How to Book Train Travel From Moscow to Warsaw

The day-long journey from Moscow, Russia to Warsaw, Poland onboard the comfortable and elegant "Firmeny" Russian train boasts an up-close-and-personal look at the Russian and Polish countrysides. You could also make new friends during the journey. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Credit card
• Passport
• Visa

Book Your Train Travel from Moscow to Warsaw

1. Book affordable train tickets by visiting the "Express to Russia" Web site (see Resources below), or by calling 800-553-9034.
2. Purchase tickets before you board the train. You'll need to have your ticket in hand in order to ride the train from Moscow to Warsaw.
3. Head down to Moscow's "Belorusski" train station to purchase tickets at the office. Don't forget to bring your passport with you.

Prepare for Your Train Travel from Moscow to Warsaw

4. Take the metro or a cab to Moscow's "Belorusski" train station to catch your train to Warsaw.
5. Look for train number 9, the "Polonez Express," which departs daily from Moscow just before 4:00 p.m.
6. Expect the trip from Moscow to Warsaw to take approximately 24 hours. Bring lots to do, since you'll be spending a lot of time onboard.
7. Keep cash on hand. You'll be required to purchase a transit visa to pass through Belarus.
8. Think about upgrading to first class. A sleeper upgrade is a good idea because of the time it takes to get to Warsaw. A 2-person sleeper is the most comfortable and private way to travel. A first-class ticket is approximately 50 percent more expensive than a second-class ticket.

Consider an Alternate Route

9. Traveling through Belarus takes additional time and money. Add extra money for a visa to the price of your first or second-class ticket to calculate your total cost.
10. Follow the lead of the locals. Many experienced Russian train travelers will bypass Belarus altogether. An alternate route would be to take the train from Moscow to Riga, then take the train from Riga to Warsaw. The cost is about the same but you'll have to pay close attention during your trip. You'll need to change trains at each stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your tickets online 45 days before your intended travel date. It's not uncommon for trains to sell out quickly. You want to reserve your seat as soon as possible.
• Avoid traveling through Belarus if you can. This route is slower and more expensive.

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