Traveling by train from London to Beijing can turn into a dream trip. With careful organization, it is possible to arrive in Beijing in just eight days. You will need to travel to Moscow and then travel aboard the Trans-Siberian, which will take you from the Russian capital to Beijing. As there are no trains connecting the two capitals directly, you will first need to reach a European city that has connections with Moscow, such as Paris or Berlin.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Travel arrangements
Step 1. Think about the time you have available
Some itineraries take longer than others. It will take you at least eight days to complete the trip. If you want to visit other cities along the way, take more time.
Step 2. Plan your route
First you will need to leave London and travel to a European city that has direct rail connections to Moscow. Once you reach the Russian capital, you will board the Trans-Siberian which will take you to Beijing along one of two possible routes.
- Consider traveling to Moscow from a European city, such as Paris or Berlin, that has direct rail connections to both London and Moscow.
- You can travel from Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria or Mongolia. Keep in mind that there is often only one train per week on these routes.
Step 3. Set a budget
The cost of the trip will depend on the European city you choose to stop in, how many days you plan to stay in Moscow and the class of train tickets purchased. Check the cost of tickets, hotels and food and drinks on board the train: in this way you can make an estimate of costs.
For example, tickets from Moscow to Beijing cost anywhere between 500 and 900 euros. First class tickets are the most expensive
Step 4. Evaluate different train options
In different European cities there are several options to choose from. Once you have determined the city from which you will take the train to Moscow, you can start evaluating specific routes and trains. The things you will need to take into account are the costs, the length of the journey and the classes available for the train journey.
- First class tickets are very expensive and often include the sleeper.
- You can also buy a second class ticket which does not include the sleeper.
- All trains from Moscow to Beijing have a catering service. The type and availability of meals on board trains between London, different European destinations and Moscow is variable.
Step 5. Apply for the necessary visas
You may need visas to visit the different countries you will encounter along the way, depending on your nationality and the chosen itinerary. After planning your itinerary, search the internet for what are the requirements for obtaining visas for different countries. Apply well in advance of the departure date. You will likely need the following visas:
- You will need a visa for transit through Belarus: most of the trains from Moscow to Beijing pass through there.
- If you are not a Russian citizen, you will need a tourist residence permit.
- If you are not a Chinese citizen, you will need a tourist residence permit.
Step 6. Apply for your passport
To travel from London to Beijing you will need your passport. If you already have one, make sure it's still valid and doesn't expire before your return. If necessary, have the document renewed. If you do not have a passport, request one at least six months before departure.
Step 7. Book your train tickets
Advance reservations are required for trains from Moscow to Berlin. Although reservations are not required for all sections of the journey, it is always advisable to reserve your seat in advance. For example, trains such as Eurostar or Thalys need to be booked and are quite in demand.
Take a look at www.bahn.de to see the timetables and fares of the trains passing through Europe
Step 8. Bring only the essentials
A light bag makes travel easier: prepare five changes of clothes or less. Be sure to bring maps and travel guides for each of the cities you visit, as well as books, newspapers, a torch, snacks and the most suitable clothing for the season. It is also advisable to bring a money belt for cash, passport and / or credit cards.
Part 2 of 2: Traveling from London to Beijing
Step 1. Take a train to a European destination with direct connections to Moscow
There is no direct train from London to Moscow. You will first need to travel to a European city that has direct rail connections to Moscow. Good connecting cities are Paris and Berlin.
- Consider a train to Paris and spend a couple of days in the French capital to visit the most famous tourist attractions such as the Bastille or the Louvre.
- From London, take a train to Krakow, Poland. Spend a few days there to discover royal treasures on Wawel Hill or at Oscar Schindler's Factory.
Step 2. Take a train from the European city to Moscow
After moving from London to your European destination, take a train to reach Moscow. You can book tickets for consecutive journeys, thus avoiding stops. You can also stop for a day or two and visit the European city of your choice, then board the train to Moscow.
Spend a few days in Moscow to visit the Kremlin, Red Square and the Tretyakov Gallery
Step 3. Travel from Moscow to Beijing, passing through Manchuria
This itinerary lasts 6 nights and covers 8,986 kilometers. There is only one train per week. During the journey it is possible to admire the landscapes characterized by boundless steppes and the Great Wall of China near the city of Shanhaiguan.
There is only one train a week that connects Moscow to Beijing via Manchuria
Step 4. Travel from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia
This itinerary lasts 6 nights and covers 7,621 kilometers. There is only one train per week which takes 6 days to reach Beijing. This route crosses Mongolia via the Gobi desert. This train offers only first and second class compartments.
