Trains
There are several ways to get to Moscow by train. The most convenient is through the north of Europe, via Paris, Berlin, Warsaw and Minsk, but in this case must take into account the Belarusian transit visa. We can keep extending a little way from the Baltic countries or by going through the center of Europe through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary where there are direct relations with Moscow. The move by Ukraine is also not ruled out now that you don't need visa to enter the country.
There is a direct train and daily between Madrid and Paris. Their bunk beds are very good, although the free space to move around the rest of the car is somewhat claustrophobic.
To get from Paris to Cologne daytime there are many relationships are known as Thalys, denomination known for high-speed trains linking Paris with Belgium, Holland and Germany. A round trip to Cologne is expensive, so it is better to take the offer round trip, but don't use the second ticket is more cheaper.
Until December 2005, circulated a daily train between Brussels and Moscow via Cologne, Warsaw and Minsk. Today this service has left Brussels in favor of Amsterdam, where the route continues to arrive in Cologne. However many European cities connect directly with Moscow (Paris, Nice, Basel, Berlin, Munich, Vienna...) The fare Cologne - Moscow is high, 190 € in a T3 compartment rather narrow for three passengers on a journey that lasts 36 hours with her 2 nights. Yet still retains the mythical title of "Ost-West-Express" on its sides, which undoubtedly will delight fans of the great European rail travel. The ticket I bought my friend Lucie... in Germany. DB tried to find an agency in Spain but found none, and that which existed in 2004 left to serve in Madrid. Internet does not always facilitate some specific routes.
Once in Russia, hotels or hostels may be responsible for advance purchase train tickets Russian national and international. In my case I booked the initial route Moscow - Novosibirsk at the hostel (2005), self buying the remaining routes in their respective stations. In the Trans-Siberian 2009 I applied the latter method in full. I read much about the long lines at stations and endless waiting. In September, November and December are almost non-existent queues and buy your ticket is not a problem, a situation which is quite different in other seasons. Unique and indispensable condition to buy a train ticket in Russia... have basic knowledge of Russian language. I am realistic, these databases are acquired without much difficulty a few months of effort and desire, the payoff is very rewarding.
There is no train "Trans-Siberian" in Russian times, this legendary nickname refers to the railway line itself. So many trains moving in the Trans-Siberian line, one faster and more comfortable than others. Usually the trains with numbers between 1 and 100 are the best. For example No. 1 "Rossia" Vladivostok - Moscow and its counterpart in the opposite direction, No. 2 or No. 10 Moscow - Irktusk. We must also know that there is no global rail ticket or pass from Moscow to Vladivostok in which you can get off at an intermediate city and then return to get on another train on the same ticket. Trip to ask, you pay a ticket city A to city B.
There are several classes in Russian trains. The class "Kupe" keeps a good compromise quality / price. Cars and services are clean and well cared for by the provodnikas or reviewers (usually women). There is also a class "SV" with 2 or 1 berth per compartment, this being the most expensive and often only option available on some trains (Harbin-Vladivostok). You can also for the cheaper option, the class "plastkartny" with 54 berths open and undivided. In the journey of 2005 I was tempted to ride in one of the paths in this class, but eventually I overcame doubts. In 2009 those doubts were dispelled. The bunks are more austere, hard, in general is clean, but it depends largely on the fate of the passengers who travel to touch you (I refer again to the story). In this class, win in coexistence with the Russians and you have a realistic view of Russian society in general. In all cases there are always tea and hot water available.
The trains carry restaurant cars in general, but are rarely hangout. In the train No. 56 Moscow - Novosibirsk, for example, the restaurant is spotless and nicely decorated, but at No. 10 "Baikal" is far more normal. If you want to interact with Russian people, the best option is to stay for lunch with co-compartment and strengthen ties, the encounters are unforgettable (if the company responds.) Trans-Siberian line always keeps time in Moscow, both in the train and at stations, although the rest of the clocks in a given city is indicated in local time. To locate the kilometer from us there are some posts located at each km of line and located on the south side seen from the train (direction Vladivostok). The train keeps a moderate speed at all times, so it is easy to read.
In Irkutsk you can buy tickets in Mongolia destination. If you don't want to meet with bitter faces in the ticket office of the station, you can choose to go to the hotel Intourist along the Angara river, where the friendly English speaking receptionist will also issue tickets on the spot. Once in Ulan Bator, it is advisable to purchase the ticket to Beijing a few days before departure, given the infrequency with which the trains run direct Ulan-Bator - Beijing. The International Desk is not in the station, is located about 5 minutes, the building and not easy to locate. Anyway at the hotel or lodge where you stay will complete information.
Buy a train ticket at a station in China is at a very little atypical. There is no apparent order in a endless human tide, he received numerous voices and in some cases pushing. Note very clearly to the box office fate and number of train you want to travel, is one of the few ways to make ourselves understood. Beware of ticket you get sober, not throw or leave in the train, which require the output of the destination station.
