The Trans Siberian Railway is a truly unique way to travel. If you’re on a train for days at a time it pays to be prepared! Here are all the things you need to pack on the Trans Siberian Railway…
What To Pack It In
Before you even start packing, you’ll need something to pack it into.
For heavens sake do not bring a suitcase.
I have seen people try and manoeuvre their way through the narrow corridors with bulky, hard suitcases and it does not look fun. In addition, the luggage storage space isn’t huge and you’ll need something malleable to squash it in.
Opt for a rucksack instead
Or even a holdall or sports bag. Having something you can chuck on your back is invaluable when navigating these narrow spaces, plus you then have free hands to manage your tickets and passports.
I would also strongly advise to carry a couple of separate bags.
One to keep all your valuables with you, such as phone, wallet & passports. Take this thing with you everywhere you go. I don’t think theft is all that common but it pays to be safe!
The second, is to keep all the things you need for the journey close to hand. Your main luggage will go under your bunk or in the space above the top bunk. Neither places are very accessible and it can be a faff getting in and out in a crowded and cramped space.
What To Wear
Due to lack of privacy it will be difficult to change clothes. So, you will likely be wearing the same outfit for days at a time. That includes sleeping!
The main adjective here is: Comfort
I advise wearing clothes you can happily snooze in, but wouldn’t feel embarrassed wandering around the train in all day.
- Leggings or Joggers
- Light T-shirt
- Cardigan or Jumper
- Long Socks
- Flip Flops or Sliders to wear to the toilet rather than putting on your boots.
It might be worth splashing out on specially designed anti-odour clothes to keep yourself marginally fresher. I’ve heard great things about Merino Wool but have never tried it!
For ventures outside you’ll want to wear a coat, plus a hat, scarf & gloves depending on how cold you get and how long you’ll be outside.
This doesn’t include any of the items you’ll need for the stops you’ll make. I found this Blog Post really helpful when deciding what to bring for the cold weather.
How To Keep Clean
Unfortunately, the facilities on the train aren’t amazing.
There are no showers...
…unless you’re in 1st class. I’ve heard stories of people bribing their way into the showers, but I’m not sure I’d bother. Unless cold showers in sub zero temperatures are your thing.
There is only one toilet per carriage
These are kept relatively clean however I wouldn’t bank on soap or toilet roll being consistently available. If it runs out, they don’t tend to replace it.
- Toilet roll
- Hand Sanitiser
- Baby wipes
- Deordorant
These items will make a world of difference if you’re feeling a bit ick about wearing the same pair of pants for three days.
What To Eat
If you’re going to be on the train for anymore than a day you’ll want to bring food. Sharing treats is also a great way to get chatting to people.
You can buy a number of snacks, meals and drinks from the Prodvonitsas on board. There is also a Dining Car where you can buy cooked meals. However, it can be on the pricy side and is way more cost effective to bring your own.
There is also a hot water boiler called Samovar on every carriage. This provides unlimited hot water for you to use at any time and is absolutely invaluable!
- Instant noodles
- Mash potato pots (The best thing you will ever buy!)
- Cup ‘o soup
- Bread (for dipping)
- Snacks – chocolate, crisps, biscuits…
- Fruit like apples and oranges (you’ll want something marginally healthy at times)
- Coffee Sachets – I’m now addicted to 3 in 1 coffee sachets
- Tea bags – make sure you buy bags, we accidentally bought tea leaves
- Vodka (for making friends)
- A big bottle of water – unless you drink plain hot water, weirdo
A cup with a lid was also the most helpful item I brought with me. Perfect for tea, coffee, soup and water. A fork and a bowl may also prove useful!
If you’re desperate for something other than super noodles, but you don’t fancy walking all the way to the dining car then keep an eye out for vendors on the platforms. Babushkas frequently wait on the platform to sell their food to travellers and I’ve heard it’s delicious!
What To Do To Stay Entertained
There isn’t much to do on the train apart from sleep or stare out of the window, both of which I can confirm do get boring after a while. You will definitely need something to keep you occupied!
Unfortunately, there is no wifi on the train. Even if you have a local sim card you’ll be hard pressed to find signal in the more remote areas of Siberia. So you’ll need to be prepared.
- Phone with offline games and music
- Ipod if you don’t have music on your phone
- Headphones if you don’t wish to piss off everyone around you
- Headphone splitter if you have mates (or makes friends!)
- A Book (or three) – I recommend a Kindle so you don’t run out of reading material
- Card games – another great way to make friends
- Pre-downloaded Movies
- Camera
In 3rd class there is very limited power outlets. Usually about 2 per carriage which you will be sharing with about 60 other people. So assume you won’t have access to it. Instead, bring a fully charged battery pack or two.
What Else To Remember
Cash – If you want to buy absolutely anything on the train or platforms, cold hard cash is essential. No one takes card.
Ear Plugs and Eye Mask – If you fancy getting any sleep during the day, or at night really, these are a must.
Watch – or 3. You’ll be crossing multiple time zones.
Notebook & Pen – If you’re anything like me you’ll want to record all the crazy, weird shit you see. Or maybe all the inspirational epiphanies you suddenly have after you’ve become delirious from 7 days on the same train.
So here is all the things you need to bring on the Trans Siberian Railway.
So, To Summarise
Clothes
- Leggings or Joggers
- Light T-shirt
- Cardigan or Jumper
- Long Socks
- Flip Flops or Sliders to wear to the toilet rather than putting on your boots.
Toiletries
- Toilet roll
- Hand Sanitiser
- Baby wipes
- Deordorant
Food
- Instant noodles
- Mash potato pots
- Cup ‘o soup
- Bread
- Snacks – chocolate, crisps, biscuits…
- Fruit
- Coffee Sachets
- Tea bags
- Vodka
- A big bottle of water
Entertainment
- Phone with offline games and music
- Ipod if you don’t have music on your phone
- Headphones
- Headphone splitter
- A Book / Kindle
- Card games
- Pre-downloaded Movies
- Camera
Miscellaneous
- Cash
- Ear Plugs and Eye Mask
- Watch
- Notebook & Pen
Do you think thats all the things you need to bring on the Trans Siberian Railway? Let me know if I’ve missed anything!
If you want to know more, read What To Expect On The Trans Siberian Railway.
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