Which compartment car on the train is better to choose. Which carriage is better to choose on a train? The best seats in a reserved seat carriage in summer

07.02.2022

Having bought a train ticket, you always wonder what place you got?

Top and bottom shelves, side and non-side... Everyone has different preferences, in general, you can select better and worse places in the reserved seat.

IN reserved seat carriage only 54 places. Unpaired numbers are the bottom shelves. Paired - upper. Seats 1-36 are regular. 37-54 - side.

In my opinion, it’s more pleasant to ride in places that are not on the side than on the side ones. No one walks back and forth next to you. However, if you are traveling close, I still prefer a side seat - you can sit at a table, looking out the window or reading a book, or fold up the table and lie down for a nap. The same cannot be said about the upper side - it is perhaps the most inconvenient. It will be difficult for tall people on the side - the “height” of the shelf is about 1.80 m. If on the non-side one you can muster up the nerve and put your feet into the aisle, then on the side it is unlikely to succeed.

The good thing about the top places is that no one bothers you - no one wanders up and down, sits on your shelf, etc. and so on. You can hide in a corner and sleep until your stop. Personally, I prefer this option. However, the top shelf is definitely not suitable for older people. It’s also inconvenient if you don’t want to lie down, but sit - then you’ll have to “strain” the neighbors below.

The lower seats are convenient because you don’t need to climb up, there is a table, and the entire “trunk” under the shelf is at your disposal. (Of course, you can put your bags there, even if you have top place, but I don’t think that your fellow traveler will like it if you wake him up to pick up your luggage.) On the bottom shelf, you will be annoyed by your neighbors climbing on top, and perhaps perched to drink tea on your shelf.

I would classify as “bad” places the places near the toilet (seats 33-38). Place 36 has an additional wall (so that your feet do not interfere with opening the door :)). There may be unpleasant odors coming from behind the door, as well as passengers walking back and forth and door slamming (which is often the most annoying thing).

I think places 01-04 and 53-54 are not very good. There are also passengers walking back and forth, you can hear constant conversations from the conductor's compartment and possible rattling of the door (mostly only in winter). Place 53 is sometimes used as a service location.

In the third and sixth “compartments” (seats 9-12, 21-24) there are windows emergency exit and hammers for breaking them. Rarely, but this can also be a plus.

Based on all this, I think that the best thing is the seats in the middle of the car. Whether side or not, upper or lower, depends on everyone’s preferences and travel conditions. Also, as practice shows, the comfort of a trip depends quite heavily on fellow travelers - the trip itself in an inconvenient place may turn out to be much more pleasant than good location, but with annoying neighbors.

Are you going on a trip or business trip by train? In this case, you need to worry about tickets in advance, having previously decided which carriage is best to choose on the train. When purchasing a train ticket, you should pay attention to the fact that each carriage corresponds to a specific class. Among them there are seated and reserved seat carriages, general, compartment, luxury or SV carriages, as well as soft carriages.

Car types

How to choose a carriage on a train so that the journey is comfortable? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

A seated carriage is the cheapest option

This type is suitable if the trip is short, no more than a few hours. There is quite a large space inside the carriage. There are separate soft chairs with headrests and armrests.

Railway station

By the seat number you can understand where it is located. The odd ones are at the window, and the even ones are at the aisle. Often, each seated carriage is equipped with a toilet and wardrobe.

This type of carriage comes in 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes. They are designated by the symbols (1C), (2C) and (3C), respectively. The advantages of the first include the presence of a folding table and much more space between the chairs. The seats themselves are more comfortable.

In second class, the number of seats in the carriage may be greater; they are located in 3 rows on each side of the window.

Less commonly found are third class (3C) seated carriages. They differ in that soft benches are used as seating. This is less comfortable than individual chairs.

Seat numbering starts at the back. The two rightmost chairs are designated by the numbers 1 and 2. The leftmost ones, respectively, are 3 and 4. And so on.

On a note: Prices for such cars start from 990 rubles. and higher. During the season they can reach up to 5500 rubles. per person per branded trains.

With such an insignificant difference in cost between a seated carriage and a reserved seat, preference should be given to the second option. Especially if the trip is long. It is not recommended to choose this class of carriage if you are traveling with small children.

Seat carriage

Econom-class train

Prices for this class differ slightly from those for a seated class. For a relatively small surcharge, we get a much more comfortable lying position, which is necessary for long journeys. The numbering principle here is as follows: the bottom shelf always has an odd number, and the top shelf an even number. It is important to know that the first 36 places are numbered from left to right. And the subsequent ones - in the opposite direction. The first seats, located next to the conductors' compartment, will have numbers 1–4, 53–54.

Note! Cars of this type are always equipped with a dry closet and a sink. Each of the 9 sections of the reserved seat car is equipped with upper and lower shelves (can be transformed into a seat), a shelf for things and towels, and a table. Also, these cars may have air conditioning and a radio. There is an outlet in the vestibule for charging phones.

Some features of reserved seat carriages:

There are “emergency compartments” in which there is no way to open the window. These are places 9–12, 21–24, 43–44, 49–50;
shelves numbered 1, 2, 35, 36 are 15 cm shorter than others;
in the second and penultimate compartment it is possible to constantly use a power outlet;
You should not choose places close to the toilet. These are numbers 35–38;
The most convenient compartments are near the conductor's compartment or in the center of the car (in this case, passengers will practically not walk past you).

Econom-class train

For older people and mothers with children, it is recommended to choose a place on the bottom shelf. The second advantage of these places is access to the table. The least popular are the side shelves. And this is quite justified - these places are located on the aisle and for this reason personal space is significantly reduced.

The cost of tickets in a reserved seat carriage varies from approximately 1000 rubles and more depending on the season, discounts and train direction.

Additional Information! In the future, Russian Railways plans to abandon the purchase of reserved seats, replacing them with “new type” cars that will have showers and USB sockets.

Compartment carriage

It differs from a reserved seat in the absence of side seats and the presence of a partition that blocks the berths from the aisle. In total, it has 9 compartments that can accommodate 36 passengers. Each compartment is equipped with sleeping shelves, a folding table, a communal lamp and individual reading lights.

The numbering of seats is carried out according to the same principle as in a reserved seat - even numbers are assigned to the upper shelves, and odd numbers to the lower ones. To store luggage, there are niches under the lower bunks and special lockers above the door. To prevent falls, the upper shelves are equipped with railings. Near the door there are buttons for calling the conductor and keys for turning on the lighting. The window is protected by a curtain to regulate the amount of light entering. Often, compartment cars have sockets and televisions. Less often - air conditioners.

Coupe car

At the end of the large corridor there are dry toilets, which are equipped with a bathroom, a washbasin with a mixer and a soap dispenser, and a mirror. Near office space There is a boiler where you can get hot water.

On a note: The compartment carriage is much more comfortable than the previous ones. Especially due to the presence of a locking partition, which will help you be safer and close off from strangers, which is important if you have an infant with you.

Train tickets can be purchased both through the website and through the ticket office railway station. The cost of travel in a compartment class carriage is higher than in a reserved seat class. It starts from approximately one and a half thousand. You can often find various holiday promotions and discounts.

Sleeping car (abbreviated as SV)

A carriage with an increased level of comfort. The main difference is the number of beds. In NE there are only 2 of them (less often 3).

There are several classes of SVs:

1 E (lux). Involves buying out the entire coupe. Food and drinks, air conditioning, and personal hygiene items are provided. TV, sockets, wi-fi and personal safe, dressing room - all this is available in a compartment of this class. Another advantage is having your own shower and toilet.
1 E (cost slightly lower than 1 E). No difference from luxury. But it does not oblige you to completely buy the coupe. You can purchase 1 ticket.
1 U – first class. The difference is that the entire range of services is provided to the passenger for an additional fee.
1 L – last, without additional services and a bathroom.

Pets are allowed to be transported in SV carriages.

Taking into account all the advantages of a carriage of this class, the price of seats in it is significantly higher than in a simple compartment. If the trip is long enough and comfort is important, it is better to choose this class.

Note! Which carriage number is better to choose on the train so that the trip does not cause discomfort? The most successful numbers will be 3, 4, 5. Since the cars at the very beginning and tail of the train often shake more strongly.

Special mention should be made of the high-speed branded trains “Allegro”, “Sapsan”, “Lastochka” and “Palmira”.

The Allegro train includes 7 cars, they are divided into 2 classes and a restaurant car. All places are seated.

1st class has 48 seats, a salon with a meeting room and a toilet. Seats are arranged according to a 2+1 scheme. Headphones, daily newspapers and a self-service area with coffee and tea are included. 2nd class accommodates 289 passengers. The seating arrangement is 2+2. In the 7th carriage there is a playroom for children. In the 2nd carriage there are two seats for disabled people.

Lux class SV carriage

It is equipped with a lift and a special toilet complex. The train reaches speeds of up to 220 km/h and has an air conditioning system. Runs between Russia and Finland (St. Petersburg - Helsinki). Allegro fares range from 20 to 40 euros for second class. For first class, prices are higher - from 59 to 75 euros, depending on the date.

The Sapsan train can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h. It consists of economy and economy+ class carriages, a business and first class carriage, as well as a bistro carriage. Accommodates 528 passengers.
The branded high-speed electric train “Lastochka” has 5 cars, maximum speed up to 160 km/h. It has 443 seats, 4 of which are suitable for people with disabilities and 30 seats with reclining seats. Depending on the direction of movement, it is divided into “Standard” and “Premium”.

The North Palmyra train consists of double-decker carriages, which are capable of carrying more passengers for less money. There are compartment, SV and headquarters compartment types.

By planning your trip in advance, you can purchase a profitable ticket at a lower price. A variety of options are offered - from seating, like in trains, to high speed trains with luxury seats. Which car is better to take on a train to go on vacation or on a business trip? You should focus on your preferences and circumstances. If the trip is short, it will not be difficult to spend this time sitting. And if you have to spend more than one day on the road, you should think about more comfortable conditions.

*Prices are current as of June 2018.

The reserved seat ranks third in terms of comfort, behind the coupe and SV. One such carriage is designed for 54 passengers, each of whom has an individual shelf. It can be top, bottom or side - each category has 18 places. A section of 2 upper and 2 lower seats forms a separate compartment that does not have a door. Side shelves are located opposite each such opening.

Advice. Remember that the lower shelves are assigned odd numbers (1,3,5, etc.), the upper ones are even numbers (2,4,6, etc.). Places 37 to 54 are side ones.

It is worth keeping in mind that some reserved seat seats have the following features:

Each carriage has a so-called “emergency” sections, the windows in which do not open. There are seats from 9 to 12 and from 21 to 24, as well as 43,44, 49, 50. And if in a compartment car, where in similar rooms (compartments No. 3 and No. 6) there are exactly the same clogged windows, but You can use the air conditioning, but in the reserved seat there is no such service.
To have constant access to the socket without making a corresponding request to the conductor, you need to choose the 2nd or penultimate section of the reserved seat car. These are places 5-8, 29-31, as well as 39, 40, 51 and 52.
Each reserved seat has 4 shelves, which are shorter than the others by about 15 cm. These are places No. 1, 2, 35, 36.
Place 36 is considered one of the most unfortunate for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is a toilet behind the wall, and secondly, there is a partition installed there, against which the passenger’s legs rest (in other cases they stick out into the passage). In addition, this is a high place, but there is no partition to help you climb up.
Luggage compartments sections that are in close proximity to the conductors may be occupied by coal or blankets. In the “risk zone” are the first places (1-4), as well as the side places 53 and 54.

It is quite logical that the choice of the most convenient seat depends on the personal preferences of each passenger. For example, someone likes to ride only on the lower shelves. In particular, these seats are convenient for older people, obese passengers, mothers with young children who occupy one shelf between them. Some people buy these seats because they are afraid that they might fall from the top bunk when the train brakes suddenly. In addition, it is always possible to use a table - behind the scenes, it is the passengers from the lower seats who most often consider it “theirs.” However, you still have to give in to your upstairs neighbors: you may be asked to move to have a snack or just sit.

Another category of people find it more comfortable to ride at the top: none of their fellow travelers will encroach on these places. You can lie down quietly, turn to the wall, read or take a nap. In addition, such places are slightly cheaper than the lower ones. Some passengers prefer upper berths when traveling alone, on an overnight train or short distances.

Advice. If your neighbor on the bottom shelf does not let you go to the table or simply does not allow you to sit in your place, contact the conductor. As a last resort, call the train manager.

There is no clause in the transportation rules that forces passengers to “share” the bottom bunk, but at the same time there is a principle that limits each person from abusing their rights. In any case, try to negotiate peacefully.

The side seats are considered by many passengers to be the most uncomfortable. If in the section it is at least somehow possible to organize personal space, then here a person is located practically in the corridor, where someone is constantly walking. However, some find advantages here too. For example, the table is not intended for 4 people, but only for two. True, in this case, the owner of the lower side seat will have to transform his shelf so that his neighbor can have lunch.

If you are still undecided about which seats to choose, reviews and recommendations from passengers will help you decide:

seats 35-38 are located next to the toilet, so if you are worried that an unpleasant smell will ruin your trip, do not buy tickets for them;
It is quite comfortable to ride in a section located not far from the conductor: the toilet is not far, there is no smell, and tea can be arranged at any time (buy or make it yourself - titanium for heating water is also close);
in winter it is better to take seats closer to the center of the car, since at each stop passengers will get off and on, letting in the cold;
seats in the middle are also good for those who don’t like people scurrying past: to the toilet or to the vestibule to smoke;
places 29 to 31 are located close to the toilet, but the smell is not felt here. But you can always see if there is a queue of people wanting to wash. It is also convenient if you need to take out a child’s potty (so as not to carry it along the entire corridor);
if you are traveling together, it is convenient to occupy the upper and lower bunk in the same compartment or even on the side. Then strangers will not encroach on your places.

Advice. If you are afraid of falling off the shelf while the train is braking, take tickets for seats that are closer to the head car.

Second-class car: video

Cars on Russian Railways trains are divided into several types, depending on the number of seats and level of comfort. For most types of cars, Tutu.ru has a seat map.

Seat carriage

The seating carriage has free-standing soft chairs with armrests. It resembles an airplane cabin or intercity bus, but here it is significant more space. It is better to take a ticket for a seated carriage when the trip lasts several hours. This way you won't have time to get tired. These are, for example, daytime express trains between Moscow and St. Petersburg or Nizhny Novgorod and Kirov.

Seated carriages vary greatly in location and number of seats, as well as in classes of service. Therefore, there is no single scheme for them. The figure shows, as an example, a diagram of the carriage of train No. 102Ya Moscow - Yaroslavl.

On Tutu.ru in the “Trains” section there are seat maps for many seated trains, including for popular and . When purchasing a train ticket (on the seat selection page), the direction of travel is indicated for some trains. This allows you to select comfortable places so as not to drive backwards.

High-speed train "Strizh", 1st class carriage

Econom-class train

This is the most popular type of carriage due to the low ticket price. The carriage has 54 seats - 9 compartments with 6 beds each. Two top, two bottom and two side. There are no doors between the compartments; they are all connected by a common corridor. All the lower places are odd-numbered, and the upper ones are even-numbered.

Seats 37 to 54 are “side rooms”, they are shorter than the seats in a block of 4. Seats 33 to 38 are located near the toilet. The slamming of the door leading to the corridor and unpleasant odors may interfere here.

The windows in the third (seats 9-12) and sixth (seats 21-24) compartments do not open. This is true for older trains without air conditioning. In new trains the ventilation works fine.

Usually there are two toilets in the carriage, and there is titanium with boiling water for making tea. Each compartment is equipped with tables; on the sides there is a table and two seats if you fold out the bottom bunk. The reserved seat has a lot of space for luggage - there are compartments under the lower seats and third shelves.

In a fully occupied reserved seat it can be stuffy and cramped (especially in the side seats). Second-class carriages in branded trains are cleaner and more comfortable: there is air conditioning and a dry closet, and more sockets.

A reserved seat car in a branded train of JSC Russian Railways

General carriage

Typically this is a reserved seat carriage with three seats on each bottom bunk, including the lower side ones. This car has several serious disadvantages.

Firstly, reserved seat berths are not suitable for long-term sitting - due to the lack of a soft backrest and headrest. Secondly, it creates a feeling of closeness - there are no armrests separating people from each other. Finally, in most cases, in a general carriage, all tickets are sold without a seat - whoever got there first took the best seats.

This is the least comfortable type of carriage, but it also has the cheapest ticket.

Compartment carriage

A compartment carriage usually has 32 or 36 seats, divided into compartments of four seats each. There are carriages with 38 seats, where seats 37-38 are double compartments. The bottom places are odd, and the top places are even. The compartments are isolated from each other and are locked. There are folding chairs in the common corridor.

The compartment has a mirror, a table, hangers and hooks for clothes, as well as a night lamp for each passenger. Unlike the reserved seat, the compartment does not have a third shelf - it is replaced by a niche for luggage under the ceiling. Therefore, you can sit freely on the top bunk in the compartment.

Coupes are one of the most popular types of carriages due to the combination of price and comfort. There are fewer people in the carriage, extraneous conversations do not interfere, and personal belongings are safe. The compartment car, similar to the reserved seat car, has two toilets and titanium. But in a compartment there are fewer queues for the toilet compared to a reserved seat, since significantly fewer passengers travel in such a carriage.

Often, during promotions, the upper bunks in a compartment can be purchased at the price of a reserved seat. In some carriages, when purchasing a ticket, you can choose the type of compartment. Both men and women can travel in a mixed compartment, but only women can travel in a women's compartment. The type of compartment is determined by the passenger who first bought the ticket.

A compartment in a carriage of the private carrier TKS JSC

Luxury car (SV)

SV is sleeping car. It has from 8 to 10 compartments with 2 berths, both located below. But there are suites (SV) with an upper and lower seat, but in such a compartment there are also only 2 seats. The standard suite has 18 seats. Luxury (SV) is more comfortable than a compartment car, since it does not have upper shelves. The lower shelves have a soft backrest for sitting.

In terms of the level of service, the SV is better than a compartment car - the suite usually has a button to call the conductor, air conditioning, and some trains also have a TV. Depending on the carrier company, passengers are provided with a different range of services (food, drinks, amenity kit, newspapers, linen). For example, the carrier TKS JSC has high-quality carriages and high level service.

Suite (SV) is suitable for a family or romantic trip when you can buy all the compartments. The main disadvantage of SV is the price of travel. It is usually 3-4 times higher than in a reserved seat and 1.5-2 times higher than in a compartment. A trip to NE will cost more expensive than an airplane to a similar distance.

Luxury carriage (SV) of the private carrier TKS JSC

Soft carriage

A soft carriage can have 4, 5 or 6 compartments. The layout of the compartment itself and its furnishings also vary greatly. Each compartment has 1 or 2 beds. If there are two seats, then the bottom one is a sofa that converts into a 120 cm wide bed. The compartments themselves are similar to a luxury suite, but have a larger area.

The soft carriage is equipped at the level of a 3-4-star hotel: each compartment has a dry closet, washbasin, shower, air conditioning, TV, soft sofa and armchair. Here you will be provided with a hot breakfast, a shower kit, a bathrobe and terry towel, and the latest newspapers. Soft carriages are equipped with a bar.

Of the minuses - high price, significantly exceeding the cost of a plane ticket.

Interior of a soft carriage of the Grand Express branded train.

International carriage with 4-seater compartments

In terms of comfort, four-seater compartments on international routes are similar to ordinary compartment cars on the territory of the Russian Federation. But, as a rule, new cars travel abroad, so they have many pleasant little things (for example, a display with a ticker in the corridor).

Another compartment in such a carriage can turn into a luxury if you raise the upper shelves. Depending on the route, the carriage may have a shared shower, the compartment may have air conditioning, individual lighting for each seat and sockets.

Four-seater compartment on the Moscow-Nice train. Photo taken from the website of JSC Russian Railways

International carriage with 3-seater compartments

On some trains international traffic There are three-seater coupes. There are a total of 33 seats in this carriage. In the compartment, all three berths are located below each other on one side. Such coupes can be used as two-seaters - the middle shelf remains in the raised position.

They are smaller in size than 4-seater coupes and can feel cramped. When there are three passengers in it, they are all forced to sit or lie down together, since it is impossible to sit with the middle bunk lowered. Therefore, carriages with 3-seater compartments are now used very rarely.

It’s only pleasant to drive in such a coupe if you buy all three seats together and raise the middle shelf. Among the amenities, they may have (but not all compartments have) an armchair, a table, a washbasin and a wardrobe.

Are you getting ready to travel and don’t know which car to choose on the train? For some, this issue is less important, but if there is still a difference, it is better to contact the ticket office in advance in order to have more room for maneuver and choose the most suitable place.

Most railway carriers are ready to offer passengers several types of carriages. They are distinguished by their comfort and cost.

This carriage has free-standing soft chairs with armrests; the carriage is somewhat similar to the interior of an intercity bus or airplane, but there is much more space.

You can buy a ticket for a seated carriage if the trip lasts several hours and the body does not have time to get tired of the monotonous posture.

Seated carriages may differ in the number of seats, their location and class of service.

Despite the individual seats, the seated carriage will not be best choice for long trips

Econom-class train

This is the most common type of carriage, combining relative comfort with low cost. The carriages have nine compartments, each with six seats. There are no doors between the compartments; they are connected by a common corridor.

Each compartment of the reserved seat carriage is equipped with tables. Third shelves and compartments under the seats allow you to place even the largest luggage without taking up space. useful place. Old trains with reserved seat carriages may not be the most comfortable for travel. A fully occupied carriage can be cramped and stuffy. But on branded trains, the reserved seats are much newer and more comfortable: with air conditioning, dry toilets and big amount sockets

There are separate carriages of the general type - the same reserved seat with three seats on the bottom bunk. Common carriages have several serious disadvantages:

reserved seat berths lack a headrest and a soft backrest; sitting on them is not very comfortable;
due to the lack of armrests, a feeling of cramping is created;
tickets for a general carriage are usually sold without specifying a seat.

General carriages are the least comfortable, but they are cheap.

This type of carriage involves dividing seats into blocks of four each, with a total of 32 or 36 seats. Some carriages can be equipped with an additional compartment for two seats - numbers 37-38. The compartments are completely isolated from each other, the door is locked. Each compartment has a hanger, hooks for clothes, a table, a mirror, and instead of a third shelf there is a special niche for luggage.

Compartment cars are in demand due to their successful combination of comfort and cost. There are not many people in the carriage, there are no extraneous conversations, personal belongings are guaranteed to remain safe. Frequently, carriers hold promotions in which the upper bunks in a compartment cost approximately the same as seats in a reserved seat.

The compartment is comfortable, and you don’t have to worry about the safety of your things

Such carriages are usually equipped in such a way as to create the feeling of being at least in a three-star hotel room. A soft carriage can have from 4 to 6 compartments, which differ in layout and number of beds. Each compartment has a TV, air conditioning, an armchair, a soft sofa, a shower, and a dry closet. Every morning a fresh hot breakfast, a terry towel, and a shower set are brought to the soft carriage. Of course, you have to pay dearly for luxury - a ticket for a soft carriage can cost more than air travel.

You have to pay for convenience

Luxury carriage

SV type cars resemble compartment cars, but are more comfortable. The standard suite has 18 seats, two in each compartment, and no upper shelves. Among the advantages of the suite are the presence of a call button for the conductor, air conditioning, and sometimes even a TV.

Like a soft carriage, a luxury will cost much more than a classic coupe - (by 60-100%).

The choice of carriage on a train should depend on key factors such as cost, duration of the journey and the level of comfort required. If you are not used to noisy companies and value cleanliness and order, you will have to fork out money, especially when you have to travel far. At the same time, there are much less expensive offers for short trips and picky passengers.