amtrak travel packages

7 Best Amtrak Travel Packages for Visiting Coastal Cities and National Parks

By Kristin Braswell

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With fluctuating travel restrictions and safety concerns, many travelers have shifted their gaze from the sky to the rails. Domestic train travel not only allows passengers to skip the hectic lines at the airport and dreaded middle seat on flights, it also presents an opportunity to see some of America’s most stunning landscapes en route to the destination.

Trains also provide the ticket to the meaningful slow travel movement . From national parks to coastal communities, Amtrak’s travel packages offer an expansive way to experience more than 500 destinations—both bucket list and lesser-known ones—on a network of more than 21,400 miles of rail. So, all aboard: here are some of Amtrak’s best train travel packages to consider now.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

USA Rail Pass

With Amtrak's USA Rail Pass , passengers can enjoy a multi-segmented journey across America, with routes that include the California Zephyr line, which travels daily between Chicago and San Francisco (Emeryville) and provides access to Memphis, Santa Fe, and Montana's East Glacier Park. The pass allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the passenger's first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of purchase.

Price: $499

Grand Canyon Getaway Vacation Package

Get closer to one of America’s most popular geological wonders, the Grand Canyon . Amtrak’s getaway to the national park covers three destinations—Chicago; Williams, Arizona; and Grand Canyon National Park—in six days. This vacation includes accommodations for three nights, as well as two meals (a breakfast and dinner) and a motorcoach rim tour of the Grand Canyon.

Price: From $1,399 per person

Coast Starlight

This route travels daily between Seattle and Los Angeles and passes through the lush forests and sparkling coastline of Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento. Stops include Portland , where you can enjoy both the city’s food truck scene as well as natural wonders like Multnomah Falls, about a half hour from the station. Also visit Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail by getting off at the Salinas stop and taking a 35-minute drive by private car.

Price: Fares are dynamic; tickets for the full route were as low as $63 in September and October

Yellowstone to Yosemite Vacation Package

This package is for those looking for a longer ride that reveals some of the United States’ most scenic gems, including two of the most famous parks: Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. The 11-day journey starts in Chicago with a hop-on, hop-off tour, then heads to Salt Lake City for a narrated sightseeing tour and dinner at The Roof Restaurant, and also includes tours in both parks. Eight nights of hotel accommodations and two nights aboard the train are included, as well two dinners.

Price: From $2,799 per person

Glacier National Park Rail Packages

Amtrak offers a number of rail packages for travelers interested in exploring the grandeur of Glacier National Park. On the four-day vacation package, you’ll check into the historic Glacier Park Lodge and enjoy a boat cruise in Two Medicine Valley to take in its majestic peaks and cascading waterfalls.

Price: From $1,179 per person

Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited line travels three times a week between New Orleans and Los Angeles (check for current availability as the route currently starts in San Antonio while New Orleans’ station is closed because of Hurricane Ida damage). The two-day long trip is Amtrak’s southernmost route. You’ll take in scenes of the Gulf Coast’s bayous, Mexican borderline, southwest deserts, and California’s coastline. Get off in Alpine, Texas, to visit Big Bend National Park , an hour’s drive away. In Tucson, Arizona, a 25-minute drive will lead you to Saguaro National Park. Accommodations and meal options are all available onboard.

Price: Fares are dynamic; tickets for the full route were as low as $89 for the two-day trip in September

Capitol Limited

This line travels daily between Washington, D.C. , and Chicago and provides access to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Parks as well as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Start in D.C.’s Union Station where you can visit places like the National Museum of African American History and Culture . The 18-hour journey also includes scenic views of Ohio and Indiana, before its final stop in Chicago’s city center.

Price: Fares are dynamic; tickets for the full route were as low as $53 for September.

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East Coast to West Coast Rail Experience

• Chicago >
• Santa Fe >
• Grand Canyon >
• Flagstaff >

Starting off in Washington, DC, this 9-night rail vacation is for anyone wanting to experience a true cross-country Amtrak® journey. Travel through big cities, quaint towns, lush forests, mountain ranges and along shimmering coastlines as you conclude your adventure in San Francisco.

Reservations: 1-800-268-7252

For pricing and availability from your Amtrak Station:

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Disclaimer:

Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

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Traveling Amtrak For The First Time? Here Are 14 Things To Know About Amtrak Trains

F eel the need to go outside New York City? Confused about which ride to select? Forget going to out-of-the-way airports or using crowded taxi services. The Amtrak train offers the ultimate solution to meet everyone's travel needs. Meet the luxurious train that makes passengers feel like they're at home. The endless amenities and friendly, respectful staff also make one's trip memorable.

Many Amtrak trains successfully run across hundreds of tracks in the United States (most Amtrak trains offer incredibly beautiful routes , too), and there's also a rich history behind the company. Multiple packages are available for every type of passenger, depending on budget, accommodation choice, and other factors. For a pleasant change, the Amtrak company charges no extra fees, i.e., passengers get what they see, unlike some airliners who keep adding extra surcharges to a customer's expense list till the last moment.

Related: Empire Builder: What Makes This Amtrak Route One Of The Most Scenic In The U.S.

Furthermore, passengers get extra legroom for a long journey compared to a car or air travel. The Amtrak also saves on fuel and protects one's personal vehicle from wear and tear if one uses it to travel. So, with that in mind, let's skim through some important things travelers should know about the trains, such as Amtrak train routes and prices, etc.

UPDATE: 2023/06/06 21:47 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Things To Know About Amtrak Trains For First Time Travelers

Everyone should be aware of a few things before embarking on their first Amtrak journey, regardless of the destination or length of the journey. This list has been updated with additional important information, including train routes, prices, schedules, destinations, and more to help travelers have a stress-free, relaxing, and enjoyable Amtrak journey.

The Amtrak App

The Amtrak app makes it simple for travelers to plan and reserve their trips, check Amtrak schedules and destinations, and receive real-time alerts for delays or changes. Users can access their e-tickets through the app, which provides information on Amtrak train routes and prices. Additionally, the app includes interactive maps that help passengers track the whereabouts of the train and get knowledge of the schedule. The Amtrak app has a user-friendly interface and convenient features, making train travel more simple, reliable, and enjoyable.

Expect Train Delays

Amtrak trains need to stop at some places to let large freight trains pass because they share the same tracks. It can result in unforeseen delays in travel times, especially on longer, cross-country routes. For instance, the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver may need to stop before the Moffat Tunnel to allow a freight train to pass, delaying Amtrak schedules. Therefore, researching Amtrak schedules and destinations is beneficial before making travel plans.

Making A Pre-Departure Checklist Is Helpful

Passengers will require a number of items, including those necessary and desirable for a stress-free and memorable Amtrak trip. Some of these—like an ID—are necessary, while others are worthwhile for an enjoyable Amtrak journey.

Identification

Passengers must have a photo ID or passport with them.

Train Tickets

Passengers should have hard copies of their tickets or electronic copies of their tickets on hand.

Travel insurance

It's essential to protect oneself from unanticipated travel mishaps.

Passengers who will need to take any medication while traveling must bring it with them.

Other Essentials

Personal care items, snacks, beverages, books, and some forms of entertainment are desirable (but not necessary) for a comfortable trip, particularly on long Amtrak routes.

Stations Have Different Stopover Times

The train makes scheduled stops at various stations during a trip, and the stopover time varies depending on the type of station. If a station is a rest stop, the stopover time is comparatively longer than that of a passenger drop-off and pick-up location. Knowing if a specific stop is a designated rest stop where passengers are permitted to disembark is preferable for those who want to smoke because smoking is not permitted on the train or simply want to move around the station.

Reasonable Ticket Prices

Amtrak tickets are reasonably priced! The average price of a ticket from New York to Atlantic City is about $94 (although Amtrak's famous roomettes typically cost much more ). It is pretty budget-friendly compared to any airline fare on the same route, and it is not even the lowest price out there. The cheapest tickets on this Amtrak route can even be found for only $82.

The best thing is to avoid rush hour and book your Amtrak tickets well in advance. Plus, a cool tip: Amtrak offers saver fares on each route, where passengers can save up to 20% compared to the standard Coach fare when booked at least 7 days in advance. Furthermore, Amtrak fares for seniors (aged 65 and up) are 10% less than the standard fare on most trains in the United States, and seniors (aged 60 and up) pay 10% less for cross-border services operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Plenty Dining Choices

Amtrak offers many dining choices to its customers. There is something tasty and appetizing for every passenger, from adults to kids. Some of these main options include:

Passengers can access the café, which is open to passengers from all classes of the train from the early morning until late at night. Whether business or economy class, there are snacks, drinks, and food items for everyone.

• Traditional Dining

Traditional dining service for passengers in private rooms is provided in the dining car as a complimentary exclusive offering.

• Flexible Dining

Exclusive offer to First Class passengers to eat at flexible timings. Special diet menus are also available at Amtrak for customers with specific dietary requirements. The food menu comes with a detailed calorie breakdown as well.

A Variety Of Accommodations

The Amtrak from New York to Atlantic City offers various services and accommodations. Among the expert tips for first-time Amtrak passengers is to check the various room options available in order to best fit the needs and budget of a passenger.

• Seating Options

Even the Coach class has the best comfy seats. Imagine reclining sofa-like seats with spacious areas. The addition of multiple amenities combines to make the trip a relaxing one! For passengers with mobility impairments, Amtrak provides accessible seating arrangements.

• Private Rooms

Amtrak provides a unique luxurious experience to its passengers by offering private rooms to First Class. If one wants privacy and their own space on a short trip with added comfort, then a private room booking is the perfect step.

Related: California Zephyr Vs. Southwest Chief: Which Amtrak Train Route Is More Scenic?

Wi-Fi On Board

The Amtrak train comes with complimentary Wi-Fi during traveling. The speed of Amtrak Wi-Fi is less than a passenger’s home or work Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, the same Wi-Fi gets shared by all the passengers on the Amtrak from New York to Atlantic City. So, each passenger should try to surf the internet in such a limited way as not to overburden the network for the other onboard users.

The key is not downloading large files or streaming heavy videos online and keeping fellow passengers in mind while using the shared Wi-Fi. That is why limited access is provided by Amtrak so that more onboard bandwidth is available to all passengers. Access to websites with objectionable content is also restricted in this shared onboard Wi-Fi.

Onboard Upgrades

The trains are divided into classes: Coach, Business, and First Class. All these classes differ from each other, with a different set of rates and amenities for each of them. So, if space is available as unoccupied in a class, one can upgrade from one's original class to that higher class seating. It can be from Coach to Business or Business to First Class.

This smart feature can change the outlook of one's whole journey. Passengers only need to speak to the conductor onboard. They might inform about the availability of such an upgrade and let passengers purchase a new class seat.

Passengers Can Bring A Bicycle Along

Amtrak offers its customers the opportunity to bring their bicycles along. One can explore the stops along the way during a train journey - and what better way to do that than by bike? Ride the rails on board the train with a bike - sounds awesome! Amtrak offers several different services to transport a customer’s bike onboard.

Remember, though, that each train has different equipment and loading procedures that decide what service will be offered. The starting and ending destination stations also determine how or what is allowed by Amtrak regarding one's bicycle. For carry-on/train side, bicycles up to 50 lbs are allowed. Here, standard bicycle sizes apply with a maximum tire width of 2 inches.

Enjoy Guest Rewards

Amtrak offers a guest rewards system to its customers . The points earned can be used to travel on trains, stay at hotels, and shop.

• Earning Points

Customers can earn guest rewards by earning points through various means, both on and off the train. Passengers can earn 2 points for every $1 spent.

• Redeeming the Points

Customer of Amtrak can easily redeem their earned points. The reward travel begins at just 800 points, with train travel allowed to over 500 destinations.

• Member Benefits

Becoming an Amtrak member rewards customers for every ride on and off the train.

• Bonus Points

One can earn 20,000 bonus points with the new Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®. Customers can even choose from over 350,000 hotels worldwide to stay at using their collected points.

Passengers Can Bring Pets

Pets are allowed to travel on Amtrak. However, like with air travel, there are restrictions. Dogs and cats can come on trips that can take up to seven hours on most Amtrak routes in a pet carrier - of course, for a small fee. The pet carrier must also be spacious and highly ventilated, allowing for free movement of the animal, and the weight of the pet and carrier combined must be under 20 lbs.

Things to Note About Pets on Amtrak Trains

• Service animals are readily welcomed on all Amtrak services as they are not included in the pet category.
• Pets are not allowed to travel as baggage. A pet must travel with its human counterpart on a train.
• Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets on Amtrak, and pets must be at least eight weeks old and up to date on all vaccinations.
• Amtrak highly recommends making pet reservations in advance of one's trip.

Related: Roomette Vs. Sleeper Bedroom: Knowing The Difference On An Amtrak

Baggage Limits

With Amtrak, customers can shed their baggage worries as the company handles everything meticulously. As baggage, a customer may bring 2 carry-on items. Here, limitations apply regarding weight and size. So, browse them beforehand. Checking this guide on what to pack for an Amtrak train ride may also be handy in terms of prioritizing what to bring (and what not to bring to save baggage weight and space).

Similarly, for checked luggage, each traveler can bring 4 bags, 2 are registered as free, and the other 2 are at $20 per bag. Again, size/weight limitations apply. For special items of baggage that require special handling or are outside the normal baggage category, Amtrak may ask for additional packing requirements and service fees. Amtrak also prohibits certain items onboard trains for security purposes.

Going with unreserved seating on a packed train? No worries. Travelers can find a Red Cap (baggage porter) to escort them to the train. They can access the track before the masses and carry their bags. Red Cap services are free, but a generous tip is recommended.

No Security Line No Waiting

Amtrak lets passengers simply go to the track and get on the train. There is no security line blockage as there is at the airport. With a reduction in airport TSA staff and more passengers flying, travelers need to get to the airport about two hours before their flight just to have enough time to check in or check a bag and clear security.

With Amtrak travel, one's ticket might be scanned before entering the platform or scanned onboard, but there is no waiting line. On the other hand, Amtrak recommends arriving 30 minutes before one's train departs.

I paid $500 extra to upgrade my room on a 30-hour Amtrak ride, and I thought the additional 20 square feet was worth every penny

• I spent 60 hours on overnight Amtrak trains traveling from New York City to Miami and back.
• I booked a 20-square-foot roomette for $500 and a $1,000 bedroom twice the size.
• The extra 20 square feet in the bedroom — not to mention the private bathroom — was worth the cost.

In 2021, I traveled on Amtrak trains from NYC to Miami and back. The rides took about 30 hours each way, and I had a private cabin in a sleeper car on both journeys.

The ticket to Miami cost about $500 for a Viewliner roomette , and the ticket back to New York cost about $1,000 for a bedroom. 

Read on to see how the two overnight train cabins compared — and which was more worth the price.

On my way to Miami, I booked a roomette, an approximately 20-square-foot private cabin that cost about $500 and included two beds, a table, two chairs, and a toilet.

A step up from sitting in coach, where you get a seat among other passengers, a roomette is a private space with a door and blinds to cover up the windows.

According to Amtrak's website , roomettes are around 22.75 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard twin-size bed . The roomette sleeps up to two adults.

I booked a bedroom for the ride home, which was double the price for twice the amount of space, an additional chair, a shower, and an enclosed bathroom.

According to Amtrak's website , bedrooms are around 45.5 square feet, which, for reference, is a little bigger than a standard king-size bed. Like the roomette, they sleep a maximum of two adults.

Both rooms offered complete privacy, came with complimentary meals, and used smart storage hacks that reminded me of a tiny home.

Having a private space was the most important thing to me on this long train journey, and both rooms offered that. 

Both rooms also had some clever storage hacks , like a table that pulled out between the chairs.

I think I woke up feeling more rested on my way home in the bedroom simply because I chose the bottom bunk, where I felt less swaying and bumping from the train. You could select this option in either room.

If you're bothered by the bumpiness of the train during the day as I was, I recommend sleeping on the bottom bunk in either accommodation. 

While I was impressed with the roomette's use of space, I felt far more comfortable in the bedroom thanks to the extra 20 square feet.

As someone who deals with  travel anxiety , I found 30 hours on a train to be overwhelming.

But staying in a bedroom made me feel more comfortable than staying in a roomette. I thought the bedroom offered ample space to stretch out and move about, which made all the difference to me.

Frankly, I don't feel comfortable sitting for 30 hours. I could get my body moving in the bedroom by dancing around, while in the roomette, I felt too cramped to move very much.

To pass the time, get moving, and feel more at home, I took frequent dance breaks in my bedroom, where I closed the curtains and blasted music in my earbuds. 

This felt freeing and satisfying, and if I wanted to, I think I could have even done some yoga poses , body-weight exercises , or practiced my karate moves. 

It was also nice to have a big sofa where I could stretch out and put my feet up in the bedroom, whereas the roomette only had two single seats.

Having room to lounge in the bedroom made me feel more relaxed throughout my journey.

All bedrooms have a three-mirror vanity, a shower, and, notably, a toilet behind a locking door. In some roomettes — mine included — a side table swings open to reveal a toilet. Above it is a folding sink and a single mirror.

After staying in a roomette with a toilet for the first half of my trip to Miami, I was moved to another room without a toilet for the remainder due to the availability of roomettes when I booked my ticket. I had access to a bathroom at the end of the sleeper car.

While traveling home in a bedroom, I appreciated that the toilet was separated from the rest of the room by a door.

I also thought the bedroom had a nicer vanity with three mirrors facing each other, which made it easier to wash my face in the morning.

I appreciated the private toilet in the bedroom, which is a great amenity if you're traveling with others.

However, with two seats and no privacy curtain around the toilet in the roomette, I was grateful to be a solo traveler.

While you may feel sticker shock at the $500 price difference, the extra space was worth every penny to me.

The bedroom upgraded my 30-hour journey from anxiety-inducing to comfy and homey.

The bedroom is especially worth the splurge for those traveling with a buddy since there's more room to stretch out.

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags:  Moscow city

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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Apart Hotel Yantar is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this 3-star hotel offers free parking and free WiFi. It's located 1.9 mi (3 km) from Electrostal History and Art Museum. Another good option is Apartments , located 4.6 mi (7.4 km) away.

Hotel Mys Otdykha Nadezhda : Offers spa services, an indoor pool, and free parking. Park Hotel Yahonty Noginsk and Areal Congress Hotel are a couple of other choices that feature an onsite pool.

Visitors can enjoy all that Elektrostal has to offer including its museums. There are 35 hotels and other accommodations in the surrounding area. Find out more about Elektrostal .

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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