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Cross-Section - 2nd-Cl

Accommodation on board is in either First-Class (2-berth compartment) or Second-Class (4-berth compartment - 2 x Upper and 2 x Lower Berth).    Basically, in 1st-Cl you are paying for the extra space and privacy.

There are two Toilets on board each wagon.  Inside the Toilet you will find (i) the Toilet itself and (ii) a hand-basin with running water - sometimes even hot water.    These toilets are kept clean by the Provodniks.  If you get incredibly bored, there is a Diagram showing how to dis-assemble the plumbing.  With a wash-cloth, soap,  and some ingenuity, you can stay sweet-smelling the whole trip through.    You can even wash your hair succesfully if you want to.

There is plenty of space to store your luggage, either in the overhead baggage storage area, or under the lower berths.

You are not allowed to smoke on board the train in the compartments or the corridors.  You are permitted to smoke in two places:  in the restaurant,  and in the draughty area between the wagons, beyond the corridor door - well-separated from the compartments.

Some people worry it will be boring spending so long on a train.  Actually, the time soon passes!    There are lots of different people to talk to - from all over Russia, China, and the rest of the world too.  There's the ever-changing view out of your window,  as Europe merges sloooowly with Asia, the way it really does when you don't travel at 33,000 feet.    There are short stops for you to get out and stretch your legs - although rarely for longer than 10-20 minutes!    The restaurant offers chance meetings with fellow passengers, plus new food "experiences".  Plus the chance to tune-out and experience the feelings of massive distance.

On European Railways, you are rarely far from civilisation.  But on the Trans-Sib,  you have the wonderful luxury of sailing in comfort across empty wilderness.    The train goes where no roads can, showing you landscapes which are otherwise only accessible on a fully-equipped expedition.    Gaze out at camels on the Mongolian Plains - from the comfort of the train, with a glass of Genghis Khan vodka in your hand!