Traveling on the Sapsan with Children

Traveling with children sometimes can be difficult. You need to carry lots of food and entertainment to keep everyone occupied. If they are still very young, you might also need a stroller or a bag for changing diapers. Now you’ve filled the entire plane with your luggage and your child starts crying. Faces are turning towards you. Your neighbor starts complaining. What do you do? Where do you go? Nowhere, you’re trapped on an airplane. Good thing there is an alternative to flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg: The Sapsan train.

The high-speed train Sapsan is a convenient way to travel between the two cities. Not only is it fast (it takes only about 4 hours), it also comes with everything you need when traveling with a child: for instance, a whole compartment just for you and your kids.

Before Departure

Both train stations, Leningradsky Station in Moscow and Moskovsky Station in St. Petersburg, have special facilities for parents traveling with young children. Inside the stations, you’ll find everything you need to keep yourself and your child comfortable.

The Children’s Compartment on the Sapsan

Photo by RZD

The Sapsan train has a special compartment just for children. It is located in coach 10, and also in coach 20 in case it is a long train. It’s separated from the rest of the coach by sliding doors, this way no one will complain about noise. The entire compartment has seven seats, so it doesn’t get too crowded. It’s equipped with a diaper changing table, toys and a bathroom. Its walls and floors are colorfully decorated with a carpet that can be used for play.

Also included in this area are designated seats for children between the ages of 10 and 16 traveling without a parent or caretaker of legal age. The onboard staff will look after them.

How do I get tickets for the children’s compartment?

When you book your tickets, select coach #10 or #20. You can reserve seats number 45-48 and 51-52, seat number 49 is for a mother traveling with a toddler. Seat number 50, for some reason, does not exist. Since there is not much space, book in advance to make sure you can reserve the compartment. This will be easier if you’re a bit flexible with your time — the Sapsan runs several times per day, every day, in both directions.

How much do I pay for my child?

Photo by RZD

Railway tickets for children can be purchased at a reduced price. Children below the age of 10 make the journey at a reduced fare, and kids under 5 can travel for free if they don’t require their own seat. Nonetheless, you should keep in mind that you need to get a ticket for your toddler with his or her name on it. You won’t have to pay for it, but you need the piece of paper to board the train. You can select the child fare when you type in the passenger’s information.

What if I don’t get a ticket in the children’s compartment?

Don’t worry, just book regular seats instead. Regular seats don’t come with toys and special décor, but otherwise they are just as good. Special child fares apply to regular seats, too.

Summary

If you’re traveling with a child, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient option than the Sapsan train. It’s special fares and extra compartment make it a simple and hassle-free way of traveling between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Be sure to book early enough so that you can enjoy a relaxing trip.