Russia: A Great Land Unconquered
Russia has remained a bulwark of strength and some mystery since it formed over a thousand years ago from the small feudal fiefdoms scattered down the Volkhov River. A step removed from Asia but surprisingly un-European, Russia is a complex society that's hard to define. Fortunately, there are many resources online to help illuminate this vast country, and to facilitate your travels both to and across its immense geographical and cultural expanse.
Expand All Guide SectionsRussia Travel Information
Spanning more than one-eighth of the world's land (even after shedding its former republics) Russia ... read more »
Russia Travel Requirements
Entering Russia can be intimidating ... just ask Napoleon. Fortunately, with the Web as your ally, ... read more »
Traveling to Russia
There are a number of options for the traveler to Russia, including both Russian and international ... read more »
Russia Hotels
Russia does not have the same service culture as America. Hotels and restaurants can be ... read more »
Traveling in Russia
If you plan to book flights within Russia, ride a train or bus, or rent a car, use this section of the guide to make those arrangements. Even if you can't buy tickets in advance, try to familiarize yourself with the maps and routes you'll be taking. Having a bit of background knowledge can be immensely helpful once you arrive in unfamiliar surroundings.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Traveling by train is a fun way to get around Russia, and gives you a great look into the real heart of the country and its people. It allows you to see the landscape and meet fellow travelers. As always though, your adventurousness and friendliness should be coupled with caution, especially when traveling alone.
- If you plan on taking the Trans-Siberian Railway, be sure to pick up The Trans-Siberian Handbook.
- Driving in Russia can be an adventure. Roads are poorly maintained, traffic patterns are confusing, and driving habits are unlike any other country. It is probably best to avoid renting a car and rely on train and bus travel instead.
- If you're hailing a cab, you might become an unintentional hitchhiker. Often, people in their own cars will stop to pick up pedestrians for some extra cash, even if they are not professional cab drivers. Some will even take you where you want to go just for the company. This is acceptable but of course the usual safety precautions should be taken. Female travelers should not do this alone, and the trip's price, if there is one, should be agreed upon before you get in the car.
- Air travel in Russia is convenient to save time, especially if you're flying long east-west routes. There are many domestic carrier options, including Aeroflot, Sibir Airlines, Transaero, Domodedovo, Vladivostok Air, and UTair.
- Travel blogs and forums are a good place to read up on other travelers' experiences in Russia. These firsthand accounts are great preliminary glimpses into the opportunities and pitfalls of navigating this foreign country.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general transportation information and tickets ...
WayToRussia.Net
's transportation page has reliable information on all methods of transportation around Russia (as well as to it). You can even search and reserve train tickets here. For any trip in the country, this is a good first stop for planning.
For trains ...
The Trans-Siberian Railway
stretches 5,500 miles across Russia, with lines going through Mongolia and China. Its official site has a history of the railroad, along with photos and a downloadable brochure. Buy tickets, customize your trip, and make hotel reservations here.
Seat61.com
is dedicated to train travel all over the world. Its Russian section explains the intricacies and details of the Russian rail system with the foreign traveler in mind. Besides practical know-how, you'll also learn what a Russian train trip looks and feels like. Learn more about the Trans-Siberian Railway by reading about an overland journey from London all the way to Japan, a trip spanning the entire Old World.
JSC Russian Railways
is the government-owned train monopoly. Visit the site to find timetables and locations of Russian ticket offices; unfortunately, you can't purchase tickets online. The site also offers a scanned image of a typical Russian train ticket and diagrams where to find information like the train number and departure time.
For car rentals ...
Auto Europe
has car rentals available for Moscow and St. Petersburg. Use the "Book a Car Rental" box to get started.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
