The Trans-Siberian Railway: The Longest Train Journey in the World

How long is the Trans-Siberian?

Stretching 9,288 kilometers (5,772 miles) from Moscow to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest continuous railway line in the world. A full journey across Russia takes about seven to eight days of continuous travel, crossing eight time zones and more than 80 cities.

What is the Trans-Siberian Railway?

Many people think of the Trans-Siberian as a single train, but in reality, it is a railway network, not one specific service.

Several trains operate along this legendary route—each with its own timetable, booking system, and service level. The most famous is the Rossiya (Train No. 1/2), which runs the entire route from Moscow to Vladivostok.

History and construction

The Trans-Siberian Railway was officially inaugurated on May 31, 1891, near Vladivostok, in a ceremony attended by Tsarevich Nicholas, the future Tsar Nicholas II, who symbolically lifted the first shovelful of earth.

Construction advanced at an impressive pace—averaging around 740 kilometers (460 miles) per year—and was largely completed by 1901, when the builders of the Chinese Eastern Railway connected with the main Trans-Siberian line.

However, the entirely Russian-controlled route (avoiding Manchuria) was not finished until 1916, when the Amur River Bridge was completed.

The human cost

At the height of construction, about 90,000 workers were employed—soldiers, peasants, and prisoners sentenced to forced labor. Thousands lost their lives due to harsh weather, disease, and brutal working conditions.

Today

The Trans-Siberian remains one of the most iconic railway journeys on Earth, offering travelers a window into Russia’s vast landscapes—from the forests of the Urals to the steppes of Siberia and the Pacific coast at Vladivostok.