In November 2026, the railway between Moscow and St Petersburg marks 175 years since its official opening. The first public train took nearly 22 hours. Today, a high-speed train can cover the journey in around four hours, and overnight sleepers remain a popular choice. It is still one of Russia’s busiest intercity routes and a connection we use on our Go Russia tours.
From steam to high-speed rail
Tsar Nicholas I authorised construction in 1842, and the line officially opened on 13 November 1851 (1 November under the calendar then used in Russia). The railway linked St Petersburg, then the imperial capital, with Moscow, making it easier to move passengers and goods between the two cities. The first public service from St Petersburg to Moscow took 21 hours and 45 minutes.
The route has continued to evolve. Steam gave way to electric trains, and in December 2009 the Sapsan began carrying passengers between the two cities. The biggest change for visitors is how easily the journey now fits into a trip: what once took almost a full day can now be done in an afternoon.
Daytime express or overnight sleeper?
Take the Sapsan if you prefer to travel by day. With a journey of around four hours, depending on the service, you can leave one city after breakfast and reach the other in time for an afternoon visit or a leisurely dinner.
Take an overnight train if you want to keep your daytime hours for sightseeing. You can settle into a sleeping compartment in the evening and arrive the following morning, saving the cost of a night in a hotel. It is also a chance to experience a different side of Russian rail travel.
How we use the railway on Go Russia tours
Travelling by train between Moscow and St Petersburg is convenient because both cities have centrally located stations. We use the connection on tours that combine the two cities, choosing a daytime train or an overnight sleeper to suit the itinerary. Check the programme for your chosen tour to see which service is included.
If you are planning to visit both cities, get in touch with Go Russia and we can help you find an itinerary that fits the way you like to travel.
Need Russian train tickets? We can book them for you on the Moscow–St Petersburg route, on other routes across Russia and on international trains. Send us your route and travel dates, and we’ll help you find a suitable service.