Railway communication of Russia with other countries at the beginning of 2023
Rail transport remains reliable and in-demand public transport, connecting not only cities, but also countries. In 2023, the Russian Railways state holding made serious adjustments to its work. Tourists should get to know them more closely. Especially those who prefer to get acquainted with the culture and nature of other countries.
Changes in rail traffic in 2023
The management of Russian Railways has decided to more actively develop routes within the country. We also had to abandon the preservation of "threads" of the schedule for a number of directions.
First of all, we are talking about routes to European cities. They have not been used since 2020. When the pandemic began, most States closed borders, air and rail links. Since then, few countries have decided to resume routes.
In the near future, the management of the state holding does not see an opportunity to re-launch trains to Nice, Paris, Berlin and other European cities. Therefore, the railway infrastructure and mobile trains will be used mainly for domestic trips.
Kirill Yankov, who is the chairman of the Union of Passengers, commented on the situation. He noted that in 2023 more modern comfortable trains will appear on the southern direction. As Europe becomes less accessible to Russian tourists, the demand for holidays at domestic resorts will increase.
Yankov noted that more trains are needed in those southern directions where planes do not fly. Because so far they get there only by rail, buses and private cars. A few additional trains would significantly increase the attractiveness of domestic resorts and domestic tourism in general.
There is another factor influencing the more active development of railway communication within the country. This is the high cost of foreign tourism. Therefore, it is assumed that the demand for domestic tours will increase significantly in 2023.
Back in 2022, the management of Russian Railways and Belarusian Railways agreed to create weekend cruises from Moscow to Minsk. Such a Belarusian weekend turned out to be in demand, so it was extended for the current year. Also, several more cruises were created to various corners of Russia, from the hot south to cold Siberia. According to Kirill Yankov, such tours have extremely serious prospects.
Features of railway tourism in 2023
The main difference between traveling by train will be the opportunity to choose more options for tours within the country. The number of trains on the most popular destinations is planned to increase. This means that it will be much easier to purchase tickets.
Given the current conditions, the number of international flights has significantly decreased. Direct European routes are almost completely inaccessible to the Russian tourist. Therefore, in 2023, travelers will be able to choose between domestic tourism and a trip to Asian countries.
"Russian Railways Tour" provides an opportunity for passengers to go on a railway voyage, admiring the sights of a new city during the day, and at night ― to ride in a carriage, waiting for arrival at the next settlement. Usually, modern hotel trains are used for such programs. These are trains with more comfortable conditions. It is easier for passengers to be in such conditions and the trip is not so tiring.
Most of the new tours are designed to get acquainted with the sights and beauties of the Motherland, but there is also one international one. It's about the "Belarusian voyage".
Which countries can I travel to by train
The current geopolitical situation has almost completely cut off the possibility of direct train travel to Europe. Russian tourists will be able to go only to Belarus. Other international flights offer travel to some Asian countries.
Belarus
Russian travelers can easily purchase a ticket to a neighboring state. Moreover, you can go both independently and by buying a tour "Belarusian voyage". The latter will impress with a cultural program and convenience. As a standard hotel train, it will travel at night, and during the day passengers will have time for excursions. This is a recent joint project of Russian Railways and Belarusian Railways.
The railway tour implies departure from Moscow and arrival in Minsk with a stop in one of the cities ― Brest or Grodno. The price includes:
- travel in a carriage with a certain level of comfort;
- excursions, visits to tourist sites that are listed in the program;
- food and hot drinks.
Please note that the "Belarusian voyage" departs only on some weekends. The next departure is scheduled for February 23. You can find out the exact schedule and the nearest flights on the Russian Railways website.
Kazakhstan
In recent years, this is one of the most popular locations for Russian tourists. The state in Central Asia welcomes travelers with open arms. There is an interesting and rich history, many cultural attractions, entertainment locations and restaurants with delicious local cuisine.
Trains from Russia depart to Karaganda (from Omsk) and Almaty (from Kazan). In total, there are three flights between states per week.
Mongolia
The country of nomads is of particular interest to anyone who is interested in the virgin beauty of Asia. Of course, you will not have to count on a beach holiday here, since there are no exits to the sea, and the temperature does not allow. The Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar is considered the coldest in the world. But there are still many interesting tourist locations here.
Kyrgyzstan
This Asian country is also glad to tourists from the Russian Federation. The Kyrgyz capital Bishkek can be reached by train from Novosibirsk, Kazan and Samara. Most often, travelers go to this country to relax and improve their health at the resort near Lake Issyk-Kul. But even without this, there is something to see in Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan
The country is famous for its hospitality and hot climate, which allows you to receive thousands of tourists who miss the summer almost all year round. Travelers can get lost in green oases and lifeless deserts, look into the water surface of local lakes. Mountain lovers should enjoy the coolness of the Tien Shan, and more advanced tourists should get acquainted with the historical and cultural sights and features of local shops and restaurants.
China
The Celestial Empire is becoming more and more attractive to Russian travelers every year. A country with a special philosophy and culture attracts with its mystery. At the same time, it is a developed state in which cities live in their own rhythm. Beijing, the diverse capital of China, will welcome with bright lights all those who managed to buy a ticket from Moscow.
Railway tourism will undergo some changes in 2023. The bet will be placed on the internal one. But those who want to travel to other countries can choose a tour to Belarus or one of the Asian countries with which there is a developed railway connection.
