Aurora Express Train: Moscow to Saint Petersburg Schedule and Tickets

Aurora is a high-speed, double-decker signature train that has been operating on the Moscow–St. Petersburg route since December 19, 2024. Aurora trains ran regularly between Moscow and St. Petersburg from 1963 to 2010, with the maiden run on 12 June 1963, before ceasing operations on 4 April 2010.

The new Aurora covers the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg in 5 hours 30 minutes, with passenger capacity more than 1.5 times higher than before. Trains depart daily in the morning, afternoon and evening, with overnight services at the weekends and on holidays.

Current access notice: As of October 2026: Aurora service expanded with additional train pairs and regular stops at Tver, Bologoe and Chudovo stations.

Quick answer: Aurora Express – Morning Departure (5 hours 30–45 minutes, ₽). 3 more ways compared below.

Quick Facts

Russian name	Аврора
Type	Railway station
Built / opened	1963
Address	Leningradsky Railway Station, Komsomolskaya Square 3, Moscow
Opening hours	Daily departures; Moscow departures 06:00, 13:50, 17:45; evening/weekend overnight service
Best time to visit	Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer comfortable temperatures and lower crowds than summer. Winter travel is scenic but requires warm clothing. Weekday departures are less crowded than weekends and holidays.
Website	eng.rzd.ru/en/9873/page/9000?id=110

How to Get to and from Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Option	Duration	Price	Notes
Aurora Express – Morning Departure	5 hours 30–45 minutes	₽	Train No. 742 departs Moscow at 06:00 and arrives in St. Petersburg at 11:45. This departure suits early risers and travellers wanting to arrive mid-morning. The early morning Aurora train is often less crowded due to its inconvenient 6:00 AM departure time, making metro access challenging from central locations.
Aurora Express – Afternoon Departure	5 hours 25 minutes	₽	Train No. 744 departs Moscow at 13:50 and arrives in St. Petersburg at 19:15. The afternoon departure is the most popular daytime option, offering convenient mid-day departure and evening arrival. Good for visitors with flexible morning schedules.
Aurora Express – Evening Departure	5 hours 20 minutes	₽	Train No. 746 departs Moscow at 17:45 and arrives in St. Petersburg at 23:05. This option suits those who want to spend a full day in Moscow before departing. Evening arrival in St. Petersburg requires pre-booked accommodation.
Aurora Express – Overnight (Sleeper)	6 hours 30 minutes	₽₽	Train No. 750 from Moscow departs at 22:30 and arrives in St. Petersburg at 05:00; Train No. 749 from St. Petersburg departs at 22:15 and arrives in Moscow at 05:00. Overnight services run on weekends and holidays. Includes sleeper compartment; longer travel time reflects overnight journey and intermediate stops.

₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.

Why Visit Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg?

The Aurora has an optimal combination of speed, comfort and attractive fares, and is a budget option among high-speed trains for travelling between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The journey offers a balance of speed—reaching speeds of up to 160 kph—and comfort without the premium pricing of other express services.

Passengers can purchase gastronomic souvenirs including Petersburg chocolate souvenir biscuits, Montpensier sweets, postcards with dark chocolate, and Old Petersburg black tea in the bistro car. Boarding is level with the platform for accessibility, classical music plays throughout the train, and stairs access both the lower level and upper deck.

Highlights of Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Double-Decker Coaches

The train consists of 15 modern and comfortable double-decker carriages, which can simultaneously accommodate more than 1,000 passengers. Each passenger can individually adjust their personal space thanks to seats with folding tables and footrests, and in improved-layout carriages, seats can be rotated 180 degrees. The two-deck design maximizes seating without sacrificing legroom.

Tip: Book a lower-deck seat if you prefer not to use stairs; upper-deck seats offer more privacy and better views.

Wagon Bistro

The train includes a sleeper carriage, a staff car and a wagon bistro. The double-decker wagon bistro serves food and drinks, and passengers can purchase gastronomic souvenirs including Petersburg chocolate biscuits, Montpensier candies, and black tea. Light meals and refreshments are available throughout the journey.

Tip: The bistro serves typical Russian train fare and international snacks; bring cash for small purchases as card payment may not always be available.

Sleeper Compartments

The train includes a sleeper carriage alongside standard seating. For overnight journeys, services run on weekends and holidays, offering a comfortable alternative to daytime travel. Compartment berths provide privacy for longer rest on the journey.

Tip: Overnight sleeper trains (departing around 22:30) operate primarily on Friday, Sunday and holidays; book in advance during peak seasons.

Accessibility Features

Boarding is level with the platform, and passengers with mobility challenges can board without issues. The train accommodates passengers with reduced mobility in a dedicated staff carriage with seating. These features make the Aurora more accessible than many older trains on this route.

Tip: Notify Russian Railways when booking if you require wheelchair or mobility assistance; staff can coordinate platform-level boarding.

Modern Interior Design

The new trains feature updated rolling stock and combine modern interior design with historical livery. Classical music plays from the speakers, and everything is fresh and new, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The design balances contemporary comfort with a nod to the train's Soviet-era heritage.

Tip: The classical music and calm colour scheme create a relaxing environment; bring a book or download entertainment as Wi-Fi availability may be limited.

Intermediate Stops

From October 26, all Aurora trains make stops at Tver, Bologoe and Chudovo stations. These stops allow for passenger boarding and alighting at regional centres, making the train useful for journeys beyond just the two capitals. The stops add approximately 20–30 minutes to the total journey time.

Tip: If traveling to or from Tver, consider using the Aurora as an alternative to changing trains in Moscow; confirm stop schedules when booking.

Atmosphere

Classical music plays from the speakers and everything smells fresh and new—it is a pleasant atmosphere. The modern interiors reflect contemporary design standards while honouring the train’s legendary status. During daytime hours, natural light floods the double-deck carriages, and the journey offers views of rural Russia as the train passes through Tver, Novgorod and Leningrad oblasts.

The Aurora attracts a mix of business travellers, tourists and occasional families. Morning departures tend to be busier with business passengers, while afternoon and evening trains see a more relaxed atmosphere. The train operates at a steady, smooth pace that feels notably different from slower overnight express trains—modern bogies and the 160 kph cruising speed create a sense of controlled efficiency rather than drama.

History of Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

The Aurora’s maiden run took place on 12 June 1963, and it was the first high-speed train in Russia, which made for an average travel time of 5 hours 30 minutes between the two cities. Named after the revolutionary cruiser Aurora (which fired the signal shot for the October Revolution), the original train became an iconic symbol of Soviet rail engineering achievement.

At the end of 2009, the Aurora was replaced by the high-speed Sapsan express, and the Aurora ceased to operate from 4 April 2010. The original Aurora had served the Moscow–Leningrad/Moscow–Saint Petersburg route for nearly 50 years, surviving the Soviet Union’s collapse and multiple technological upgrades. Despite its retirement, nostalgia for the legendary train persisted among Russian railway enthusiasts and regular travellers.

In 2024, high-speed Aurora trains between Moscow and St. Petersburg resumed services—in the year when the JSC Federal Passenger Company celebrated the 15th anniversary of its foundation. The first Aurora run took place on 19 December 2024. The rolling stock has been prepared at TMH facilities, with the locomotive manufactured at the TMH plant in Kolomna, and the coaches produced by the TMH plant in Tver. The new Aurora covers the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg in 5 hours 30 minutes, matching its predecessor’s performance.

Tickets and Payment at Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Passengers can obtain tickets from the RZD website, the RZD Passengers mobile app, the web app, and ticket offices. Aurora trains used to run regularly between Moscow and St. Petersburg from 1963 to 2010, and service resumed in December 2024.

Book tickets online at least 3–7 days ahead during peak seasons (weekends, holidays, summer months). For last-minute travel, same-day tickets are often available at the station ticket offices at Leningradsky Station (Moscow) and Moskovsky Station (St. Petersburg), though seat selection may be limited. Rates for Russian citizens differ from foreign tourist pricing. Check the official Russian Railways website (eng.rzd.ru) for current ticket categories, concessions and the latest timetable.

How to Get to Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

From Moscow: Trains depart from Moscow Leningradsky Station. The station is on the Ring Line Metro (Line 5) at Komsomolskaya station, a 10–15 minute walk or one metro stop. Alternatively, a statue of Pavel Melnikov, the engineer who supervised the railway’s construction, stands near the station.

From Saint Petersburg: Trains arrive at St. Petersburg Moskovsky Station. The station is served by the Metro and is central to the city.

Accessibility

Boarding is level with the platform, and passengers on crutches and with mobility challenges can board without issues. The train accommodates passengers with reduced mobility in a dedicated staff carriage with seating. Interior stairs provide access to both decks.

Food Nearby

The train includes a bistro car with light refreshments and snacks. At Leningradsky Station in Moscow and Moskovsky Station in St. Petersburg, multiple cafés, kiosks and restaurants operate within the station complex, but most close or reduce hours during off-peak times. Bring snacks or purchase items before boarding if planning to board early morning or late evening.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes* for level platform boarding and walking between cars. A light sweater or cardigan for air-conditioned interiors. Phone chargers are not universally available; bring a portable battery pack. For overnight journeys, bring toiletries and a sleep mask. Pen for customs/immigration forms if required.

Photography Rules

Photography is allowed throughout the train, both interior and from windows. Flash is permitted. No restrictions on cameras or phones. Tripods and professional equipment require conductor approval; inform crew if filming for commercial use.

Family Suitability

The Aurora is family-friendly. Platform-level boarding accommodates strollers; small children benefit from the smooth, modern ride. Double-deck layout offers novelty for children. Toilets are available in each carriage. Overnight sleeper compartments suit families seeking privacy. No specific age restrictions; children under 5 typically travel free or at discount.

Moscow Vibes Tips

• Book afternoon or evening departures (13:50 or 17:45) if using Moscow Metro to reach Leningradsky Station; early morning 06:00 departures are logistically difficult from central areas due to limited night metro service.
• Upper-deck seats offer better views of the Russian countryside passing through Tver and Novgorod oblasts; request deck preference when booking if your ticket type allows.
• The bistro car runs out of popular items during peak hours (2–3 hours into the journey); buy food early or bring snacks from the station.
• The journey covers 650 km; bring entertainment (books, downloaded films) as mobile data and Wi-Fi coverage is inconsistent outside major cities.
• Overnight trains (departing 22:30) operate only Friday, Sunday and holidays; confirm availability before booking if planning an overnight journey.

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FAQ: Aurora Express Train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

How long is the journey from Moscow to Saint Petersburg?

The Aurora covers the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg in 5 hours 30 minutes. Morning departures at 06:00 typically add 15 minutes due to early-morning routing. Overnight trains take 6.5 hours due to additional stops.

Is Aurora Express faster than Sapsan?

No. Aurora reaches speeds of up to 160 kph, while Sapsan reaches 250 kph. However, Aurora offers attractive fares and is a budget option among high-speed trains, making it better value for price-conscious travellers.

Can I book tickets for Aurora online?

Passengers can obtain tickets from the RZD website, the RZD Passengers mobile app, the web app, and ticket offices. Online booking opens typically 60 days in advance; book early for peak periods.

Are there sleeper cabins on Aurora?

The train includes a sleeper carriage. Overnight services run on weekends and holidays. Sleeper compartments offer more comfort than standard seating for longer journeys.

What is there to do onboard?

The train has a double-decker wagon bistro where passengers can purchase food, drinks and gastronomic souvenirs including chocolate and tea. You can walk between decks, read, work on a laptop or watch the Russian countryside. Wi-Fi is unreliable.

Is Aurora accessible for passengers with mobility issues?

Boarding is level with the platform, and passengers with mobility challenges can board without issues. The train has a dedicated staff carriage with seating for passengers with reduced mobility.

Where do trains depart from in Moscow?

Aurora trains depart from Moscow Leningradsky Station, served by the Ring Line Metro (Line 5) at Komsomolskaya station.

What is the history of the Aurora train?

The maiden Aurora run took place on 12 June 1963, and it was the first high-speed train in Russia. It operated from 1963 to 2010 before being replaced by Sapsan, ceasing operations on 4 April 2010. The first new Aurora run took place on 19 December 2024.

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