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frequently asked questions
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1. How much spending money will I need?
You'll need funds for food aboard the train and for platform purchases. Budget around GBP £35-50 a day if undertaking one of our Trans Siberian adventures that offers stopover possibilities and budget around GBP £15-25 a day aboard the train. US Dollar cash in clean, unmarked bills is the best currency for exchange during your journey. |
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2. 1st or 2nd class?
All our programs are based on 2nd Class 4 berth (4 to a compartment) mixed sex cabins, though an optional upgrade to 1st Class 2 berth (2 to a compartment) travel is possible, if opting for our classic adventure.
There is little difference between 1st and 2nd Class other than the number of berths contained in respective cabins.
Note: Upgrades to 1st class cabins are subject to route and availability. Some trains may only be configured with one 1st class 2 berth cabin wagon (containing 9 cabins or 18 seats in total. On services between Irkutsk and Ulan Ude, there are no 2 berth cabins available, and on the once-weekly service between Beijing and Ulaan Baatar seats are offered on a per person basis, so we cannot provide for 'buy-out' of a 4 berth cabin to be occupied by 2 passengers, if a 2 berth cabin isn't available on that route. Moreover, during period May - October, all routes get particularly busy, and it may prove more difficult to successfully obtain an upgrade to a 2 berth cabin on routes that would normally be easier to second such a cabin under normal circumstances.
on the go will advise on an individual basis, the status of upgrade possibility. |
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3. Why is it more expensive to make en-route stops?
On a per-kilometre basis, a Trans-Siberian ticket remains one of the most cost-effective ways of getting from A to B. Introducing stops into the equation means instead of buying an express ticket, we have to buy a series of tickets set at appropriate rates by the Russian, Mongolian and Chinese Railways. In addition, an itinerary with built-in stops will inevitably attract more cost based on transfers, accommodation and arrangments appropriate to the itinerary.
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4. Can children travel with us?
Yes. Travel arrangements and accommodation are certainly reasonable enough for children. A journey on the Trans-Sib will certainly be something that takes 'Show and Tell' to a new level. However, on the train, activity kits of the sort found on Western airlines, fun-parks, playgrounds and other kiddie magnets really don't exist. If taking children along, it's best to be well kitted-out with all the distractions capable of keeping kids occupied. Colouring books, rechargeable or battery-operated hand-held computer games, cards and books are a safe bet.
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5.What's it like aboard?
Leave the tux and party dress at home. Attire on the Trans-Siberian is definitely informal. Temperatures are regulated regardless of season. Generally, each train is around 15 wagons long. At the end of each wagon is a WC/wash basin. Each wagon is manned by a provodnitsa (wagon attendant, almost exclusively a woman). |
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6. What's there to do aboard?
When you get into a little routine aboard, you'll actually be amazed by how quickly the time whizzes by. If you want to sit and do nothing, there'll be up to 7 days (if heading straight through on our red express) to do as little as you want. You also have the option of reading yourself blind, writing, learning Russian (useful), conversing with any number of people, playing chess, drinking tea, looking out for sights listed in your trusty Trans-Siberian handbook (invest in one), getting off at station stops and taking photos, eating all you want, watching the scenery slip by, or the Russian favourite - drinking yourself to a stupor on neat vodka! |
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7. Can I smoke aboard?
Smoking is not permitted at any time in the cabins. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas between cars. Doors from the main section of the cabins separate these areas. |
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8. What's there to eat on board?
Contrary to popular belief, you won't starve! All the main Trans-Siberian trains have a Buffet/ Dining wagon. The service is provided by whichever country you are crossing. Food is cafe style at reasonable prices, payable in local currency. Don't expect an extensive menu. Typical meals in the Russian Buffet/Dining wagon include ham and eggs for breakfast, schnitzel and potatoes for lunch or dinner, with soups and salads for starters. The Buffet/ Dining wagon also sells beer, Russian champagne, vodka, chocolate and snacks, subject to availability - so bring your own supplies too! The Mongolian Buffet/Dining wagon will invariably offer rice and mutton based dishes. The Chinese Buffet/Dining wagon will offer Chinese staples - noodles and suchlike. During the peak season, the Buffet/ Dining wagon can get very busy, so be sure to pack plenty of your own food supplies! You can also buy food from the many vendors on station platforms when the train stops.
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9. Will I be safe?
Yes, though as with travel anywhere, common sense is your best protection. Don't leave valuables unattended and keep passport and money on your person. Cabins can be locked from the inside and attendants do keep a very close eye on what is happening in their wagon. As a result, trains are one of the safest means of travel within Russia, Mongolia and China. |
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10. All that in one cabin. Magic, huh?
The samovar: A type of fire-powered hot water urn, the samovar is great for burning your fingers when the train suddenly jerks, and also useful for adding to tea, instant coffee and chocolate and pot noodles.
The WC/hand-basin: The WC works by flushing the pedal next to it. The hand-basin works by depressing the metal stud under the spout into the spout. There's a 220v AC 2-pin razor socket, too. No more beards, then...
The trash can: Just outside the WC, under the triangular seat in the corridor. |
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