Sustainable Travel to Russia: From Some of Europe’s Biggest Cities to Russia
Although current restrictions may be impeding our chances to travel, the ability to hanker after a future trip has not been quashed. Sustainable travel has become more and more possible and popular over recent years, but the thought of travelling such long distances without the speeds planes reach may feel daunting. Whilst non-plane connections between some of the biggest cities in Europe and Russia are few, sustainably travelling to Russia is certainly not out of the question, nor will it break the bank.
Travelling to Russia by Train
Covering an impressive distance and travelling through five countries, a weekly train operated by Russian Railways takes you from Paris to Moscow in under two days. The train stops in Berlin, Warsaw, and Minsk. This will set you back around €300, depending on the type of compartment that you choose. Although it is more expensive than some flights, this train allows you to travel with a clearer conscience and to meet people from across the continent along the way.
If you wish to travel from Finland, it is also possible to take the train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg. This journey only takes four and a half hours, and four trains depart every day from St. Petersburg’s Finland Station. To travel from Finland to Moscow you can also catch the Tolstoy Train. This takes around 15 hours, and a train departs every day. If you want to travel in style, for a higher rate you can spend the night in a Premium class cabin, which grants you access to your own private shower and toilet along with DVD entertainment.
Travelling to Russia by Ferry
St Peter Line runs a Ferry travelling from Stockholm, Tallinn and Helsinki to St. Petersburg. This ferry sails over once a week and is significantly cheaper than travelling by train; prices sit at around €200, rivalling those of air travel. Although the journey is long, taking almost two days, when compared to the train this ferry offers a comfier way to travel and many more entertainment options, with restaurants, bars, and a cinema. If you’re looking to travel sustainably specifically for tourism, travelling by ferry should definitely be considered, as it provides the option of a 72-hour visa-free visit to St Petersburg.
Once the world opens again, perhaps choosing a more environmentally friendly way to travel will be on your agenda for any future visits to Russia. Hopefully, as the years pass and technology progresses, we will have sustainable options that will rival air travel when concerning speed, ease, and cost.
Leila, currently studying at Liden & Denz St. Petersburg
