
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Tomsk, Tomskaya Oblast’, Russia
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
Iconic journey crossing Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through Tomsk. Experience diverse landscapes and rich Russian culture.
- Longest Railway Journey: Covers over 9,289 km (5,774 mi) from Moscow to Vladivostok
- Authentic Experience: Offers a deep insight into Russian culture and traditions
- Natural Beauty: Passes through stunning landscapes such as the Ural Mountains and Lake Baikal
2. Kolyma Express
Adventurous train journey through remote Siberia, passing by Tomsk en route to Magadan and Yakutsk.
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Rare Sightings: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, such as brown bears and reindeer
- Historical Significance: Passes through areas with a rich gold-mining history and traces of Soviet labor camps
3. Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM)
Engineering marvel traversing the Russian Far East and Siberia, including a stop in Tomsk.
- Infrastructure Masterpiece: One of the largest construction projects ever undertaken
- Rough Terrain: Crosses rugged landscapes and permafrost regions
- Scenic Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the Russian wilderness, including Lake Baikal
4. Trans-Mongolian Railway
Venture through Mongolia and China on this epic journey starting in Moscow or Vladivostok, with a possible stop in Tomsk.
- Cultural Diversity: Explores three unique cultures: Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese
- Gobi Desert Experience: Passes through the Gobi Desert, offering a glimpse of its stark beauty
- Great Wall of China: Includes a visit to the Great Wall of China in Beijing
5. The Circum-Baikal Railway
A scenic route around Lake Baikal, with a possible stop in Tomsk before continuing to Irkutsk.
- Lake Baikal: Offers stunning views of the world's deepest freshwater lake
- Historic Significance: Constructed during the Russian Revolution, it showcases rich history
- Baikal National Park: Passes through the Baikal National Park, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing
6. Altai Express
Discover the Altai Mountains and its rich cultures, with a possible stop in Tomsk.
- Mountainous Beauty: Travels through the stunning Altai Mountains
- Cultural Exploration: Visits the traditional Tuva Republic, home to unique Tuvan culture and music
- Nomadic Life: Provides opportunities for encountering nomadic Kazakh tribes
7. Manchurian Railway
Explore the wilds of northeastern China and the Russian Far East, with a possible stop in Tomsk.
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Natural Wonders: Offers views of the Greater Khingan Range and Xing'an Mountains
- Historical Significance: Involved in key events, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway expansion
8. Irtish Express
Journey through Siberia to the Altai Republic and Mongolia, with a possible stop in Tomsk.
- Cultural Diversity: Explores three unique cultures: Russian, Mongolian, and Tuvan
- Altai Mountain Range: Travels through the stunning Altai Mountain Range
- Kazakh Nomadic Life: Provides opportunities for encountering nomadic Kazakh tribes
9. Vilui River Train
Experience the wilds of Siberia aboard a train following the Vilui River, passing by Tomsk.
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Indigenous Cultures: Offers opportunities to learn about indigenous Chukchi and Evenki cultures
- Natural Wonders: Passes through the Central Siberian Plateau and Yakutia's permafrost zones
10. Trans-Manchurian Railway
Traverse northern China and Russia, with a possible stop in Tomsk.
- Cultural Diversity: Explores two unique cultures: Chinese and Russian
- Historical Significance: Involved in key events, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway expansion
- Natural Wonders: Offers views of the Greater Khingan Range and Xing'an Mountains
11. Bureya-Amu Darya Railway
Journey through remote Siberia to Central Asia, passing by Tomsk.
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Cultural Diversity: Explores three unique cultures: Russian, Uzbek, and Tajik
- Natural Wonders: Offers views of the Baikal Range and Karakum Desert
12. Taymyr Railway
Explore the far north of Russia, with a possible stop in Tomsk before continuing to Murmansk or Norilsk.
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Arctic Experience: Passes through the Arctic Circle, offering opportunities for polar adventures
- Indigenous Cultures: Encounters indigenous Nenets and Evenki tribes
13. Trans-Yablonoye Railway
Journey through Siberia to the Yakutia region, passing by Tomsk.
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Permafrost Zones: Passes through extensive permafrost zones, showcasing unique ecosystems
- Indigenous Cultures: Encounters indigenous Yakut and Evenki tribes
14. Murmansk Railway
Travel to the Arctic port of Murmansk from Moscow or Saint Petersburg, with a possible stop in Tomsk.
- Arctic Experience: Offers opportunities for polar adventures
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Historical Significance: Involved in key events, such as World War II and Cold War
15. Vilyuisk-Nizhnevartovsk Railway
Journey through the West Siberian Plain from Vilyuisk to Nizhnevartovsk, passing by Tomsk.
- Industrial Landscape: Offers a glimpse into Russia's oil and gas industry
- Remote Destinations: Reaches some of the most isolated places on Earth
- Historical Significance: Constructed during the Soviet era, showcasing industrial might