Moscow to Berlin express. Strizh Train.

Moscow to Berlin express. Strizh Train.

First thing to be aware is that you require a Belarus transit visa for this train. It does get checked prior to boarding.

Secondly, that the Strizh train for Berlin leaves from a different station that the Trans Siberian Express stops at. The Strizh train leaves from Moscow Kurskiy. The journey time is around 20 hours, stopping every few hours for up to about 45 minutes, sometimes as short as 2 minutes. 

Train stop timetable Strizh Train

Moscow Kurskiy Train station, Strizh Train

The advertised start time for the train was shown as 13.05Hrs, however about 3 weeks before the start of the trip the time was brought forward to 11.55Hrs. Even the timetable on the train shows the 13.05Hrs start time. So be aware. 

I like to think I am a seasoned traveller however it all gets a bit confusing at the station. Sometimes the Russian ‘customer service’ leaves a lot to be desired. This was the case here.

From the outside of the station there are signs on a red board depicting ‘long distance’ trains, and once inside the red boards point to downstairs. Do NOT go downstairs. At the back of the main hall I found a sign depicting Strizh Trains. The information board showed the platform as 1 and 11. There is a lack of English written at this point.

Moscow Kurskiy Train station, Strizh Train

Follow the signs for platform 1 and 11.

When you get on the platform you will see a very helpful sign showing the Moscow to Berlin arrowed to the left. The Moscow to Nizhay Novgorod train to the right. IGNORE this sign. You are on the right platform. You will see you have been allocated a carriage, just wait by that carriage number sign, and the train will arrive. Platform 11 appears to be at the end of platform 1 and is a red herring. Just stay on platform 1.

Moscow Kurskiy Train station, Strizh Train

Originally we had booked a first class sleeper. This sleeps 2 people. We were then offered, a few weeks before the trip, a first class sleeper with WC and shower. This was an additional £98 in total for the 2 of us. I.E. £49 each. 

First class ensuite, Strizh Train

To be honest I probably would have saved the £98 and had a cabin without the toilet, because looking at ones without the toilet there appears to be a bit more room.

Toilet, Strizh Train

There are a number of options on the Strizh train. First class, 2 person cabin with WC and shower. First class, 2 person cabin. Second class 4 person cabin, and then finally a reclining seat. All appear to have access to a TV showing movies (On payment). I couldn’t find anything else on the TV.

Brochure showing cabins, Strizh Train

Brochure showing cabins, Strizh Train

First class, non ensuite, Strizh Train

Four berth, 2nd class, Strizh Train

Reclining seat, Strizh Train

All cabins are connected by a communal corridor with hot and cold water urn at the end of each carriage.

Hot and cold water urn, Strizh Train

Communal corridor, Strizh Train

Wifi is available at a charge. I didn't bother with wifi and in any event if you have a European wifi package, it is free once you cross the Polish border.

There is a restaurant car with seating for 2 or 4 people at tables. There is also a bar that you can sit at, on a stool, and relax.

Restaurant car, Strizh Train

Bar area, Strizh Train

Restaurant car, Strizh Train

I understand the train began service in December 2016, so I had the privilege of using the Strizh  train whilst it was still quite new.

There is a fairly wide range of food on board. It is not cheap, but then you are not on it for long.

There is beer but no wine. Most 500ML cans of beer are around 400 Rubles.

I couldn’t see any food or drink being sold at the stations, unlike the Trans-Siberian Trains.

Menu, Strizh Train

Rubles is the currency of choice on board, however they will take euros. I do not know if the exchange rate is any good nor what currency the change comes in. Visa and credit cards are not accepted.

The train was fairly empty.

In first class you will see 2 seats facing forward, these drop down and beds come out of the wall. It is cosy, and we spent most of the time in the bar saloon area. 

1st class beds, Strizh Train

The train leaves Belarus around midnight. The guards and customs come on at the exit and the paperwork is dealt with. Dont bother to go to sleep as you cross the Polish border moments later and the whole process is repeated. 

The views were not stunning by any means, however we had been travelling for a while beforehand.

View from Strizh Train

View from Strizh Train

The train arrived as expected on time at Berlin Ostbahnhof train station at 7.19AM 

Welcome to Berlin Ostbahnhof station, Strizh Train

That was it, approx. 11,000 KMs by train and boat, a distance of London to Hawaii!.

If you have any queries please email me on sueanddick123@gmail.com

Happy travelling.

Dick
May 2017. Spain.