"Red Arrow": a train of exceptional comfort.

Branded trains are distinguished by the fact that they have a wider range of services and an increased comfort class. And where, no matter how on the most popular route to launch such a train. We thought about it and launched more than 80 years ago the famous train "Red Arrow", which runs to this day between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The train made its first flight from Leningrad to Moscow in June 1931. The name was not chosen by chance, it was very symbolic for the country and that time. At the same time, the cars were blue until 1961. It was replaced by the already familiar dark red. An important fact is that this train is the first train in the country that has received the "branded" category.

For that time, the train was truly legendary. Its average speed was up to 70 kilometers per hour, and in some areas it could reach up to 100 kilometers. The train easily competed with the air service, delivering passengers in 9 hours and 45 minutes from one city to another. For comparison, if you are not spoiled by the "Peregrine Falcon" and "Swallow", currently fast passenger trains have a route speed of 50 to 90 kilometers per hour. In addition to speed, the Red Arrow is the first Soviet train in which high-class sleeping cars (SV) appeared. Mirrors and lamps hung instead of the upper shelves.

The departure time of the train was scheduled for 23:55. They joked that it was possible to check the clock by it. The train arrived exactly on the minute. Only qualified personnel were hired to work, there was a large number of services, and the time was not chosen by chance so that passengers could rest at night. The history of this composition is very interesting, so as not to delay the time, let's stop there. We will only add that in the pre-war period only Soviet and foreign officials traveled on it, during the war years the composition was defended in the depot, and after the blockade was broken, it was released again. And in 1980, the train transported the eternal flame from Moscow to Leningrad for the Olympic Games.

To date, when compared with the first "Arrows", nothing has changed much. The train is a model for branded trains, but is surrounded by both critics and those who appreciate its amenities. The trains were updated, but its main feature was and remains that it offers passengers all the best and modern.

The departure time has not changed. At 23:55 the train departs, and at 7:55 it arrives at the Moscow or Leningrad railway station. All the same two pairs of trains, as in the Soviet Union, and the journey takes 8 hours. Of course, the train can travel at a higher speed (up to 160 kilometers per hour), but everything is thought out. Exceptional comfort consists in the fact that during the trip passengers have time to sleep and relax. Therefore, it is one of the options to get to work by 9 am in the morning. Agree, is it convenient?

The train consists of the following cars: restaurant, SUITE (also called VIP), 9 sleeping cars (SV), five compartments, staff (with a place for people with disabilities). Of course, the scheme of the wagon can change, more often depends on the seasonality. The maximum number of cars can reach up to seventeen, and the capacity of the train at maximum load is 322 people.

Still, not everyone can become a train conductor, a selection is carried out, both for them and for the drivers. A full range of services is provided for all passengers, regardless of the category of the car.

The restaurant car has a signature menu, since the end of the 20th century it has been considered a European class car. Food can be asked to be delivered to your compartment. In each car you will find a socket for any equipment, there is an individual air conditioning system. The compartment cars have 32 seats in each, and the SV has 16. Your ticket already includes bed linen and a towel. Moreover, you do not need to spend time making up the bed, the beds are already made. Bed linen is always new, maximum three washings. Everyone is given a travel kit (containing sanitary and hygienic items of improved quality), hot meals. For an additional fee, you can purchase a press, cold and hot drinks.

Maximum comfort awaits in the VIP-car, where there are a maximum of 8 passengers. Passengers of luxury cars can use the services of the service centers of the two stations for free. This is an elevated soft car, where in addition to basic services, the following amenities are provided: individual bathroom with a cheap cabin, underfloor heating, touch mixer, LCD TV with CD/DVD player, conductor call button, press. The double compartment has its own bar. The sofa can be laid out as a double bed, and the top shelf reclines as an additional one. In such a car, it is possible to transport small animals in an individual carrier without additional fees. In the remaining cars, the entire compartment will need to be redeemed.

Speaking of comfort, do not forget that the train is adapted for passengers with disabilities: a special elevator at the entrance to the car, a compartment with adjustable shelves and straps that help you change seats on your own, additional seats for escorts, low-level switches and sockets.

«Red Arrow» is included in the program «Dynamic pricing ». Ticket sales start 90 days in advance. They can be purchased on our website or in the mobile application.

"The Red Arrow" is a train with a great history. He tried to provide the best services and provide maximum comfort for his passengers. And it does this even after 80 years, remaining a composition of exceptional comfort.