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moscow to st. petersburg train: high-speed or overnight?

Russia is a huge country, and there is a lot for tourists to explore in the Russian countryside as well as the urban areas. The cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg are two of the biggest and busiest tourist centres in Russia. Both cities are central to the Russian experience.

 

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The two cities are connected several ways, including via flights and a waterway consisting in part of Volga. These waterways have quite a number of river cruises connecting the two cities, but if you are not in the mood for that and have a limited budget, there is also a Moscow to St Petersburg train that connects the two cities. Part of the much larger Trans-Siberian network, the Moscow-St Petersburg rail line presents a number of options for tourists, broadly classified as the overnight train options and the high speed options. Here is a roundup of the pros and cons of each of these trains that connect the two cities, so you can figure out which one suits you best:

 

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  • The High Speed Train

 

The Sapsan High Speed train travels at an average speed of 250 km/h (155 miles/h) and only takes 3 hours 55 minutes to cover the distance. Considering the first trains between Moscow and St Petersburg took as much as 19 hours (back in the 19th century), train travel in Russia has come really far. These swanky new trains are shaped like the Japanese bullet trains and offer a travel experience far removed from that of the Soviet trains that you can still spot in rural provinces of Serbia. The Sapsan High Speed train is best for daytime journeys, and if you are looking for a quick peek into either city and get to the other city by nightfall, these trains are perfect. There are about 20 trains that run on the Moscow - St Petersburg line. You can choose between the four different classes of travel, although the restaurant class that puts economy seats in a bistro train car is really recommended. An average ticket on these trains cost upwards of INR 6000 each.

 

  • Overnight Sleeper Trains

 

You may also be looking to not waste a major chunk of the day sitting around in a train, and in that case, the overnight sleeper trains between Moscow and St Petersburg are perfect. Most of these depart around 12 in the morning from either city and take around 8 hours to their destination, so you can be there bright and early in the morning. The Red Arrow trains are perhaps the easiest to book (there are about 10 sleeper trains that run on the route). Also, these trains are naturally less costly (average tickets are around INR 4000), although you should be sure to make your booking in advance as these trains are booked up quick.

 

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If you are travelling to Russia, you are certain to go back and forth several times between Moscow and St Petersburg and knowing what trains suit your itineraries is important. This guide will help you make an informed choice between these two fascinating modes of travel in Russia.




Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.

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