Myths About Russian Trains

1. Cheap – while trains are, usually, not the most expensive means of transport, in Russia ticket prices for longer distances can be no cheaper and even more expensive than air tickets for an analogical distance. Tourists should always consult different possibilities as in Russia many things are not what they seem to be.

2. Safe – there are several four-person sleepers in each wagon. It is impossible to define travelling companions prior to the actual journey. In case of trouble (theft, threats, or drunken/overbearing behavior), tourists should immediately notify the wagon’s steward who will call train guards. This can take time, however, and it’s recommended to travel with friends or acquaintances.

3. Fast – on the one hand, it’s true than trains in Russia are punctual and the railway system is very well organized. On the other hand, some train stops, for unknown reasons, can take up to 40 minutes and considerably postpone arrival at the chosen station.

Facts about Russian Trains

1. Well-heated – during autumn and winter heating in Russian trains is remarkable; travelers should consider packing additional, lighter clothes for night-time.

2. Well-equipped – Russian trains have all facilities necessary for long journeys: there is free cold and hot water for making drinks and preparing fast foods. All passengers receive pillows, sheets and blankets. They can also purchase souvenirs, drinks and snacks from train sellers.

3. Good restaurants – the dining wagon is spacious and food as well as beverages offered by waiters is fresh, inexpensive and well-prepared.

How to Book a Train Ticket in Russia

Non-commercial courses are rarely available for booking on the internet. Tickets should be purchased in person even one week before departure. Buying tickets later is risky because all 1st and 2nd class wagons might be already taken. All travelers are required to show valid passports while buying ticket as well as during boarding on train. Stewards will check both passports and tickets for validity before they allow entering the train.

Ex. 1. Answer the following questions:

1. What is one of the best experiences you can have while visiting Russia?

2. Are the travelers permitted to bring alcohol on the train?

3. How many locks are there on your compartment door?

4. What do all passengers receive in the train?

5. Where should train tickets be purchased?

Ex. 2. Match the words in A with their definitions in B:

A	B
1. available	a. to inform someone officially about something
2. pillow	b. able to be obtained, taken or used
3. snack	c. to allow someone to do something
4. encounter	d. a soft object on which you rest your head in bed
5. permit	e. a small amount of food, that you eat between meals
6. notify	f. to meet someone or to see something for the first time

Ex. 3. Complete the gaps with one of the words given below:

postpone	permitted
compartment	be wary of
snacks

1. During long train trips, it is advisable to bring ……… for yourself and to share.

2. Some train stops, for unknown reasons, can take up to 40 minutes and considerably ……… arrival at the chosen station.

3. Also …….. inviting strangers into your compartment.

4. Travelers are not ......... to bring alcohol on the train.

5. There are two locks on your ……… door.

Ex. 4. Put the verbs in an appropriate tense and voice:

1. Someone (come) around to check your tickets once again to make sure you (be) a paying passenger.

2. That (be), unless you (break) the rules and then she (be) the first to scold you for your mistake.

3. Toilets (be locked) before the train (stop) as well when it (be) unmoving.

4. In case of trouble tourists should (notify) the wagon’s steward who (call) train guards.

5. The dining wagon (be) spacious and food as well as beverages offered by waiters (be) fresh, inexpensive and well-prepared.

Ex. 5. Translate the sentences into Russian paying attention to infinitive and gerund constructions:

1. TravelTen tickets are worth buying if you are in Sydney, as they entitle you to make ten bus journeys by public transport.

2. The reservations agent’s work includes making money in tourism industry, but it is hard, as profits are smaller and customers increasingly expect higher standards.

3. All travelers are required to show valid passports while buying ticket as well as during boarding on train.

4. Our concierge will be happy to arrange transportation, make onward travel arrangements, reconfirm airline tickets and advise on restaurants for corporate entertainment.