Double-decker train: ride like a tsar or like a stooped horse?

The double-decker train has already received a certain prevalence and avid travelers will not be surprised by it. From the name it is clear that such a train has cars where two salons are located on top of each other. Such a train has received its supporters and opponents. We are sorting out who prefers to choose such a nominal composition and what did he not please others.

Let's start with the routes on which you can meet a double-decker train.

Six years have passed since the departure of the first such cars in Russia, many of them look like brand new. This stands out very much against the background of other Russian Railways trains. The number of routes is growing every year, at the moment they are as follows: Moscow – Kislovodsk; Moscow – St. Petersburg; Moscow – Petrozavodsk; Moscow – Kazan; Moscow – Izhevsk; St. Petersburg – Adler; Moscow – Samara; Penza – Moscow; Moscow – Adler; Rostov – Adler; Moscow – Voronezh; Moscow – Bryansk. Of course, the ticket price depends on the dynamic pricing of Russian Railways. But compared to single-storey trains, two-storey trains will be cheaper. Which is sometimes very captivating.

Its main advantage is the transportation of more people in the shortest time en route. The capacity of the compartment cars is 64 berths, there are 30 seats in the SV, about 44-48 people can be placed in the dining car, and 50 people can be placed in the staff compartment car. Due to this, the price in the compartment and SV cars becomes less. And it is worth canceling that there is no reserved seat at the same time. So what does that mean? Is it possible to travel for less in a comfortable train? In general, we can answer positively, there are a number of supporting facts.

As already noted, in comparison with other trains of these directions, the double-decker turns out to be at the destination faster and has a more convenient schedule. The environmental friendliness of the operation of wagons due to materials, equipment and new technologies is noted. And, of course, separate garbage collection. There are three toilets in each car, which are not closed during parking. They are also equipped with heating and air conditioning. The carriages themselves consist of double and quadruple enclosed compartments. There are separate ones for people with disabilities, they are in the staff car. There is a place for each passenger to lie down, bed linen, a classic folding shelf in a mesh for small things and an individual LED light bulb. There is a large mirror on the door, hooks and hangers for clothes, a common table, two sockets for electrical appliances with a power of up to 100 watts. In order to make it easier to pick up, there is a special step that can be pulled out and easily removed.

Also, double SV have LCD displays for each passenger to view video programs. You can use drinking water from the cooler, which is located on the 1st floor, in addition, some cars may have wi-fi. But it will be hard for fans to smoke, the passages between the cars are sealed, and smoking is prohibited. But a walk through the cars will not cause any fear. All compartments have a scoreboard with minimal information about the car and the temperature in it.

For all its weighty advantages, there are small disadvantages that play a significant role for many. The first thing that catches your eye is a little space for luggage, because there are no shelves on top. If we talk about a 4-seater compartment, then you can only put things under the bottom shelf or under the table, and besides you, three more people are eating. To climb to the second floor there is a small staircase that lights up when the main lighting is turned off. It is quite narrow, so it will be difficult to lift a lot of luggage there, it will cause discomfort when lifting elderly and overweight people. Also, tall people deny themselves a trip on a double-decker train. Inconveniences stairs and stairs on the ground floor cause mothers with strollers not the most positive emotions.

The space between the ceiling and the top shelf in all compartments is reduced. Many tall people were sometimes uncomfortable on a single-decker train, but there will be less space here. But children are comfortable and safe due to the limiters on the bed. Due to the fact that the cars are now higher, many travelers note that in such a composition it can get seasick if you are not on the bottom shelf of the first floor. And the most favorite game for children in such a train is running in a circle. Stairs to the second floor are located on the left and right sides of the car, thus forming a circle between the floors. But, as a rule, the conductors and the passengers themselves are not happy about this. But what can stop children's fun?

We emphasize once again that there are twice as many passengers on the train than in a regular one. Therefore, if you need to get off at an intermediate station, you need to prepare for the exit in advance. Otherwise, it would be stupid not to have time to get out because of a collision on a narrow staircase. The same applies to washing in the morning, no one canceled the queues. Therefore, calculate your time correctly.

Should I choose a double-decker train for traveling?

Of course, this decision is chosen by everyone himself. We have tried to describe all the pros and cons of a double-decker train. Therefore, when choosing such a composition, it is necessary to take into account first of all your height, the amount of luggage and other small things. What do you pay attention to when choosing a train, share your experience in the comments. Have a good trip!