Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway links Moscow with Vladivostok across eight time zones. The full trip takes about a week by regular train.

Context

Construction began in 1891 under Tsar Alexander III and was largely complete by the early 1900s, with the line linking European Russia with the Pacific port of Vladivostok. It opened up Siberia to settlers, freight and trade. Many bridges and sections were built by hand across harsh terrain, including rivers and frozen ground.

The 9,289 km figure is the standard distance on the Moscow to Vladivostok route. Slightly different values appear because of route choices and branches, and the Trans-Siberian name also covers lines to Mongolia and China, which are separate routes.

It is regularly described as the longest railway line in the world and the route is usually travelled in about six to seven days. It crosses eight time zones, and that is why train timetables in Russia use Moscow time. Parts of the line have been doubled and electrified over time, and it remains a major freight artery. The line has also played a role in history, carrying troops and refugees during wars, and it is often listed among the greatest railway engineering projects. Travellers should note that timetables and routes can change, and the journey is often split into stages with stops in cities such as Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude.