Trans-Siberian Railroad: History and Route

• The Trans-Siberian Railroad is the world's longest railway, attracting travelers to witness an engineering marvel and experience a unique journey
• The railway spans approximately 5,707 miles
• It stretches from Moscow in Europe to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean

Construction and Significance

• Built between 1891 and 1916
• Formerly considered a prized asset of the Russian Empire
• It is double-tracked and electrified
• It connects European rail networks with Chinese rail networks or Vladivostok

Route and Travel

• The railroad crosses seven time zones during its journey
• It passes through over 30 cities, including those in Siberia and the Russian Far East
• A non-stop trip from Moscow to Vladivostok takes seven days
• The design speed is 80 kilometers per hour

Branch Lines

• The main line branches into three routes from Ulan-Ude
• Moscow to Vladivostok is the Trans-Siberian route
• Moscow to Beijing (via Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) is the Trans-Mongolian route
• Siberia to Beijing (via Manchuria) is the Trans-Manchurian route

Travel Tips

• Regular trains are commonly used by locals for commuting, offering a chance to interact with the people and experience the country's culture
• Key termini include Moscow, Beijing, and Vladivostok
• Moscow is accessible by train from major European cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Berlin
• Beijing connects to Asian cities such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Bangkok
• Vladivostok can be reached by ferries from Fushiki (Japan), Donghae, and Sakcho (South Korea)
• Travelers typically need visas for Russia, China, and Mongolia

Scenery and Experience

• The journey offers diverse scenery, from Moscow to Siberia and Vladivostok
• Landscapes include Lake Baikal, the Ural Mountains, plains, grasslands, and pine forests
• Travelers can experience Russian cuisine in cities and villages and meet both local and international passengers
• The 9288 km monument at the Vladivostok station is a notable landmark
• For city exploration, purchasing separate tickets for each stopover is recommended due to limited stop times (max. 20 minutes)

Recommended Stopovers

• Lake Baikal is the world's largest freshwater lake (by volume), containing over 22% of the world's fresh water
• Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, accessible via the Trans-Mongolian Railway

Overall Experience

• Provides a view of Russia's diverse landscapes, from cities to remote villages
• The scenery transitions from the Ural Mountains to Lake Baikal

Explore the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the world's longest railway, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok. Constructed between 1891 and 1916, it crosses seven time zones and connects Europe to the Russian Far East. Discover its main routes and significance.