Saint Petersburg to Moscow trains
Sapsan trains offer tourists a convenient way to quickly cross Russia between St. Petersburg and Moscow, minimising travel time and enhancing the experience of the trip. This high-speed train combines modern comfort with reliability, making the journey part of the adventure. Tourists especially appreciate it for its predictability and services adapted for vacationers with suitcases and gadgets
Ticket purchase and classes
It is optimal for tourists to book tickets in advance on the official website of Russian Railways, Tutu.ru or in the application - for 90 days prices start from 1700 rubles in economy class and reach 5000-8000 in business. Economy offers spacious chairs with a pitch of 100 cm, sockets and Wi-Fi, and business adds hot dishes, fresh press, wardrobe and snack bar - ideal for families or those who want to relax. Tourist groups often choose class 1 for privacy and concierge services; an electronic ticket eliminates paper documents
It is optimal for tourists to book tickets in advance on the official website of Russian Railways, Tutu.ru or in the application - for 90 days prices start from 1700 rubles in economy class and reach 5000-8000 in business. Economy offers spacious chairs with a pitch of 100 cm, sockets and Wi-Fi, and business adds hot dishes, fresh press, wardrobe and snack bar - ideal for families or those who want to relax. Tourist groups often choose class 1 for privacy and concierge services; an electronic ticket eliminates paper documents
Services and comfort on board
The train is equipped with free Wi-Fi (stable throughout the route), sockets at each seat, individual screens with movies, music and a real-time map. Coolers with hot/cold water, buffet with sandwiches, coffee and alcohol are available to everyone; in business class - a signature menu with salads and desserts. Toilets are clean with a shower in separate cars, climate control and silence thanks to noise insulation; flight attendants help with translation and orientation for foreigners.
The train is equipped with free Wi-Fi (stable throughout the route), sockets at each seat, individual screens with movies, music and a real-time map. Coolers with hot/cold water, buffet with sandwiches, coffee and alcohol are available to everyone; in business class - a signature menu with salads and desserts. Toilets are clean with a shower in separate cars, climate control and silence thanks to noise insulation; flight attendants help with translation and orientation for foreigners.
Tips and impressions of travellers
Arrive at Moskovsky (St. Petersburg) or Kursk (Moscow) stations in an hour to pass the inspection and enjoy the atmosphere; avoid late flights due to traffic jams at the entrance. While travelling, look out the window at the views of Lake Ladoga, Novgorod forests and Tver land - this is a picturesque route 650 km long. Tourists on TripAdvisor praise the timely arrival (99% of flights), polite staff and no motion sickness even at 250 km/h; the disadvantages are a high price in season and strict rules with food from outside. Foreigners recommend Sapsan as a "Russian TGV" for the first visit to Russia
Arrive at Moskovsky (St. Petersburg) or Kursk (Moscow) stations in an hour to pass the inspection and enjoy the atmosphere; avoid late flights due to traffic jams at the entrance. While travelling, look out the window at the views of Lake Ladoga, Novgorod forests and Tver land - this is a picturesque route 650 km long. Tourists on TripAdvisor praise the timely arrival (99% of flights), polite staff and no motion sickness even at 250 km/h; the disadvantages are a high price in season and strict rules with food from outside. Foreigners recommend Sapsan as a "Russian TGV" for the first visit to Russia
| Interesting Facts about Sapsan Trains for Tourists Sapsan trains connect St. Petersburg and Moscow in record time, making them a fascinating choice for tourists discovering Russia's highlights. Sapsan, built by Siemens Velaro RUS, reaches operational speeds of 250 km/h, covering the 650 km route in as little as 3 hours 30 minutes—faster than driving and often quicker than flying when accounting for airport waits. During 2009 tests, it hit 290 km/h, setting Russia's high-speed rail record. Each 10-car train carries up to 592 passengers with aircraft-style seating, advanced aerodynamics for smooth rides at high speeds, and noise insulation that keeps cabins whisper-quiet even at full throttle. Panoramic windows offer stunning views of Lake Ladoga and Russian forests, turning the trip into a scenic tour. Business class includes complimentary gourmet meals like blini or borscht, served at seats, plus newspapers in multiple languages—perfect for international visitors. Free Wi-Fi streams reliably for sharing Instagram stories of the journey. Electronic check-in skips paper tickets, and priority boarding helps with luggage. Generous allowances permit 36 kg hand luggage plus 30 kg checked baggage free, with airport-level X-ray scans ensuring safety; tourists can bring souvenirs or cameras without hassle. Special racks hold skis or bikes for adventure travelers. Sapsan boasts 99% on-time arrivals, outpacing many European high-speed lines, with daily dozens of departures for flexible scheduling. Named after the peregrine falcon ("sapsan" in Russian), it embodies speed, just like the world's fastest bird. |
