The best time of year for a Trans-Siberian trip is summer when the weather is warm. However, it’s also the most popular time for western travellers so you may find it busier and harder to book a ticket on certain routes.
If you want to avoid crowds consider travelling in winter. Siberian life is very different in the winter and brings a feeling of mystery to your journey.
Moscow
This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon across mysterious Russia connecting east and west, passing through big cities and vast Siberian steppes, alongside the world’s largest lake, Lake Baikal. This legendary adventure crossing eight time zones and three continents is slow travel at its best, with a chance to see the landscape of Eurasia change before your very eyes.
There is no best time to take a Trans-Siberian Railway trip, as each season offers something different. Taking the train in winter, for example, is an incredible experience; as the snow melts and nature wakes up along the route, you’ll be able to discover the hidden charms of the regions you’re travelling through.
Alternatively, you can travel the Trans-Siberian in summer when the weather is warm and sunny, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the region. You’ll also be able to make many stops at your leisure, which will give you more time to explore the sights and attractions of the places you’re visiting.
In general, it’s best to book your tickets well in advance, as prices increase during the high season, especially around Russian New Year and Christmas. For this reason, we advise travellers to book their tickets at least six months in advance. If you’re planning to travel with children, it is also advisable to book early, as the majority of trains offer child seats.
A Trans-Siberian Railway tour is the perfect option for anyone who wants to experience this unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a chance to get away from everyday life and immerse yourself in the cultures of Russia, Mongolia and China. The journey is an opportunity to learn about the past and present of these fascinating nations, and discover their traditions while immersing yourself in their rich landscapes. Whether you prefer ancient sites, the vastness of Lake Baikal or the steppes of Mongolia, you’re bound to fall in love with this extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
Irkutsk
During a trip through Scandinavia, artist and illustrator Emma Fick stumbled upon a worn copy of the Trans-Siberian Handbook in a secondhand shop. She and her partner, Helvio, took it as a sign to embark on the epic journey of their dreams. The journey would take them from Moscow to Vladivostok along the 9,200 km long Trans-Siberian railway. The route crosses seven time zones & takes eight days of continuous train travel — making it one of the world’s last great travel adventures. However, several branches off the main track give travelers the option to sample different cultures & sights while enjoying the comfort & luxury of train travel.
The first stop on the Trans-Siberian is Irkutsk, a Siberian city that was once home to nobles and intellectuals before the Decembrist revolt turned this part of Russia into a bloody battleground. Today, the city has a quaint charm and is a welcome respite from the cold of winter. Its streets are lined with beautiful wooden houses, and there is a wide variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy some delicious Russian cuisine and coffee.
Once you’ve settled in, head out for a tour of the wondrous Lake Baikal. During the visit, you’ll get to know the history of the region as well as see preserved examples of Siberian classic wooden architecture. You will also visit the Taltsy Ethnographical Museum and a Limnological Museum with exhibits on the lake’s unique ecosystem and its rare species, including the Baikal seal and the Baikal nerpa (a type of freshwater whale).
After Irkutsk, it’s on to the capital of Mongolia, Ulan Bator. Known for its traditional arts and handicrafts, the city is also home to many fine restaurants where you can enjoy some of the country’s best cuisine. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the Sacred Altars of Mongolia, a series of altars containing relics of Mongolian kings and religious figures.
From here, you’ll board the daily 263 train for a long ride through the heart of Siberia to your next stop, Yekaterinburg. Located near the Europe-Asia border, this city was once the site of the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II. The city has a very European feel to it, with its beautiful medieval churches and monasteries.
Lake Baikal
If you’re looking for a true train adventure, the Trans-Siberian is the way to go. It’s slow travel at its best, taking you across continents and the great expanse of Siberia. This journey crosses eight time zones and is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our new group tour explores the diverse cultures of Moscow and St Petersburg before heading north to Irkutsk, where you will discover the unique beauty of Lake Baikal. You will enjoy the comfort of the Golden Eagle and travel alongside the shores of this largest freshwater lake in the world, an unforgettable highlight of our journey.
The town of Irkutsk is a center of Buddhism and offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the famous Ustuu-Khuree Buddhist temple and attend a performance of traditional Tuvan throat singing. You will also visit a local family manor where you will be welcomed by the hosts and offered a home cooked meal of authentic Siberian cuisine.
From here you can explore the pristine snow-capped peaks of Olkhon Island and delve into the history of one of the great explorers of Siberia, the legendary Yermak. You’ll then have the chance to enjoy a day on Lake Baikal with the opportunity to try out the various winter activities such as snow mobiles, husky dog sledging or ice diving.
In the evening you will have the chance to return to your train and relax with a drink or two on the platform, while you take in the sights and sounds of this vast Russian landscape. The life on the stations is very interesting and there is always something to do, from meeting fellow passengers to wandering around small stalls selling fresh or preserved food, drinks and gifts.
There is no one right answer to this question, as the Trans-Siberian runs all year round and each season has something special about it. The summer offers a chance to explore the lush countryside of Russia, the lakes and steppes of Mongolia and the magnificent mountains surrounding Lake Baikal while the winter is mecca for nature photographers and lovers of the unique transparency of the lake.
Vladivostok
The Trans-Siberian Railway has captured the imaginations and curiosities of travelers for a century. This epic journey of discovery starts among western Russia’s medieval cities, deep forests and snowy mountain wilderness. It continues past the outpost cities of Siberia (and spectacular Lake Baikal) and on into China. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one of the best ways to explore both Europe and Asia.
The train itself is a time machine, a portal to an ancient world where local people still live in the same way that their ancestors did centuries ago. During the day you can relax and watch the landscapes slip by, read, play a game, use the Wi-Fi, chat with fellow passengers or just lay back and sleep. In the evening you can dine in the onboard restaurant. The only problem is that you will find it hard to get bored, especially with all the different activities on offer.
You will travel in 1st class (known as Spainy Vagon or SV) on Russian trains, and in deluxe sleeper on Chinese ones. You share your berth with other passengers, but this can be a great opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the world. During the day you can stretch your legs during stops, go for a walk, have a bite to eat in the dining carriage or just sit on the open air platform to soak up the atmosphere. Onboard there are many things to do, and the days will fly by without you noticing.
In the evenings you can visit the bars and restaurants or watch a Russian or Chinese movie. You can also try traditional Russian baths, a khanty-house or the impressive Military Museum. It is well worth visiting Vladivostok, but this is optional and depends on your itinerary.
The best time to do the Trans-Siberian is in autumn when it is less crowded and the worst heat of summer has passed. Alternatively, you can take the trip in winter when it is a truly magical experience. The snow and ice adds to the sense of drama, and you can really feel like a Cold War spy thriller!
