First time to Russia and traveling alone. Am planning to fly late August or early September to St. Petersburg from USA then take a train to Moscow. Has anyone taken this train, and if so, any difficulties with it? Are housestays better than hotels? Also, how many days should one allow for each city? Time is of no importance. Thanks.

Have never taken that train trip but thought I should warn you that in St. Petersburg early September is the beginning of winter. Coming from New York via a stop in Stockholm I expected summer or ealy fall and couldn't understand why the locals were wearing winter coats. Until the third day (Sept 6 or 7) I left the hotel and discovered that the temperature was around 40 - and it was very windy to boot. It's a great city with wonderful things to see and do - and now actually has reasonable hotels and restaurants - but just be prepared for the weather.

Thanks for the weather info. I will be coming from Maine so you might say I am used to those temperatures.

The weather in St Petersburg in September can also be warm, however it can change very fast. I have never had any difficulties with the night trains from St Petersburg to Moscow. In St Petersburg get you ticket at the Moscow Station. For train information have a look at Go to Russia Travel http://www.gotorussia.net/

I would spend at least 5 days in ech city, however you could easily spend more time. You will not run out of things to see.

Go to the Lonely Planet website at: http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/thorn/branches.pl

Click on Eastern Europe and search for Russia or Everbrite and you will find information on what to see in each city.

Thanks Garfield,

What can you tell me about Visa requirements? Do I need an invitation to visit Russia? Also, do I need to know where I will be staying and for how long? Do you know anything about homestays? Why wouldn't I want to stay in one of them as opposed to a hotel?
ron

Check visa requirements at US. State Dept. website.

We have taken the Moscow-St. Petersburg train twice. It is not something I look forward to, particularly the rest room facilities. It is an overnight trip--or an all day trip.
You need an invitation to go to Russia. We have had homestays but arranged by local community friendship groups in our city. I don't know how you would do it on your own--as in, I don't have that information. It is very interesting to do but without an organization behind you it could be potentially "dangerous". That said, the Russian people are a wonderful lot. It is an unforgettable trip. Watch your pockets carefully however.

Visas ar not hard to get. What you need before you apply for the visa is a form called a Voucher and another is a form known as an Official Confirmation of Visit. The voucher indicates that you have booked services in Russa, the other is an invitation to visit Russia. These forms can be obtaind in a number of ways, however the easiest is through an agent, who for a fee, will issue the forms. Once you have the forms you can apply for a visa, either directly to the Russian Embassy or through the agent. The application forms can be obtained from Russian Emmbassy website.

On arrival in Russia you will need to fill out a Migration Form as well a Declaration Form. You will also be required to have your visa registered within 3 days of arrival in Russia, which is normally done for you at the hotels.

For visa application information see Go to Russia Travel at: http://www.gotorussia.net/

For mor information on registration and arrival in Russia see Way to Russia at: http://www.waytorussia.net/

Have taken several trains from St Pete to Moscow over the years. Best train is the Nikolevski Express but the Red Arrow (Krasnaya Strelkov) is also good. First consideration is security, then comfort. Both these trains are supposed to have security. 1st class compartments have 2 berths which you may like to book for yourself rather than share with a stranger, you get bedlinen and a small meal (more like an airline plastic meal but the tea is great. Precautions are to take a padlock or some sort of wire to lock the door from the inside as it has been known for someone to break into your compartment while you sleep and steal everything. The restrooms leave alot to be desired and it's not ideal to leave your things unattended. Despite this, it is one of the things everybody should do once in a lifetime, to take the overnight train, it can be a wonderful experience.

Hi sailingsolo,
Several years ago I took the night train from Moscow to St Petersburg. I was with a group. My daughter and I shared a sleeper. It was ok. I had heard tales of being gassed in the night and robbed (happened to someone I know a long time back) but the conductor gave us all extra locks to secure our doors. I agree with above person about the toilet facilities. Not too good. Knowing this in advance will probably help. Just go when you have to and stay in your room otherwise. No shower facilities on my train either--would not have used it anyway) I cannot remember how long I was in Moscow--2 to 3 days I think. I saw a lot but more time would be good also.Went to the circus and it was great. Also to the opera. In St Petersburg went to the ballet. Have been to St Petersburg twice. You will want extra time there to go outside the city to Catherine palace and maybe some other things. I really enjoyed my times there. One thing I want to add--I would not ride the subway alone. You may be better at this, but my guide said not to esp since the Russian alphabet is not like ours and the words are harder to recognize. Others will probably disagree. Have a safe and wonderful trip. Let us hear about it when you return. Happy travels.