Russia trains
 

Anyone has recent experience in Russian trains?

I haven't travelled on Russian trains for 15+ years and I assume much has changed.

Is it safer now? How is the service? And how much are approximate prices?

Interested in routes such as:

Minsk-Moscow
Moscow-St.Petersburg(or vise versa)
and Moscow-Riga
St.Petersburg-Riga as I will be flying back out of Riga

Thanks for your help.

I have travelled on a number of trains in Russia and have never had a problem with safety. Some of the trains have a plastic device that you can use to prevent the door from being opened from the outside, you will also find a latch on the door that will prevent it from being opened. If you are travelling by yourself and you are uncomfortable with those in your compartment you can asked to be moved. For more information see:

http://seat61.com/Russia2.htm
http://www.waytorussia.net/Transport...tic/Train.html

In U.S. Google Ascutney Travel in Vermont who advertises they are specialists in russian trains.

Tallinn-Moscow Estonia #034p
departs Moscow 18:15/arrival Tallinn 08:27
#034x
departs Tallinn 17:10/arrival Moscow 09:20

Riga-Moscow Latvia #001
departs Moscow 19:11/arrival Riga 10:30
#002
departs Riga 16:20/arrival Moscow 09:41

St Petersburg-Vilnius #079
departs St Petersburg 18:16 (even dates)
arrival Vilnius 13:12
#080
departs Vilnius 14:48 (odd dates)
arrival St Petersburg 18:41

Prices, check with the dates you need at
http://www.expresstorussia.com

thanks to all for responses.