Russian trains are divided into at least 3 categories, and often more. These different classes offer varying levels of comfort and price.

1st class
Total passengers per carriage: 16-18

1st class compartment (2 places)

Known as SV in Russian. 1st class carriages have 9 2-bed compartments, 2 toilets with washing basins, and a 2-bed compartment for the carriage attendants. 1st class offers space and privacy while you travel. Also, because there are fewer passengers in the carriage(16-18 total passengers), toilets and washing facilites are usually cleaner and less busy. The standard of service from your carriage attendant will also be higher, and you may be given special hygiene packs (toothbrush, soap etc) and snacks to eat.

In each compartment:

* 2 sleeping berths
* 1 table
* 2 reading lights
* Door mirror
* Some compartments have a television
* Storage space under each sleeping berth, and above the door
* Air conditioning

Key advantages of 1st class:

* Small number of passengers: there are only 9 passengers per toilet in 1st class, compared to 27 per toilet in 3rd class. 1st class carriages are also quieter and cleaner than 2nd and 3rd class carriages.
* Carriage attendants are generally more attentive and polite in 1st class carriages

2nd class
Total passengers per carriage: 36-38

Known as coupe in Russian. 2nd class carriages have 9 4-bed compartments, 2 toilets, and a 2-bed compartment for the carriage attendant

2nd class compartments are equipped with:

* 2 upper and 2 lower berths
* 1 table
* 4 reading lights (one per berth)
* Door mirror

Key advantages of 2nd class carriages:

* Good balance between privacy and price
* Quieter than 3rd class carriage (see below)
* Security of personal items: each compartment has a lockable door preventing access by strangers.
* Only 18 passengers per toilet, compared to 27 per toilet in a 3rd class carriage.

3rd class
Total passengers per carriage: 54

This is known as platzkart in Russian, and offers a sleeping place in a common carriage that is not divided up into smaller compartments (see photograph). Because there are more passengers in a 3rd class carriage, they can be hot and smelly during long journeys. Toilets are also shared between more passengers, so may be less clean than you would find in a 1st or 2nd class carriage.

However, 3rd class carriages are an excellent place for meeting Russians, and are very safe. They are usually the cheapest tickets available, and may sell out long before departure.

Seated class
Total passengers per carriage: up to 68

Seated class carriages have places for passenger seating, 2 toilets, and a 2-bed compartment for the train attendants.

Overnight travel in seated class carriages is not recommended, as it is difficult to sleep and can be very tiring. However, on the Moscow-St. Petersburg route there are special fast trains (such as the Aurora, train number 160) that offer excellent quality seated carriages and are more comfortable for this short journey than a sleeping compartment.