Sunday, November 9, 2025
47.1 F
Beckley
More

    Why trains remain the best way to travel modern Russia

    The largest country in the world, Russia stretches more than 6,000 miles from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean. However, its length and breadth may only be practically traversed by a means of transport that is reliable and affordable. Trains!

    Trains are the lifeline of the country. From the Trans-Siberian Railway to the Moscow-and-Saint-Petersburg routes, trains are like the blood vessels of the country. Tickets for the travel on Russian railways are available at .

    Russian railways have an illustrious history, to say the least. Its rails were the lifelines of the country during the communist regime and long-provided its people with subsidized rail travel. After the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, the railway system fell into disarray.

    In 2001, however, the new Russian government took steps to modernize the train system. The autonomous Russian Railways (RZD) was established, and by 2003 the system had become a fully functional and embarked on a program of dramatic upgrades. Acquiring a French engine works, the RZD introduced new trains, and its rail systems were incrementally modernized.

    It is estimated that a high-speed rail network between Moscow and Saint Petersburg will be expanded and could soon encompass the entire national system. An extension plan estimated to cost more than $71 trillion has been undertaken and by 2030 the whole of Russian Railways will be modernized. It will extend to the Bering Straight, making it an important economic tool for the nation's expanding post-communist economy.

    From luxury-train tickets to economical ones, travelers can easily find trains suitable for almost any budget. As the number of trains traveling daily in Russia is high, finding a suitable train is also easy, and tickets are distributed widely across the scale of affordability to accommodate travelers from all social backgrounds.

    Advertisement

    Perhaps the best known route for both locals and foreigners, the Trans-Siberian is also perhaps the world's most iconic. Thousands use the Trans-Siberian to commute across this vast landscape daily.

    The system also includes a loop connection from Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Super-fast bullet train speed from Moscow to Saint Petersburg in four hours, though economy class trains are still available to make the scenic journey in less than a day.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Clyde Craig
    Clyde Craighttp://wvexplorer.com
    Clyde Craig is a writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    First documented poltergeist in U.S. haunted this historic W.Va. town

    MIDDLEWAY, W.Va. — The Wizard Clip haunting, the first...

    West Virginia-made comedy "Ambrosia!" nominated at Delaware film festival

    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West...

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

    FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its...

    Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be...

    Canaan Valley resort announces $6 million upgrade ahead of winter season

    DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State...

    Topics

    First documented poltergeist in U.S. haunted this historic W.Va. town

    MIDDLEWAY, W.Va. — The Wizard Clip haunting, the first...

    West Virginia-made comedy "Ambrosia!" nominated at Delaware film festival

    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West...

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

    FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its...

    Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be...

    Canaan Valley resort announces $6 million upgrade ahead of winter season

    DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State...

    First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey...

    West Virginia launches pet-friendly "West FURginia" state park ranger program

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have launched the...

    West Virginia governor declares November wild game meat donation month

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey has...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories