A new type of carriage has started operating on RZD’s* branded No. 3/4 train between Moscow and St. Petersburg — apparently designed for hardcore introverts, people who hate socializing, and sociopaths 😃. In other words, it has single-occupancy compartments. But in reality, they are ideal for anyone who wants to make sure they get some sleep: a nighttime train ride next to a snoring stranger can be a real ordeal.
Passengers no longer need to buy an entire compartment to travel alone: just one ticket is enough, and there will be no one sharing the space with you. The 1B-class carriage has just nine passengers — exactly the number of single-occupancy compartments.
There is no upper bunk inside the compartment. Instead, the lower berth is a wide 83 cm (32.7 in) sleeping space, noticeably wider than standard berths. During the day, the bed converts into a comfortable armchair. Each compartment has its own sink with a mirror, a wardrobe, a TV with ports for connecting devices, and an individual ventilation system that lets you adjust the temperature without calling a conductor.
The carriage has a shower, while the restroom is shared. However, with only nine passengers, there are no lines. Each compartment also has a separate armchair and a folding table, so you can work on the way as well as sleep. Passengers traveling with pets can bring them along.
What’s Included in the Single-Occupancy Compartment Fare
A ticket for the new compartment costs 5,000–6,000 rubles — almost half the price of a traditional SV compartment on the same route, where fares start at 10,000 rubles. For that price, passengers get not only a private and comfortable space but also a range of additional services:
- a hot breakfast of your choice (porridge, an omelet, or pancakes with salmon);
- a selection of sliced cheese or meat, yogurt, a croissant, and fruit;
- a toiletry kit, slippers, and a branded chocolate bar;
- access to the business lounge at the departure station for up to three hours before the train leaves.
Breakfast is served directly in the compartment, and according to passenger reviews, the portions are quite generous.
Express Train Schedule
The Express train departs from both Moscow and St. Petersburg at 11:30 p.m. and arrives at its destination at 8:30 a.m. The schedule is ideal for an overnight trip: you can go straight to bed and wake up rested and ready for the day ahead.
How It Compares with Other Trains
When compared with other options on the same route, the difference is clear. The Strizh, for example, has compartments with a shower and restroom, but breakfast is not included in the fare. The Krasnaya Strela and Megapolis do not offer full single-occupancy compartments. The new 1B-class carriage fills a niche between a standard compartment and an SV: it offers the privacy and amenities associated with more luxurious options, but at a considerably lower price.
The Future of Single-Occupancy Compartments
If the new format proves successful, it could eventually be introduced on other popular routes. Similar carriages may appear in the future on routes such as Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow–Kazan, and St. Petersburg–Adler.
*RZD (Russian Railways), Russia’s national railway company
