Way to Russia Talk Lounge

russia_bound · Just Starting Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 1

I plan on taking a train from Warsaw to St. Petersburg. The train will be stopping in Vilnius. I have been told that this train does NOT go through Belarus and have been told it does. Does anyone know which is correct? I need to know since I need to get a Belarus Visa. I plan on taking thePolenza #9 express from Moscow to Warsaw a week later and already need a transit visa for that trip. Should I get a double entry visa?

WayToRussia · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:59 pm Post subject:

I think you need two transit visas. There is a small chance your train will go through Belarus (see a map here - http://waytorussia.net/Transport/International/TrainSchedules.html ), so if you will be getting one anyway, get the second one too. Otherwise you risk getting off the train on Belarus border which is not a very good (but maybe exciting!) experience.

WayToRussia · Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 11:00 pm Post subject:

By the way, if you want to avoid Belarus for sure, it's better to take trains that cross NOT Vilnius in Lithuania, but Kaunas, as it is another route.

David Eerdmans · Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 1:54 pm Post subject:

The best way to avoid Belarus is to travel via Sestokai, at the Polish - Lithuanian border. There are two connections daily: a direct night train Warszawa - Vilnius and a day connection which involves changing trains at the border. From Vilnius you can continue to St. Petersburg (but while you're there, check out the city; Vilnius is beautiful and pleasant!)