The Novosibirsk to Moscow Train Route: History, Things to See
Novosibirsk was formerly known as Krivoshchekovo before the Trans-Siberian railway came through and invigorated it, eventually propelling it to morph from a village to Russia’s third largest city, in terms of population. In 1893, it was decided that Krivoshchekovo was a good place for the railway to pass over the River Ob. First, to commend Tsar Nicholas II, the name changed to Novonikolayevsk. In 1925, the name changed for a final time to Novosibirsk.
Novosibirsk has a birthday. It’s May 12, 1893, the day on which workers arrived to build houses for the construction laborers.
What was known as the Western Siberian Railway is a branch that begins in Novosibirsk. It linked it to Ural city of Chelyabinsk. It’s a two-day journey to Moscow today. There are different routes depending on the train line selected. The differences only matter significantly as you approach the capital.
- The Rossiya passes through Yaroslavl and Kostroma
- Trans-Siberian train #061/062 and #256 go via Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Kirov and Perm
- Train #081/082 connects via Kazan
- Train #071/072 passes through Yaroslavl, Kirov and Perm.
Every route listed above connects to Yekaterinburg and then goes on to Novosibirsk via Tyumen and Omsk.
Sights to visit on the Novosibirsk to Moscow train route
Yaroslavl: Ancient religious sights like Transfiguration of the Saviour Monastery and Assumption Cathedral color this Golden Ring city. The downtown has UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Romantic riverside spots abound in Yaroslavl.
Vladimir: Vladimir is also one of Russia’s Golden Ring cities. Medieval Russia called Vladimir it’s capital; it was founded in 995. The 12thcentury comes to life at the Uspensky Cathedral. The Golden Gate is also worth visiting.
Nizhny Novgorod: As an important trading hub situated on the Volga, this city has a large fair. Many glorious churches and cathedrals, the Kremlin and stunning promenades await visitors.
Kazan: Founded in 1005, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan has no short history, as showcased in the museum of 1000 Years of Kazan. The mix of Tatar and Russian cultures is evident throughout the city. As the capital of this area, it also has many UNESCO-validated sites. These include Kul Sharif Mosque, and the Orthodox Annunciation Cathedral and the Temple of all Religions.
Yekaterinburg: The city where the last Tsar and his family were executed is of interest to many. It was barricaded to outsiders during Soviet rule. Today, it’s alive with culture, art and music. It’s sometimes considered the capital of the Urals.
Novosibirsk: Third only to Moscow and St. Petersburg, this city is Siberia’s biggest purveyor of culture and science. The Opera and Ballet Theater is Russia’s biggest. The art museum, and Museum of Local Lore are also worth visiting. The Central Siberian Botanical Garden showcases plants and the area surrounding Novosibirsk offer wonderful greenery and flora.
Not all of these trains pass through each city, so do prioritize your stops to make the most of the trip.