The unique Eurasian Friendship Train (“Eurasia Friendship Express 2015”) departed from Vladivostok en route to Berlin on 16 July at 14:35 Moscow time.

The project is an initiative of the government of the Republic of Korea with the support of Russian Railways. It aims at strengthening the friendly relations between the countries of Eurasia. A delegation of 200 citizens from the Republic of Korea, including arts and cultural figures as well as media and business representatives, will embark upon a 15-day journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway from Vladivostok to Berlin.

During the trip, agreements are to be signed on twinning a number of train stations operated by Russian Railways and Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation).

The Eurasian Friendship Train’s passenger itinerary provides for wide-ranging business, cultural, and historical excursions.

Before departing from Vladivostok station at the 9288-km. marker, a ceremony was held with the participation of representatives from the government of Primorsky Territory, Russian Railways, and the South Korean delegation.

Train timetable (Moscow time):

• Vladivostok (departs 15 July at 15:35)
• Khabarovsk (arrives 16 July at 03:18, departs at 16:05)
• Irkutsk (arrives 19 July at 05:47, departs 21 July at 05:54)
• Novosibirsk (arrives 22 July at 10:25, departs 23 July at 12:00)
• Ekaterinburg (arrives 24 July at 09:11, departs 25 July at 07:35)
• Moscow (arrives 26 July at 11:34)

The train will depart to Berlin from Moscow on 28 July at 16:52. The train is expected to arrive in Berlin on 30 July.

UIC officially supports this train through the MoU between Korail and UIC, which was presented at the latest General Assembly in Tokyo.

(Source: RZD)