7 Stunning Train Routes You Need to Take Before You Die

For those looking for a more international experience, the Belarusian Voyage is a fantastic choice. This route takes you from Moscow to cities in Belarus, including Brest, Minsk, and Grodno. The journey lasts 4 days and 3 nights, with plenty of time to explore each city. Highlights include visiting the Brest Fortress, exploring Minsk’s Trinity Suburb, and experiencing Grodno’s medieval charm.

The train has all the necessary amenities, including showers, but no restaurant car. You’ll be able to enjoy local food and buy souvenirs along the way. This is a great way to experience the culture and beauty of Belarus, without needing a passport.

If you’re looking for a shorter journey but still want to see some fascinating Russian cities, the Silver Route is a perfect option. The route takes you from Moscow to Veliky Novgorod and Rybinsk. You’ll spend 13 hours in Veliky Novgorod and 7 hours in Rybinsk, giving you plenty of time to explore the rich history of these ancient cities.

In Veliky Novgorod, you can visit the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture and the St. George Monastery. In Rybinsk, you’ll get the chance to take a boat trip on the Rybinsk Reservoir and see the city’s historic sites.

The Silver Route takes two days and three nights, with departures on Friday evening and a return on Monday morning. It’s a great option for history buffs and those who want to experience the charm of Russia’s smaller cities. The cost starts at 3,470 rubles.

The Pearl of the Caucasus train is a fascinating journey that lets you explore several regions in the Caucasus Mountains and southern Russia. The train departs from Moscow and takes you through cities like Maykop, Nalchik, Grozny, Derbent, and Kislovodsk. You’ll have 5 to 15 hours in each city to explore and take part in guided tours.

The route offers a rich mix of natural beauty and historic sites. You’ll see stunning waterfalls, the Heart of Chechnya mosque, the ancient city of Derbent, and the famous Kislovodsk resort. The train offers excellent facilities, including air conditioning, showers, and a bar and restaurant car.

This trip lasts seven days and runs from April to September. It’s a perfect way to see the best of the Caucasus, with tickets starting at 28,971 rubles.

For those who want to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Russia’s southern coast, the Sochi tourist train is a great option. This journey runs from Tuapse to Sochi and Gagra, covering a distance in just six hours. Along the way, you’ll see gorgeous views of the Caucasus Mountains, the Black Sea, and lush subtropical forests.

The train’s interiors have a nostalgic Soviet-era feel, with retro posters and string bags hanging from the walls. But don’t worry—the amenities are modern. You’ll find bio-toilets, air conditioning, and USB charging ports. Plus, there’s a restaurant car where you can enjoy meals during the journey.

The Sochi train runs from April to November and costs around 514 rubles one way. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxing ride to one of Russia’s most famous resorts.

The To Siberia train cruise is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the beauty and culture of Siberia. This journey takes you from Moscow to cities like Kazan, Tyumen, Tobolsk, and Perm. You’ll have at least five hours to explore each city and take part in organized excursions, where you can experience the local food, architecture, and traditions. Some of the highlights include tasting Tatar cuisine in Kazan, relaxing in thermal springs in Tyumen, and visiting the white-stone Kremlin in Tobolsk.

The trip lasts for 5 days and 6 nights. The train is comfortable, with air conditioning, bio-toilets, and charging points for your gadgets. You can book additional excursions and even buy souvenirs through the train’s multimedia portal. The cost for this trip starts at 25,820 rubles, with breakfast included.

Next, we have the Baikal Express, a cruise train that travels along the route from Irkutsk to Slyudyanka and the famous Lake Baikal. The journey lasts a little over a day, about 1 day and 11 hours. One of the highlights of this trip is the time you spend around Lake Baikal itself. The train arrives at the lake around 12:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore and take in the stunning views. At 9:50 p.m., the train begins its return journey.

The ride along the Slyudyanka-1 to Baikal section of the route is especially unique. The train is pulled by a steam locomotive, which gives the trip a nostalgic, early 20th-century feel.

The Baikal Express runs until mid-September and starts at a price of 6,498 rubles. It’s a wonderful option for anyone dreaming of visiting Lake Baikal, one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful lakes.

The Ruskeala Express is a retro steam-powered train that takes you through the picturesque Karelia region in Russia. It runs between Sortavala and the Ruskeala Mountain Park, traveling along a railway line that was once used to transport marble. The journey on this train is like stepping back in time. The train cars are styled like those from the 19th century, and the conductors wear historical uniforms. You’ll hear the sounds of old station bells when the train arrives and departs.

The trip is short—about an hour and a half—but the scenery along the way is breathtaking. As the train moves through forests, past lakes, and by stunning rock formations, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Once at Ruskeala Park, you’ll be able to explore beautiful waterfalls, canyons, caves, and much more. This is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and photographers.

The Ruskeala Express runs year-round, with departures from Sortavala in the morning and returns in the evening. The cost for a one-way trip is approximately 1,000 rubles.

Why Take a Tourist Train?

Tourist trains offer a unique way to travel. They provide not just a means of transport, but a whole experience. These trains are designed for comfort, with modern amenities like air conditioning, charging points, and bio-toilets. On long journeys, they even include hotel-like services, including slippers, robes, and toiletries.

Traveling by tourist train means you can relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of organizing hotels or carrying your luggage from place to place. The train also follows a set schedule, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on any stops.

With so many options to choose from, these rail cruises offer a fantastic way to explore a country, whether you’re traveling within Russia or to nearby countries like Belarus. So, if you love trains and want a memorable, hassle-free adventure, booking a ticket for one of these special tourist trains might just be the best choice for you.