Each carriage has two dedicated conductors there 24 hours a day to look after you.

The train is air-conditioned with some cabins being centrally controlled while the higher class cabins have their own independent systems. Note that the air-conditioning only works when the train is moving above 30km / hour.

The Trans-Siberian is very safe providing normal common sense is applied. Your cabin can be locked from the inside and, when not in your cabin the conductor can lock it for you. The conductors are the only people that have a cabin key.

Tipping is always appreciated by the people looking after you on the trip. Of course, any tipping is entirely up to you and should only be given for exceptionally good service. Final documents will include detailed information on who to tip as well as recommendations as to how much.

The sockets in the train are standard two-pole Euro-plug sockets, but they are sometimes different in the hotels. If you want to be absolutely sure, you should bring along an Eastern European plug adaptor and one for China too, if necessary. Only Category III VI & V have sockets in the cabins – please check the voltage with your tour guide. Each carriage will have 220 V AC sockets available for charging. Mobile coverage is mostly good along the route. Check with your service provider for charges.

Hotel check-in time is 2pm and check out by midday. Occasionally early check-in may be possible although this cannot be guaranteed.

Airport transfers at the start and finish of your trip are only included in the package price if your flight arrives as follows:

Eastbound Trip:
MOSCOW – Flights arriving between 10 am and 4 pm
BEIJING – Flights departing between 10 am and 2 pm

Westbound Trips:
BEIJING – Flights arriving between 8 am and 1 pm
MOSCOW – Flights departing between noon and 6 pm

If your flight arrives outside of these times we can arrange for private transfers. Note that additional charges will apply. If you are arriving to start the trip by train or tother means of transport transfer are not included but can be booked separately by us.

There are no particular vaccination requirements for this trip other than being fully vaccinated for Covid 19 (or have a valid recovery certificate) although we recommend you consult your doctor for final advice. The train will have a Russian doctor on board through Russia and Mongolia but not China where time spent on the train is only 16 hours. Fees are payable to the doctor and you will need to claim on your travel insurance after the trip.

We strongly recommend travel bags rather than hard shelled suitcases for this trip as the latter are hard to handle and stow away on the train.

The dress code is casual throughout the trip. We recommend sturdy shoes for excursions and you can expect chilly nights even in summer. When visiting churches you should dress modestly and women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf. Note that in Siberia, the risk of being bitten by a tick is high from late May to late July so trousers and / or long socks are advised.

Small towels and sheeting are provided. Depending on your cabin class you will either have in cabin facilities or shared, end of carriage facilities. Opportunities for laundry are offered through the hotels and payable locally to them.

Drinks are sold in both the dining car and by the conductors in your carriage. Payment is in Euros, Russian Roubles or US Dollars. Your conductor can provide you with hot or cold water. Drinks bought in the dining car are done so on a tab which is settled by you at the end of your trip. You must let us know of any dietary requirements before your trip starts.

Cash in Euros, US Dollars or Russian roubles (the latter available from ATMs and exchange desks in hotels) are best to bring along.