10 HANDY Russian phrases to use on a train

1. “Где находится вокзал?” – “Gde nakhoditsya vokzal?” – “Where is the train station?”

In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities, there are several train stations. Make sure you check which one your train departs from.

2. “С какой платформы отправляется поезд?” – “S kakoy platformy otpravlyayetsya poyezd?” – “Which platform does the train depart from?”

The platform and track number are indicated on the information boards and on your ticket. If you can’t find them, ask a station employee.

3. “Где мой вагон и место?” – “Gde moy vagon i mesto?” – “Where is my carriage and seat?”

The carriage number is written on the ticket and on the outside of the carriage itself. A train conductor typically stands by each entrance. They check tickets and help you find your way around the train.

4. “Можно попросить постельное белье?” – “Mozhno poprosit postelnoe belyo?” – “Can I have the bed linen, please?”

In ‘platskart’ and ‘kupe’ carriages, the bed linen is usually already on your seat or already made up. However, if you haven’t found your set, ask the conductor.

5. “Можно чай / кипяток?” – “Mozhno chay / kipyatok?” – “Can I have tea / boiling water?”

Every carriage has a boiler with boiling water. You can ask the conductor for tea glasses and the tea (or coffee) itself.

6. “Какая это станция?” – “Kakaya eto stantsiya?” – “Which station is this?”

This is especially important at night or if you’re traveling a long distance. The conductor announces the stops, but it’s better to check in advance.

7. “Сколько стоит поезд? – “Skolko stoit poyezd?” – “How long does the train stop here?”

At large stations, the stop can be an hour or more; at smaller ones, sometimes literally just a couple of minutes! If there is enough time, you can get out and take a walk around the station.

8. “Можно открыть / закрыть окно?” – “Mozhno otkryt / zakryt okno?” – “Can I open / close the window?

First, check with your fellow passengers – they might be against it!

9. “Где здесь вагон-ресторан? – “Gde zdes vagon-restoran?” – “Where is the restaurant carriage here?”

Usually there is a restaurant carriage in the middle of the train where you can have a hot meal. You can also place an order to be delivered to your compartment by the conductor.

10. “Я проспал свою станцию. Что делать?” – “Ya prospal svoyu stantsiyu. Chto delat?” – “I overslept my stop. What should I do?”

Contact the conductor immediately. They will tell you where to get off and how to get back. In large cities, trains run back and forth frequently.

And, remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia on the ‘Discover Russia’ portal!