How to Get to Karelia from Moscow: Train Tickets, Routes and Times

This guide shows you how to reach Karelia from Moscow by train, the most reliable and affordable way to make this journey. Whether you’re visiting Petrozavodsk, Sortavala, or other parts of Karelia, learning how to get to Karelia from Moscow by train will save you time and money compared to flying or driving. The recommended option is a direct overnight train on the “Karelia” service or the faster daytime express.

Most of Karelia’s attractions—from Ruskeala Mountain Park to Lake Onega villages—are reachable from Petrozavodsk, where trains arrive after an overnight journey or a full day of travel. Russian Railways operates these routes daily with multiple departure times, so you can choose schedules that suit your plans.

Quick answer: Book a direct train ticket from Moscow's Leningradsky Railway Terminal (Leningradskiy Vokzal) to Petrozavodsk Pass station online, at a ticket office, or through the Russian Railways app. Depart in the evening on an overnight train or early morning on a day service. Arrive in Petrozavodsk between late afternoon and early next morning, depending on which train you choose. Total travel time is 11–16 hours depending on the service.

Cost varies by carriage class: third-class open bunks are budget-friendly, second-class compartments offer moderate comfort, and first-class sleeper compartments are upscale.

At a Glance

Total time	11–16 hours depending on train service and route
Typical cost	₽₽

What You Need Before You Start

• Valid passport (name and passport number required on ticket)
• Ticket purchased at least 45 days in advance (check closer to travel for last-minute availability)
• Luggage: pack light or plan to store large bags, as compartments are compact
• Rubles or international payment card accepted by ticket vendors
• Travel insurance (recommended for overnight trains and international visitors)

Compare Your Options

Option	Duration	Price	Notes
Train 17/18 "Karelia" (overnight, premium service)	15–16 hours	₽₽₽	Departs Moscow Leningradsky 00:46, arrives Petrozavodsk 16:38. Comfortable sleeping compartments, restaurant car with traditional Karelian meals. Operates daily. Best for travelers who want to sleep and wake refreshed. Most scenic during summer daylight hours after Moscow.
Train 018A (daytime express)	10h 45m – 12h 26m	₽₽	Multiple daily departures, fastest option. Arrives same day evening or overnight. Offers a mix of seating and sleeping classes. Less crowded than overnight trains. Good for travelers short on time or who prefer to see the journey by daylight. Operates daily.
Train 016A "Arktika" (overnight, ultra-premium)	15h 52m	₽₽₽₽	Departs Moscow 00:46, arrives Petrozavodsk 16:38. Premium sleeping cars with lux amenities, dining car, highest comfort level. Continues to Murmansk and Arctic Circle; you can stay on for an extended journey. For travelers who want a luxury sleeper experience. Operates daily.
Fly from Moscow to Petrozavodsk	3h 30m flight + transfers	₽₽₽	Severstal Air Company flies daily from Domodedovo Airport. Fast but expensive and includes airport transfers (1–2 hours total). Minimal luggage allowance. Recommended only if time is critical. Less scenic than train travel.
Drive via M-8 and R-5 (Moscow to Vologda to Karelia)	12–14 hours non-stop	₽₽	Rent a car in Moscow and drive north via Vologda. Allows stops at towns along the way. Road conditions vary by season; winter driving in Russia requires experience and proper equipment. Requires international driving permit. Parking in Petrozavodsk is limited. Best for groups or travelers familiar with Russian roads.
Bus from Moscow to Petrozavodsk	14–18 hours	₽	Long-distance coaches operate irregularly. Cheapest option but slow, less comfortable than trains, and fewer amenities. Schedules change seasonally. Not recommended for first-time visitors without Russian language skills.

₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Decide on train and timing

Choose between overnight trains (depart 17:30–00:46, arrive next morning 6:30–16:38) or daytime trains (depart 10:47, arrive 23:13 same day). Overnight trains save accommodation costs; daytime trains let you enjoy scenery by daylight. Check the official Russian Railways website (pass.rzd.ru) or third-party booking sites for current schedules. The branded train 17/18 "Karelia" is a popular overnight option; train 018A is a faster daytime alternative.

Tip: Overnight trains are more comfortable for rest but expect 10–16 hours of travel. Book at least 45 days ahead for better seat and carriage selection.

Step 2: Gather passport information

Write down your full name and passport number exactly as they appear in your passport. This information is printed on your train ticket and must match your boarding documents. Have your passport ready when booking.

Tip: Misspelled names or numbers will cause boarding problems. Double-check before completing your purchase.

Step 3: Buy tickets online or in person

Purchase tickets from the official Russian Railways website (pass.rzd.ru), authorized third-party agents like RussianTrain, or at ticket offices at Moscow stations (Leningradsky, Komsomolskaya, or Belorusskaya). You can also buy directly at the ticket window at Leningradsky Station on the day of travel (subject to availability). E-tickets are delivered to your email and must be printed or shown on a phone at check-in.

Tip: Buying online 45 days ahead gives you the widest choice of carriages and prices. If you're outside Russia, RussianTrain accepts foreign credit cards; the official RZD site accepts MIR cards only.

Step 4: Navigate to Leningradsky Terminal

Travel to Leningradsky Railway Terminal (Leningradskiy Vokzal) in central Moscow, located at Komsomolskaya Square. It is served by Komsomolskaya Metro Station (Koltsevaya brown line and Krasnaya Presnya line). Exit the metro, follow signs to the station building. Allow 30 minutes from the metro exit to reach the train platforms. The station serves northwestern destinations including Saint Petersburg, Pskov, and Murmansk.

Tip: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure for overnight trains. The station can be crowded during peak hours. Don't confuse Leningradsky with other Moscow terminals.

Step 5: Check in and find your carriage

Enter the main station hall and locate the departures board (tablo) showing your train number and platform (spur). Your e-ticket or paper ticket shows your carriage number (vagon) and seat or berth number. Ask station staff (Информация / Informatsiya) to confirm your platform. Walk to your carriage and board 20 minutes before departure. Conductors check tickets at carriage entry.

Tip: Carriages are numbered 1–10 or higher. Platform numbers change, so check the board just before boarding. Luggage goes in racks above berths or under seats.

Step 6: Choose your carriage class on arrival

Third-class (platzkartny) open bunks: budget option, shared spaces, no privacy. Second-class (kupe) compartments: 4 berths per locked compartment, moderate comfort. First-class (spalny vagon): 2 berths per compartment, premium linens, most comfortable. All include basic bedding, pillows, and blankets*. Bring personal toiletries; showers are not available on trains.

Tip: Overnight trains: second-class compartments (kupe) offer the best balance of comfort and price. Long daytime trains: choose a window seat if available for views of Karelia's forests and lakes.

Step 7: Use onboard services and settle in

Once aboard, introduce yourself to the carriage conductor (provodnik/provodnitsa), who manages the carriage and can provide assistance. Drinking water (kipyatok) is usually available for free or a small fee at the conductor's station. Some trains have dining cars (vagon restoran) serving hot meals and drinks at moderate prices. Compartment windows close with curtains. Toilets and washrooms are at carriage ends.

Tip: Bring your own snacks, water, and toiletries. Eating in compartments is common; smokers must use corridors only. Sleep schedules vary; be respectful of compartment-mates' needs.

Step 8: Monitor your arrival time

Overnight trains arrive in Petrozavodsk between 6:30 AM and 4:40 PM the next morning, depending on the service. Daytime trains arrive in the evening (around 23:13). The train slows approaching Petrozavodsk; you'll see the city and then the station platforms. Listen for announcements in Russian (Petrozavodsk) or ask the conductor when you're close to arrival.

Tip: Start packing 30 minutes before arrival. Have your ticket and passport ready. The Petrozavodsk station is the city's main transport hub with onward buses, local trains, and taxis to Karelia destinations.

Step 9: Disembark and collect luggage

When the train stops at Petrozavodsk Pass station, collect your luggage from overhead racks and compartment floors. Follow other passengers off the carriage. Porters may offer assistance for tips. Exit the train onto the platform and enter the station building. The main hall has ticket windows, a schedule board, and information desk.

Tip: Don't rush; trains wait 10–15 minutes at the station. Watch for your belongings. If you need help, ask uniformed station staff at the main hall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Moscow train stations: Leningradsky is for Karelia and northwestern destinations, not Komsomolskaya (for the Trans-Siberian) or other terminals. Check your ticket to confirm the correct station.
• Booking tickets with wrong passport details: Names and numbers on tickets must match your passport exactly. Misspellings will prevent boarding. Verify before paying.
• Arriving late at the station: Trains leave on time; don't arrive just before departure. Allow 1 hour for check-in, especially for overnight trains.
• Overpacking luggage: Train compartments are small. Large suitcases* don't fit well in overhead racks or under seats. Soft bags work better than rigid cases.
• Not booking far enough in advance: Peak seasons (May–August) sell out fast. Book 45 days ahead if possible, especially for first-class carriages.
• Assuming tickets are cheaper closer to departure: Last-minute discounts are rare on popular routes. Early booking usually offers the best prices and choice.
• Traveling without cash: While e-tickets are digital, you may need rubles for porters, conductor tips, dining car meals, or unforeseen needs. ATMs are available at the station.

Tickets, Payment and Booking

Ticket purchase: Buy tickets from the official Russian Railways website (pass.rzd.ru), in person at any Russian railway ticket office, or through authorized third-party agents.

• Online: Visit pass.rzd.ru (English available), enter departure and arrival cities, select your train and carriage class, and pay with a MIR card (Russian card system). Cards issued outside Russia do not work, so international visitors should buy tickets in cash at a station ticket office.
• At the station: Visit ticket offices at Leningradsky, Komsomolskaya, or Belorusskaya stations in Moscow. Hours vary; most are open 08:00–20:00. Staff speak limited English; bring your passport and written destination.
• Tickets go on sale 45 days in advance. Peak seasons (May–August, December holidays) sell out quickly.
• Your name and passport number are printed on your ticket. They must match your boarding document exactly.
• E-tickets are valid: Print your e-ticket or show it on your phone to conductors. No separate seat or carriage assignment slips are needed.
• Foreign visitors: Your passport is your only boarding document. Have it ready at carriage entry and at Petrozavodsk exit.

Russia Vibes Tips

• Book online 45–60 days ahead during peak seasons (May–September). Last-minute availability exists but prices are higher and carriage choices are limited. Overnight trains fill up first.
• Save money on accommodation: Overnight trains depart Moscow late (00:46) and arrive in Petrozavodsk mid-morning to late afternoon. You save one night's hotel cost and arrive rested.
• Pack a small bag for overnight essentials (toiletries, sleepwear, medications*) separate from your main luggage. Overhead racks are tight; compartments have limited floor space.
• Bring your own drinking water or buy it at the station before boarding. Train water is hot but unfiltered. Some trains have a conductor who sells drinks and snacks; bring cash in small denominations.
• Second-class (kupe) compartments with 4 berths are ideal for pairs or small groups: you have privacy, comfort, and shared cost. If traveling solo or as a couple, negotiate a free upgrade with the conductor by offering a small tip.
• Daytime trains offer better views: Karelia's forests, rivers, and lakes are striking by daylight. The M-008 service (10h 47m departure) lets you watch the landscape from your seat window.

Explore Nearby How to Get to Karelia from Moscow, Karelia

Related guides

• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Karelia: Best Places, Lakes, Islands and Travel Tips
• 
  AI

  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  One Day in Listvyanka, Lake Baikal: What to See and Do

Browse more: All How-To · All How-To in Karelia · All Karelia · All Metro and Trains

?

FAQ

How far in advance should I book?

Book 45 days ahead for the best prices and carriage choices. Tickets go on sale 45 days before departure. During peak season (May–September), overnight trains sell out 3–4 weeks ahead. Last-minute tickets are available but expensive and limited to lower-comfort options.

Can I board if my name is spelled wrong on the ticket?

No. Your name and passport number must match your ticket exactly. Misspellings will prevent boarding. When booking online or at ticket offices, verify your passport spelling character-by-character before payment. If you make an error, you must buy a new ticket; refunds are not automatic.

What's included in each carriage class?

Third-class (platzkartny): open bunks in shared bays, basic bedding. Second-class (kupe): 4 enclosed berths per compartment, linens provided. First-class (spalny vagon): 2 luxurious berths per compartment, premium bedding, attendant service. All classes include a conductor on duty and access to toilets and water. No showers.

Do I need a visa to travel from Moscow to Karelia?

Karelia is within Russia; domestic travel requires no visa. Your passport is sufficient. If you entered Russia on a visa, keep it valid until you leave the country. Foreign visitors must carry their passport at all times. Check entry visa requirements for Russia separately before your trip.

Can I buy a ticket with a card issued outside Russia?

The official Russian Railways website (pass.rzd.ru) accepts MIR cards only. International Visa and Mastercard are blocked. Use authorized agents like RussianTrain, which accept foreign cards (with a commission). Alternatively, buy tickets in person at Russian railway ticket offices.

Is there a toilet on the train?

Yes. Each carriage has toilets at both ends, accessible to all passengers. They are basic but functional. Bring hand sanitizer and tissue; soap is often absent. Toilets close 15 minutes before the train arrives at its final destination.

Can I travel with large luggage?

Yes, but space is limited. Luggage goes in overhead racks or under lower berths. Soft bags compress better than hard suitcases. Each passenger is allowed 2–3 pieces totaling 60 kg (132 lbs). Oversized items may be stored in the luggage compartment; ask the conductor. Pack light if possible.

What happens if my train is delayed?

Russian trains are generally punctual. If delayed, you are not automatically compensated. Continue to your final destination; your ticket remains valid. Contact Russian Railways customer service (ticket@rzd.ru) after your journey if you experience significant delays and wish to request compensation (policy varies).

Take this guide with you

Get a free PDF of this guide to print or read offline: key facts, tips and a map link on a few clean pages.

Get the free PDF I want to receive the newsletter by email and agree that my email address is stored for this purpose. I can unsubscribe at any time.