Cheap and Easy Travel

I have already discussed the Trans-Siberian railway proper, which is the Moscow-Vladivostok route, and the Trans-Mongolian alternative, more popular with the tourists, that goes via Mongolia to Beijing. The third and final alternative for crossing Eurasia is the Trans-Manchurian route from Moscow to Beijing. This train, known as the Vostok, takes just over six days to cover the 5,623 mile route (8,986km) from Moscow to Beijing. You have the option of 2nd class compartments with four berths, known as kupe, or a 1st class compartment with only two berths, known as spalny vagon. The prices for this route are similar to those for the Trans-Mongolian route.

This train follows the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, and then goes on to the Russian border town of Zabaikalsk, after which it crosses over into China, and then to the Chinese border town of Manzhouli. The train then continues on to Beijing, passing through Harbin and Changchun.

With its fabulous architecture of Russian and European influence, such as the lovely Saint Sofia Church (pictured), Harbin is one of China’s most beautiful cities, and you may well wish to consider a stopover here to break your journey before going on to Beijing.

When considering your trans-Siberian adventure, and which of the three possible routes to take, you would be well advised to take a look at The Man in Seat Sixty-One … which is full of useful information about the journey, how to buy tickets, and so on, as well as a cornucopia of information about world train travel generally.