It goes without saying that exploring the vast expanses of Russia can be quite exciting and there are plenty of ways to do that. Nowadays, train rides are becoming more and more in demand among travelers because such connections provide people with the opportunity to see the most remote corners of this immense and beautiful country. It’s no surprise that the most popular Russian route is the one from St. Petersburg to Moscow and this overview will help you to get a clearer insight of how to travel between the two cities by train faster and easier.
Gems of the Northern capital
St. Petersburg is one of the best cities in Russia and a great starting point for a memorable Russian getaway as former Leningrad is a true masterpiece from the very heart of the city to its numerous hidden yards on the outskirts, having their special vibe. The cultural capital is comparatively young, only 315 years old, but even this period was enough to play a very significant role in the history of the whole country. The city center is an example of refined architecture. When in Saint Petersburg, you can’t miss visiting the 6 buildings of the iconic Hermitage Museum, the second largest museum in the world that houses impressive collections of art of several countries and epochs. Your travel list also won’t be complete without such hallmarks as the Peter and Paul Fortress complex, Cathedral of the Savior on Blood, and the Faberge Museum.
Nevertheless, there are more treasures to discover which are located outside the city. They include the legendary Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoye Selo that served as the main center of the court life in the times of Imperial Russia, as well as the majestic Peterhof Grand Palace with its fascinating parks and famous fountains.
To continue your tour to Moscow, you need to head to the Moskovsky railway station that is located right in the city center on the Nevsky Prospekt. You can get there by Mayakovskaya or Vosstaniya Square stations of the St. Petersburg subway. Now let’s find out what train to Moscow is better to choose.
What are the options?
Historically, the route between St. Petersburg and Moscow has been of a great importance as it connects the former and recent capitals which now are the top-visited Russian destinations as well. There are several alternatives for your railway trip from Saint Petersburg to Moscow that you are free to choose from.
The first option is to travel on an ordinary passenger train. In general, there are around 10-15 departures a day but the average travel time usually exceeds 7 hours. Moreover, such trains are not really modern and often lack the whole range of services a traveler wants to get from the ride.
Another option is overnight trains which are more comfortable and up-to-date. A famous overnight sleeper, running on the St. Petersburg – Moscow railroad is the Red Arrow. This train is equipped with high-comfort amenities and meets the requirements of the most demanding travelers. However, the trip is still quite lengthy and time-consuming and takes about 8 hours.
The smartest variant for those who don’t agree to waste much time on the connections between the points on their travel map is the modern high-speed train Sapsan. The train goes at the speed of 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour) which means that the whole 635 km ride takes a little over three and a half hours. In addition, the daily schedule includes about 10 departures, making the process of planning your tour itinerary more efficient. Being a pride of the Russian Railways, modern Sapsans offer everything a traveler needs for a comfortable trip. All coaches are equipped with spacious seats and luggage areas, air-conditioning, and power sockets. Passengers can also relax while watching films on personal screens as well as surf the Internet with free Wi-Fi access. Sapsan trains also possess a bistro car with a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase. All this makes the high-speed train St. Petersburg to Moscow a perfect value to money and a great alternative in comparison with flights.
Gold-domed capital of Russia
After a pleasant and comfy journey, the high-speed Sapsan will take you to the Leningradsky railway station in Moscow, located on the Komsomolskaya Square. This railway terminal is situated only 2 subway stations away from the magnificent Red Square with Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Alexander Gardens, a stunning urban public park near the Kremlin wall.
Moscow is a huge alluring megapolis that preserves an enviable number of gems you can’t lose a chance to witness. If you are an art lover, you can pop into the famous Tretyakov Art Gallery or enjoy a show at the Bolshoi Opera Theater. The best places to have a stroll, to dine or to entertain include the Arbat Street, the Patriarch Ponds and Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure while the breathtaking panorama of the city can be seen from the Sparrow Hills. Some other unmissable sights of Moscow are the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Tsaritsyno Palace, and Kazan Cathedral.24
Russia introduces lots of highlights to discover and there are plenty of ways to do it. So if you strive to get from St. Petersburg to Moscow in comfort but taking a chance to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the untouched nature and indigenous countryside during the way, the high-speed Sapsan trains are surely your option to travel Russia.
