I will be traveling independently to Russia with my wife in Mid-May. We will be flying into Moscow and returning home from St. Petersburg eight days later, splitting our time between the two cities. I am assuming train travel would be a reasonable and convenient way to go from Moscow to St. Petersburg. We do not speak or read Russian, but assume we could get the correct tickets through our hotel. Has anyone had any experience with train travel between these cities or advice in this area. Many Thanks.

I took the train to/fro Moscow and St Petersburg last May. It was a wonderful experience. From Moscow to St P we took a sleeper train called the Red Arrow. Adorable two-berth compartment perfect for me and my husband. The way back was a 4pm train, arriving in Moscow at 9pm (I think). I would absolutely recommend using your hotel to book tickets. You will probably pay a service charge, but it is worth it as the trains often sell out. You can click on my name for a trip report of our visit to Moscow & St Petersburg.

Your hotel or a local travel agent, if there is time, (local Amex office for example) can book them. You will need to provide your passport numbers for a train ticket to be purchased. I am not sure that train travel would be reasonable or convenient but it an experience that would be a pity to miss. There are so many interesting trains that run on that route.

I would advise purchasing a compartment for sole use by 2 persons.

You can purchase the tickets upto about 45 days in advance and May is a busy time in Russia.

As for not understanding Russian, the hotel can go thru the tickets and explain what is what (date/dept time is obvious but some details are not), there is a board in the station where the platform nos are listed.

Are you planning an overnight train, if so how are you covering this in the visa application?

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...pois&fid=2

Here's a link to the trip report, just in case you're interested!

Here's a site I found very useful. Have a wonderful trip!
http://www.seat61.com/Russia2.htm