The Proper Way to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway in Winter

Описание: We set off on a winter journey across the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway — in the middle of Siberian Christmas, with temperatures plunging below −20°C. I was born and raised in Siberia, but for my European girlfriend, this was her first time experiencing real subzero cold — in a country her own government advises her not to visit. From night departures to frozen carriage doors, this trip quickly became a test of comfort, endurance, and curiosity.

Traveling from Novosibirsk toward the frozen wilderness near Lake Baikal, we experienced both sides of the Trans-Siberian: first-class luxury compartments, restaurant cars, and surprisingly good hot breakfasts — and then the more rugged reality of standard sleeper trains, security checkpoints, and icy station platforms. We stopped in Krasnoyarsk, where local hospitality took us from Soviet dams on the Yenisei River to mountain viewpoints and unexpected fine dining in the heart of Siberia.

Along the way, I share practical life hacks for surviving winter train travel — from booking strategies and compartment tricks to the essential noodles-and-tea ritual every Trans-Siberian traveler should know. We also venture onto the remote Baikal-Amur Mainline, where isolated settlements rely on this railway as their lifeline. This is not just a train trip — it’s a journey through winter survival, cultural contrasts, and the everyday reality of crossing Siberia like a local.

00:00 – Introduction
00:31 – Where are we, and where are we going?
02:05 – Our luxury train
03:03 – The morning
04:30 – The amenities
06:29 – The warm welcome
08:16 – The first destination
10:20 – The city is flourishing
11:53 – Preparations for the next train
14:11 – Rushing to the train
15:38 – Typical train activities
16:20 – Trans-Siberian Railway vs. BAM
17:07 – This trip almost failed