How to travel the rails in style, or not

Millions have traveled the Trans-Siberian as did our author, John Lee—just buying a ticket and riding along in second class (or third) for six days. But a more luxurious, leisurely option is now also available.

Mir Corporation offers private rail cars (complete with dining rooms, fine food and showers, see photo at right) from Moscow to Vladivostok and back again—ph. 800-424-7289. Other US tour operators, like Intourist  in Florida (ph. 800-556-5305), also offer special tours along the Trans-Siberian—for full listings, see our Annual Travel Buyer’s Guide under Tour Operators: page 62 of this issue.

If you decide to travel independently, you can simply purchase a ticket at either end of the line. But travelers are strongly urged to study up on the ride before doing so. You can’t go wrong with Bryn Thomas’ new edition of the Trans-Siberian Handbook—see our review on page 53. The book is available through retailers and Access Russia (1-866-RUSSIAX) and provides extensive information on side trips, what to bring, kilometer-by-kilometer route  maps, reflections of past travelers and much more.

Ticket prices are subject to change but usually start at around $400 for non-stop itineraries on any of the three routes (second class; deluxe first class can run $800-900). Summer is the peak travel period, so book well in advance. Autumn, when the Siberian forests are spectacular, is also popular. Most tour operators or travel agencies can help travelers arrange the necessary visas for travel through Russia, China and Mongolia.