Austrians on Track: A Detailed Guide to Booking Your Trans-Siberian Adventure

December 16, 2024
5:05 am

Booking the Trans-Siberian Journey

Trans-Siberian Railway Overview

Booking a ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway is a real bucket-list adventure, letting you soak up the views and vibes across the giant expanse that is Russia. Stretching a jaw-dropping 9,289 kilometers (or about 5,772 miles) from Moscow to Vladivostok, it’s the grand-daddy of all train rides. Fancy a twist? You’ve got the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes to shake things up a bit.

Trans-Siberian: The classic – Moscow to Vladivostok, taking you through legendary spots like Yekaterinburg and Ulan Ude.
Trans-Mongolian: This one’s for the curious soul. It loops through Russia, then Mongolia, and ends in China. A perfect way to dive into Mongolia and brush up on your nomadic lifestyle.
Trans-Manchurian: If Mongolia ain’t your jam, hop onto this Moscow-to-Beijing ride. Different sights, equally awesome culture (source).

Whatever route you pick, you’re looking at about 6–7 days without breaks, soaking up Russia, Mongolia, and China’s charm.

Route	Length (km)	Length (mi)	Travel Time (Days)	Must-See Stops
Trans-Siberian	9289	5772	6-7	Moscow, Vladivostok
Trans-Mongolian	7621	4735	6-7	Moscow, Ulaanbaatar, Beijing
Trans-Manchurian	8989	5588	6-7	Moscow, Beijing

Route Options for Travelers

Picking your path is all about what grabs you and how much time you’ve got. Here’s the low-down:

Moscow to Vladivostok

Fancy seeing Russia from end to end? This route is your calling. From Moscow’s buzz to the Siberian Taiga’s tranquillity, you’re crossing seven time zones and capturing the heart of Russia.

Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia (Trans-Mongolian)

Go for the Trans-Mongolian if you’re up for a triple-dose of cultural exploration. Start in Moscow, skim through Russia, dive into Mongolia’s wilderness, and land in China in the bustling city of Beijing.

Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria (Trans-Manchurian)

Speedy souls aiming for Beijing might dig the Trans-Manchurian. Skip Mongolia for a more off-the-beaten-path vibe with fewer tourist groups and more local color.

Flexible Options

From Vladivostok or Beijing: Start in Vladivostok or Beijing for a fresh angle and a quieter ride (source).
St. Petersburg Detour: Why not tack on a visit to Russia’s artsy heart, St. Petersburg?
Vietnam Leg: Keep rolling from Beijing to Vietnam for more tales to tell.
Hello, Japan: Take a ferry from Vladivostok for sushi straight from the source.

Dive into our ultimate guide to the trans-siberian railway for Austrian travelers for more scoop on these rides.

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So, get your route sorted and brace yourself for a memorable trek across Russia’s vast and varied landscapes. Make your choice, hop on, and let the tracks lead you to new memories!

Planning Your Trans-Siberian Trip

Costs and Ticket Classes

Thinking about hopping aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway? You’re not alone – it’s high up on the travel bucket list for many. Let’s talk dosh and those comfy spots on the train to make your adventure top-notch.

Ticket Class	Moscow to Vladivostok	Moscow to Beijing (Trans-Mongolian)	Moscow to Beijing (Trans-Manchurian)
First Class	$1,800	$1,800	$1,800
Kupe (Second Class)	$900	$900	$900
Platskartny (Third Class)	$360	$360	$360

Numbers courtesy of Nomadic Matt

Here’s a quick lowdown on what you get for your pennies.

First Class: Think luxury – spacious cabins with all the fixings. Perfect for a swanky trip.
Kupe (Second Class): A sweet middle ground, balancing cost with comfort. Room for four.
Platskartny (Third Class): Wallet-friendly bunk beds in an open carriage. It’s a great way to travel without splashing the cash.

All things considered, a basic trip including your ticket, beds, and food runs about $1,000. Costs might shift a tad depending on which ticket you pick, the path you take, or where you fancy a stop-off (Nomadic Matt). For extra booking niftiness, see booking tips from Austria to Russia.

Cultural Experience on the Journey

Getting on that train isn’t just about the ride – it’s like stepping into a moving art show of life across Russia. Watch people from all over the country gather – maybe a talkative local school teacher or a curious entrepreneur from Moscow, even learning some tales from the Buryats (Nomadic Matt). It’s like a live documentary straight from the heart of Russia.

Share a laugh, swap stories, and maybe even pick up a few Russian words from your compartment mates. And oh, the scenery! From lively towns to the calming Siberian forests – it’s a feast for the eyes.

Spice up your trip by hanging out in spots like Ekaterinburg or digging into history in Ulan Ude. Each place gives you a different story and a hearty dose of culture. Check out more local gems in our ultimate guide to the Trans-Siberian Railway for Austrian travelers.

Plan it right, and your Trans-Siberian adventure will be one for the books, whether you’re cruising the classic route or mixing things up with different tracks like the best routes for Austrians. It’s a ticket to memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Accommodation Choices

When deciding how to travel the long and winding tracks of the Trans-Siberian railway, consider your sleeping arrangements. What you pick will shape your whole experience, from wallet comfort to actual comfort. You’ve got quite a spread to consider, each with its own quirks and perks.

First Class

First class, this is where you get to feel like royalty. Rooms for just two people, they’ve got a few fancy extras like an armchair and sometimes even a shared shower. If you’re ready to splash out a bit, this is your ticket to the plush life, priced at about $1,800 for the ride from Moscow all the way to either Vladivostok or Beijing.

Class	Capacity	Shower	Cost (Moscow-Vladivostok)
First Class	2 passengers	Yes	$1,800

Second Class

Opt for second class if first feels a bit too posh. These sleep four folks per cabin, and while you’ll miss out on shower amenities, you save some dough and still travel in reasonable comfort.

Class	Capacity	Shower	Cost (Moscow-Vladivostok)
Second Class	4 passengers	No	$900

Third Class

Third class, also known as ‘Platskartny’, embraces a more relaxed vibe. This open-plan is filled with the buzz of 54 people sharing the ride. It’s budget-friendly at $360, and if you’d rather collect a treasury of stories and new mates than dreams, look no further.

Class	Capacity	Shower	Cost (Moscow-Vladivostok)
Third Class	54 bunks	No	$360

If you’re mulling over which ride fits you best, our friendly helpers will sort you out on traveling across Siberia.

Food Options and Dining Experience

And for your tastebuds, the railway has more to offer than just the view. Chomping your way from stop to stop gives you a chance to sample the cooking uniqueness as the landscape outside changes.

Dining Carriages

Each train is proud of its restaurant carriage, where you’ll find dishes at decent prices, changing menus, and the taste of local culture right on your plate.

Meal Type	Cost Range	Notable Dishes
Breakfast	$3 – $5	Omelettes, Porridge
Lunch/Dinner	$5 – $10	Borscht, Pelmeni, Grilled meats

Platform Vendors

Fancy a more local touch? When the train grinds to a halt, wander to the platform and let local vendors treat you. They’re the go-to for budget-friendly bites that reflect the hustle and bustle of street food culture.

Item	Cost Range	Examples
Snacks	$1 – $3	Pastries, Fruit
Full Meals	$3 – $7	Grilled Chicken, Fresh Salads

More on what to munch and how to plan for it? Check out some tasty tips lined out in our

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Exploring Trans-Siberian Destinations

Moscow and Vladivostok

Hop aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway and whether you kick off or wrap up your journey in Moscow, get ready for a city that buzzes with life. Moscow, Russia’s nerve center, full of political power moves and where history breathes through its streets. Imagine standing in awe at the Bolshoi Theatre, exploring the mighty Kremlin, or soaking up art at the Tretyakov Gallery. St. Basil’s Cathedral and Christ the Saviour Cathedral? Postcard-perfect locales that oozes culture right under your feet. Wanna snag tickets? Check out how to score Trans-Siberian seats from Austria here.

Then you’ve got Vladivostok, perched on Russia’s east coast like a hidden gem at the end of the railway rainbow. It’s where Eastern charm cozies up with Russian vibes. Play eagle and get a bird’s-eye view from Eagle’s Nest Hill or catch the breeze on Golden Horn Bay. Oh, and the food? A love letter to your taste buds with its fusion of flavors. Need more info on this escapade? Here’s our ultimate guide for Austrian travelers.

Ulaanbaatar and Beijing

Cruising towards Mongolia brings you to Ulaanbaatar—a city that’s the heart of the Trans-Mongolian adventure. It’s where city life and nomadic whispers meld beautifully. Peek into the Gandan Monastery, sift through tales at the National History Museum, or feel the pulse at Sukhbaatar Square.

Beijing is the stopping point for the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian lines, a place where old walls and new towers tell tales of time. The Great Wall? It’s got stories as tall as it stands. Roam the Forbidden City or get lost in the lush gardens of the Summer Palace. And don’t even get me started on the food; it’s a whole world on a plate. Plan your epic railway tour from Austria using these travel tips.

Route Comparison Table

Route	Start Point	End Point	Key Stops	Duration (Days)
Traditional Trans-Siberian	Moscow	Vladivostok	Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk	6–7
Trans-Mongolian	Moscow	Beijing (via Mongolia)	Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk	6–7
Trans-Manchurian	Moscow	Beijing (bypassing Mongolia)	Harbin, Irkutsk	6–7

Curious about which path suits you best? Dive into the best routes for Austrians and get those wanderlust wheels turning.