On 3rd November 2024, the presentation of the updated branded high-speed train No 001A/002A – Кра́сная стрела́ / Red Arrow, took place, at the Moskovsky (Moscow) Railway Station in St. Petersburg. The luxury overnight train has been running between the Moscow and St. Petersburg for more than 90 years.

At the initiative of Russian Railways employees, the train was named after the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II – the railway workers believe that the Red Arrow should become a symbol of the continuity of national history, combining the best pre-revolutionary and Soviet traditions with modern technologies.

“I would like to remind you that the Red Arrow is the first Soviet branded train, one of the symbols of the USSR. But we should not forget the glorious times of the Russian Empire – after all, it was under Nicholas II that the Trans-Siberian Railway was built,” said Fyodor Gerstner, deputy head of Russian Railways.

The Red Arrow train named after Nicholas II will begin service between Moscow and St. Petersburg from 7th November – the anniversary marking the October 1917 Revolution. The wagons of the train have been replaced, while upgrades include powerful new air conditioning and modern multimedia systems. The Red Arrow has a restaurant car, VIP carriages, as well as 1st and 2nd class carriages. Despite the modernization and rebranding, the cost of train tickets will remain the same until at least the beginning of 2025.

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The distance between the two capitals is about 650 km, travel time is 8 hours

The Red Arrow luxury overnight train first chugged along the historic railway line between the two capitals of Russia in 1931, and has since been the pride of the Russian Railroad. This Moscow – St. Petersburg train has interiors that feel as if they come from a movie set and an exterior in such bright red that it’s really difficult to mistake, no matter if lit from the platform lights of the Moskovsky Station in St. Petersburg, or the Leningradsky Station in Moscow.

The history that emanates from the very walls of the carriages on the Red Arrow makes this a very popular train. As a result of its increasing popularity among trains from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the Red Arrow has spawned other luxury-oriented night trains, including the Express and the Megapolis. Even with all its retro charm, this one-of-a-kind luxury Russian train is as up-to-date and modern as any sleeper carriage found in just about any country. Passengers with Red Arrow train tickets enjoy high-comfort amenities while gliding through the night between Russia’s historical capital cities on an overnight train from Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Today’s journey by luxury trains meets the demands of most rail travelers, particularly those who seek special and unique train travel experiences from around the world. The Red Arrow’s vibrant red carriages almost glow against the greenery of the countryside, and is as much a part of Russian culture as borsch!

© Paul Gilbert. 4 November 2024