12 December 2014 marks three years since FPC began running trains on the international Moscow-Paris route. During this period, the train has carried about 200 000 people. A total of 22 400 passengers travelled directly between Russia and France. The train made more than 580 trips.
On January 25, 2015, new train cars with RIC dimensions, jointly constructed by Tver Carriage Works (TVZ) and Siemens, will begin running.
Currently, the train includes RIC wagons of Luxury Class (VIP), First Class (2 person), Second Class (3 person), and dining cars. All cars are equipped with air conditioning, washbasins in compartments, and environmentally friendly toilets. Luxury Class (VIP) cars have 2-person compartments with increased area. Each compartment has a sofa bed and a top bunk; a chair; a private bathroom with a shower, sink, and composting toilet; TV; DVD; individually controlled air conditioning; closet; and passengers are provided with a hygienic kit and breakfast. There is a lounge bar located in the car. Luxury Class (VIP) passengers can enjoy the Grand Voyageur waiting room in the East Paris station (free with a ticket).
The Moscow-Paris train is equipped with high-speed Internet access (satellite 3G).
There are employees trained in a special programme that includes fields of psychology, ethics, and culture of passenger service, as well as knowledge of foreign languages.
In winter, the train runs three times a week, leaving from Moscow on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays and from Paris on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. In summer it runs five times a week, leaving Moscow on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and departing from Paris on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Tickets for train 23/24 can be obtained at Russian and foreign ticket offices. Passengers can also buy e-tickets and take advantage of online registration on the Russian Railways website.
A direct rail line from Moscow to Paris began in the 19th century and lasted until 1994. After a short break, interest of passengers in this route began to return. In 2007, a direct route began in the French capital. The Moscow-Paris train ran for the first time on 12 December 2011.
Note that the Moscow-Paris route is one of the longest trans-European routes: the train travels 3217 km and passes through the territory of Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, and France.
(Source: RZD)
