A-Z of the Trans-Siberian Express

Which is the best time to consider a trip on the Trans-Siberian Express? - Saritha E. Solms







It may surprise many to discover there is no one train that can claim to be the “Trans-Siberian Express”. There is, though, a Trans-Siberian Railway – the lines along which a number of trains travel. The main route of the Trans-Siberian originates in Moscow and runs to Vladivostok via southern Siberia. However, many western travellers choose options that end in Beijing. These take the Trans-Mongolian or the Trans-Manchurian lines. One of the most luxurious trips is on the specially commisioned train named the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, which was launched in 2007. Whatever train you take, the weather considerations remain the same. Trains operate all-year round and most of them control the temperature on board. Both summer and winter trips have their supporters, but it would be wise not to travel in peak summer (June and July) or the middle of winter (December and January) when conditions are most fierce. When you are booking, you should consider "high class" (spalny in Russian) as you can stay in compartments for two. In "first class" (kupe) there will be four in each carriage. (8 July 2012)