Way to Russia Talk Lounge

bryak · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:48 am Post subject: 1st class? 2nd class?

What's are the differences between 1st and 2nd classes on the Trans-Siberian other than number of people to a room and the price? I plan to travel 2nd class (to save $), but want to be fairly comfortable for my long journey from Beijing to (eventually) Moscow. Is it as safe to travel 2nd class? Even on the Trans-Mongolian line, which seems somewhat sketchy with all the "smugglers" and what have you?

UsualSuspect · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:28 am Post subject: 2nd class....

Bryak,
1st class is a waste of money unless you want to waste money! The same much put-about horror stories apply in 1st class as well.
The usual travelling rules apply....money/passport next to skin at all times, valuables (camera etc) exit the train with you at a long station stop.
You can ask the provodnik (or provodnitsa usually) to move you to another car if your cabin companions are a pack of desperadoes (drunks, druggies or sizing you up continually).

the lower the train No, the more expensive generally and since you aren't travelling Plaskartny or (forgot the word) "Open" I doubt you'll be rubbing shoulders with livestock and such.

The ticketing people generally put all foreigners in the same wagon as a general rule.

I have never personally had any problems whatsoever travelling second class.

You are more likely to get ripped off by Militia and scammers in cities than get done over on the trans-whatever.

Enjoy
Usualsuspect

bryak · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:26 am Post subject: thanks

Cheers! That's all what I thought, but just wanted to make sure.

I'm beginning to be more afraid of being ripped off by corrupt cops than anything else. Smile

Norwegian · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:21 am Post subject:

Oh, that sounds like an exciting trip. Can I come along ? Razz

bryak · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:08 pm Post subject:

Everybody can come along! Very Happy

We'll have a Way to Russia talk lounge party and all travel together.

trevar · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 2:15 am Post subject:

I travelled alone in 4 berth compartment and a 2 berth one and had a pretty good trip, had a lady and 9 year old grandson one way..
hostess were excellent..but this was not on Trans Siberian but on long distance train in Siberia ...toilets could have been better but thats people for you and on a long trip you always get some people in any country that are not responsible..they did clean them every so often, was glad I was a guy as I think some guys did not have much balance when standing up. as you often get in bus or train in any country, .resulting in wet seat so did not envy the ladies having to sit...
the trains were clean, the sheets etc clean in plastic packs, and you could walk round the train anytime.. Cabin had heaters, music, table by window, and Maria my one hostess looked after me nicely despite the language problems..we got along fine and I gave her a small gift when I left the train. Can't talk about the Trans Siberian however..but friends of mine travelled in a 2 berth compartment right actross Russia and had a good trip.