Romanov family were executed.

The city centre is lively, with a mix of grand old and communist-era style buildings. The city has good cafes and restaurants. After some time on the train, a break here can be very welcome. If you visit Yekaterinburg in the winter, the city has a small ice sculpture festival in the city centre.

If you like opera or ballet (and think Bolshoi in Moscow is too expensive), Yekaterinburg has an excellent opera and ballet house showing first-class productions throughout the year. We were lucky and got good tickets for The Nutcracker for only €50.

If you’d like a detour out of the city, you can visit the Europe-Asia border, located 40km west of the city. Yekaterinburg For You can arrange the trip for you.

Our highlights in Yekaterinburg:

• Visit the Church upon the Blood. This is the death site of Tsar Nicholas II and his family
• See the mansion house of Sevastyanov
• Watch an opera or ballet at Ural Opera & Ballet . Book tickets in advance
• Eat excellent Uzbek food at the restaurant Nigora
• Visit the Ascension Church
• Enjoy the mix of architectural styles

Best things to do in Irkutsk

This Siberian city is such a hidden treasure. Irkutsk is beautiful. One of the best things to do there is simply to wander around its streets and take in the beauty of the city.

From streets full of beautifully crafted wooden houses to spectacular churches and monasteries, Irkutsk really was a pleasant surprise. The food scene in the city is also great. Cute cafes serve delicious breakfasts, trendy cafes have excellent coffee and restaurants serve mouth-watering Asian food.

TIP: Read our post on Flamsbana Railway in Norway . It is said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world

Irkutsk is the gateway to the famous Lake Baikal. You can visit the lake on a day trip from Irkutsk, or better spend a night or two. Most hotels and hostels in Irkutsk can help arrange trips to Baikal. The nearby, lakeside village of Listvyanka is a good starting point for exploring Lake Baikal. You can reach the village by hourly bus from outside the tourist office in Irkutsk.

Our highlights in Irkutsk:

• Wandering along the river and the streets to look at all the cute wooden houses and churches
• Visit the amazing Kazan Church of Irkutsk
• Visit Znamensky Monastery
• Eat excellent Asian food and Russian dumplings
• See the Epiphany Monastery

5. Classes on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Of the regular trains, train number 1/2, the Rossiya , has the best standard. It is very comfortable, but don’t expect luxury even when travelling on this train.

There are usually two or three classes to choose from when booking your ticket, but this may vary from train to train, season and demand. The berths (rooms) don’t vary that much. It is more about the space, and how many you will share the berth with.

Which class you should choose depends on your wishes and your budget. If you value privacy, choose the first class. If you travel on a budget, choose the third class. On the other hand, if you want to meet the locals as they travel, choose this class as well. Choose the second class for anything in between.

To get the best experience of a Trans-Siberian railway trip, we would recommend a mix of the classes (if you have stops along the route). It will give you unforgettable memories with locals, and ensure some privacy and calmness on the trip.

First class

1st class berths, known as Spainy Vagon or SV , on Russian trains are usually the same as 2nd class, but only the lower beds as used, meaning you only share the berth with one other person. On Chinese trains, known as deluxe sleeper , you normally sleep in the upper bed and can relax on a sofa during the day.

On trains without first class, it is possible to buy out the whole berth for single-use or to buy out the left-over beds in your berth if you are more people travelling.

The luggage is stored under the lower beds, and the berth is equipped with a reading light and electric socket. There are toilets and washrooms at each end of the wagon. Some trains have a shower available. Ask your train host if your train has showers for rent.

Second class

Usually, 2. class is known as Kupe, which are 4-bed berths with two upper and two lower beds. The lower beds function as a sitting area during the daytime. Expect to share your lower bed with passengers from the upper bed during the day, e.g. for meals. The second class on Chinese trains is called soft sleeper .

The luggage is stored under the lower beds, and the compartment is equipped with a reading light and electric socket. There are toilets and washrooms at each end of the wagon.

Third class

The third class, known as platskartny , has an open plan with 54 bunks per wagon, arranged in groups of 4 or 2. Here you will have a lack of privacy, but on the other hand, you are guaranteed nice encounters with your fellow passengers.

If you are travelling on a tight budget, the third class will be the best option. It is significantly cheaper than the higher classes.

Private luxury trains

If you have the money and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one of the private luxury trains could be the option for you. Here you travel in a secluded world, with meals, excursions and the best comfort included. It is expensive, so only expect to meet other wealthy travellers on this train. The downside is that you won’t have many encounters with the locals if you choose one of these trains.

Check Golden Eagle or Imperial Russia for more information on private luxury trains.

6. How much does the Trans-Siberian cost?

It’s a myth that a Trans-Siberian Railway trip is very expensive. On the contrary, when thinking of the distance travelled, it comes out as very affordable indeed.

In addition to the Trans-Siberian-Railway ticket itself, there are some additional costs you need to add:

• Costs for the visa(s)
• Health insurance
• Flights (or other transport) to start and endpoint
• Accommodation before and after the train ride, plus at the stops you make
• Food and drinks
• Personal expenses

The price of the train tickets depends on the time of year you travel, and your preferred class. The high season is June to August when the ticket prices are at the highest. Also around Russian New Year and Christmas, the prices rise. The same goes for the Chinese train around Chinese New Year.

In general, it is cheaper to travel the whole Trans-Siberian without stops, as you then travel on the same ticket the whole way. Making stops will raise the ticket cost, but not that much. The more stops you make, the higher the total cost you will get (when you stop you have to buy several independent tickets).

Your travel class will affect the ticket price the most, and in general, a first-class ticket is around double of a second-class 4-berth ticket. The lower bed is more expensive than the upper bed. Some tickets on certain trains also include one or a few meals, but far from all the meals, you’ll need.

Price example (per person) from our Trans-Siberian Railway trip (January 2020):

• Train number 70 Moscow-Yekaterinburg, 2nd class, 4-bed berth, lower bed: €68/ $83
• Train number 2, the Rossiya , Yekaterinburg-Irkutsk, 2nd class 4-bed berth, upper bed:€129 / $158
• Train number 100 Irkutsk-Vladivostok, 2nd class, 4-bed berth, upper bed: €121/ $149/ lower bed: €157 / $193

Total price Moscow-Vladivostok with two stops: €672/ $825, or only €336/ $412 per person. With more stops, the price will go up, and without stops, it will go down, but the difference is really not that much.

Tickets from Moscow to Beijing can cost as little as €550/ $680, but the real bargain is on the classic route from Moscow to Vladivostok.

As seen above, it is possible to make a Trans-Siberian Railway trip quite cheap. If you travel only third class, you can save more, and first-class would cost around double. The total price for the whole trip will then more depend on your choice of accommodation before, during and after the trip, and how much the flights or other transport costs before and after the train itself. With budget accommodation and low-cost airlines, it is possible to do this whole trip for less than €1000/ $1230, food and activities not included, if you live in Europe.

Expect to pay much more if you use a travel agent. Should you prefer to book via a travel agency, you will get the best deal from local offices in China or Mongolia, while the western ones usually will be the most pricey option.

For private luxury trains, you should expect to pay more than €10,000 (up to €20,000). And that’s per person!

7. How to book Trans-Siberian Railway tickets?

When you have decided your route and planned which stops your Trans-Siberian railway trip should have, it is time to book your tickets.

Booking tickets to the Trans-Siberian Railway is surprisingly easy and straightforward. There is no need to ask a travel agent at home or in Russia to do this for you. Expect to pay much more if you use a travel agent.

Tickets are available for booking 60 days before departure. Especially in the high season, it is recommended to book in advance, but often it is possible to find tickets 2-3 days in advance online or at the train stations in Russia. The Trans-Mongolian line is popular and can sell out due to only one departure per week. Book way ahead unless you are very flexible on time.

During the booking process, you can choose between available berths and between upper or lower beds. You can also choose between mixed-gender or female berth only. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the train, so you don’t have to fear smoking in your compartment.

TIP: There are toilets at each end of the wagons. If the toilet is full, it can stink really bad, also in the corridor and berths close by. Choose your berth in the middle of the wagon.

How to book tickets at the Trans-Siberian railway (for trains starting in Russia)

• Go to the official website of the Russian Railways (site in English)
• Click on log-in or registration to create a profile (mandatory before booking)
• Type in from/to and date and search
• Click on the from-price in the class you prefer, and see which berths are available
• Choose your berth, and if you want an upper or lower bed
• Fill in personal information, confirm, and pay (NB: you need to add your passport number)
• Voila! You have your ticket
• Tickets work electronic but, we recommend a print-out in case of battery issues

PLEASE NOTE: This way of booking is at the moment only available for trains starting in Russia. You can not book tickets online on this site for trains starting in China or Mongolia. Some US-issued credit cards may get rejected.

How to buy tickets on trains starting in China and Mongolia:

• You can not buy tickets for the Trans-Siberian Railway at Beijing stations
• The CITS international train booking office is recommended for purchasing tickets in China and Mongolia
• In Ulaanbaatar, you can buy tickets at the international ticket office next to the train station

8. Life onboard the Trans-Siberian Railway

A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway is slow travel at its best. Prepare yourself for days on the tracks with many fellow passengers coming and going. The encounters with fellow passengers, tourists and locals, will be some of the most memorable moments of this trip. Keep in mind that the Trans-Siberian is not run for tourists. It is as it’s meant to be; a passenger train made for transporting many people over long distances. Don’t expect nightclubs and entertainment onboard.

Even though you will spend hours and days onboard the train, you hardly will have time to get bored. Somehow, the days pass by as the Siberian landscape slowly glides by outside your window. Relax, watch the scenery outside, read, play a game, listen to music or podcasts or watch a downloaded movie or series. Talk with your fellow passengers, stretch your legs at the stops, have a drink and enjoy your journey. That’s all that it’s about!

Please note that onboard the train, they always use Moscow time. Time tables show both Moscow and local time. Keep track of the time zone, and you will manage.

Before boarding the train

Essential items to pack

• Comfy clothes
• Slip-on footwear
• Electric adapter
• Toilet paper
• Bottled water
• Instant food

Arrival and boarding

• Trains in Russia are punctual
• Check the name of the station closely
• Arrive latest 30 min before departure
• Platform and track will be displayed in the departure hall
• Keep tickets and passports safe but available for inspection

Arrival on the train

Upon arrival, you will meet your train host, the provodnitsa. She is the boss, your best friend, and must be obeyed. Each wagon has its provodnitsa, and on long trains, they work in pairs (one works while the other rests). They only speak Russian and can seem very strict and fearsome, but mostly they are friendly and helpful.

On arrival, she will check your ticket and provide you with the bed linen. Her most important task is to keep her wagon clean, tidy and warm. She also makes sure that the samovar (water boiler) at the end of the corridor always contains hot water for your use.

At the beginning of the journey, they usually also offer some souvenirs or snacks they have for sale. Buy something, and you have a friend and helper for the rest of the journey. If you need something, like plates, cups or cutlery, you can often borrow it from her (for a small tip).

Your compartment

Depending on if you travel solo, as a couple or in a small group, usually, you share your compartment with other passengers, unless you have bought all beds. Be polite, greet fellow travellers and try to interact with them.

You can be lucky or not so lucky with your roommates, but that’s also a part of the experience. Put baggage under the seats, and keep personal belongings in your bed. Respect that people want to sleep in the night, and expect fellow passengers to come and go at all times as the train stops frequently.

If you have the lower bed, you are expected to make room for passengers in the upper bed to sit in your bed and share the table at meals. Not everyone is so happy with doing this, but all passengers have the right to use the table.

TIP: If you are two travelling together, book one lower and one upper bed on the same side. Then you can rest whenever you want, and sharing the lower bed as a daytime sofa and the table is never a problem.

Meals on board

Let’s be honest: don’t expect your Trans-Siberian Railway trip to be a culinary journey. In that case, you will get deeply disappointed. If your ticket includes some meals, you will get them brought to your compartment. Every train has a restaurant car, with various decorations. The food in the restaurant car is disappointing and nothing special. It is quite pricey for such low quality.

Try the food in the restaurant car as part of your experience. But don’t have all your meals here. Eat most meals in your compartment, and rather use the restaurant car for a drink or two during the day. It is a good place to meet other travellers.

Buy instant food, like noodles, soups and stews before you board the train. The samovar in your wagon always has hot water you can use. Stock up on fruits, crackers and other dry food items. When the train stops for more than just a few minutes you can buy more food at the stations along the route.

Short stops along the route

The many shortstops along the route are one of the highlights during the day onboard. Sometimes the train stops for just a few minutes and other times for anything between 30 minutes to an hour. Each wagon is equipped with a timetable showing the stops along the route. The timetable states arrival and departure times at each stop.

When the train only stops for a few minutes, it can be worth getting off to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Don’t be late back. The train will not wait for you.

Life on the stations is some of the most fun and memorable moments of this journey. Passengers come and go, and everywhere it’s busy activities. Small stalls sell fresh or preserved food, drinks, fruits and sweets. Locals often also offer local products for sale. It can be handcrafted items, souvenirs, food and drinks. Often you can find fresh bread on the stations, and in some places, you can also find warm food. Try the smoked fish offered at the stations in Siberia. It’s delicious and a good supplement to all the instant food.

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2 thoughts on “Total Guide to plan & book a great Trans-Siberian Railway Trip”

Hello guys!! Just loved your blog on the transiberian. It cleared my mind and encourage us to a future trip. Have fun and enjoy life as you two always do and maybe our paths will cross some day on a post covid dream trip. Big hugs from Monterrey, Mexico.

Thank you very much for your feedback! Trans-Siberian is such a great adventure that we would recommend to everyone.

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We are Matthias and Kent. With a strong desire to travel the world, we create articles and travel guides from our many trips. We aim to inspire you to explore the world, near and far. Maybe your next adventure is closer than you think?

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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May 2024 strikes: Full list of walkout dates, from trains and Tube to flights

Strikes on the uk's rail network and at heathrow airport are set to disrupt travel in may.

With two bank holidays the month of May is often seen as the perfect time to get away but this year that could be hampered by a series of strikes which will cause travel chaos.

Rail services, the London Underground and Heathrow Airpor t will all be hit by industrial action this month, some of it coinciding with the first May bank holiday.

Train drivers union Aslef, Tube workers who are members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) and around 800 members of the union Unite based at Heathrow are all to stage walkouts or overtime bans during the month.

It means travel disruption will be inevitable for some this month.

When are the train strikes?

Train drivers union Aslef has announced its members will walk out in another series of one-day strikes, coupled with a six-day overtime ban.

This will affect 16 train companies with which the union is still in dispute. over pay for drivers.

Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable.

“They don’t. And that offer – now a year old – is dead in the water.”

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents rail companies, said: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the ASLEF leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running.

“We continue to seek a fair agreement with the ASLEF leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn’t taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.”

The industrial action will be on:

Tuesday 7 May – affecting c2c, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia (which includes Stansted Express), Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway (which includes Island Line) and Thameslink.

Wednesday 8 May – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Heathrow Express, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway.

Thursday 9 May – LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express.

There will also be an overtime ban from Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May which may alter the timetable of trains that will be running.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel, as the action is likely to lead to delays and cancellations.

When are the Tube strikes?

Members of TSSA rail union working as customer service manager on the London Underground are already going on strike on Friday 26 April .

TSSA Customer Service Managers at London Underground will also take part in an overtime ban from Monday 29 April to Friday 5 May , which will include the May bank holiday.

This overtime ban is expected to lead to station closures at very short notice.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith.”

Transport for London, which runs London Underground, has said it is “disappointed” by the planned action and has urged TSSA urge TSSA to “continue to work with us to help find a resolution.”

A planned strike by Aslef members on the London Underground for Saturday 4 May has now been called off.

When are the Heathrow Airport strikes?

Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport, is facing major disruption in May with a series of strikes across different departments.

Unite union has said almost 800 members will be taking part in a week of strike action beginning at 12.01am on Tuesday 7 May and ending at 11.50pm on Monday 13 May in a dispute over the outsourcing of jobs.

Jobs in passenger services (assisting travellers to catch connecting flights), trolley operations and campus security (security guards responsible for workers at Heathrow and vehicles being checked entering Heathrow) are expected to be outsourced by 1 June.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Heathrow Airport’s actions are deplorable, it is raking in massive profits for the bosses while trying to squeeze every last penny out of its workforce.”

Unite members from passenger services, trolley operations, campus security, firefighters and airside operations will strike from 7 May up to and including 13 May.

In a separate dispute, Unite members at AFS Ltd, an airline refuelling company, are also taking part in industrial action at Heathrow Airport on Saturday 4 May , Sunday 5 May and Monday 6 May (bank holiday) over pay and conditions.

Unite said the action will “inevitably cause widespread disruption across the airport leading to delays and disruption.”

A Heathrow Airport spokesperson said: “We are reorganising our operations to deliver better results for our customers.

“There are no job losses as a result of these changes, and we continue to discuss with Unite the implementation of these changes for the small number of colleagues impacted.

Unite’s threats of potential industrial action are unnecessary, and customers can be reassured that we will keep the airport operating smoothly just like we have in the past.”

Border Force staff, who are members of the PCS union, and responsible for immigration controls and passport checks are due to go on strike for four days between Monday 29 April and Thursday 2 May in the run-up to the bank holiday.

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What’s on in May in London and the South West

Go to Grand Designs Live

Women’s fa cup final , make the most of half term and the bank holiday, enjoy the start of festival season, take the kids to mini moments festival , enjoy the chelsea flower show, plan your travel with south western railway.

Spring is well under way!  May’s a great month to get out and about, with warmer and sunnier days on the horizon. 

Festival season has officially begun - explore food and music festivals across our network this month. There’s plenty more to do to suit every taste and budget. From the FA Cup Final and Chelsea Flower Show, to free outdoor activities like scenic bike rides, wildflower wandering and more, read on to see all the magnificent ways to make the most of May. And don’t forget to browse SWR Rewards to find fantastic discounts on shopping trips, food and drink and more.

Head to London’s Excel for Grand Designs Live 2024 . 

See live talks on the likes of sustainable renovating, interior design and money-saving ideas. New for 2024, see a whole house built by Grand Designs Live. There are also showcases including outdoor living, kitchen and bathroom ones. 

Looking for guidance from an expert for your own home? You can book an appointment with a specialist architect, interior designer, landscape gardener, financial planner and an eco expert. 

Some websites are displaying links to free tickets - when we last checked this link worked!

Excel London is less than a 30-minute tube ride from London Waterloo . 

Enjoy some time off with the kids over May half term or have some bank holiday fun at the end of the month.

For the kids

Food and drink .

There are heaps of noteworthy spots to eat and drink worth mentioning across the network. Here’s a taster of some great places to try. If you want a fancy day out in the capital, try a luxurious afternoon tea on the Thames for 2 in London , and get 22% off when you travel with SWR . If you're after lunch or dinner spots with decent veggie options head to the likes of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza in St Pauls and get 20% off with SWR Rewards. Or, book a table at Sophie’s Steakhouse, where you can also get 20% off food . Take a look at our guide to British food gems in the south west and 6 most popular restaurants in London for more inspo. Check out our food and drink rewards page for more savings options. 

Wholesome activities 

You could get down to  Portsmouth  or the  Isle of White  and ride a Beryl Bike down scenic routes. Get 25% off any Beryl Bike bundle when you journey with us. There are loads of places to cycle in London and the South West. We’ve put together a  handy little guide  to help you decide where to ride on two-wheels. If walking is more your vibe, go on a  Thames Path stroll , or visit one of the  South West’s beautiful wildflower gardens .

You could also try your hand at wild swimming - we’ve rounded up some of the best places to do it, including Lepe Country Park which sits on the edge of the  New Forest , and Swanage Beach on the infamous  Jurassic Coast .

Weekend getaways 

If you fancy a staycation, why not head to London or a South West destination? See our recommendations for the best staycations in the South West .

Head to a museum

18 May is International Museum Day! If you’re after a free activity, check out some of the free museums in London, including: - Natural History Museum - British Museum - Science Museum - Tate Modern - National Gallery We’ve also got some offers including a 2-for-1 deal at the London Transport Museum . 

Whitchurch Folk Festival

Taking place on 11 May, the historic town of Whitchurch is relaunching the Whitchurch Folk Festival .

The festival - which traces back to the 80s -  celebrates music, community, art, and much more. Unlike most festivals which take place on fields, this one uses old buildings in the town instead.

T here will also be a free Children's Folk Festival and a Fringe Festival - see the details on the website .

Foodies Festival

At Foodies festival, you can watch michelin-starred and top local chefs cook up a storm, try a hands-on authentic Thai green curry cook school session, and eat delicious street food, gourmet treats and amazing artisan delicacies.

Bake Off fans -  stars of the show will share their best baking hints and tips live on stage. MasterChef champions will also be there - cooking their signature summer recipes. Plus watch famous artists like Sister Sledge, Blue and more perform live on stage.

Foodies Festival is also kid-friendly - take the little ones down to The Kids Cookery Theatre. 

Wide Awake Festival 

Wide Awake Festival - in Brockwell Park, Brixton - is worth considering if you’re looking for a day music festival.

Taking place on 25 May, expect leftfield Indie, Post Punk, Electronica, Techno and more here. There’ll be a range of artists and DJs including headliners King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard,  and electronic music acts Ben UFO and Modeselektor.

Belgravia in Bloom festival

Belgravia in Bloom festival is returning for its ninth year between 20-27 May with a floral fun and games theme.  

Here, you’ll see stunning flower displays, tuck into spring cupcakes and other sweet treats, and dine at its cafes and restaurants.

The nearest tube stations to Belgravia in Bloom are Victoria, Knightsbridge and Sloane Square which are easily accessible from London Waterloo , Vauxhall and Clapham junction . 

Head to Mini Moments Festival for a family day out this spring, in Surbiton. 

This one celebrates the ingenuity of John Cooper, the triumph of the Mini Cooper at the Monte Carlo Rally of ‘64, and wider stories of innovation and cutting edge design.

See over 150 Minis through the ages (including the winning Monte Carlo Rally car), tours of the garage where John Cooper was based, and live music. 

The closest station to the festival is Surbiton , which you can get to with SWR. From the station, it’s around a 20 minute walk or you can get the 281 bus from nearby the station.

Head to the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show to be dazzled by colourful flowers and innovative garden designs. 

The flower show draws in a global crowd and you’ll see the very best garden designs from around the world. Plus, it’s a great place to indulge in food and drinks in the sunshine like three-course meals, seafood platters and afternoon tea.

As the wider showground closes at 8 pm, head to Ranelagh Gardens for an evening performance from famous radio DJ Jo Whiley.

Members of the royal family are regular attendees of the show, so keep a look out for them while you’re there! 

Plan your day and grab your tickets . 

How to get there: From Waterloo station , catch the 211 bus from Waterloo Station stop B to Chelsea Old Town Hall. Walk 15 minutes to Royal Chelsea Hospital where you’ll find the flower show. 

Now you’ve filled your May calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard . If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave .

We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in June.

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