Fast train

Russian trains of Today

Fast train ('skorry poezd') - Trains are numbered from 1 to 160.
Comfortable and fast (in relation to the whole system) trains with minimum stops - only the larger stations.
More convenient arrival and departure hours - departure at night, arrival at the morning (main destinations).
Average speed - 70-90 km/h.

Fast train with a 'Theme' name ('firmeny poezd') - The same as number one, but with cleaner carriages and potentialy more polite attendants. Ticket costs on these trains are higher than other trains.
Examples are;
The 'Rossia' travelling between Moscow and Vladivostok
the 'Krasnaya Strella' or 'Red Arrow' between Moscow and Petersburg.
Average speed - 60 km/h

Passenger train ('passazhirskiy poezd') - Trains are numbered from 170 to 870. They look the same as other intercity trains, but 'stop all stations'.
Average speed - 40-50 km/h.

Speed train ('skorostnoj poezd') - Trains are numbered from 161 to 169.
Comfortable trains with an average speed of 100 km/h. Limited routes - NOT on the Trans Siberian routes.

Three main classes of accommodation


1st class 2-berth compartments	2nd class 4-berth compartment	Open-plan dormitory 3rd class

Spal'ny Vagon 1st class	2-berth with 9 compartments per carriage. Both beds at the lower level. Washroom - hand basin only with hot/cold water, and toilet are at either end of the carriage.
Kupe 2nd class	4-berth with 9 compartments per carriage. Washroom - hand basin only with hot/cold water, and toilet are at either end of the carriage.
Platskartny 3rd class	Open-plan dormitory cars. Fifty four bunks per carriage, arranged in groups of four on one side of the aisle and a group of two on the other side of the aisle. We do not use these as too many security problems, plus noisy at night!!!

Train Interiors


Carriage Corridor	Hot water Samova	Carriage Washroom/Toilet

Each train has about 7-18 sleeping carriages of mixed types ('sostav' or 'poezd') with additional carriages such as a baggage and restaurant carriage. There is also one carriage for the train superintendent - head conductor ('nachalnik poezda'). this carriage usually has a large looped radio aerial on its roof, and is usually situated in the middle of the train.

Life on board the train?

When you spend more than two days in the train, it becomes a second home. You start to know the conductors and are spending more time with other passengers.

The carriage (wagon) and its attendants: Whatever class of travel you choose will result in you having a pair of attendants ('provodnik' (male) or 'provodnitsa' (female)) working in shifts. Shortly after departure, he/she will take your ticket and ask for the small bedding fee - about US$1. Bedding, which consists of two sheets a pillowcase and a towel, is handed out in sealed packs. Blankets and mattresses will already be in your compartment. the attendants small room is at the front end of each carriage, next to the toilets and the hot water boiler (coal fire powered ). Part of their job is to walk along the corridor and make sure everything's in order. They also prepare cups of tea (chai) for 4 Roubles. In addition, they get off at every station and remind passengers (in Russian and hand signals for the tourists) not to stay too long on the platform.

A boiler with unlimited free hot water is available at the end of the corridor. A good idea is to bring your own tea (if you don't think you will like the local brew) or coffee (not supplied on the train), sugar, cuppa soups, drinking chocolates etc. If you do this it is best to have your own cup/mug. Most long distance trains have a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks, and full meals. Budget on US$12 to US$15 for two courses and a drink or two.

Most Russian trains do not have retention-toilets as on aircraft. Therefore, the toilets discharge onto the track, which results in the toilets being locked about 30 min. before arriving at stations until about 30 min. after departure.

What do passengers do?

Click here for an expanded look at life on board


Chinese dining carriage	Mongolian dining carriage

Russian dining carriage	Cabin Picnic

Security

As long as you use common sense, lock your door at night and don't leave valuables unattended in your compartment - same conditions as on other European trains you should not encounter problems. In addition to the normal lock on the door, 'Spalny Wagon' and 'kupe' compartments have a security latch which stops the door opening more than an inch or two. This is designed to not be released from the outside. You can take a small cable lock and place it over this arrangement for further peace of mind.

Luggage storage: If you have the bottom bunk there is a large storage area underneath the bunk which you can only be accessed by lifting up the bunk bed. lifting up the bunk - in other words, for anyone to get to your bags, Your provodniks will probably lock the access doors at each end of the corridor at night to prevent unwanted visitors. There is also a luggage storage area over what would be the ceiling of the main carriage corridor. this is also only accessible from within the cabin and is used by the upper bunks

Trains in Russia are generally more secure than the streets of the cities. There are policemen (militsioners) on most trains. If you have problems ask the conductor to call them. If there are no policemen on your particular train, they can be called at the next station. If you are having any problems with the local conductor (unusual), then you need to contact the Train Master ("na`chalnik `poezda"). He is usually located in his compartment which is usually based in carriage 6 or 7. General Distress Call: In the very unlikely event you experience a problem, or are hassled by someone cry: "Pozhar!" (Fire!). This will rouse the most lethargic!