Welcome to Real Russia Premier providers of travel and visa services to the Russian Federation

Europe to Asia — Overland Experiences from the experts …

Real Russia is a pure Russian and European company that for nearly ten years has helped tens of thousands of travellers to explore this remarkable country and its neighbours.

There are no “middle men”, we have our own offices in Russia and we understand what it is you want from one of the most exciting experiences available — to travel overland between Moscow and Beijing. We get it because we have done it!

Balance of experience, adventure and free time…

We don't do tours with a quick city sightseeing trip followed by days of “free time” and a dull selection of low value “optional excursions available” while staying in low budget hostels or cheap communal apartments.

This is the real deal, prepared by our in-house team of Trans-Siberian experts who have drawn on their years of experience, with thousands of clients, and selected their favourite journeys, combining these with stimulating activities to give you the perfect balance of experience, adventure and free time.

Get the most out of your journey…

We have done all the hard work for you, selecting optimal high quality trains, comfortable accommodation and, where you are dealing with our partners, you can be sure that you are dealing with the best local companies and individuals available, who are as passionate as we are to make sure you get the most out of your journey.

The Trans-Siberian is not “just a trip”, but for most people a once in a lifetime experience, so let’s do it right!

All photos you see on our website were taken by real travellers and are not publicity shots.

Maximum not minimum number of travellers…

All dates are guaranteed and there is no minimum group size required, however we do limit the number of travellers on each tour to ensure we maintain a personal, not a herd, experience.

Due to this, and the fact they are fully loaded at a fraction of the cost of “third hand agencies”, our tours are very popular and they do sell out very quickly. Booking early is advised!

Want a little more… ?

You can, if you choose, enhance your journey either by starting in St. Petersburg, Russia's famous and arguably ones of Europe's most beautiful cities, or, with a Beijing round up covering some of the “must see” highlights of one of Asia's most fascinating cities.

Or why not both?

If you find there is something you want to explore en route then choose from our wide range of genuinely interesting excursions and short tours or ask our team for advice; we are always happy to help.

Tell me more about the extensions… ?

Window To The West Spend a few days exploring the stunning city built by Tsar Peter I on the shores of the Baltic before setting off for Moscow on the communist party chiefs’ express train “The Red Arrow”, a shame to miss it and a great way to start your Trans-Siberian adventure.

Dragon City Surely your journey does not end when you arrive in Beijing! What about the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Silk Market, Peking Duck and Dim Sum? Take it all in and more during a 3-day city round up.

I have further questions, can you help me?

Yes, while we try to make the information on our site as clear, complete and honest as possible, if you have questions please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help, or browse through our forums and ask others who may have the answers you are looking for.

What is the difference between First and Second Class?

First class is a private cabin for two people with two beds while second class is a private cabin for four people with two sets of upper and lower beds. Both classes have a small window table, a luggage storage area, will be heated in the winter and have air conditioning in the summer and have a door that can be locked from the inside.

Please note that first class cabins are in very limited supply on the trains and where it is not possible to obtain this for you we will book all four berths of a second class cabin for your sole use at no extra cost.

I've seen the same tour cheaper from another company, why should I book with you?

Well, it is very difficult to compare prices for Trans-Siberian tours as what may on the face of it look like the same tour is often very different. When we developed these tours our goal was “for most people this is a once in a lifetime experience and it is better to do it right rather than cut corners”.

For example, we use good quality accommodation, not cheap hostels or communal apartments; we use comfortable long distance passenger trains not the cheaper worn out ones; we use our own in-house or professional expert guides, not students; and our tours include everything you need to get the best out of your experience rather than low value (cheap) activities with everything else as an overpriced optional extra; many companies even charge for transfers and breakfast to keep the “headline” price down!

So of course this will cost a little more but the extra comfort, security and experience is well worth it.

When can I book my tour?

You can request your tour anytime you want and confirm your place on it by paying the reservation fee. We will only take full payment 90 days before the tour starts.

When is the best time of year to make the journey?

The tours shown here are for the optimum months of the Russian spring and summer; if you like it a little cooler then travel in April, May or September. June, July and August will be the hottest months.

Can you help me with the visas as well?

Of course, we are destination experts with our own local offices and this is an absolute must for countries such as Russia. We don't abandon you in this vital area or pass you on to some over-priced visa agency who don't have a clue or care about your trip.

If you are a UK national or resident in the UK then we can assist processing your visas, you can find more information by clicking here. If you are resident in USA, Canada or Australia, then we have partners we can direct you to.

If you choose to apply for your own visas we can supply you with all the necessary documents and guide you through the process.

What is the food like on the train?

On the long-distance passenger trains we use there will be a restaurant car serving freshly cooked meals, salads, as well as snacks, drinks and cigarettes, etc. They are not open 24 hours, so do check the opening times which will be posted somewhere in the carriage. The food on each trains varies, from very good to ordinary, and as with most Russian meals it is generally healthy, you won't get chips with everything!

You will find at the end of each carriage that there is a Samovar providing hot water for coffee, tea and hot drinks. You can also buy such drinks from the carriage attendant for 20 to 50 roubles, and before you set off our guide will help you to buy provisions for the train such as coffee, tea, noodles, bread, sausage, beer, bottled water … well you get the idea.

It is also possible to buy provisions and even home cooked meals from vendors at stations along the way who either come onto the train or will be on the platform as you pull in.

What are the toilets like on the train?

They are quite basic but clean with a toilet and wash basin at each end of the carriage; on most trains the toilets will be closed 10 minutes before you arrive at or after you leave a station and when crossing the border, up to 45 minutes before. As a border crossing can take a couple of hours it is better to go before you arrive!

While the water is drinking water, we recommend that you do not use the water from the basin in the toilet for brushing your teeth but use bottled water.

How safe / private are the trains?

Hundreds of millions of people travel safely every year on Russian railways and in many ways it can be claimed they are one of the safest railways in the world. Every carriage has one or two conductors, who look after it 24 hours a day. Every passenger gets their ticket checked upon entry and must present a passport to get on the train, and most trains have a police team on board. At every stop the train gets thoroughly checked to make sure there is no minor damage.

As to privacy, unless you have a first class cabin you are likely to be sharing your cabin with other people. Each cabin has a door that you can close and lock (from the inside only); if you wish to leave your cabin and lock it from the outside then you will need to ask the carriage attendant.

Can I smoke on the train?

Yes, but not in your cabin or corridor areas, only in a special area between the carriages with the connecting doors shut. There is an ashtray there for your butts, do not throw them on the floor or out of the window, this is considered very bad taste.

What sort of luggage should I bring?

There is not a vast amount of luggage space on the train so don't bring the kitchen sink!

Under each of the lower bunks there is enough space for one or two medium sized suitcases or rucksacks and a carry bag. Over the door there is room for a rucksack or a couple of carry bags. This, combined with the fact that you will generally be expected to carry your own luggage, means you should not bring large suitcases and try to keep the weight below 20kg or 40lb.

If you do bring a suitcase make sure it has wheels and a strong handle/straps for if you need to carry it up steps. We would also recommend a day bag for carrying drinks, your camera and other items you may need when out and about.

What sort of things should I take with me?

Generally you should pack as lightly as possible and according to the countries you will visit and activities you expect to undertake. Some things to think about include:

• Passport, visas, travel insurance policy and our trip confirmation with contact numbers. Also keep a copy of such documents separate from the originals “just in case”.
• Money and credit/debit cards, you may want to consider a money belt.
• Personal medications and simple medicines such as aspirin, plasters, diarrhoea tablets (yes it happens).
• Torch.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat — it can get quite hot in Siberia!
• Toilet paper (just one roll, no need for a six pack).
• Personal hygiene products, razor, wet-wipes, deodorant.
• Refillable water bottle, cutlery, mug and bowl — these can be useful on the train and if you are stopping overnight away from the hotel.
• Flip flops or light footwear for the train as well as light clothes such as light joggers and t-shirts; it can get warm on the train and you won't wear your day clothes.
• Even if you are not normally a light sleeper you may want to consider ear plugs and an eye mask.
• Swimwear.
• Phrase book.
• Light raincoat and travel umbrella (it can also rain in Russia).
• Travel towel.
• Bottled water, snacks such as noodles, bread, sausage, cheese and pickles will go down well (especially with beer). Often you can share these with your travelling companions who will often seem to have brought half their kitchen with them!
• International SIM card for your mobile.
• Travel adaptor.
• And … don't forget your toothbrush!

What will the weather be like?

We can't promise good weather but generally the weather for the tour periods is pleasant with it getting quite warm during the summer season.

Can I get off the train?

Yes, you can, though don't wander too far; generally the trains stop for 5 to 10 minutes, sometimes up to 30 minutes, sometimes just two minutes. If you can get off, the conductor will open the doors and let down the steps. However if you do get off, we would recommend you stay in sight of the train at all times.

How much money should I take?

This depends on your trip and you and how much you like to eat, drink or the sort of souvenirs you like to buy. A budget may be $150 plus $100 per city per person as a “rule of thumb” to cover buying meals, souvenirs and incidentals while on the tour. US Dollars and Euros are the recommended currencies and the notes should be clean and unmarked or you may have difficulty converting it. As hotels generally offer very poor rates, our guide can assist you with exchanging money if you need it.

You can also safely get money out in local currency using your credit or debit card from cash-points in all the major cities and the rates are not so bad. It’s advisable to inform your bank/card-provider before you travel that you are due to be using your card abroad so they do not block these transactions.

On the train you will need a little local money for buying meals or snacks, our guide will advise you of the expected amount during the orientation meeting.

Do I need insurance or vaccinations?

Suitable travel insurance is compulsory for all of our trips and proof should be provided showing it covers medical expenses, emergency repatriation, cancellation or curtailment as a minimum.

There are no special vaccinations required though please check with your government travel advisory website or your doctor.

Is it possible to arrange for special diets?

Generally no, if you have special dietary requirements then you may need to make arrangements to bring your own food for the train and discuss this with our guides in the city with regards to what is available and where to eat.

Are there any showers on board?

On many of the Russian (not Mongolian or Chinese) long-distance passenger trains there is a pay-to-use shower available in a special services carriage. Where available this is shower only and does not include soap or a towel; we would also recommend flip-flops!

You can contact us by phone, email, fax, at one of our offices in person or by completing the fast contact web form below. Simply select your subject from the drop down box, enter your message and click the “send fast contact” button.