Paris-Moscow Sleeper

[anti-pacer]

Has anyone ever done this trip end to end, and if so what is it like?

 

[30907]

http://www.seat61.com/paris-moscow-express.htm#.V7XzZejTXMI

 

[Iskra]

It's on my 'to do' list within the next year or so.

Remember you'd need to apply for visa's for Russia and Belarus which are quite costly and time consuming. My Russia one cost me about £80 when I went about 6 years ago.

If you do any legs that involve departing Russia by plane, leave double the time you normally would to check-in, go through security etc.

Russia is an amazing country though.

I'm considering the weekly Moscow-Nice train, as I think the scenery will be better.

 

[Kristofferson]

The only thing that puts me off trips like this (and travel in most of mainland Europe, especially the eastern half) is how bent the system can be - you could end up paying £400 in "administration fees" to cross a border, or you could get through with a wink and a nudge.

Not my cuppa tea, but something to be aware of if you do the trip.


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[Tim R-T-C]

The only thing that puts me off trips like this (and travel in most of mainland Europe, especially the eastern half) is how bent the system can be - you could end up paying £400 in "administration fees" to cross a border, or you could get through with a wink and a nudge.

Not my cuppa tea, but something to be aware of if you do the trip.

On the main routes like this with lots of Western travellers and staff you are unlikely to have any problems provided all your paperwork is in order.

You are more likely to have issues on the less used crossings, particularly the disputed ones - try the Odessa to Moldova train which passes through the unrecognised breakaway state of Transnistria, that looks to be a very fun journey and my main goal for 2017.

 

[crispy1978]

It looks a fantastic journey. Looks a good guide on Seat61 as always.

I've never done anything like that. Don't know if I'd be one of those who would pay the fare to share for the experience of having a travel companion, or whether I'd want my own cabin for safety assuming I didn't have a travel buddy.

 

[Iskra]

Also worth noting that there are a number of discounts available on these trains; for example if you travel within 7 days of your birthday you can get a significant discount. There are other good discounts but I'm on my mobile. Check the link from the man in seat 61 page; it could save you a lot of money.

 

[Kristofferson]

Another thing to bear in mind, from Twitter:

"No electric (air con, loos etc) Nis-Dimitrovgrad"


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[Birdbrain]

The Paris-Moscow does not go through Nis to Dimitrovgrad, that's the Sofia to Moscow

 

[route101]

The only thing that puts me off trips like this (and travel in most of mainland Europe, especially the eastern half) is how bent the system can be - you could end up paying £400 in "administration fees" to cross a border, or you could get through with a wink and a nudge.

Not my cuppa tea, but something to be aware of if you do the trip.


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Took the Moscow to Riga train in July and never had any problems at the Border ! Just like any other Eastern European crossing ! I think Border crossings are fun.