On our visit to Russia we spent most of the time travelling in second class, but for Christmas Eve we decided to spend the extra money and book out a Spalny Vagon (1st class) compartment for just us.
On arrival a РЖД branded teaset was on the table, along with two copies of their inhouse magazine.
And the wall behind us even had a TV!
Money well spent, but something that sure adds up when travelling from one end of Russia to another.
Footnote
There are three classes of accommodation on Russian long distance trains:
- Spalny Vagon (1st class): 2-berth compartments, with two single beds located either side of the compartment.
- Kupé (2nd class): 4-berth compartments, with top and bottom bunk beds either of the compartment.
- Platskartny (3rd class): open dormitory carriages, with 54 berths arranged in bays of 4 on one side of the aisle and bays of 2 along the carriage wall.
On our trip we didn’t slum it down in 3rd class – and due to our holiday being in the middle of winter, we were lucky enough to get a 2nd class compartment to ourselves on every journey.
