What To Expect Along The Trans-Siberian Railway Route

The well-known Trans-Siberian Railway is by far one of the greatest train journeys you could ever embark on. Before you hop aboard, let’s take a look at what you can expect during your adventure.

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Image by Worldly Couple via Flickr

Along the Trans-Mongolian Line

Since this route tends to be the most popular, many tourists often stay for the entire journey. Overall, the Trans-Siberian route is used by Russians to hop between cities.

Here’s a breakdown of a typical itinerary for tourists:

Day 1

The train departs from Beijing’s main station with plenty of excitement, with the 6-day trip beginning just after 11am. The high-rise buildings slowly give way to residential areas and eventually, you find yourself passing by the countryside, beautiful mountains, farms, and scrubland until you find yourself travelling among grasslands that stretch way into the distance. You will eat your dinner in the Chinese restaurant car, and the train will arrive at the town of Erlian along the Chinese border at 1am. There are Trans Siberian railway tours offered by The Trans-Siberian Travel Company so make sure to contact them and get a full itinerary.

Day 2

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Image by jonathansomers via Flickr

By day 2, you will have traveled to the Gobi Desert, which is a sandy expanse sometimes used by the Mongolian nomads. There isn’t too much to do but sit back and enjoy the view while hoping to spot a 2 humped camel. By mid-afternoon, you will find yourself travelling among grassy steppe and arriving in Ulaanbaatar for a short stop. Eventually on day 2, you will arrive at the Russian/Mongolian border.

Day 3

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Image by bvohra via Flickr

On day 3, the train meanders along the Selenga River north from the border. The train will pull into Ulan-Ude in the middle of the night and onto the main Trans-Siberian route. By morning, you will find yourself among the majestic forest and water along Lake Baikal – the deepest freshwater lake in the world.

Day 4

Day 4 finds you in Russian Siberia along the forest of silver birch trees, wooden villages, and even industrial cities. You’ll get to spot the third biggest city in Russia, Novosibirsk.. For more information about the route, consult your chosen travel specialist and call their office.

Day 5

During day 5, you will travel through Siberia and by noon, the train will pull into Yekaterinburg which is on the eastern slopes of the Ural Mountains. By early evening, you approach the last major stop before you arrive in Moscow. It is the city of Perm, located along the banks of the wide Kama River.

Day 6

The last morning on the train includes travelling past loads of silver birches and pines until you arrive on the outskirts of Moscow, where the journey ends.

This is just one of the Trans-Siberian railway routes, and there are others. The one you choose will depend on your preferences. There’s no “perfect” time to head off, either, as each season offers something magical for everyone, from summer scenery to winter sports like dog sledding and ice skating. Talk to a trustworthy travel specialist about your preferences to pick the perfect train journey for you and your family.

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55 thoughts

  8. Trans Siberian train travel sounds so exciting. Did you go as an ordinary passenger or you booked through travel agents? I tried to book from Moscow to Vladivostok. But i was told it would cost around 5000 dollars per person. It was like travelling in a luxury coach Maharaja style. It was way to expensive for me. The other option was to go as ordinary traveller. I was expected to carry my meals. There would be translator only at the designated station. It was cheaper option. Let me see, I can make it sometime.

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  9. Nice post, I was a lucky man in order to a trans-siberian passenger time ago. It was a deja vú experience and eternal keepsakes on mind.
    When you’re traveling on train you’re an explorer from ancient times besides you drink tea or camomile from a russian samovar…
    If you can do it… come on !

    Reply

  18. Blogging ….
    Professionally Done.
    There will be lot of people who will say about the contains.But i love your writing technique.I know you wanted to show aome severe problem here.But whatto say.Beautiful work
    How clean and grabbing postthis is, i must say.So much of hard word i guess(know) . The surveys ,the experinces.,thoughts,all mixed up without being MIXEDUP.I must say learn a lot by this post.

    Reply

  19. This looks like, arguably, the best way to see Russia- at least the greatest expanse of the country, before focusing on Moscow, Novgorod and St. Petersburg. I would want to spend some time in Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and Yakutsk, beforehand, as well.

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  27. Thanks for this! Perhaps it’s my love for Agatha Christie’s writing that I’ve always found train travel so…romantic? The trans-Siberian is on the list, alongside the Orient Express. If you have any information on that…….😍

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  31. It was great to come across this post as I’m thinking of taking the Trans Siberian from Ulan Ude to Moscow this coming August. Thanks for the post! Keep exploring!

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