Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
panding across continents in a race to gobble up as much land and as many resources as
possible. In 1916, after some 25 years of planning and building, the final link along the
Moscow-Vladivostok route was complete. The section across Mongolia, on the other
hand, was only completed in 1956.
Line Names
The names of the rail lines can be a bit confusing. The Trans-Mongolian Railway goes
from Bĕijīng through Ulaanbaatar (UB) and on to a junction called Zaudinsky, near Ulan
Ude in Russia, where it meets the Trans-Siberian line and continues on to Moscow. The
Trans-Siberian Railway runs between Moscow and the eastern Siberian port of Vladivos-
tok - this route does not go through either China or Mongolia. The Trans-Manchurian
Railway crosses the Russia-China border at Zabaikalsk-Mănzhōulĭ, also completely by-
passing Mongolia.
WANT MORE?
For full coverage of the Trans-Mongolian, Trans-Siberian and Trans-Manchurian
routes, head to shop.lonelyplanet.com to purchase a downloadable PDF of Lonely
Planet's Trans-Siberian Railwayguide.
Practicalities
Station vendors At the stations in Mongolia and Russia, there may be someone on the
platform selling basic food (dumplings, soft drinks). Vendors in China offer a better variety
of foods, including fruit and a range of snacks and drinks.
Restaurant cars The restaurant cars on the Russian and Chinese trains have decent
food and drinks on offer for around US$3 to US$5.
Toilets Remember that toilets are normally locked whenever the train is pulled into a sta-
tion and for five minutes before and after.
Showers Showers are only available in the deluxe carriages. In 2nd and 1st class, there
is a washroom and toilet at the end of each carriage - which gets filthier as the trip pro-
gresses.
Charging devices Keeping your electronic devices charged can be a challenge, as out-
lets are limited. The attendant's cabin usually has a decent outlet and you can ask to use
it.
 
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