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Moscow to Novosibirsk

 
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rachelle
Just Starting


Joined: 13 Dec 2004
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:25 am    Post subject: Moscow to Novosibirsk Reply with quote

Hello,

I will traveling from Moscow to Novosibirsk at the beginning of February (yes, I know that's probably crazy but that's how things worked out!) and have a few questions for those who have made the journey or are familiar with the area.

First, I am a 23 year old American female and will be traveling alone. My Russian is good, but I'm a little concerned about safety. Would it be best to travel 1st or 2nd class? Will I be at an extreme risk for theft or harassment
Second, I am wondering how to go about buying my tickets. I know I can get them through this site and others, but I'm concerned that if I buy tickets in advance and then for some reason am late arriving in Moscow (due to weather, etc), that I will lose the money I spent on the tickets. Is it better to get the tickets in advance and risk being late or buy them at the station in Moscow and risk having to wait around for a long time?

And finally, I know that the weather will be very very cold that time of year, but I could use specific suggestions on what type of winter gear is actually useful. I want to be prepared for the climate, but I don't want to end up with a lot of things I won't use, especially since I've lived in colder regions (Minnesota, USA) before.
Thanks in advance for all suggestions!
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UsualSuspect
WayToRussified


Joined: 08 May 2003
Posts: 324
Location: The Land of Oz

PostPosted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:06 am    Post subject: Getting to The Big Green train station. Reply with quote

Rachelle,
Since you speak the language (I assume passably?) you won't have too many problems. Addressing your concerns.
1st Class = waste of money.
2nd Class = better. 4 per cabin
3rd (Platskart) = up close and personal. 6 per cabin.
If you feel uncomfortable with your cabin members (like they start hooking into the Vodka non-stop), ask the carriage attendant to move you out of there. They are obliging with these sort of requests.
Safety?? Don't even listen to third hand naysayers. Be sensible about your money and about traipsing off down darkened alleys at 3:00 a.m. and you'll be fine.

If you are concerned about goofing the arrival/departure, then buy your ticket there. To avoid a lot of hassle, go to the Central Ticket Agency which is located conveniently next to Yaroslavl station (which is where you want to depart from anyway) and get your ticket there.

www.poezda.net is your friend.

You'll find a lot of trains that pass through Novosibirsk.
Take some tracksuit/crap (light) clothes for the train and slippers/thongs (flip flops? You may call them).
Minnesota in pretty comparable with Russia in Winter. Good boots essential as well as the usual cold precautions.


Regards
Usualsuspect
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vadim
Frequent Guest


Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 28
Location: Novosibirsk, Russia

PostPosted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 8:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Rachelle,
I can just confirm what UsualSuspect said.
2nd class (if you mean compartments by 4) is the best for you. 1st class is the waste of money and 3d class is overcrowded and people could be annoying there. You can buy tickets right at the station (Yaroslavsky) - if you come there in the morning, be sure that you leave the same day. Take attention of the time your train arrives in Novosibirsk - arriving at night can make a sort of problem - though you will probably find a taxi. About winter gear - don't worry too much, if you will be staying in the city. In extreme case, you can always buy what you need.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
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