Russian train tickets

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drece1234
drece1234

Hey all.

Have been searching for details of specific russian agencies which sell tickets on the trans-siberian, have found losts of usefull info, and am now planning on using waytorussia to book tickets through one of their agencies, have seen people using waytorussia before but can't seem to find details of which agents were used just that WTR was used. so my question is which specific agents have people used to buy Moscow-beijing tickets with? Also I know that the quality of the trains varies, so any experiences of specific trains would also be appreciated. I know about realrussia who seem competant but expensive as they are a brooker not an agent. Any other suggestions on the WTR website there are three agents when you open the booking form they are: Intergroup, Express to russia, and Svezhy Veter anybody used any of these, good, bad????

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ollyb_1st
ollyb_1st

I have just bought tickets through Svezhy Veter and all seems to have gone well so I would recommend these. Just some warning though, unless you are a Chinese citizen it may no longer be possible to enter China overland. On Chinese embassy websites from around the world they are now saying that you need an outward and return flight ticket in order to get a visa.

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cybergal
cybergal

On Chinese embassy websites from around the world they are now saying that you need an outward and return flight ticket in order to get a visa

I'n entering China on the Trans Mongolian train but I do have a booked flight out of Beijing. Is that going to be sufficient?

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ollyb_1st
ollyb_1st

No idea, I have spoken with the embassy a couple of times and they don't really seem to know what is going on either. Probably best to try and speak with them.

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everbrite
everbrite

cybergal - you think you are entering China on the Trans Mongolian train, the Chinese appear to be restricting the operations of trains into and out of China. How and when were you planning to obtain tickets from Mongolia to China? I am not certain that this trip is going to be all that simple.

Please read the China visa alert at the top of the NEAsia branch.

Ruth

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ollyb_1st
ollyb_1st

cybergal - I have spoken with the Chinese consulate in Manchester and they said that train tickets are sufficient proof

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everbrite
everbrite

ollyb - This assumes that you can actually obtain the tickets. As I said, there are multiple reports now that China is controlling the tickets and not releasing them. It might be possible to obtain a voucher for the ticket but I seriously doubt that it is possible to obtain the actual tickets.

Ruth

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drece1234
drece1234

which tickets are being controlled by the chinese, or rumored to be? all train tickets into china or just those issued in mongolia? the tickets for the manchurian line are issued in moscow are they not, and if your staying on all the way as i intend then surely china doesn't have anything to do with it, as its one train all the way from Moscow-Beijing. Or am I wrong, I really hope not, but do need to know if thats the case.
Thanks
Hanno

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everbrite
everbrite

All train tickets into China according to several reports from people contacting agents about tickets, the #19/20 through Manchuria as well as the #3/4 through Mongolia and the #23/24 from Mongolia to Beijing and I assume the train from UB to Hohhot as well.

Ruth

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cybergal
cybergal

Mindful of the fact that actual tickets aren't released until 45 days beforehand I have, nonetheless, 'reserved' (and paid for) tickets/berths on trains #10, #6 and #24 in July through an agent. Seeing this thread I checked with them expressing my concerns about the #24 portion of the trip (Ulaanbaatar to Beijing) but they seem unfazed and tell me that my tickets are safe. As they are the only agent among several I enquired with who were straightforward with me about what I was getting for my money I'm inclined to trust them until proved otherwise.

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