Whether you’re a trainspotter or not, it’s likely you’ve heard of the extensive Trans-Siberian railway, which boasts a long list of records. The emphasis, of course, is on “long!” Here are some fun facts about the Trans-Siberian Railway that might just interest you.
1. It is – by far – the longest railway line in the world.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is easily the longest railway line on the planet, period, as it stretches approximately 9,289 kilometres (5,772 miles) from Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia! The Trans-Mongolian railway, running Moscow through Beijing, China, is long enough – but is in second place at a blistering 7,800 kilometres (4,846 miles).
2. It took a quarter of a century to build.
Construction of the railway began in 1891 and was completed in 1916, taking around 25 years to build. That seems pretty fast given the sheer length of the project – but remember that over 85,000 people are said to have helped bring the line to completion!
3. The railway was built to connect Russia from one end to the other.
The main point behind the Trans-Siberian railway project was to connect the European part of Russia with its remote Eastern territories. Of course, it also exists to enhance transportation and communication across Russia’s vast expanse.
4. The Trans-Siberian railway passes through multiple time zones.
The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through eight time zones! It is one of the few railways in the world that crosses multiple zones across the entirety of a line – meaning passengers going all the way will need to keep multiple clocks open on their smartphones to keep track.
5. The railway actually consists of multiple different lines.
Although the name might suggest there is only one line running, the Trans-Siberian railway line consists of several interconnected lines. These include the Trans-Siberian Mainline, the Trans-Manchurian line, and the Trans-Mongolian line (which we mentioned earlier).
6. It can take over a week to complete a journey on the line.
A full journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway can take about seven to nine days to complete! The length of a journey on the line depends on the route and stops – at least there are bathrooms and refreshments onboard if you’re going the distance.
7. Riders get to see forests, mountains, lakes, and more.
One of the most-loved things about the Trans-Siberian railway line is the views it offers. The railway traverses landscapes including plains, forests, mountains, and the iconic Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world. In fact, one of the major highlights of the journey is crossing the Ural Mountains – famous for being the natural boundary between Asia and Europe!
8. It has become an essential line for trade and cargo.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is an essential mode of transportation for locals and plays a significant role in the transportation of goods, including minerals, oil, and timber. The most well-known and popular route is the Trans-Siberian Main Line, which runs from Moscow to Vladivostok.
9. Many tourists use the line to explore Russia in comfort.
One of the best things about the Trans-Siberian railway for tourists is that it is the perfect way to explore Russia. The train journey provides tons of opportunities to experience Russian culture, interact with locals, and look across the natural landscapes.
FAQs about the Trans-Siberian Railway
How much does it cost to ride the Trans-Siberian railway?
If you would like to ride in one of the higher classes on the Trans-Siberian railway, it definitely isn’t cheap! It costs around $850 USD to ride in a second-class compartment and about $1,330 USD to travel in first class. Costs are estimated at the time of publication.
Is it considered safe to travel on the Trans-Siberian railway?
Yes, generally speaking, it is safe to travel on the Trans-Siberian railway. It is usually filled with tourists and holiday-makers from all over the world, so it can be a great way to meet new people and learn about different cultures.
What is the Trans-Siberian Railway famous for?
The Trans-Siberian railway is mostly known for its record-breaking length, and for offering incredible views of Russia. Many see even short journeys onboard as once-in-a-lifetime trips!
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Russia
https://www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com/journeys/trans-siberian-express/
https://www.thetranssiberiantravelcompany.com/
Do you know any fun facts about the Trans-Siberian Railway? Share them in the comments below!