Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Caligari · Just Starting Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Hi all,
I'm planning to do the Trans Siberian in January from Beijing to Moscow via Manchuria with a stop off for several days in Irkutsk, and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with buying tickets at the station.

The only thing I'm concerned about is missing out on a seat. I arrive on Tuesday the 8th and the 19 train through Manchuria leaves on Saturday. Normally I wouldn't be too concerned, being the off season, but from what I gather since it's a working train it can be fully booked at any time of the year.

Is it possible to buy the tickets for the domestic Russian leg in China? (Irkutsk -> Moscow)

If I had a choice I'd pre-purchase the tickets over the net, but the very cheapest tickets I could find were about twice the price of station tickets, and I'm on a very tight budget.

Also, if anyone has any comments about the trip in general, I'd be glad to hear them - while I've done a lot of background reading and so on, the more first-hand info I can get the better.

Thanks very much in advance.

nikir · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 12:14 am Post subject:

I bought a ticket in Irkutsk in August and you shouldn't have any trouble at all. If you don' speak Russian just write the train number and where you want to go plus the class of carriage on a piece of paper in Russian and give that plus your passport to the girl at the window. She will usually hold up the price on a calculator and you just give her the roubles. Sometimes you might be lucky and strike someone who speaks English a bit. Go in the morning as soon as you can after your arrival in Irkusk and maximise you chance of getting a ticket. You will save quite a bit buying you ticket at the station. Also take your own food as the restaurant is quite expensive and you can bet that whatever you like on the menu won't be available. there is quite a good market in Irkutsk about a 10 minute tram ride from the station.

pfff · Just Starting Joined: 13 Nov 2006 Posts: 5 Location: .ro

How long does it take to get from Beijing to Moscow with the Trans Siberian ?

CLIVE

6 nights on the train.

Leo · Just Starting Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 5

I can buy and deliver any train/flight tickets in/to/from Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. The service costs you 500 rubles per ticket. Delivery within Irkutsk city is free of charge. No prepayment or deposit if it is just one or two train tickets. You pay (ticket price + 500ru) when you take the ticket in your hand. No worries waiting for this moment as you will be notified (max. 45 days) by email or phone right after the ticket is purchased. I think I can't advertise here, so if you are interested, let me know your email.