FAQ

In accordance with Paragraph 29 of the Rules for the Transportation of Passengers, Baggage and Cargo Luggage by Rail as approved by Order No. 352 (published by the Russian Ministry of Transport on 5 September 2022), the automated issue of tickets for long-distance trains is carried out within the following time frames:

• no less than 45 days before the date of the train’s departure from the points where the train is formed (departure), with the exception of trains which are laid on additionally due to an increase in passenger demand;
• at least 3 days before the date of departure of the train from an intermediate station.

When tickets go on sale

In accordance with Order No. 431-t/1 of the Federal Tariff Service dated 14 December 2010, pricing on Sapsan high-speed trains is determined on the basis of a market economy, and the state is not involved in regulation activities in respect of the reimbursement of the carrier’s outlays. The pricing policy aims to increase traffic volumes. It depends on the time spent on the platform prior to departure, the popularity of the given route (determined with the use of retrospective indicators) and the current market demand for transport on a given train for each service class.

When booking a ticket online at the website, the prices of available tickets are for reference only and represent the cost as of the time of viewing. High demand dictates that ticket prices go up in the first few minutes after sale is opened. This typically occurs on Sapsan trains that depart on peak travel days (Fridays, Sundays and the days surrounding public holidays).

The Dynamic Pricing and Demand Stimulation (DPDS) subsystem assesses the current population density at the time of booking and cones up with the final ticket price.

The final price is quoted after a seat has been selected at the "Confirm Booking" stage. The user can then either agree to the quoted price or exit the booking system. If the user agrees to the price, s/he checks the box at the bottom of the page. By doing so, s/he also agrees to the terms of travel and the rules for issuing electronic tickets. Failure to check the box will make it impossible to proceed to the payment section.

For the purposes of transparency, visitors to the Russian Railways website are made away that ticket prices may change during the booking process. Information about the pricing and marketing policy can be found on the official Russian Railways website in the "Fares on the Sapsan Train" section.

 

­JSC Russian Railways offers passengers over the age of 60 a special Senior discount of 30% for travel on Sapsan trains at the time of booking.

From 1 September 2016, passengers aged between 10 and 21 are eligible for the Junior discount of 30% for travel on Sapsan trains at the time of booking.

Passengers of all ages who wish to book round-trip tickets will be offered a special Return discount. This special offer gives a discount of 20% on the "return" portion of the trip, while the "one-way" portion is charged at full price.

Tickets under these special offers may be purchased at all sales points, including the official Russian Railways website.

Single passenger tickets for two adjacent seats (with a discount of 50% for the second seat) may be purchased at the time of departure under the special Single discount. Age restrictions do not apply to this discount. These discounted fares are only available in person at ticket offices.

Passengers on Sapsan high-speed trains can use their Universal travel or electronic card to get a discount of 10% on the current ticket price.

Passengers on Sapsan high-speed trains can apply for the Business travel or electronic card.

More information on the Directorate’s marketing and pricing policy can be found on the official Russian Railways website in the "Fares on the Sapsan Train" section.

Please note! Several special and general tariff plans (Full Price, Child Ticket, Child Ticket [travelling on same seat as an adult], Senior, Junior, Return, Travelcards, Electronic Cards, Business Travelcards) can be used simultaneously in a single booking when purchasing more than one electronic ticket on Sapsan trains. Only one special or general tariff can be applied per passenger. Discounts only apply to the price of the ticket; the service charge amount remains the same.

 

The following special fare plans are now available for passengers to purchase travel documents at a lower price than the applicable rate at the time of purchase:

• The "Universal" travel or electronic card. Holders of the Universal travel and e-card get a discount of 10% on the cost of travel (the discount does not apply to the cost of other services) when travelling on Sapsan and Lastochka trains operated by the High-Speed Transportation Directorate (a branch of Russian Railways) and the Ruskeala Express retro train. The cost of the travel card is RUB 3000 and it is valid for 12 months. The cost of the e-card is RUB 1000 and it is valid for one month. Travel documents (tickets) can be purchased with this card through all sales channels.
• The "Business Class" travel card. Holders of the Business Class travel card enjoy a discount of 30% on the cost of travel (the discount does not apply to the cost of other services) when travelling in a 1S class (Business Class) carriage on a Sapsan train. The cost of the card is RUB 1999 and it is valid for 6 months. This card is available to loyalty programme members with at least air 10,000 miles accrued on flights between Moscow and St. Petersburg on their accounts.

All travel and e-cards are non-exchangeable, non-refundable and non-replaceable. The purchase of travel documents (tickets) using a discount on travel and e-tickets is only possible for trains that depart during the validity period of the issued card.

The discount is only available to the cardholder whose personal details are provided when applying for the card. The personal data entered must be identical to the data entered in the travel documents. In case of any changes in the personal data, you should contact the ticket offices of the High-Speed Transportation Directorate – a branch of Russian Railways in Moscow and St. Petersburg – in order to make a correction.

Russian Railways reserves the right to expand and change the range of special tariff plans without notice to participants.

The number of the cards is limited. To check availability and purchase travel cards, please contact the conductor-cashiers of the 6^th carriage on all Sapsan trains (in the 6^th and 16^th carriages on double-length trains) and at the railway ticket offices of the Russian Railways High-Speed Transportation Directorate in Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can purchase e-cards at ticket.rzd.ru and on the RZD Passengers mobile app.

 

Unused travel documents may be returned for a refund in the following cases:

1. When returning unused electronic tickets:

• less than one hour before the train’s departure from the statio196641n of origin and up to 20 minutes after the departure of the train from the passenger’s station;
• unused electronic tickets may be returned between 20 minutes and three hours after the train’s departure from the passenger’s station, on the condition that the passenger go to the ticket office in person and produce the form of identification specified in the electronic ticket, with the money returned to the passenger’s card or in cash, depending on the method of payment used when purchasing the electronic ticket;
• more than three, but no later than 12, hours after the train’s departure from the passenger’s station, or within five days if the passenger was ill (necessary proof must be provided).

2. When returning "one-way" tickets purchased under the Return discount.

3. When returning lost tickets (duplicates).

 

In accordance with Clause 151 of the Rules for the Carriage of Passengers, Luggage, and Cargo Luggage by Rail approved by Decree No. 352 of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated 5 September 2022, passengers are entitled to receive the cost of the ticket less the cost of seat reservation, service charges (if any) and other payments when returning an unused travel document (ticket) for a long-distance train to the ticket office of the passenger’s boarding station in the event that they were late for the train, within 12 hours of its departure, or within 5 days in case of illness confirmed by documents from a medical institution.

 

Pursuant to Article 124 of the Federal Law "Charter of Railway Transport of the Russian Federation," the carrier is obliged to consider the complaint received and notify the complainant in writing of the outcome within 30 days of receiving the complaint.

 

You can find the application form for a refund for unused Sapsan travel documents in the Passengers section of the official Russian Railways website (Rules for Purchasing E-tickets, Refund of Unused E-tickets at the Ticket Office). Application forms are also available at railway ticket offices.

The application form must state the name of the passenger whose name appears on the travel document. A legally authorised representative must complete the application for underage children.

When refunding travel documents paid by bank transfer, the refund shall be credited to the bank card which was used to pay for the ticket, within the period specified in the relevant payment system rules (from 7 to 30 calendar days after the refund is completed in the personal account on the portal.

If the funds for the cancelled unused travel document are not credited to the bank card within the set time limit, a written claim should be submitted to the bank that issued the respective bank card to the passenger.

When refunding travel documents paid for in cash, the passenger selects the refund method – bank transfer or postal order:

• when choosing a bank transfer, the passenger must provide all bank details required on the application form (current account, correspondent account, BIС, card number, name of the bank, name of the recipient);
• when choosing a postal order, the passenger shall indicate the postal address to which the transfer can be delivered (the postcode and the name of the recipient must be indicated).

The completed application form with the original of the unused travel document enclosed (if the travel document has been printed on the form) and the document confirming the return of the seat (supporting document) shall be submitted to the ticket office or sent by post to the North-West Directorate of High-Speed Transportation (a structural subdivision of the High-Speed Transportation Directorate) to the address: 196641, St. Petersburg, Metallostroy, Slavyanka River-LEP railway station, PO Box 53. If the claim is sent by post, the claimant shall pay for the postage according to the rates of the postal service.

 

Monetary compensation for delays of Sapsan high-speed trains shall be paid pursuant to Instruction No. 3027r of Russian Railways "On the Payment of Monetary Compensation to Passengers for the Delay of Sapsan and Lastochka Trains Numbered 700" dated 25 December 2019. Pursuant to this Instruction, the passenger is entitled to a refund of:

• 25% of the fare (cost of the ticket and seat reservation) if the train is 60 minutes to 119 minutes (inclusive) late to the destination station;
• 50% of the fare (cost of the ticket and seat reservation) if the train is 120 minutes (inclusive) late to the destination station or longer.

No monetary compensation shall be paid if the delay was caused by force majeure, malfunction of technical means of transport that threatens the life or health of passengers and is not the fault of Russian Railways, or by other circumstances beyond the control of Russian Railways.

Claim Form for Monetary Compensation [PDF, 497 kB]

 

Pursuant to Article 123 of the Federal Law "Charter of Railway Transport of the Russian Federation," a claim can be submitted to the carrier within 45 days of the train’s arrival.

 

The time limit for processing passenger claims for monetary compensation for delayed Sapsan trains is 30 days from the date of receipt of the claim by Russian Railways.

 

In order to receive compensation, the passenger has to fill in a claim form. A prerequisite for the payment of monetary compensation is that all fields marked with an "*" must be filled in.

For children, the claim form shall be completed by a legally authorised representative (one of the parents) into whose income the monetary compensation due to the children will be included.

The claim must state: the surname, first name, patronymic (in full), passport series and number, date of issue, name of issuing authority (both Russian and foreign passport data can be given), date and place of birth, registered address (including post code), taxpayer identification number, citizenship, state of residence, train number, carriage number, seat number, date of departure, ticket number.

When completing the application, the passenger chooses the method of receiving the money that is most convenient for them – bank transfer or postal order:

• for a postal order, it is necessary to specify the postal address within the Russian Federation where the passenger will be able to receive the money;
• for a bank transfer, it is necessary to specify the bank details (current account, correspondent account, BIC, name of the bank) of the passenger in whose name the travel document was executed.

It is explained at the bottom of the form that personal income tax of 13% will be withheld from the compensation due to the passenger and that the personal data contained in the claim will be forwarded to the tax authorities of the Russian Federation. The passenger must sign to acknowledge that he/she has read this information.

The completed claim form with the original travel document enclosed (if the travel document has been printed on the form) shall be sent by post to the North-West Directorate of High-Speed Transportation (a structural subdivision of the High-Speed Transportation Directorate) to the following address: PO Box No. 78, 87A/2 Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg 191036. If the claim is sent by post, the claimant shall pay for the postage according to the rates of the postal service.

If the passenger needs a travel document to report at the place of demand, or if the time of the train stop at the passenger’s destination station does not allow the claim to be processed in the train, the claim shall be considered after the travel document is received by the High-Speed Transportation Directorate within the time limits established by the Federal Law "Charter of Railway Transport of the Russian Federation."

Refund to the payer via an authorised bank with the following information:

Pursuant to an agreement between Russian Railways and PJSC VTB BANK, the payer shall be refunded by the authorised bank via payment systems to the issuing bank on the payment card. There is no information on payment cards and their holders in the information systems of Russian Railways. To refund the cardholder, Russian Railways sends a special register to PJSC VTB BANK, which contains information on the return of travel documents and the amounts due to the payer, after which the obligations of Russian Railways to refund the money are deemed to have been fulfilled.

Please note that only the Issuing Bank (the bank that issued your bank card) has a record of the receipt or non-receipt of funds for unused travel documents.

Claim Form for Monetary Compensation [PDF, 497 kB]

 

The experience of providing high-speed services, in addition to the introduction of modern electronic passenger boarding control devices, have made it possible to optimise the boarding procedure, resulting in the development of a passenger service technology for Sapsan trains whereby passengers are boarded in adjacent cars through a single boarding vestibule, which is optimal for ensuring the timely boarding of passengers within the time allocated for this procedure. It is also worth noting that if passengers were boarded into each individual carriage of Sapsan trains, this would require more staff, which in turn could lead to a significant increase in fares, making it impossible to implement a fare policy aimed at providing discounts and special offers.

 

In accordance with Paragraph 79 of the Rules for the Carriage of Passengers, Luggage and Cargo Luggage on Federal Rail Transport in Order No. 352 as approved by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 5 December 2022, when boarding long-distance trains, passengers must present a booked/issued ticket and the identification document used to book and issue the ticket.

However, if a passenger who has booked a ticket using the details from a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation and has replaced the specified passport because its validity period has expired or it was lost, it is necessary to present the original temporary identity card Form No. 2P (and which contains the details of the passport which was used to purchase a ticket and photograph) in order to board the long-distance train.

If by the date of the train’s departure a new passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation is eady, and if it contains the details of the passport used to purchase the ticket, the passenger is allowed to board the long-distance train.

Passengers boarding long-distance trains on the basis of electronic tickets are allowed to board the train on presentation of the passenger identification document used to book the electronic ticket.

 

The double train (20 carriages) consists of two independent units and structurally has no through passage.

 

Paragraph 3 of Decree No. 2344 On the Security and Threat Levels of Transport Infrastructure Facilities and Vehicles and the Procedure for their Announcement (Establishment) issued by the Government of the Russian Federation on 29 December 2020 establishes that Security and Threat Levels No. 2 and No. 3 with regard to transport infrastructure facilities and vehicles hereby announces that (are hereby establishes) and cancels by subjects of transport infrastructure on the basis of:

• decisions of the heads of the Federal Operational Headquarters and regional operational headquarters in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (officials authorised by them) formed in accordance with Decree No. 116 On Measures to Counter Terrorism issued by the President of the Russian Federation on 15 February 2006 or in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 664 issued by the Russian Federation on 26 December 2015 On Measures to Improve Public Administration in the Field of Countering Terrorism by operational headquarters in sea and marine areas (basins) (officials authorised by them) on changing security and threat levels with regard to committing an act of illegal interference in the activities of the transport complex that is of a terrorist nature;
• decisions of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation or the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation (officials authorised by them) on changing the security and threat level of committing an act of illegal interference in the activities of the transport complex that is not terrorist in nature.

According to Order No. 372 issued by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 22 October 2024, security and threat level No. 2 is established on railway vehicles transporting passengers on high-speed rail services in the areas specified in the Order.

According to Subparagraph 1 of Paragraph 8 of Decree No. 1653 On Approval of Requirements for Ensuring Transport Security, Taking Into Account Threat and Security Levels For Railway Vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the Requirements) issued by the Government of the Russian Federation on 10 October 2020, in the event of the announcement of security and threat level No. 2, carriers in relation to vehicles carrying long-distance passengers are required not to allow visitors into the vehicle’s transport security zone.

According to Subclause 22 of Clause 6 of the Requirements, the boundaries of the transport security zone of vehicles are established along the external structural boundaries of the vehicles.

Based on the above, in order to implement the legislative requirements in the field of transport security, the admission of visitors to the transport security zone of vehicles is prohibited until the cancellation of security and threat level No. 2.

For the convenience of people with limited mobility, all Sapsan trains have seats designed for people with limited mobility in carriage No. 6 (16). When boarding passengers with limited mobility, special ramps located in Carriage No. 6 (16) are also used, which are installed by Sapsan train crew members when necessary or upon request by a passenger.

 

You can send a child to another city unaccompanied on a Sapsan train, leaving him or her in charge of the train crew.

The service is available to the parents or legal representatives of children aged 10 to 16 years on the train routes, but not at intermediate stations. The cost of the service is RUB 1600, inclusive of VAT.

The service can only be booked at the service centres of the Leningradsky Railway Station in Moscow and Moskovsky Railway Station in St Petersburg for seats No. 47–48 in carriage(s) 10 (20). The service centre is open 24 hours a day.

List of documents required for obtaining the service:

• an application from the child’s parents or legal representatives;
• original documents proving the fact of kinship or legal representation;
• declaration of liability for an unaccompanied passenger.

List of documents required for obtaining the ticket:

• original birth certificate and passport;
• a notarised copy of the birth certificate and passport.

The service must be arranged at least two days before the train’s departure.

 

In order to improve the quality of passenger service, in accordance with Paragraph 7 of the Rules for the Carriage of Passengers, Luggage and Cargo Luggage on Federal Rail Transport in Order No. 352 as approved by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 5 December 2022, (hereinafter referred to as the Rules), a service has been introduced for the transportation of passengers with small pets on board (hereinafter referred to as the Service).

To avoid conflicts and deterioration of service quality for passengers with allergic reactions, the internal regulations of Russian Railways allocate special seats 1 to 4 and 65–66 in carriages 8 and 18, and seats 1 to 4 in carriages 3 and 13 of all Sapsan high-speed trains for the provision of the Service.

Carriages No. 3 (13) and No. 8 (18) have dedicated seats for the carriage of small domestic animals (pets). The pets shall be transported in baskets, cages or containers, which shall be placed in the areas designated for hand luggage. Their size may not exceed 180 cm in total length (length + width + height). Small pets of up to 10 kg in weight, including the weight of the container (cage), are accepted.

Small domestic animals (pets), dogs and birds may be transported within the territory of the Russian Federation without having to present veterinary documents.

The cost of animal transportation for passengers occupying special seats for passengers with pets in carriages No. 3 (13) and No. 8 (18) is included in the ticket price and amounts to RUB 400.

Transportation of pets for First and Business Class passengers in special seats in carriage no. 3 (13) is supervised by a train crew member and costs RUB 900 (payable on boarding). Advance bookings can be made by telephone at the number 8 (800) 222-07-66.

If tickets are purchased in a First Class meeting room compartment (provided that all seats in the meeting room compartment have been purchased by the respective passengers), passengers may transport small pets (no more than four per compartment) at no extra charge.

In accordance with Order No. 352 “Rules for the Carriage of Luggage and Cargo Luggage” approved by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 5 December 2022, guide dogs can be transported on Sapsan trains in muzzles and on a leash.

Guide dogs are transported free of charge.

 

In accordance with Paragraph 170 of the Rules for the Carriage of Passengers, Luggage and Cargo Luggage on Federal Rail Transport in Order No. 352 as approved by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 5 December 2022, passengers on long-distance trains have the right to take with them free of charge on one ticket, in addition to small items, hand luggage weighing no more than 36 kg whose total dimensions of length, width and height do not exceed 180 cm.

Hand luggage includes items carried by passengers with them irrespective of their nature and type of packaging, the dimensions of which enable them to be stowed in the passenger carriages within the space allocated for hand luggage, based on the design features of the carriage. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure the integrity and security of the luggage carried by them.

A (non-motorised) bicycle may be carried as hand luggage, unpacked and packed, and it can be stowed within the hand luggage area or next to the passenger in the carriage so as not to disturb other passengers, provided the above requirements are met.

The dimensions given in the Passenger Carriage Rules apply to all hand luggage of the passenger, and if a bicycle exceeds 180 cm in total length (length + width + height), it will be the only hand luggage (except small items) that the passenger may carry.

Information on hand luggage and luggage regulations can be found in the Passengers section of the Russian Railways website.

 

Internet access via Wi-Fi is available to passengers travelling in First and Business Class carriages on Sapsan high-speed trains.

Passengers in economy class carriages on Sapsan high-speed trains are able to access the Internet via GPRS, UMTS and LTE technology using personal mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) in accordance with the tariff plans of telecommunications operators. A 2G/3G/4G GSM standard repeater system is specially installed in trains for this purpose, with no connection to the train’s Wi-Fi network required.

Telecommunications operators are constantly working to ensure the quality of communications along the entire route of Sapsan high-speed trains, expanding network capacity where necessary, and building and modernising communications facilities (increasing the concentration of base stations at key transport hubs and highways, including the Moscow Central Ring).

 

Films broadcast on Sapsan trains have a high audience rating according to film databases www.kinopoisk.ru and www.imdb.com. However, to meet the tastes and needs of different age and social categories of passengers, and in response to incoming suggestions and comments, Russian Railways works regularly to update the selection of videos included in broadcasts on the Sapsan high-speed train.

The intra-train portal regularly conducts passenger surveys, the results of which are taken into account when compiling the list of films to be broadcast on Sapsan trains.

 

By design, the bistro carriage cabins of Sapsan high-speed trains are divided into two sections. The bar area is designed for eating during the journey and is equipped with a bar counter and two bar tables. The passenger section of the cabin is designed for the transportation of passengers. It accommodates 40 seats with window tables.

However, for the convenience of visitors to the bistro carriages, some seats are not available for sale. A maximum of 20 seats are used for passenger transportation and at least 20 for meals.

Seats for passenger transportation are served by two mobile bars.

We would like to inform you that, in accordance with the Rules for Passenger Service in the Bistro Carriages on Sapsan High-Speed Trains, compliance with which is constantly monitored by train crews, the following is not permitted in the bistro carriage:

• to occupy more than one seat; place outdoor clothing, luggage, other personal items on empty seats (hand luggage must be placed on the luggage racks located above the occupied table);
• occupy seats without ordering meals or drinks;
• for passengers with travel documents in other carriages – to sleep.

 

After the train has arrived at the final station and the passengers have disembarked, the train crew inspects carriages. After inspection, a report is drawn up on any belongings that have been left behind in the prescribed form and the forgotten belongings of passengers on Sapsan trains are handed over to the lost property storage room at the terminal station. Identity documents that have been found are handed over to the territorial bodies of the Federal Migration Service or the internal affairs authorities.

A re-inspection of the train’s carriages takes place at the main depot during the preparation of the train for the next journey. If any forgotten passenger belongings are discovered during this inspection, a report is also drawn up in the prescribed form, and the forgotten belongings are handed over to the lost property storage room of the railway station.

In accordance with Clauses 9.5.2.13 and 9.5.4.1 of the Standard Operating Procedure for the Railway Station Complex approved by Instruction No. 3134/r of Russian Railways dated 25 December 2014, forgotten or lost items shall be returned to the owner after the owner submits a written application at the railway station, presents a passport and makes an inventory of the respective items. A fee will be charged for the storage of forgotten items in the luggage room in accordance with the applicable price list.

According to Clause 37 of the Rules for Providing Rail Transportation Services for Passengers, Cargo, Luggage and Cargo Luggage for Personal, Family and Other Needs not Related to Business Activities, approved by Resolution No. 111 of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 2 March 2005, it is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure the integrity and security of the hand luggage carried by them. In all Sapsan trains, an audio announcement is given via the passenger information system before passengers begin disembarking at the terminal station, asking them not to forget their personal belongings in the train carriages.

 

The rules for the transportation of weapons, including cold weapons, are established by Resolution No. 814 of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 21 July 1998 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules).

Pursuant to Clause 77 of the Rules, citizens of the Russian Federation may transport weapons within the Russian Federation in an amount not exceeding five units and no more than 1000 rounds of ammunition on the basis of permits issued by the internal affairs authorities for the storage, carrying, and use, and import into the Russian Federation of appropriate types, kinds and models of weapons or licences for their acquisition, collection or display.

Weapons shall be transported in covers, holsters or special cases, as well as in the manufacturer’s special packaging, with the exception of weapons whose circulation is prohibited under Article 6 of the Federal Law "On Weapons."

Firearms carried as hand luggage must be carried in a cover, holster or special case, unloaded and separated from the ammunition.

 

The selection of videos broadcast on trains is tailored to meet the diverse tastes and desires of different age and social categories of passengers. The main criterion for selecting films is the audience rating, which is determined by the online film databases www.kinopoisk.ru and www.imdb.com.

In order to provide a wide selection of video content, the High-Speed Transportation Directorate continues to equip Sapsan trains with new generation information and entertainment systems (with Wi-Fi cinema function), allowing access to videos, music, audio books, and the on-board magazine from the train’s server directly to the passenger’s personal device (tablet, phone, laptop). The service for passengers in economy class carriages is available in test mode.

 

The selection of videos broadcast on trains is tailored to meet the diverse tastes and desires of different age and social categories of passengers. The main criterion for selecting films is the audience rating, which is determined by the online film databases www.kinopoisk.ru and www.imdb.com.

It should be noted that the relevant film certificate is displayed on the screen before feature films are shown. In accordance with the Federal Law "On Protection of Children from Information Harmful to their Health and Development" dated 29 December 2010 and other regulations, there is no provision obliging public transport staff to check the identity documents of minors and decide whether to allow them to watch age-restricted film screenings. The primary responsibility for their children’s moral development lies with their parents.

In order to provide a wide selection of video content, the High-Speed Transportation Directorate continues to equip Sapsan trains with new generation information and entertainment systems (with Wi-Fi cinema function) allowing access to videos, music, audio books, and the on-board magazine from the train’s server directly to the passenger’s personal device (tablet, phone, laptop). The service for passengers in economy class carriages is available in test mode.

 

The multimedia portal (information and entertainment system) that is available on Sapsan and Lastochka trains allows passengers to individually select a variety of media content – documentaries and feature films, music and audio works, and entertainment programmes. Content can be viewed on personal mobile devices. The multimedia portal platform is also used to sell additional services to passengers (tickets, souvenirs, hot and cold drinks, meals, etc.). Passengers who do not have their own smartphone can use a loaner tablet free of charge for the entire journey.

The cost of this service is included in the price of the Sapsan high-speed train travel document and amounts to (inclusive of VAT at 20%):

• in first class carriages (including meeting room compartments) – 325 roubles and 10 kopecks;
• in business class carriages (including compartment suite) – 187 roubles and 80 kopecks;
• in economy class plus carriages (including service class family, comfort) – 128 roubles and 60 kopecks;
• in economy class and bistro carriages – 117 roubles and 60 kopecks.

For passengers with seats in the business and economy service classes on Lastochka high-speed trains operated by the Directorate of High-Speed Transport (with 700s numbering) the cost of the service from 1 January 2024 is 53 roubles 00 copecks including 20% VAT.

The carrier’s right to provide passengers with paid service, which is included in the price of travel in a long-distance train with luxury carriages, is legally stipulated by Clause 31 of the Rules for Providing Rail Transportation Services for Passengers, Cargo, Luggage and Cargo Luggage for Personal, Family and Other Needs not Related to Business Activities, approved by Resolution No. 810 of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 27 May 2021.

In the event that the operator fails to provide the service, which is included in the price of the travel document, or if the service is of poor quality, the passenger may contact a member of the train crew and submit a claim against the Carrier seeking a refund of the service cost.