Russian Trains

[visaveteran1 33]

Hello again fellow visa journey friends and members.

My fiancee and I will need to travel from Krasnoyarsk to Moscow at some point to file the I-130 at the US Embassy. My fiancee wants me to consider taking a train instead of flying to save money. Aside from saving money, the train eliminates the hassles of going through airports and might actually be more comfortable than a coach seat on a plane. But...given my experiences with Russian buses and cable cars...I'm skeptical about train travel. And it will take around 2 days to get to Moscow.

So, I'm requesting info and tips about trains in Russia...especially the Trans-Siberian Trains. Are they fairly comfortable? Can you sleep on them? Do they have "first class" compartments? Is there food? And...are they really cheaper than taking the puddle jumper Russian planes?

Also, I'd love to hear your stories of taking the train.

Thanks!

[visceral image 0]

I have taken the trans-siberian two times from Moscow to Far Eastern Russia; both times in a 4 person coupe. It is a wonderful experience. Trip was six days each way. Yes, you can sleep. The trains usually stops every 3-4 hours for 10-20 minutes at a station where you can get off and stretch your legs, buy some food, and see some of the locals. I recommend getting the book Trans-siberian Rail. no need to go the expense of first class, go coupe, it is a four person cabin and less expensive.

My trips saved me about $600 each way over the cost of air travel. It is a good option if you have the extra time.

Good Luck and ask any other questions

[visceral image 0]

I would think the trip will be longer than 2 days, maybe closer to three days to Moscow. The trip is nothing like the local trains or the buses; you can get a ticket with food, not a bad deal for two meals a day but there are plenty of stops and you can get food on the platforms or in the restaurant car

[dkrivosheyev 0]

Hello again fellow visa journey friends and members.

My fiancee and I will need to travel from Krasnoyarsk to Moscow at some point to file the I-130 at the US Embassy. My fiancee wants me to consider taking a train instead of flying to save money. Aside from saving money, the train eliminates the hassles of going through airports and might actually be more comfortable than a coach seat on a plane. But...given my experiences with Russian buses and cable cars...I'm skeptical about train travel. And it will take around 2 days to get to Moscow.

So, I'm requesting info and tips about trains in Russia...especially the Trans-Siberian Trains. Are they fairly comfortable? Can you sleep on them? Do they have "first class" compartments? Is there food? And...are they really cheaper than taking the puddle jumper Russian planes?

Also, I'd love to hear your stories of taking the train.

Thanks!

The first class cabin usually cost about the same as the airplane ticket, however, it is usually very comfortable, you can have privacy with your fiancee and have a very romantic journey. I would go with the first class cabin, not to save the money, but to see "real" Russia and have some great time. These trains also have what they call a "restaurant car" which is basically a full-service restaurant on wheels.

[visceral image 0]

I would not recommend the first class cabin; you will not need the privacy as most watch the scenes from the hallway windows. Get the lower bunks in a coupe cabin, two lower bunks. I am sure your girl wants to save money; the plane from Krasnoyard will be about $4-600 each for a Tupelo 154 Puddle Jumper; the train will be about $230 each; get the option with food and you will be put in a newer coupe near the restaurant car. With the food option, the ticket should be about $270.00

[mendeleev 68]

I've used the overnight train from Novosibirks to Omsk (a small part of the Trans-Siberian railway) a couple times for work. Always travelled in the first class compartment. Privacy was fine. Toilets were "Russian normal". Food was adequate. It was quite pleasant and I would do it again, given the opportunity.

[Satellite 1]

For all your Russian train needs visit:

http://tutu.ru/

Also if you really want to travel like an average Russian you will pack most the food you need for the trip before hand and stay in coach. First class ticket is the same price if not more than airfare.

[Jason-Sasha 1]

I have had great experiences on Russian trains and nightmare trips. That will be a very long ride and in winter it's not so pleasant really. After a day or so the odors of bodies becomes pretty strong and the restrooms are horrendous. I'd personally take a quick 4 hour flight. KrasAir can be dependable most of the time. Charges for luggage can be inflated.

[slim 1,525]

Aside from saving money, the train eliminates the hassles of going through airports and might actually be more comfortable than a coach seat on a plane. But...given my experiences with Russian buses and cable cars...I'm skeptical about train travel. And it will take around 2 days to get to Moscow.

So you want to save a few hundred dollars to:

- Avoid the "hassles" of the airport in exchange for the "ease" of the train station

- Add appx. 44 hours onto the time of your commute

- Avoid the "discomfort" of an airplane seat for 4 hours as opposed to the "comfort" of a train seat for 44

I'd sell the airplane idea a little harder if I were you. Use the "but baby, we get Partner Miles on the plane tickets so it's like not really paying as much in the long run." However, being cooped up with your S/O for the extra 44 hours may sound like a lot of fun too!

[visceral image 0]

Aside from saving money, the train eliminates the hassles of going through airports and might actually be more comfortable than a coach seat on a plane. But...given my experiences with Russian buses and cable cars...I'm skeptical about train travel. And it will take around 2 days to get to Moscow.

So you want to save a few hundred dollars to:

- Avoid the "hassles" of the airport in exchange for the "ease" of the train station

- Add appx. 44 hours onto the time of your commute

- Avoid the "discomfort" of an airplane seat for 4 hours as opposed to the "comfort" of a train seat for 44

I'd sell the airplane idea a little harder if I were you. Use the "but baby, we get Partner Miles on the plane tickets so it's like not really paying as much in the long run." However, being cooped up with your S/O for the extra 44 hours may sound like a lot of fun too!

Partner Miles, that is really good; Russian airlines (except Aeroflot) do not know what frequent flyer miles are.

[visaveteran1 33]

Aside from saving money, the train eliminates the hassles of going through airports and might actually be more comfortable than a coach seat on a plane. But...given my experiences with Russian buses and cable cars...I'm skeptical about train travel. And it will take around 2 days to get to Moscow.

So you want to save a few hundred dollars to:

- Avoid the "hassles" of the airport in exchange for the "ease" of the train station

- Add appx. 44 hours onto the time of your commute

- Avoid the "discomfort" of an airplane seat for 4 hours as opposed to the "comfort" of a train seat for 44

I'd sell the airplane idea a little harder if I were you. Use the "but baby, we get Partner Miles on the plane tickets so it's like not really paying as much in the long run." However, being cooped up with your S/O for the extra 44 hours may sound like a lot of fun too!

I hear you! I think the airplane is looking better.

[visaveteran1 33]

I have had great experiences on Russian trains and nightmare trips. That will be a very long ride and in winter it's not so pleasant really. After a day or so the odors of bodies becomes pretty strong and the restrooms are horrendous. I'd personally take a quick 4 hour flight. KrasAir can be dependable most of the time. Charges for luggage can be inflated.

Yes, I think we'll go Krasair...I only have 30 days to do a marriage and file the I-130. The several days on the train both ways will take away the better part of a week.

[visaveteran1 33]

I have had great experiences on Russian trains and nightmare trips. That will be a very long ride and in winter it's not so pleasant really. After a day or so the odors of bodies becomes pretty strong and the restrooms are horrendous. I'd personally take a quick 4 hour flight. KrasAir can be dependable most of the time. Charges for luggage can be inflated.

By the way, I live in Arlington, VA. i see Norfolk, Va listed in your profile.