The oldest line, the Trans-Siberian line, spans the country of Russia from West to East (or vice versa, if you prefer). Most people begin their journey in Moscow and travel east toward Vladivostok. Passengers will also enjoy the southern shores of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake. Lake Baikal is almost 400 miles long and 50 miles wide. This route will take you through seven time zones.
Other places of interest include the cities of Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. The train stops every so often at various points, and many passengers disembark to check out the scenery. Some travelers arrange overnight stays in some of the towns along the way.
This route takes passengers from Moscow through Mongolia and into China, culminating at its final stop in Bejing. Notable sights on this route are the Mongolian Steppes, Siberian plains and Gobi Desert.
From Moscow to Bejing, this route is more direct and does not enter the country of Mongolia, but rather skirts the Eastern border.
Passengers will enjoy the many cultural opportunities on the train, as travelers from all over the world take this journey. Train travel is generally less expensive than air travel in this region, and languages, food and people vary widely. The geography changes drastically from plains, to forests, to steppes. The train goes over 16 rivers and travels across the largest bridge at the Amur River. This bridge is 8,569 feet long.
There are two restrooms per car, but no showers on the train. Travelers may want to bring along some wet wipes for hygiene along the way.
It is advisable to keep luggage underneath your seat; this makes it more difficult for thieves to steal it. Also, keep money, credit cards and passports with you at all times. Vodka is a popular drink on the train, but watch your drink carefully; thieves may slip a little something extra in to make you more vulnerable.
There are restaurants on the train, but many travelers prefer to purchase food in one of the 87 towns that the railway visits. Local meals will cost less than $3. Tea is served on the train, and hot water is available; if you keep your teabag, you can add more water.
