Trans-Siberian Railway 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to travel the Trans-Siberian (or the Trans-Mongolian) route can seem complicated, especially in 2026. In this updated guide I’ll show you how to organize it step by step in the easiest and most budget-friendly way: visas, train tickets, border crossings, money, connectivity, and much more.

The Trans-Siberian in 2026: the short version

• What actually runs: Moscow to Vladivostok, daily and without a single border. The Trans-Mongolian to Beijing works again, but with two train changes. The Trans-Manchurian is still suspended.
• How long it takes: 6 to 7 days non-stop, 2 to 3 weeks if you stop along the way, which is what almost everyone does.
• What the train costs: Moscow to Vladivostok from about 120 euros in third class to 330 in first. The whole trip with stops, flights aside, usually lands between 1,200 and 2,000 euros.
• The visa: for most Europeans the Russian eVisa is enough. 52 USD, 30 days of stay, fully online, and it is valid at Naushki, the border crossing into Mongolia.
• The tickets: Russian domestic tickets go on sale 90 days before departure, and each leg is a separate ticket. Your Visa or Mastercard will not work inside Russia, so buy everything before you land.
• The money: no Western card works in Russia. Cash in euros or dollars, changed into rubles on arrival, or a Russian MIR card sorted out beforehand.
• The detail that decides your whole itinerary: if you are heading for Beijing, the Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar train runs twice a week and the Ulaanbaatar to Beijing train once a week. Build the trip backwards from those two departures, not from your holiday dates.

The big news for 2025 is that the Beijing–Ulaanbaatar train resumed in June 2025 after five years suspended due to the pandemic. This means the full Trans-Mongolian route is viable again, although it does require train changes. On top of that, Russia’s electronic visa has been significantly expanded (it now allows stays of up to 30 days), Mongolia has extended its visa exemption until December 2026, and China is maintaining its visa-free entry policy for around 50 countries.

However, there are major challenges that didn’t exist before: Western bank cards don’t work at all in Russia, getting a Russian SIM card has become more complicated, and you need a VPN to access most Western websites and apps. I cover all of this in detail in this guide.

As you’ll see, there are two main ways to do this journey:

• Using regular Russian trains (RZD), which are much cheaper, more flexible, and more authentic. This is the option most independent travelers choose.
• Using private luxury trains, like a cruise on rails (although due to the international situation some of these services have very limited departures).

1. What is the Trans-Siberian?

The Trans-Siberian is a railway route (not a single train) that crosses Russia from end to end, and also connects with Mongolia and China. A wide variety of trains run along this route, from regular services to luxury trains operated by private companies.

The main route, inaugurated in 1904, links Moscow with Vladivostok on Russia’s Pacific coast after covering 9,288 kilometers (red line on the map below). The line crosses 8 time zones and takes 7 days without stops, although the usual way is to do it in stages and stop in the main cities.

The Trans-Siberian also has two other branches:

• The Trans-Mongolian (purple line on the map). It’s the most popular route of all and runs from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia and its capital.
• The Trans-Manchurian (yellow line). It also runs from Moscow to Beijing but without passing through Mongolia.

The main Trans-Siberian routes today

As of today, there are three main routes. Their situation has changed significantly compared to previous years:

1. Classic Trans-Siberian (Moscow – Vladivostok)

• Length: 9,288 km
• Total duration without stops: 6 to 7 days
• Visas needed: Russian visa only
• Current status: Operating year-round with daily departures
• Pros: 100% Russian route, no train changes or visa changes

This is the longest and most famous journey. It crosses all of Russia from west to east, passing major cities like Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, and Ulan-Ude, until it reaches the Pacific coast in Vladivostok. The Rossiya train (001/002) was fully renovated in 2020 and now features air-conditioned carriages, power outlets in every compartment, USB ports, individual safes, and hot showers in every carriage.

2. Trans-Mongolian (Moscow – Ulaanbaatar – Beijing)

• Length: 7,622 km
• Total duration without stops: 6 days
• Visas needed: Russia + Mongolia + China (depending on nationality, you may not need visas for all three)
• Current status: Operating with stopovers – the Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train resumed in June 2025
• Pros: the most scenic and varied route, crossing steppes, deserts, and very different cultures

This is the most popular route among tourists, as it combines Russian culture with Mongolia’s nomadic life and China’s ancient temples. The big news is that the Beijing–Ulaanbaatar train resumed on June 3, 2025 after five years suspended. So, the route is currently done with two train changes: in Irkutsk (train 263 to Ulaanbaatar, twice a week) and in Ulaanbaatar (train 24 to Beijing, departures on Thursdays). The Naushki border crossing is valid with the Russian electronic visa.

3. Trans-Manchurian (Moscow – Beijing via Manchuria)

• Length: 8,986 km
• Total duration without stops: 7 days
• Visas needed: Russia + China
• Current status: Passenger service suspended since February 2020
• Pros: a more direct route to China, without passing through Mongolia

The Vostok train (019/020) that ran Moscow–Beijing via Zabaikalsk–Manzhouli remains suspended since February 2020. There is an alternative for determined travelers: take a domestic Russian train to Zabaikalsk, cross the border by bus to Manzhouli (China), and continue on a Chinese train to Beijing. But it requires visas for both countries and a willingness to improvise.

Which one should you choose?

2. Border crossings

The status of each border crossing is probably the most critical information for planning a Trans-Siberian trip. It’s what has changed the most compared to previous years, and it’s what determines which routes are viable. Here’s the full detail for each border as of the time of writing.

2.1. Russia–Mongolia border (Naushki – Sükhbaatar): Open and operating

The border crossing between Naushki (Russian side) and Sükhbaatar (Mongolian side) operates regularly and accepts international travelers. The Irkutsk–Ulaanbaatar train (no. 263) crosses this border twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays).

What to expect? The full crossing takes roughly 4 to 6 hours. In Sükhbaatar (Mongolian side), passports are collected around 6:30–7:00 in the morning while the carriages are uncoupled and attached to a new locomotive. Then, when crossing into Naushki (Russian side), border guards board the train to scan passports, check luggage, and inspect compartments. Passengers stay on board throughout the process.

Important: the Russian electronic visa (eVisa) is valid at this border point. You don’t need a traditional visa to cross at Naushki.

2.2. Mongolia–China border (Zamyn-Üüd – Erlian): Reopened in June 2025

The border crossing from Zamyn-Üüd (Mongolia) to Erlian/Erenhot (China) reopened for passenger trains on June 3, 2025, when the Beijing–Ulaanbaatar service resumed after five years suspended due to the pandemic.

Current schedules:

• Train 23 (Beijing → Ulaanbaatar): departs on Tuesdays at 07:27, arrives the next day at 14:35
• Train 24 (Ulaanbaatar → Beijing): departs on Thursdays at 07:18, arrives Friday at 14:35

At the moment, only the Chinese railway company is operating; Mongolian trains have not yet resumed this route.

The bogie-change experience: This crossing includes one of the most unique experiences in rail travel worldwide: the bogie change (wheelsets). The carriages are lifted with hydraulic jacks and their wheelsets are swapped to adapt from the Russian/Mongolian gauge (1,520 mm) to the Chinese gauge (1,435 mm). During this process, passengers cannot stay on the train and must wait in a transit hall at the station. According to recent travelers, the hall isn’t particularly pleasant, but it does have a shop where you can buy drinks and instant noodles.

Total crossing time: Plan for 6 hours or more, including Mongolia exit formalities, the wait during the bogie change, and Chinese immigration.

2.3. Russia–China border via Manchuria (Zabaikalsk – Manzhouli): Closed to passengers

The border crossing from Zabaikalsk (Russia) to Manzhouli (China) for the Trans-Manchurian train (Vostok 019/020) remains completely closed to passenger trains since February 2020. Despite repeated announcements of a possible reopening, as of the time of writing there is no service.

Alternative for determined travelers: It’s possible to take a domestic Russian train to Zabaikalsk, then a bus (approx. 500 rubles) to Manzhouli on the Chinese side, and from there a domestic Chinese train to Harbin or Beijing. This requires visas for Russia and China, knowledge of Russian and/or Chinese, and the ability to improvise.

3. Trains that run the route

Traveling the Trans-Siberian today is still a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether you do it in full adventure mode or opt for something more comfortable. The good news is that there are options for every budget, from private five-star-hotel-style trains to regular services where you share a carriage with Russian families and backpackers. What has changed is that you’ll see far fewer Western tourists than before: recent travelers report being practically the only foreigners on the entire train.

3.1. Private luxury trains (very limited departures)

Due to the international situation and the current sanctions, many private luxury trains have reduced their frequency or temporarily suspended some routes. Even so, some companies are still operating with occasional departures. If the geopolitical context improves, they’re expected to return to more regular operations.

These trains are like a cruise on rails: the price includes high-comfort private compartments, guided excursions, gourmet meals, and cultural activities.

The Golden Eagle

• Operated by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (United Kingdom)
• Journeys through Russia and Central Asia
• From €14,000 per person
• Website: goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
• Due to sanctions, it currently (2026) does not operate in Russia.

The Tsar’s Gold (El Oro de los Zares)

• Operated by Lernidee (Germany)
• Moscow–Beijing routes or vice versa, via Mongolia
• 16-day journey, guided visits included
• From €5,000
• Website: lernidee.de
• Due to sanctions, it currently (2026) does not operate in Russia.

Imperial Russia

• Organized by the official Russian Railways agency (RZD Tour)
• Various routes: Moscow–Beijing, Moscow–Lake Baikal, New Year in northern Russia, etc.
• Website: https://rzdtour.com/
• Information on Trans-Siberian routes: https://rzdtour.com/sibir-i-bajkal
• IMPORTANT: the booking process is in Russian and you need a Russian MIR card to make the reservation.

This is the promotional video for the train when it launched more than 10 years ago:

3.2. Regular trains (RZD): the most authentic and affordable option

The option chosen by the vast majority of tourists who travel the Trans-Siberian route each year is to use regular trains operated by Russia’s national railway company (RZD), since it’s the cheapest and lets you connect with local people.

Some of these trains offer first-class carriages and a decent restaurant service, but they are not luxury trains like the ones above.

Doing the journey on regular trains can be done in two ways:

• Do it all in one go, sleeping on the train every night. You’ll only need to buy one train ticket. However, this can be exhausting and you won’t be able to visit the main cities (train stops are usually short, with no time to explore).
• Do it with stops in one or several cities, staying overnight in a hotel and continuing the next day on another train. This is the usual way if you’re traveling for tourism and it’s the most comfortable, but keep in mind that you’ll need to buy different tickets for each leg, combining different trains.

Types of regular trains

Firmeny

• Fast, modern trains with fewer stops
• The most comfortable and most used by tourists
• Low numbers (001, 002, etc.) and some with names (like the Rossiya)
• Higher prices, but worth it

Skory

• Slower trains, with more stops
• Good value for money
• Less modern, but perfectly functional

Passenger

• The slowest, with the most stops
• The cheapest option
• More local passengers

Notable trains currently running the route

Rossiya train restaurant car:

Types of compartments

On regular Russian trains there are three main classes:

First class (SV / Spalny Vagon)

• Closed compartment for 2 people
• Two lower berths
• More space and quiet
• Price: from €150–250 depending on the leg (full Moscow–Vladivostok from €330)
• On the renovated Rossiya: power outlets, USB, individual safe

Ideal if you’re traveling as a couple or want more privacy. On renovated trains there are now showers available in each carriage (150 rubles per use). Note: first class has become scarcer; if you can’t find seats, the alternative is to buy all 4 tickets in a second-class compartment to have it to yourself.

Second class (Kupe)

• Closed compartment for 4 people (2 upper berths + 2 lower)
• You may share with strangers (or pay for all 4 tickets)
• Price: from €150–250 (Moscow–Vladivostok)

This is the most balanced class: comfortable, affordable, and safe. In many trains you can book women-only compartments, which is highly recommended for solo female travelers.

Third class (Platskart)

• Open-plan carriage, no closed compartments
• No privacy, but a social vibe
• Price: from €120–170 (Moscow–Vladivostok)

The cheapest and most authentic option. Ideal if you’ve got a good adventurous spirit. It can be noisy and with fewer comforts.

Tip for women traveling solo: when booking, choose a women-only compartment (option available in first and second class). It’s safer and more comfortable for long journeys. Right now, this option is available on more trains than ever.

Approximate prices (Moscow–Vladivostok)

Prices vary depending on the season, how far in advance you buy, and demand. In summer (June–August) prices can rise by 20–30%. Also keep in mind that when buying through intermediary agencies (necessary for most foreigners), there’s an additional surcharge of 30-50% on top of the official price.

4. Steps to organize the trip using regular trains

Step 1. Decide your route (90 to 120 days before the trip)

Planning a Trans-Siberian trip requires more advance planning than ever, especially if you’ll be crossing multiple borders. Ideally, start organizing it at least 3 to 4 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling in summer.

First, be clear on which route you’ll take, which countries you’ll visit, and your travel dates. From there you can arrange flights, visas, and tickets.

When should you travel on the Trans-Siberian?

The Trans-Siberian runs year-round, but each season has its pros and cons:

• Summer (June–August): Long days, mild weather, more activities, but slightly more expensive tickets. If you want to do the full Trans-Mongolian route to Beijing, summer is the best time because the Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train runs more regularly.
• Spring/autumn (April–May and September–October): A good balance between weather and prices.
• Winter (November–March): Fewer people, stunning snowy landscapes, and cheaper tickets, although it’s VERY cold (it can be -30°C or more in Siberia).

Which route should you choose?

Route 1: Moscow – Vladivostok (Classic Trans-Siberian)

• All within Russia, no border crossings
• You only need a Russian visa
• You can do it on the Rossiya train (001/002, daily departures) or the 061/062 (3 times a week)
• Recommended stops: Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan-Ude, Khabarovsk

Route 2: Moscow – Ulaanbaatar – Beijing (Trans-Mongolian)

• Crosses Russia, Mongolia, and China
• You need a Russian visa + possibly Mongolia and China visas (depends on your nationality; see the visa section)
• It’s currently done with two train changes: in Irkutsk (train 263 to Ulaanbaatar) and in Ulaanbaatar (train 24 to Beijing)
• Recommended stops: Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulaanbaatar, Beijing

Route 3: Moscow – Beijing via Manchuria (Trans-Manchurian)

• Doesn’t pass through Mongolia
• Currently suspended (train 019/020). No confirmed resumption date

Which city should you start from?

• Moscow (the most common option)
• Saint Petersburg, connecting to Moscow by high-speed train (Sapsan)
• Beijing or Ulaanbaatar, if you want to do the route in reverse (fewer tourists, a different experience)

Which cities should you stop in?

It depends on how much time you have, but these are the most recommended stops:

• Yekaterinburg: the symbolic border between Europe and Asia, Romanov history
• Novosibirsk: Siberia’s great capital
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal: the big goal of the trip for many (and a mandatory connection point if you do the Trans-Mongolian route)
• Ulan-Ude: a mix of Russian and Buddhist culture, giant Lenin head
• Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s capital, excursions to steppes and yurts
• Beijing: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and imperial cuisine
• Vladivostok: a port city looking out to the Pacific

You can also add lesser-known cities like Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnoyarsk, or even cross to South Korea by ferry from Vladivostok.

Suggested itinerary example: Moscow – Beijing (Trans-Mongolian)

Route variations

• Shorten it: just Moscow – Irkutsk (Baikal)
• Extend it: continue from Vladivostok to Korea or Japan
• Do it in reverse: Beijing – Moscow
• Add Saint Petersburg at the start or Hanoi at the end

Step 2. Book flights (90 days in advance)

Booking flights is one of the key steps, especially if you’re doing a route across multiple countries (Russia, Mongolia, China) and need to coordinate dates with visa processing and train tickets.

How can you fly to Russia nowadays?

Due to the current air restrictions between the European Union and Russia, there are currently no direct flights between countries like Spain, France, Germany, or Italy and Russian airports. But there are several alternative ways to get there:

Option 1: With a layover in an intermediate country

You can fly to Moscow or Saint Petersburg with a layover in one of the countries that still maintain flights with Russia, such as:

• Serbia (Belgrade – Airline: Air Serbia)
• Turkey (Istanbul – Airline: Turkish Airlines)
• Dubai / UAE (FlyDubai, Emirates)
• Qatar (Qatar Airways)

Example: Flight Madrid → Istanbul → Moscow (with Turkish Airlines)

Option 2: Overland crossing from Estonia or Finland

Another practical option to avoid long or expensive layovers is to fly to Tallinn (Estonia) and from there take a bus to Saint Petersburg (about 7–8 hours, with an overland border crossing). Companies like LuxExpress operate the route.

Return flights from Asia

• Beijing (China): multiple connections to Europe and the Americas
• Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia): fewer flights, usually via Istanbul, Seoul, or Moscow
• Vladivostok (Russia): you can fly back to Moscow or head to South Korea, Japan, or Vietnam

When should you buy your flight?

Ideally, book at least 3 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling in July or August.

Step 3. Apply for visas (75 days in advance)

If your route includes multiple countries, you’ll need one, two, or up to three visas, depending on your nationality. The good news is that there are far more conveniences than before: expanded eVisas and more generous visa exemptions.

Visa for Russia

Since August 2025, the Russian electronic visa has been significantly expanded, making it a much more practical option for Trans-Siberian travelers.

Option 1: Electronic visa (eVisa) — EXPANDED in August 2025

• Validity: 120 days from issuance (previously 60)
• Maximum stay: up to 30 consecutive days (previously only 16)
• Price: approximately 52 USD (~€50)
• Processing: 4 calendar days
• 100% online application
• Valid throughout Russian territory, including the Naushki border (crossing to Mongolia)
• 64 eligible countries, including: Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, China, India, Japan, and most of the EU

Official website: evisa.kdmid.ru (site in English and Russian)

Not eligible for eVisa: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Citizens of these countries need the traditional tourist visa.

Option 2: Classic tourist visa

• Recommended if you’re not eligible for the eVisa (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) or if you need more than 30 days
• Valid for 30 or up to 90 days
• Processed at Russian visa centers or consulates.
• You need an invitation letter (you can get it online for ~€27)
• Total cost: approx. €150-250

Mandatory medical insurance

For both visas, you must have medical insurance valid throughout Russia with minimum coverage of €30,000. This is very important because most Western insurers (IATI, Heymondo, AXA, Allianz) no longer cover Russia due to sanctions. The solution:

• Solidarity Insurance: a Russian insurer with €35,000 coverage, about €1.10 per day. You can buy it online through the Attollo Assistance platform and you can pay with a foreign card.

Visa for Mongolia

Visa exemption extended until December 2026

Mongolia has extended its visa-free entry policy until December 31, 2026, with very generous conditions:

• 90 days visa-free: USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and many more
• 30 days visa-free: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Australia, New Zealand

For other nationalities

You can apply for a Mongolian eVisa on its official website, at an approximate cost of €50. It takes between 3 and 5 business days.

Remember: during the Naadam Festival (July 11 to 15), some land borders may have special hours or temporary closures. Plan your dates carefully if you’re traveling in that area.

Visa for China

30-day visa exemption (extended until December 2026)

China is maintaining its policy of visa-free entry for around 50 countries for stays of up to 30 days, extended until December 31, 2026. This includes all EU countries (Spain, France, Germany, Italy…), Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Argentina, among others.

New since February 2026: China added the United Kingdom and Canada to the exemption, so their citizens also enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The United States is still off the list and needs a traditional Chinese visa (60–120 € at the Chinese Visa Center), though Americans can use the 240-hour visa-free transit instead.

Note on China’s 240-hour transit visa exemption: this exemption generally doesn’t work for Trans-Siberian travelers entering by train, since it requires onward travel in transit to a third country different from the country of origin within a limited timeframe—something that’s hard to meet for most overland travelers. Use the 30-day tourist visa exemption if your nationality allows it.

Visa summary by nationality

The allowances vary a lot depending on your passport, so check your own case: I go through it in detail in the guides on the Mongolia visa and the China visa.

Step 4. Buy train tickets (60-90 days in advance)

Once your itinerary and dates are clear, it’s time to buy your train tickets. This is probably the step that has changed the most compared to previous years, because foreign bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) do not work at all in Russia due to sanctions. This directly affects how you can buy tickets.

Remember that each leg of the journey requires a separate ticket: there is no single ticket that lets you hop on and off whenever you want.

Where to buy Trans-Siberian tickets?

1. Recommended platform for foreigners: RussianTrain

To avoid issues with payments or access to the RZD website, the most recommended option for foreign travelers is RussianTrain. It’s an agency that sells train tickets in Russia, Mongolia, and China, with an interface in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

Pros: accepts international cards (Visa, MasterCard), good customer support, lets you book international trains (Ulaanbaatar–Beijing, etc.), and provides e-tickets.

Cons: prices include a 30-50% commission compared to the official RZD price. That’s the cost of being able to buy from outside Russia with a Western card.

2. Cheaper alternatives

• Tickets.kz (Kazakhstan railways website): works with foreign cards and only charges a 5-10% commission. The downside is that payments are made in Kazakh tenge. You need to use the Russian transliteration of city names (for example, “Moskva” instead of “Moscow”).
• RW.by (Belarus railways): near-official prices in Belarusian rubles. Only available in Russian/Belarusian.

3. Official RZD website (rzd.ru) — with limitations

The official Russian Railways website (rzd.ru) has all trains and the lowest prices, but:

• You can’t pay with foreign cards (Visa/MasterCard blocked)
• Access from Europe or America requires a VPN
• Only useful if you already have a Russian bank card (YooMoney, Tinkoff, MIR, etc.).

You can use RZD to check schedules and availability, then buy tickets via RussianTrain or Tickets.kz, or get a MIR card before you travel.

4. Buying tickets at the station (an option for spontaneous travelers)

If you prefer to travel without a fixed plan, you can also buy tickets directly at the ticket counters. Pros: official prices, you decide as you go. Cons: risk of no availability (especially in summer), ticket clerks don’t speak English, and they only accept cash rubles or Russian cards.

5. Tickets for the Mongolia–China leg

The Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train (23/24) can be booked through the UBTZ e-ticketing system (Mongolian Railways – https://eticket.ubtz.mn/) or its mobile app. Digital tickets with a QR code are issued. For summer, it’s best to book 2 months in advance. Approximate prices: hard sleeper (4 berths) about 180 USD, deluxe soft sleeper (2 berths) about 280 USD.

For domestic trains within China, Trip.com offers the best English interface and accepts PayPal and international cards. Chinese tickets go on sale 15 days before departure.

Important note: the British agency RealRussia, which for years was one of the most recommended for booking Trans-Siberian tickets, has ceased operations.

Types of tickets

• E-ticket with automatic registration: you don’t need to print anything—just show your passport when boarding.
• E-ticket without registration: you must validate it or print it at a machine or ticket office before boarding.
• Paper ticket: especially for international trains (Russia–Mongolia). These tickets may need to be picked up in Moscow or Irkutsk.

Practical tips for buying your tickets

1. Book in advance: Russian domestic tickets go on sale 90 days before departure, and international ones (Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar to Beijing) about 60 days ahead. Put a reminder in your calendar for the day sales open: in high season the Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar train, which has very limited capacity, sells out within days.
2. Keep Moscow time in mind: some trains show schedules in Moscow time, others in local time. Pay close attention so you don’t get confused.
3. Exact name as in your passport: make sure you enter all first and last names exactly as they appear in your passport, or you could be denied boarding.
4. If you’re traveling in a group, you can book the entire compartment (in second class) for more privacy.
5. Check the train type carefully: Firmeny, Skory, etc., as service quality varies a lot.

Example of buying legs (with approximate 2026 prices)

Step 5. Book hotels (30 days in advance)

Booking accommodation in advance is key to keeping your trip comfortable and smooth. Unlike train tickets, you can handle accommodation with more flexibility.

Where to book hotels?

Important: Booking.com no longer operates in Russia. For hotels in Russia you need to use alternative platforms that accept foreign cards.

Recommended website for Russia: ZenHotels

• ZenHotels is a Russian website with an interface in Spanish, English, and other languages
• Accepts international cards
• Hotels, hostels, apartments with online payment
• IMPORTANT: it’s currently not possible to book hotels with ZenHotels from Europe, but it is possible from the rest of the world. For that reason you’ll need a VPN or use other alternatives like OneTwoTrip.com

Approximate total accommodation budget

For an 18-day trip with 12 hotel nights:

5. Essential practical matters

This section is new and crucial. The practical situation for foreign travelers in Russia has changed drastically compared to 2022. If you don’t prepare properly in these areas, you can run into problems during your trip.

5.1. Money and payments: the biggest practical challenge

All Western bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are blocked in Russia. They don’t work at ATMs, you can’t use them to pay in shops, and they aren’t accepted anywhere. PayPal, Revolut, Wise, and Apple/Google Pay with Western cards don’t work either. UnionPay cards have inconsistent acceptance and some stopped working in late 2024 due to secondary sanctions, so they’re not a reliable option.

This is the single most important reality you need to prepare for before traveling. Here are the solutions that work:

Solution 1: Cash (the safest)

• Bring US dollars (USD) or euros (EUR) in cash. You don’t need to declare amounts under 10,000 USD/EUR
• Exchange them into rubles at Russian banks (Sberbank, VTB, Tinkoff). Exchange offices offer worse rates
• The exchange rate: check it the week you travel, because the ruble has swung a lot in the past two years. Change your money at a bank branch (Sberbank, VTB, T-Bank) rather than at an airport kiosk, and take clean, undamaged notes: crumpled or marked bills are often refused.
• All purchases in Russia are made in rubles; no business accepts foreign currency directly
• Calculate carefully how much you’ll need for the entire Russian leg (accommodation if you haven’t prepaid it, food, local transport, souvenirs)

Solution 2: Get a Russian bank card

If your stay will be long or you want more convenience, several Russian banks issue cards to foreigners:

• Tinkoff Bank: delivers the MIR card to your hotel in 1-2 days in Moscow. You need your passport, visa, and migration card
• YooMoney (ЮMoney): issues cards instantly at Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow) and at offices in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Nizhny Novgorod. You can also get it before traveling and top it up with a foreign card. This last option is the most recommended to avoid cash.

Solution 3: Prepay as much as possible before you arrive

• Hotels: pay online via ZenHotels or OneTwoTrip (accepts foreign cards)
• Train tickets: buy via RussianTrain (accepts foreign cards)
• Tours and excursions: book and pay before you leave

Tip: In Mongolia and China, your Western cards work normally. The problem is exclusively in Russia.

5.2. SIM card and connectivity

Getting a Russian SIM card has become acomplicated process for tourists. Since January 1, 2025, Russian law requires foreigners to meet a series of requirements to activate a SIM:

• Obtain a SNILS (Russian social security number)
• Register on Gosuslugi (government services portal)
• Complete biometric registration at a bank
• Register your phone’s IMEI

This process requires multiple visits and several days, which makes it practically unworkable for passing tourists. Also, since October 2025, foreign SIM/eSIMs have restricted services during the first 24 hours in Russia (voice only, no data or SMS).

Practical solutions:

• eSIM before you go: buy an eSIM that works in Russia while you are still at home, because once you land it is too late. I explain which ones actually connect and how to set one up in my guide to eSIMs for Russia.
• International roaming: expensive, but avoids bureaucracy
• Hotel WiFi: available everywhere, although it sometimes requires a Russian phone number for authentication

5.3. VPN: essential for Western travelers

Russia blocks thousands of Western websites and apps, including Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, Netflix, BBC, CNN, and many Google services. If you need access to these platforms, you’ll need a VPN.

Very important: download and install your VPN before arriving in Russia, since most VPN websites are also blocked from within the country.

Blocked VPNs: NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish (blocked since 2022).

There’s a complete guide on this blog about VPNs in Russia, with comparisons and up-to-date recommendations.

5.4. Travel insurance

This has changed a lot: most Western insurers no longer cover Russia due to sanctions. IATI, Heymondo, AXA, Allianz, and other major insurers exclude Russia from their policies.

Option that works:

• Solidarity Insurance: a Russian insurer, €35,000 coverage, approx. €1.10/day. Purchased through the Attollo Assistance platform and payable with a foreign card

Remember that medical insurance is mandatory for the Russian visa (minimum coverage of €30,000). For Mongolia and China you can use your usual travel insurance without any issues.

5.5. Government advisories and safety

It’s worth being transparent: several Western governments advise against traveling to Russia. The United Kingdom (FCDO) advises against all travel. The United States maintains a Level 4 alert (“Do Not Travel”). Spain and other EU countries issue similar cautionary recommendations. This mainly affects:

• Travel insurance coverage (as explained above)
• Consular assistance in case of emergency (very limited for UK and US citizens)
• Border regions with Ukraine (Belgorod, Kursk, Rostov), which should be avoided completely. These areas are NOT on the Trans-Siberian route

That said, all travelers who have done the Trans-Siberian in 2025-2026 consistently report that the trip itself is safe. Trains have carriage attendants, CCTV, occasional police patrols, and lockable compartments. A travel group in July 2025 summed it up like this: “We didn’t have a single incident during the whole trip. Nothing stolen, nothing damaged.” What all recent travelers do notice is that there are practically no Western tourists, which makes the experience more authentic but also more solitary.

5.6. Biometrics at the border

Since December 2025 there is one more step when you enter Russia: at every crossing point with the equipment for it, foreign travellers have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken, both on the way in and on the way out. It started at the Moscow airports and has been spreading, so take it for granted at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Pulkovo. It takes a couple of minutes, it happens at the counter itself and there is nothing to prepare or register beforehand. Children under 6, Belarusian citizens and diplomats are exempt.

Two consequences for a Trans-Siberian trip. First, allow more time at passport control on the way in, especially if several flights land at once. Second, if you leave Russia overland at Naushki on your way to Mongolia, the same check happens on the train, which is part of why that border takes 4 to 6 hours. It is all part of the digital profile Russia is building for foreign visitors, an experiment that has been extended until 31 December 2027.

6. The train journey: useful info and recommendations

The trains that run the Trans-Siberian route—whether in first, second, or third class—are not luxurious, but they’re built for very long journeys. What matters here isn’t speed or extreme comfort, but the experience: watching the landscape slowly change, chatting with other passengers, and sinking into the rhythm of Russian rail life.

6.1. What to pack for the journey

Essentials:

• Wet wipes and toilet paper
• Mug, spoon, and cutlery (to use with the samovar)
• Instant coffee, tea, noodles, cookies
• Earplugs and a sleep mask (especially in third class)
• Sandals or slippers for walking around the train (like “tapochki”). Traveling in street shoes is very frowned upon
• Comfortable clothes: tracksuit, T-shirt, hoodie
• Multi-plug adapter or power strip (renovated trains have more outlets, but older ones are still scarce)
• Plastic bags or a tote bag to carry things to the bathroom
• A large power bank (even though there are more outlets now, they’re not always free)
• Google Translate with the Russian language pack downloaded offline (essential—there’s no WiFi on the train)
• VPN already installed and set up on your phone before you leave
• Enough cash in rubles for the whole journey (you won’t be able to withdraw money with a foreign card)

Practical tip: trains in winter are very well heated. You don’t need to bring a coat inside the carriage, even if it’s -30 °C outside.

6.2. What life is like on board

The provodnitsa (or provodnik)

Each carriage has one or two attendants in charge of order, known as a provodnitsa (female) or provodnik (male). Their job:

• Check your ticket and passport when you board
• Give you bedding (sheets, blanket, towel)
• Keep the carriage clean
• Manage the samovar (hot water)
• Sell tea, coffee, snacks, instant ramen

Don’t expect them to speak English. A smile and a “spasíba” go a long way. Russians are incredibly helpful despite the language barrier.

Beds and berths

• 1st class (SV): 2-person compartment with two lower berths
• 2nd class (Kupe): 4-person compartment with upper and lower berths
• 3rd class (Platskart): open carriage with 54 berths, no doors and no privacy

Bathrooms, hygiene, and showers

Bathrooms are at the beginning and end of each carriage. They’re basic:

• Sink with cold water (not drinkable)
• Western-style toilet or “Russian-style” (depends on the train)
• They’re often closed during long stops

Showers: some more modernized trains now have hot showers in every carriage (150 rubles per use, approx. €1.50). Check the RZD app when booking to confirm whether your train has them. If not, plan to shower at hotels during your stops.

Power outlets and connection

• On renovated trains (like the Rossiya): power outlets and USB ports in every compartment
• On older trains: 1 or 2 outlets per carriage
• There is no WiFi on board
• Mobile coverage: works only near cities or towns. An eSIM is essential

The samovar: your best friend

Each carriage has a samovar, a tank of free, unlimited hot water used for:

• Tea, coffee, instant soup, noodles, mashed potatoes
• Brushing your teeth or freshening up a bit

The samovar water boils constantly and is safe for internal use.

If you don’t have a mug, you can ask the provodnitsa for tea: she’ll serve it in a typical podstakannik, the most Russian metal cup holder you’ll ever see.

6.3. Meals and daily routines

Restaurant car

Not all trains have one, and the food is pretty average and expensive. Alcohol can only be consumed in the restaurant car (and must be bought there).

Bringing your own food

Many Russian passengers bring their own food. You can do the same. Examples:

• Instant noodles and soups
• Fruit, black bread, cured sausage
• Chocolate, cookies, nuts
• Tea, instant coffee

During long stops, you can buy food at station kiosks or from platform vendors (babushkas selling pirozhki, fruit, pastries…).

Before boarding the train, stop by a supermarket (called “produkty”) and stock up for the whole journey. Recent travelers recommend buying plenty, since on-board prices are much higher.

6.4. Safety, rules, and getting along

Train travel in Russia is quite safe, even in third class. Still, it’s worth taking a few precautions:

• Keep your passport and money with you at all times
• Lock your backpack if you’re going to sleep deeply
• Don’t leave valuables visible in the compartment
• Avoid political discussions (an extremely sensitive topic right now)
• Take the lower berth if you can choose: the upper one is cheaper, but you have nowhere to sit during the day and no space for your luggage
• Keep your ticket and passport handy at every border and every long stop, and photograph your migration card as soon as they hand it to you

6.5. What travelers who’ve done the route recently say

To wrap up, here’s a summary of what travelers who’ve completed the route recently have reported back to me. The overall experience is very positive despite the logistical challenges:

• Russians are incredibly hospitable: strangers helping you set up your berth, compartment mates sharing food, people going out of their way to assist you despite not speaking your language
• You’ll be practically the only Western tourist on the train. This makes the experience more authentic and more immersive
• The language barrier is real but manageable: Google Translate offline is your best tool. With patience and goodwill, everything gets sorted
• Safety hasn’t been an issue for any recent traveler
• Cash works well once you adapt. Exchange enough when you arrive and you won’t have problems, although I recommend getting a Russian MIR card before the trip.
• Renovated trains are significantly more comfortable than what older guidebooks say: hot showers, outlets in every compartment, safes

Readers who have done the route recently

Everything above is the plan. What follows is what actually happened to people who got on the train, which is often the more useful half. These are chronicles readers sent me after doing it, all of them in 2025 or 2026:

• Philippe, three weeks on the Trans-Siberian: half the euros he brought were refused at the bank counter because the notes were old or marked. If you read only one of these, read this one before you pack your cash.
• Kira, who told everyone she was hiking in Germany: nobody around her wanted her to go, so she learned Russian with an app and planned the whole thing quietly. A solo woman’s account of the carriages, the compartments and the nights.
• Rajendra and Jayshree, Moscow to Vladivostok: a month in Russia and the full classic route end to end, seen by a couple travelling together.
• Dan, Altai and Baikal in 20 days: from Prague to Kazan and on into Siberia, with the stops most people never consider.
• Neil, into Russia by ferry from South Korea: useful if you are thinking of finishing in Vladivostok and carrying on instead of flying home.

You can read all of them in the readers’ chronicles. And if you have just come back from the Trans-Siberian, yours is very welcome.

FAQ Trans-Siberian Railway

Article updated in September 2026. If you have more recent information, or you have just done the route, write to me through the contact form.