Train stations
Moscow's eight major train stations keep the nation's rails moving in all directions. All are located next to metro stations, usually on the Koltsevaya (Circle) Line running around central Moscow.
All stations have electronic ticket registration for the Russian Railways if you have bought a ticket through their website rzd.ru, spacious waiting rooms, left luggage facilities, mobile phone outlets, cafes and toilets.
Buying train tickets at the station
For the full blooded Russian experience, line up to buy a train ticket at one of the kassi (Ticket offices) at any train station. You can buy tickets for any train out of Moscow at any train station. If you are buying tickets to a destination outside of Russia, you need to look for the mezhdunarodnaya kassa (international desk).If you don't speak Russian, it is a good idea to find out the number and time of the train you want to catch beforehand and write it down to help you along, as most assistants do not speak English. Look for a big LCD board in the station showing the timetable.
Don't forget they also require your passport to sell you a ticket, this is so that your passport details can be printed on your ticket. If you lose your ticket, it is possible to get a new one printed for a small fee by taking your passport to the special lost tickets desk. You will be required to show your passport when you enter the train (to prove the ticket and reservation belongs to you).
Buying train tickets online
Using the website of the Russian railways eng.rzd.ru comes in very handy. There you can view the timetables and buy tickets online with a credit card and then just pick it up from the station!Other options are to buy through a ticket agency or travel agency in Moscow or try and make a booking through online retailers such as www.poezda.net, www.tutu.ru, www.trainsrussia.com but you might need a login and a password.
