The longest railway journey in the world, this 7,500-mile route takes you across eight time zones, from Moscow to the Pacific port city of Vladivostok.
Travel The Trans-Siberian Railway
An Epic Journey Across Continents
There’s train travel, and then there’s the Trans-Siberian Railway—a legendary adventure that takes you across some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth!
Spanning over 9,000 kilometers, this iconic railway weaves through historic cities, remote villages, and vast, untouched wilderness. Whether you dream of crossing the whole of Russia or venturing into Mongolia and China, the journey is as much about the experience on board as the destinations themselves.
Our Pick
The Trans-Mongolian Route (Moscow to Beijing)
It may not be the classic route but for those seeking the most diverse and adventurous Trans-Siberian experience, the Trans-Mongolian Railway is the ultimate choice. Departing from Moscow, the train winds through Russia’s historic heartland before reaching the vast, untouched beauty of Siberia and the shimmering waters of Lake Baikal. From there, the journey takes an exciting turn south into the Mongolian steppe, with a stop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, where travelers can immerse themselves in nomadic culture, ride horseback across the plains, and explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Gobi Desert. The final stretch leads into China, where the train passes the iconic Great Wall before arriving in Beijing—a dynamic fusion of ancient traditions and modern energy.
A lesser-known but equally fascinating alternative to the Trans-Mongolian, this route skips Mongolia and instead enters China through Manchuria.
For those seeking a rugged, remote, and less-touristy alternative, the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) is an epic choice.
Make My Next Adventure Personal
We believe in not only ticking off the coolest Bookitlist experiences but also ensuring your travels are made unique for YOU. Our team of experienced travel experts will help you design your next trip according to your taste! From bespoke itineraries to unique accommodation choices, let our travel family help you today!
MakeMyTripFaq?
The classic Moscow-to-Vladivostok route takes 7 days non-stop, while the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes to Beijing take 6–7 days. Most travelers break up the trip with stops along the way, stretching their journey to weeks or even months.
This depends on the experience you're looking for. If you want the best weather and don't mind crowds, go in summer. For a true Siberian adventure, winter is unbeatable, but bitterly cold! If you prefer a balance of decent weather and fewer tourists, spring or autumn are your best bet.
There are 3 options. First Class (Spalny Vagon)** has private two-berth cabins for maximum comfort. Second Class (Kupe) features four-berth compartments, a good mix of affordability and privacy. Third Class (Platzkart) is the cheapest, with open-plan dormitory-style sleeping and less privacy.
Yes! The railway is generally safe, with many solo travelers taking the journey each year. As with any long trip, it’s wise to stay aware of your belongings and follow basic safety precautions.
Fly direct from London to Moscow or connect via major European cities. For an overland journey, take the Eurostar to Paris, then trains through Germany and Poland to Moscow.
Yes, UK travelers need a visa for Russia, plus Mongolia and China if taking those routes. Apply in advance, as Russia requires an invitation letter and biometric data.
Travel restrictions to Russia may change, so check the latest government advice before planning your trip. Many flights and services are limited due to geopolitical issues and visa policies may be affected. Always check with the UK Foreign Office and Russian embassies for updated entry requirements.
