On the journey from Moscow to Erlian , the “Trans-Siberian Express” is your “rolling hotel”. You do not need to re-pack luggage because you have the same private compartment during the whole journey. During excursions, visits and overnight stays, you can “go on land” with your carry-on luggage. On board the train, about 50 staff members take care of approximately 160 passengers.
The Sleeping Car Compartment – Your home during the journey The sleeping car compartment is your permanent home during the journey. At first it may seem small, but it is well equipped with many things in order to make your journey comfortable. It is not unusual that travelers often speak about “coming home” (they mean their personal sleeping compartment) when they are coming back from an excursion. The sleeping car compartment offers: hangers; bathrobes; bathing shoes; towels and soap. Each sleeping car is supervised by 2 staff members on shifts 24 hours around the clock. They are responsible for cleaning the sleeping car in the morning during breakfast and in the evening during dinner, folding up the beds for day and night; serving your tea and coffee in your sleeping car compartment and for making sure that no unauthorized persons board the train.
Sleeping Car – Category “First Class” These sleeping cars, built between 2004 and 2006 in the Ukraine, are each equipped with nine compartments. Each compartment is furnished with two lower beds which serve as a seating bench during the day. The bed size is: 65cm x 195cm. You will find a table directly under the window. On both ends of the cars you will find lavatories and bathrooms (only equipped with a wash basin). Power plugs (not in the cabins, only on the walkways) deliver 220 V and can serve your razor, but not a hairdryer. No electricity is available in the compartments when the train stops at a railway station. If you wish to charge batteries (e.g. for a mobile phone or a camera), you will find a special charging station in the service car. The sleeping cars of the “First Class” category provide a basic air conditioning system which only works when the train is running.
Sleeping Car – Category “Deluxe” The sleeping cars of the “Deluxe” category are each equipped with five or six compartments. The y offer private facilities with shower and toilet en suite. The twin bedded compartments are furnished with two beds: one lower and one upper bed. The lower bed can be turned into a modest sofa by day. The sleeping cars of the “Deluxe” category have the advantage that they provide the bathroom and the restroom directly in your compartment for your own use. All wagons of the “Deluxe” category are permanently air conditioned except for the time the train stops at a station for any length of time. The compartments offer: soap; towels; bath shoes (made of plastic) and bathrobes. The towels are changed every two days and the bed linen twice during the journey. The compartments also provide 220V Euro-plugs. Power plugs deliver 220 V and can serve your razor, but not a hairdryer. If you wish to charge batteries (e.g. for a mobile phone or a camera), you will find a special charging station in the service car.
Dining Car Meals are served in the dining cars of the “Trans- Siberian-Express”. Some meals are served during excursions on land. Meals onboard are served in the dining cars which are decorated in a typical Russian rustic style. On board you will be spoiled with Russian cuisine delicacies. Breakfast is usually served between 7:00am and 9:00am, lunch between 12:30pm and 1:00pm and dinner at 7:00pm. For the specific times, please have a look at the detailed program or do not hesitate to ask the guide. Meals are served to all passengers of the “Deluxe” category at the same time. Meals are served to all passengers of the category “First Class” in two intervals of one hour each. If you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian food) or special health needs, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. If you have any special wishes please make a note on your registration form or let our guide know at the beginning of the journey. One bottle of water per passenger is included with each meal. Other beverages like soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase.
Bar Car The bar car is situated in the middle of the train and is available to all passengers during the entire length of the journey. It always proves to be the most popular meeting point with the passengers.
Shower Car The shower car is situated in the middle of the train and is available to all passengers of the “Trans-Siberian- Express”. It is opened daily from 6am to 12am and offers six shower cabins. We kindly ask all passengers to use the water economically and respectfully due to the limited capacit y of th e water tan k which is only refilled ever y 300-400 km. Each shower cabin provides towels, shower gel and shampoo.
Information and Entertainment Program on board During the journey the train runs an information and entertainment program on board. Our tour guides give lectures on the history, geography, culture, politics and religion of China, Mongolia and Russia. They also give an introduction to the Russian language and will be at your disposalfor any lively discussions or questions. You will find the actual information and entertainment program on the daily programs which are placed in the corridors of the sleeping cars.
