Are Russian Trains Safe?

Russia’s crime rate is in line with that of other developed countries, and in some cases lower than the U.S. Tourist-prone areas have enough police and security cameras to keep serious crime low. You may encounter pickpockets in the larger population centers and tourist destinations, so keep a close eye on your passport and other valuables.

Political turmoil can make some areas riskier. The Ukrainian border, the North Caucasus, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, among others, have some degree of civil unrest. Be careful traveling near such areas - some of them have contested sovereignty claims which may complicate your status with local authorities.

Dealing With Russian Police

Russian police may not always be friendly, but they are nothing to fear. Russian law allows them to stop and question anyone, so you should always carry at least your passport and migration card as well as your visa registration (required for stays of seven days or more). If the police do stop you, be polite and cooperative – but if the officer asks you to pay a fine or sign paperwork you don’t understand, call your embassy before doing so.

Being Safe on The Train

The railway system in Russia is one of the largest in the world, with over 86,000 kilometers of track, with the nine Moscow train stations as the country’s hub. Despite the country having almost as much land area as the U.S. and China combined, almost every city and town in the country is connected to the rail lines. International border connections mean Russian trains can connect European countries like Finland and Poland to Eastern destinations like China and Mongolia. The Trans-Siberian Railway connecting Moscow to Vladivostok is a six-day journey covering almost 10,000 kilometers - the longest direct train route in the world.

Staying safe while traveling in Russia is no different than in any other developed country. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Keep valuables and important papers close at hand – it’s a good idea to keep these important items in a “carry-on bag” that’s always with you. Keep an eye out for the pickpockets that are drawn to any place tourists can be found and be aware of your surroundings in general.

When you board a Russian train, you will be greeted by a provodnik, or conductor (female conductors are called provodnista), who will check your ticket as you board. Your compartment will have a lock on the door for security, and the provodnik will usually lock the access doors to the car at night to keep riders from other cars from wandering through. Compartments in sleeping cars have a safety latch that allows the door to open only slightly, keeping out even train personnel. Storage will be a compartment under your bunk, so no one can get to your belongings while you are asleep.

Are Families and Solo Women Safe on The Train?

Russian women travel by rail all the time. It’s just as safe for you. Again, just use the normal precautions you would anywhere else – keep your valuables close, be aware of your surroundings and be wary of anyone offering open containers of alcohol or anything else. Sleeping compartments are not gender-segregated, though still generally safe. If you are a woman traveling alone, it’s a good idea to arrive early to assess who might be sharing your compartment and talk to the provodnik about switching if you have concerns.

Train travel is safe for families as well. Travel is free for children under the age of five, so long as they don’t occupy a separate seat. For older children up to 10, there is a reduced fare that includes a seat of their own (children under 10 may also be added free of charge to a VIP compartment). For commuter and international trains the age ranges and fares can vary, but children under five are generally free in all cases.

Is it Safe for LGBQT Travelers?

While homosexuality is legal in Russia, the society tends toward intolerance. It is best to exercise caution as a LGBTQ traveler in Russia and note that public displays of affection – homosexual or straight – are generally unacceptable.

Will I Run Into Wild Sports Fans?

Boisterous and sometimes aggressive sports fans are not uncommon on trains in Europe. However, the large size of the Russian rail system and the distance between cities make it unlikely you’ll run into very many of them.

Summary

Russia is a large, beautiful, and diverse country, and there is no better way to see it than by rail. Follow the normal common-sense tips for traveling safely and be careful of areas of civil unrest, and you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable experience on the Russian railways.

Trans-Europe Express LLC
Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Mychnoi per. 2.
rail@russianrail.com
Tel: +7 812 570 4709
Oleg Petrov

Part of ExpressToRussia Travel Group, one of the longest serving travel providers in Russia

This release was published on openPR.