6 reasons to travel Trans-Siberian style
The Trans-Siberian Express is a regular feature on bucket lists. It’s not a surprise! From Russia and Mongolia to China and Vietnam, each leg of the Trans-Siberian offers so much to do and to see. The journey itself is often described as one of the greatest on earth, for a number of reasons. As a leading provider of Trans-Siberian Rail Cruises, we’re always shouting about the benefits of travelling by train with us. In this blog post, we reveal just six of the reasons why travelling Trans-Siberian style is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your days.
1. Experience adventure at its finest
Journeying across 10 different time zones, over two continents, and through several iconic destinations and countries, it’s safe to say that taking a trip on the Trans-Siberian is a feast for all the senses. Whatever your interests, travelling Trans-Siberian style provides the ultimate adventure. Nature lovers will adore views of vast wildernesses, while history buffs can take a step back in time with a visit to a variety of intriguing attractions.
2. Meet lots of new people
The Trans-Siberian Express is a popular mode of transport not just for visitors from around the world but for many Russian and Chinese locals. A trip on the Trans-Siberian therefore provides an excellent opportunity to make friends and learn about other cultures. On-board you’ll find people from all walks of life. Embrace it.
3. Take in the most breathtaking scenery
Thanks to the sheer scale of the Trans-Siberian route – the Moscow to Vladivostok train covers some 6,152 miles and crosses eight time zones in total – you’ll be in prime position to take in the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. One day you’ll be marvelling at a pristine white, snowy landscape, and the next you’ll be cruising through arid desert land.
4. Enjoy life on-board
The facilities available on each Trans-Siberian train may vary – we provide Classic and Luxury Rail Cruises to ensure visitors with varying needs and budgets can find the experience that’s right for them – but life on-board is a real experience nonetheless. Untapped Cities (@untappedcities) recommends keeping a diary of your journey in order to fully appreciate the experience:
“Document your experience. Just because you don’t fancy yourself the next Henry David Thoreau shouldn’t preclude you from taking along a journal in which to reflect or note-take – it may just be your most valuable souvenir. The train is a great way to meet people from around the world, and being able to remember those moments on paper is priceless. Having a pen and paper also allows for mid-afternoon games of Hangman and composing late-night bucket lists.”
5. Explore the destinations outside
As well as passing through a number of different landscapes and terrains on the train journey itself, each Trans-Siberian trip provides opportunities to explore outside of the train courtesy of numerous stopover options. Depending on your route of choice, there are countless destinations throughout China, Russia, and Mongolia that are all waiting to be explored. Our Classic Super Trans-Siberian trip for example gives you more time to explore Beijing, Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk, Ekaterinburg, and Moscow.
6. Relish a slower pace of life
Losing track of time is easy on any of the Trans-Siberian rail routes, and that’s before you adjust to the changing time zones! Modern life is fast paced at the best of times, but on your Trans-Siberian journey you can enjoy a slower pace, taking in the sights, sounds and stunning scenery along the way.