Several trains travel on the route from Moscow to Irkutsk and can deliver travelers to cities with interesting cultural sights. The most renowned sights of the Trans-Siberian railway are on this track, except for Vladivostok and Ulan-Ude. There are two different routes that last three and a half days when traveling straight through. The less well-traveled line passes through Kazan, which showcases Turkic cultures. On the other hand, the busier route does offer more sights while passing through Nizhny Novgorod and Perm. Either Moscow Irkutsk train is worthwhile.
Whichever route you prefer, be sure to schedule in stops to avoid regretting not having planned to venture off the train to experience the real Russia. The highlights of the trip below can serve as your starting points, but there is more to see. These are the most well-known stops.
Perm: Dr. Zhivago, the classic Russian novel, took place in Perm. The mansions that Pasternak described can be toured. The progressive contemporary art museum PERMM is interesting. Most people will enjoy it, although it does tend toward the more eccentric. The only gulag open for tours in Russia is Perm 36.
Yekaterinburg: One of the largest military museums in Russia lies in Yekaterinburg. One of the principal churches has a leaning bell tower that can make for a great photo op.
Omsk: Among the most famous Russian authors is Dostoevsky, who was exiled to Omsk for four years. His work drilled deep into human psychology. A small historical literary museum is also worth a short visit.
Novosibirsk: The largest opera house in Russia is in Novosibirsk. Its ballets are not to be missed either. A secret city housed scientists during the Soviet era. With futuristic buildings and a museum dedicated to the sun, it was unique for the time. You can still visit the sun museum. A statue honors laboratory mice.
Irkutsk: Most people bypass the small city of Irkutsk and head for the magnificent Lake Baikal nearby. However, Irkutsk also offers intricate wooden houses in the city center.
Trains traveling from Moscow to Irkutsk
#061/062
The non-branded #061/062 travels on the Moscow Irkutsk train route with first, second and third-class tickets.
First class: Two passengers enjoy lower births in first class. A meal, travel pack and clean linens are included. Passengers can also tap into the entertainment portal. It offers Wi-Fi, movies, music. The portal also lets you order meals from the restaurant car, see the route map and schedule.
Second class: On the #061/062, four passengers ride in one cabin in second class. It has a table, tv and power outlets in the latest carriages. Bed linen is included.
Third class: This class of train ticket has an open plan without any of the conveniences of the higher classes.
Two bio-toilets are available in each carriage. There are no showers, but for a fee, you may be able to ask the provodnik to use one in the staff’s cabin.
#081/082
The 081/082 train travels between Moscow and Ulan Ude. The full route takes three days and eighteen hours. The two classes of ticket are second and third. Although it’s not branded, it has a reputation for being clean and comfortable.
In second class, there are upper and lower berths on each side of a cabin, accommodating four people. Bed linen is included for all. Tickets can include meals or not. Third class is an open plan. 54-berths occupy two levels. The majority of the train cars have air-conditioning.
The Rossiya
The longest route in the world is tread by the Rossiya, at 9259km, from Moscow to Vladivostok. The entire journey spans six time zones after leaving Moscow’s Yaroslavsky station. It lasts seven days and stops in 140 cities.
The colors reflect the Russian flag inside and outside. With high standards of friendliness, customer service and conditions, the Rossiya distinguishes itself from other trains. Two trains don images of Eastern leopards and Amur tigers to raise awareness. The Rossiya hopes to enable them to live on into the future.
With second and third-class cars, there’s a bit of opportunity for cost-effectiveness based on needs. Second-class tickets have four berths, with two upper and two lower. A TV, access control system, bed linens and a 220V plug round out the experience. Third class has 54 berths in two levels. For a fee, either class can visit the dining car and a carriage with showers.
For additional information about railway routes and stops, consult the Trans-Siberian Railway Map. Descriptions of each city give a short overview and a visual to help guide decisions.
