Russian Train Types

There are mainly 3 Russian Train types:

• High-Speed Trains: normally run inter-cities. Clean and fast, popular with most travelers travelling within Russia.
• Luxury Overnight Trains: with better custom service, high-quality of facilities & restaurant, and of course higher ticket price.  
• Regular Trains: slower and cheaper, a good choice for travelers who prefer travelling slowly and experience a diversity of Russia’s natural scenic view.

High-Speed Trains

With an average speed of 250 km/h (or 155 mph), high speed trains are the first choice for most travelers travel inter-cities within Russia, such as the routes among Moscow, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and etc. Among a series of high-speed train types, Sapsan Train between Moscow and St. Petersburg is widely known around the world for its speed and service. Express train is normally divided into 2 ~ 3 classes, sometimes even 6 classes, like Sapsan train. Other types of trains, such as Alstom Train, Nevsky Express, Desiro Train, and Swift Train also play great roles in Russian railway system and people’s daily life. 

High speed trains in Russia have a wide range of timetable, which makes travel become possible for those people who have certain or special arrangements. For example, for route of Moscow - St. Petersburg, overnight express trains and fast daytime Sapsan train are all available every day. 

Luxury Overnight Trains

If you pursue a trip with the highest level of quality and comfort and if budget allows, the Luxury overnight train is that you want to take. You will have soft beds, private room, divine food and drink. VIP cabins could offer you a comfortable shower before arrival. Of course with all these services, the ticket price is higher than other trains. The Luxury overnight trains also serve inter-city routes, mostly among Moscow, St. Petersburg and Helsinki.

One of the interesting things about Luxury overnight trains is that these trains have their own names, such as Grand Express Train, Red Arrow Train, and Tolstoy Train. Each name has its important historical significance, representing the new face of Russia. 

Regular Trains

Regular trains operate not only for railways within Russia, but also serve for Trans-Siberian Railway. The trains stop at every station, which make the whole journey a longer time. It is popular among travelers who could stay free and want to explore the whole landscape along the trip. The famous Rossiya Train runs the longest railway route around the world, from Moscow to Vladivostok, with a length of 5,771 miles (9,288 kilometers), which will run totally a week. A vastness of pine forest, magnificent Lake Baikal, grand Ural Mountain lead this route the most attractive tourist line over the world. On Rossiya Train, there are 2-bed sleeper, 4-bed sleeper and Hostel Sleeper for travelers to choose. Besides Rossiya Train, Enisey Trans-Siberian Train also runs on Trans-Siberian Railway, and it only has 4-bed sleeper cabins arranged. There are other types of regular overnight trains, price is lower, and sometimes travelers need to sit on a bed instead of separated seats. 

Express Train

Regular Train

Comparison of Russian Train Types

Types	Speed	Routes	Advantages
High-Speed Train	90 - 250 km/h	inter-cities within Russia	More choices, shorter duration
Luxury overnight Train	60 - 170 km/h	inter-cities within Russia	Most comfortable, enjoy best service
Regular Train	50 - 110 km/h	inter-cities within Russia & Trans-Siberian Railway	Long route, great views of Russia

Other Russian Train Types

According to different standards, the trains also can be divided to other types: 

By speed	High speed train / express train / regular train
By service offered	Brand trains / No-Brand trains
By distance	Long-distance train / Electric suburban train

Electric Suburban Train:

With the lowest equipment, these green trains covers the rural area around provincial cities in Russia. Running staggering, like an old man, Electric suburban train even don’t have a comfort seat, as they are all made of wood. However, on weekends or holidays, it is hard for you to find an empty seat on it! People like travelling this train to their summer houses in rural area. It will be an unforgettable memory if you have chance to experience this kind of train, the tickets can be easily got at railway stations in Russia.