Train ticket prices for third-class open-sleeper and general unreserved carriages across Russia will increase starting October 1, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.
The price adjustment follows a government decree adopted in July, with the indexation primarily targeting long-distance rail travel throughout the country. Transport fees for passenger luggage will also rise under the new measure.
State-regulated tariff increases will not apply to compartment carriages or luxury first-class SV sleeping cars. The industry organization explained that rail operators set ticket prices for those higher-tier accommodation categories independently based on market demand.
Third-class open-plan sleeping cars, known in Russia as platzkart, and general seating carriages form the backbone of affordable long-distance passenger transport across the country. Millions of passengers rely on these budget options annually for domestic travel spanning vast distances between major urban centers and remote regions.
By contrast, enclosed four-berth compartment cars, called kupe, and two-berth SV luxury suites cater to passengers seeking private quarters, allowing commercial carriers to adjust pricing dynamically without state tariff caps.
The upcoming October adjustment represents the first state tariff increase for long-distance passenger rail since late 2025. Railway travel costs in Russia were last raised in December 2025, when government-regulated fares experienced an 11.4 percent indexation increase.
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia functions as the national trade group representing major travel agencies and tour providers across the Russian Federation, regularly tracking regulatory changes affecting passenger transportation.
Future passenger technology
Looking ahead, Russian Railways has announced plans to implement biometric identification systems at intermediate train stations. The state rail operator intends to roll out the verification technology across its national network, making biometric boarding available to all passengers within three years.
Russian Railways is the state-owned monopoly responsible for operating passenger and freight rail services across Russia. The company oversees thousands of miles of track connecting Europe to Asia, managing both high-speed regional connections and long-distance transcontinental routes.
