On many long distance trains, you will find a restaurant car that will serve many freshly cooked local dishes, as well as hot and cold (soft and alcoholic) drinks. These restaurant cars are not open 24 hours a day so, upon boarding, you should check the opening times to ensure that you do not miss out. As is common on Russian trains, the opening times of the restaurant may be in Moscow time, not local time. Something be aware of. The prices vary depending on the train you have chosen, but everything is usually reasonably priced; usually around £10.

You may also find that a trolley of snacks and bottled drinks is wheeled through the train at regular intervals. These prices can vary from reasonable to fairly high. In place of a drinks trolley, it is often possible to purchase snacks and drinks from the provodnitsa’s cabin.

In each carriage, you will find a samovar of hot water that you will have unlimited access to. We recommend taking along tea, coffee and foods that can be eaten by just adding water (such as instant soup and noodles) to make the most of this. You can take these items from home, or they are readily available at most stations, or at supermarkets near the stations. Tea and coffee may also be available from the provodonitsa of your carriage for up to 150 roubles. Though they are unlikely to supply you with milk. The provodnitsa will also be able to lend you a mug with which to drink your tea/coffee; remember to return it though or the provodnitsa will not be happy.

If you are lucky enough to make friends with other travellers on-board, particularly Russian travellers, you may be invited to join them, and share their provisions (often home cooked bread or smoked meats) and vodka for dinner in their cabin.

 In each carriage you will find a samovar of hot water that you will have unlimited access to. We recommend taking along tea, coffee and foods that can be eaten by just adding water (such as instant soup and noodles) to make the most of this. Tea and coffee may also be available from the provodonitsa/provodnik of your carriage for around 20 to 50 roubles.