retiredinflorida

I would like to know is the first class sleeper cabins on Russian trains are comfortable? We will be travelling unescorted on a package and are concerned about our safety and our surroundings. If we are unable to sleep the next days sightseeing will not be enjoyable. Are we better off paying more for an extra night in a hotel room and taking the day train instead? Any thoughts/suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.

Garfield

I have travelled a numberof times on the trains between Moscow and St Petersburg. Most of them are very comfortable and have high security. The trains only stop one or two times a night. For information and descriptions of the trains see tThe Way to Russia Net Guide at: http://www.waytorussia.net/Transport...etersburg.html

Firstmate

Have taken the train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg several times. Have never had any problems at all. Albeit for the agressive taxi drivers at the other end, and they are really no problem. There are several trains each day, but what I would recommend is taking the 'Speed Train'. It leaves Moscow somewhere around 18:00 and arrives Saint Petersburg somewhere around 22:30. I think it is a direct train. I do not think it stops. It may stop once or twice, and has a speed of 200 km/hr. at sometimes during the trip.
In any event, I would not worry about traveling by train from Moscow to SP.

Debs

Took the night train between Moscow and St P a couple of years ago. Train made 2 or 3 very brief stops as we got closer to St P-stops were just long enough to pick up/drop off passengers. Definitely no time to disembark, wander around to 'see' the sights and return to the train - in other words, stay on the train. The sleeper car comes equipped with somewhat of an oversized lock for the inside of the door, which will provide you with extra security. The rocking motion of the train will actually make sleeping easier! Don't miss the opportunity to take the train between these two magnificant cities. Hopefully the bathroom car has improved in quality-consider is *very* spartan and to an extent, open air. Enjoy your trip.

Punkyl44

I took the night train between St. Pete and Moscow in August 2002. As I recall, they have different types of sleeper cabins. I was in a cheeper cabing that slept four. Two sets of bunk beds with a very small aisle in the middle. It was tiny. I was travelling with three people I knew though. We took our suitcases on and there was barely any room.

They also had what looked to be more "upscale" cabins that only had two beds with a small fold-out table in the middle. I believe you get somesort of snack service in these cabins. Depending how many of you there are, you may want to splurge on one of these. Not fun to share a 4 person cabin with people you don't know considering the fact that it is tiny.

There is also a snack car/ bar on board if you're hungry. Bathrooms were sparse but clean.