International Rail encourages visitors to discover Russia by Rail

New booking system ensures easy booking of rail tickets and exploration of the country and surrounding States

A new system for booking rail tickets to and within Russia has been introduced by leading global rail specialists, International Rail. The system now allows the instant booking of rail tickets and passes for thousands of routes in to and across the country and neighbouring States, including Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Lithuania and Kazakhstan, as well as providing up to date route and timetable information. Found on www.intenationalrail.com, it is hoped the system will encourage UK visitors to discover more of Russia by rail.

The Russian Federation is the world's largest country spanning eleven time zones and its country wide rail network is just as impressive, transferring in excess of 1.3 billion passengers every year. For many Russians, trains are the practical and cost effective mode of transport to get around this great country and for visitors the rail network offers not only great value but the opportunity to experience the real people and places of Russia first hand. Many of the rail routes within the country and its neighbours are world renowned including the Trans-Mongolian from Moscow to Beijing and the legendary 'Red Arrow'/ express from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

However despite this global recognition, booking these rail routes hasn't always been easy as commented by Rod Maton, Chairman of International Rail, "Most people have heard of the Trans-Mongolian rail journey but few would have known how to find out the information on the journey or how to book. By introducing our new Russian railway booking system we are hoping to open up rail travel within the region and encourage Brits to experience this extensive and magnificent part of the world for themselves."

Rail journeys in Russia are often exceedingly good value, with the three hour and 45 minute journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg starting at just £50 per person*. The new system allows customers to look for these fantastic bargains as well as searching for their preferred times, class of travel and even if they want to travel in a male, female or mixed compartment before booking the tickets securely online. Most tickets are instantly distributed straight to the customer in the form of an email voucher. If this is not possible a hard copy will be delivered to the customer wherever they are in the world or made available for pick-up at a Russian station.

International Rail can also offer the Trans Siberian service through the website and call centre. Although the service is not on the live reservation system, customers can indicate their preferred time and date of travel, with International Rail confirming the booking as soon as possible once this information has been received.

Both the International Rail call centre and www.internationalrail.com offer live reservations for any mainline journey train journeys up to 45 days in advance.

International Rail offer the worlds' largest selection of rail journeys and passes, built from over twenty years' experience in the travel industry. Visitors to www.internationalrail.com can create and book unique and exciting itineraries across the world.

For all media enquiries, interview requests, potential press visits or image requests please contact:

Becky Fairlie-Clarke

PR Consultant - International Rail

Magic Torch PR

T: 07974 306 579

E: press@internationalrail.com