Buying trans-siberian ticket: how to choose a seat that faces forward

Hi, welcome to Thorn Tree and LP.
I think you'll find lots of useful information (plus photos, etc) here:
http://www.seat61.com/Russia-trains.htm
There is no one better for overall train information that tne Man in Seat 61...
Good luck, hope it's a great trip

Thanks, sfgirl42. I've already looked up Seat61. It's a wonderful resource but I couldn't find the answer to my question from there.

Well,

First of all, there are no seats, but beds. They are located || if train goes -> ...If it's somehow understandable.

Second, you can't choose the direction of facing as the carriages are randomly set. But it shouldn't be a big issue, as the motion is quite smooth and speed is not very high (less than 90kmh).

Denis

You cant predict what places to get since the carriages are turned randomly. But if i were you, id get an even number - 2, 4, 6 and so on... I think it has a higher chance imho.

I was on many trains in the last 3 years Moscow to Peking. the corridors in second class were "southwards". So beds 3,7,11, face towards Moscow.....but are 5 cm smaller....

If you are selecting 1st Class, there are only two beds so it is luck of the draw which way the train direction is but you might find that 1st Class does not sell out so there are empty cabins to go camp out in. If you do have a cabin-mate, just ask to change with them. I really doubt anyone cares about direction since the sensation from movement is not in an on-axis motion. In fact I prefer looking at scenery receding since it is easier to focus on than approaching scenes. Riding "backwards on a plane or car would bug me but could never notice any difference with a slow train. My preference in travel method in Russia is train every time. Regional airlines have bad safety records, cars and car drivers are a danger to all near and far, but trains are cozy, comfortable and social. Stock up on some long ignored books, pack a lot of good things to eat and enjoy a week of being out of contact with people from the outside life.

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