St Petersburg to Samarkand Train
Jan 6, 2012, 6:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
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St Petersburg to Samarkand Train
Wikitravel mentions a weekly train between St Petersburg & Samarkand (& vice versa) which is run by Uzbekistan Railways. Their website confirms it's existence but has no details as to standard of accommodation (it's a 5 day trip), dining car, intermediate stops etc.
Has anyone done the trip or know further details?
And yes, I have checked with Seat61 but Mark Smith has no details either.
Thanks
Dave
Has anyone done the trip or know further details?
And yes, I have checked with Seat61 but Mark Smith has no details either.
Thanks
Dave
Jan 6, 2012, 9:12 pm
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
Wikitravel mentions a weekly train between St Petersburg & Samarkand (& vice versa) which is run by Uzbekistan Railways. Their website confirms it's existence but has no details as to standard of accommodation (it's a 5 day trip), dining car, intermediate stops etc.
Has anyone done the trip or know further details?
And yes, I have checked with Seat61 but Mark Smith has no details either.
Has anyone done the trip or know further details?
And yes, I have checked with Seat61 but Mark Smith has no details either.
Route/Timing:
http://www.Poezda.net/en/train_timet...1569353%3A%C0+
Jan 7, 2012, 2:39 am
#3
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St Petersburg to Samarkand
Thanks very much for this - especially the link.
I still wonder about the Restaurant Car - I've done the Bucharest/Istanbul trip without one but this is a lot longer. The actual price is pretty good though.
Cheers
Dave
I still wonder about the Restaurant Car - I've done the Bucharest/Istanbul trip without one but this is a lot longer. The actual price is pretty good though.
Cheers
Dave
Jan 7, 2012, 3:54 am
#4
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Most likely old soviet carriages, 3rd class = platzkart, 2nd class = coupé. I don't know if you can get cheaper prices by booking elsewhere. I would not count on using the restaurant car for your meals, although I do not know what uzbek railways offer as far as service.
Jan 7, 2012, 8:53 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Moscow
Posts: 85
Actually I think this train is overcrowded by "gastarbaiters" (season unqualified workers from Uzbekistan)..
Also police, customs etc pay more attention to these trains.
The price does not reflect the quality, it reflects only monopoly on this line.
Those workers usually have luggage much more than 20kg and have no other option.
I personally recommend to avoid this train and book a flight.
But I have never used this train of course I may exagerate a bit.
That's what I think.
Also police, customs etc pay more attention to these trains.
The price does not reflect the quality, it reflects only monopoly on this line.
Those workers usually have luggage much more than 20kg and have no other option.
I personally recommend to avoid this train and book a flight.
But I have never used this train of course I may exagerate a bit.
That's what I think.
Jan 21, 2012, 12:27 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Moscow
Posts: 30
Rates for 3rd Feb. 2012:
2nd class - 12797,80 rub. (photos inside common old train: one, two)
3rd class - 7031,20 rub. (photo inside common old train)
Newer trains looks better, but I don't think Uzbekistan Railways have them...
And travel to some of the south former Soviet Republics by a train cold be extremely extremal
by the reasons described above. My advise: book a flight.
Jan 24, 2012, 2:50 am
#7
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St Petersburg to Samarkand
I hear what you are saying re comfort & dangers of the route but it is an epic journey. Us train buffs LOVE long distance runs and at 5 days this one is only headed by the trans Siberian for journeys on the same train (hence the Silk Route ruled out).
The Uzbetistan Railways are importing Talgo Trains ex Spain which would be superb for this route but there is no information I can find on which routes they would be used or when they will be introduced.
I was hoping a backpacker or train buff might have done the trip and could share things like catering, security & general value for money.
Cheers
Dave
The Uzbetistan Railways are importing Talgo Trains ex Spain which would be superb for this route but there is no information I can find on which routes they would be used or when they will be introduced.
I was hoping a backpacker or train buff might have done the trip and could share things like catering, security & general value for money.
Cheers
Dave
Jan 24, 2012, 7:41 am
#8
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Another board...
I hear what you are saying re comfort & dangers of the route but it is an epic journey. Us train buffs LOVE long distance runs and at 5 days ...I was hoping a backpacker or train buff might have done the trip and could share things like catering, security & general value for money.
Jan 24, 2012, 7:43 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Moscow
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Are there any sleeper Talgos? I fancy if there are any high-speed sleeper trains in the world?
Siemens proposed RZD to run sleeper Sapsans between Moscow and Sochi, but it looks like the proposition was declined.
Siemens proposed RZD to run sleeper Sapsans between Moscow and Sochi, but it looks like the proposition was declined.