According to statistics, most of the population prefers to travel by train, as it is one of the safest modes of transport. The total length of Russian railways is about 100 thousand kilometers, which, in turn, allows you to reach almost any populated area.
In our country there is only one railway company, Russian Railways, which has been serving passengers for many years. The company's head office is located in Moscow, and local ticket offices are located on the territory of railway stations in each city. There, passengers can buy or exchange their tickets at any time.
All trains in Russia, just like airplanes, have a unique structure that divides the entire transport into several zones that differ in the level of comfort from the inside. This opportunity allows passengers, regardless of their financial affiliation to a certain segment of society, to choose the fare that best suits their needs.
Many passengers are interested: “What is an SV carriage, and what are its advantages?” In this article we will talk about the most comfortable and premium class available in the arsenal of Russian Railways. Find out how the abbreviation SV stands for, the advantages of this tariff and its average cost on the territory of the Russian Federation in this article.
SV car - what is it?
Often, traveling by train takes several days, so you should carefully choose your sleeping place. Let's start our analysis directly with the abbreviation. The SV sleeping car is a kind of compartment with increased comfort conditions. Previously, in pre-revolutionary Rus', the concept of SV-car meant “svitsky carriage”.
Unlike second-class and compartment cars, which have become quite boring, here all the nuances are provided for a comfortable pastime on the road. Russian Railways SV cars offer their passengers a wide range of different services, including comfortable soft shelves, a wardrobe for storing clothes, a personal bathroom with a shower and a TV. In addition, SV cars provide a smaller number of berths, which can vary from one to three.
Luxury carriage (SV) and RIC (2-seater compartments)
The old designation for a luxury car was SV, which means “sleeping car.” It has 8-10 compartments with 2 berths, both located below. Sometimes there are suites with vertical seating. Each shelf resembles a soft sofa - there is a comfortable backrest for sitting. In terms of the level of service, a luxury car is better than a compartment car - a luxury car usually has a button to call the conductor, air conditioning, and on some trains there is also a TV.
RIC - international carriages. Usually they are a little better than those running within the country, since new cars are traveling abroad.
| designation | explanation | comfort | free services | transportation of animals |
| 1 B | when 2 seats are purchased by one passenger | air conditioner dry toilet | food and drinks traveler's set press improved bed linen | Yes |
| 1 E | − | |||
| 1 U | − | air conditioner dry toilet | bed sheets | Yes |
| 1 T | − | air conditioner dry toilet | food and drinks traveler's set press linens | No |
| 1 L | − | air conditioning may not be a dry closet | bed sheets | Yes |
| 1 D (tourist) | the carriage goes abroad | air conditioning may not be a dry closet | bed sheets | No |
| 1 X | − | air conditioner dry toilet | bed sheets | No |
| 1 F | − | air conditioner dry toilet | bed sheets | Yes |
SV tariffs
All sleeping cars also have their own separate subcategory, depending on which certain services are provided. According to the classification of cars, this type belongs to class 1 and is labeled as luxury. Some CB tariffs include additional hygiene items and even meals.
So, for IVs used in passenger transportation within the country, a division by service class has been introduced. Such a division determines both the layout inside the car and the list of services provided.
- 1B or Business class.
- 1E or VIP area.
- 1F. Similar to the previous options, only at a reduced cost.
- 1U. Reduced cost and minimal set of services.
- 1L. A sleeping car with no additional services.
You can view the inside of the SV car remotely in the photographs below.
Seat carriage
The seating carriage has free-standing soft chairs with armrests. It resembles the interior of an airplane or intercity bus, but there is much 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, daily 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 the popular “Sapsan” and “Lastochka”. When purchasing a train ticket (on the seat selection page), the direction of travel is indicated for some trains. This allows you to choose comfortable seats so as not to drive backwards.
More information about seating on the train
High-speed train "Strizh", 1st class carriage
Car SV (1B)
The most premium class, of course, is considered to be 1B, since it involves the complete purchase of the entire compartment. There are air conditioning systems here that maintain normal air temperature throughout the journey. Passengers are provided with food and drinks, hygiene items, and various reading materials on the road. Passengers are permitted to bring pets with them in appropriate carrying containers. The cost of the tariff directly depends on the size of the bed, so it varies very often.
Luxury carriages
Cars of this class appeared relatively recently, and therefore there is no single standard yet. Currently, Russian Railways has the following types of premium cars:
Car 1A
Consists of four single compartments and a large bar open 24 hours a day. Each compartment has its own shower, washbasin and toilet. The compartment has two shelves: upper and lower. The lower sofa folds out and turns into a nice sofa with a width of 110 centimeters. It is understood that one person will travel in the compartment, but no one will mind taking an accompanying person who will occupy the top bunk.
Passengers can use their own air conditioning, store valuables in a safe and blow dry their hair. The ticket price includes meals, a selection of newspapers and magazines, wireless Internet and a personal TV with the main channels.
Car 1G
The main difference from type 1A is that all available coupes are single-seater. Double occupancy is impossible in principle, and all compartments are designed for one passenger. Another significant difference is that the ticket price for type 1G carriage includes an expanded menu of meals and excellent hygiene kits.
Car 1I
Includes 5 spacious double compartments. In fact, this type of carriage is most similar to the SV, but its compartment is twice the size. Each compartment has its own shower combined with a toilet and a large wardrobe with hangers.
Each passenger has an LCD screen on which they can watch TV or select a movie from a streaming service. Wireless headphones are provided completely free of charge. Passengers can choose any dish from the expanded menu offered by the dining car.
Car 1M
This type of carriage includes 6 single compartments with personal bathrooms, which include not only a toilet and washbasin, but also a shower. The compartments are also equipped with TVs with digital channels and high-speed wireless Internet.
Each passenger receives an amenity kit, which includes hygiene items, a high-quality bathrobe, slippers and towels.
The ticket price includes meals, tea, coffee and refreshing drinks without any restrictions.
As can be seen from the description, all premium class carriages differ only in the number of seats and compartment sizes. In other respects, the services provided and service are almost identical.
Such a wide variety of luxury cars is due to the fact that they were purchased in different years and from different European manufacturers. In recent years, the management of Russian Railways has been trying to bring the premium segment of transportation to a single standard and all purchased cars will be of type 1A.
Category 1E
Class 1E seats are very common on international trains, for example Moscow-Berlin. Among the additional services provided by the company, passengers are under 24-hour security throughout the entire journey, monitoring the situation in the carriage using video monitors. The ticket price includes meals, drinks, a personal bathroom and the necessary hygiene kit.
The cost of a category 1E sleeping car on international trains is about 50 thousand. Depending on the season, the ticket price can vary from 50 to 80 thousand.
What does compartment SV 1B mean on a TKS train?
You already know what SV is, and the abbreviation TKS means that transportation can be carried out not only by Russian Railways, but also by a private Russian company - TransClassService, which has a license from the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and is distinguished by the highest quality of services.
SV 1B from TKS is a business class carriage. In addition to basic services, there are a number of additional ones:
- Extended meals (you will be provided with breakfast and dinner throughout the trip).
- A full set of hygiene items, including slippers.
- Tea, coffee, chocolate, mineral water are provided free of charge.
- The latest press, Wi-Fi, safe (access is provided via a magnetic card).
- You can power your laptop or phone using an individual outlet.
Such carriages are distinguished by an increased level of safety for passengers - there is constant video surveillance and 24-hour security.
Coupe 1B in a business class carriage from TKS
Buying 1B tickets from both Russian Railways and TKS has one feature - you need to buy a whole compartment, that is, all 2 seats.
Category 1E
This category is no different from the previous ones, the only difference is that the passenger buys only a berth, and not the entire compartment of the SV car. In this case, the passenger still has access to a wide range of services provided by the company’s employees. Of course, category 1E is great for those travelers who want to save a little on their ticket. This is an excellent option for traveling in comfort and at a reduced cost. Usually the number of seats in the SV carriage is more than enough. Perhaps no one will move in with you, because, as statistics show, such tariffs are in fairly low demand. This is what the SV car looks like inside.
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.
Category 1L
The simplest option among sleeping cars. Only a basic set of services is provided here, everything else is paid on the spot and at will. The only negative is the lack of a dry closet in the compartment.
Tickets for the SV carriage of different categories can be purchased at the Russian Railways ticket office at the station. Or on the company's official website. A photo of a simplified category SV car can be found below. Clean and comfortable.
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.
The downside is the high price, significantly higher than the cost of a plane ticket.
Interior of a soft carriage.
SV Russian Railways car inside
A standard SV carriage has 9 double compartments and two toilets throughout the entire carriage. As we have already mentioned, category 1L is not equipped with its own bathroom; here the main emphasis is on the limited number of passengers in the compartment. Some passengers sometimes buy an entire SV for one person in order to get maximum satisfaction from the trip. It is worth noting that such actions are much cheaper than buying a business class ticket (1B).
The toilet in the NE carriage is equipped with a hygienic film on the toilet seat and a separate faucet. The conductors try to maintain cleanliness and order throughout the journey, and are also very attentive and polite to their passengers. As you can see, this is not a luxury carriage, so when buying a ticket you should always pay attention to the diagram presented on the website.
Compartment carriage
This carriage usually has 32 or 36 seats. In a compartment, the lower seats are odd and the upper seats are even. The compartments are isolated from each other and are locked. The compartment has a mirror, a table, hangers and hooks for clothes, as well as a night lamp for each passenger. In a single-decker carriage you can sit freely on the top bunk in the compartment, but in a two-decker carriage it is uncomfortable because the ceiling is low. There is a niche under the ceiling for luggage (available only in single-deck carriages).
| designation | comfort | free services | transportation of animals |
| 2 E | air conditioner dry toilet | food and drinks traveler's kit (except for double-decker carriages) newspapers (except for double-decker carriages) bed linen | Yes |
| 2 T | air conditioner dry toilet | food and drinks traveler's kit (except for double-decker carriages) newspapers (except for double-decker carriages) bed linen | No |
| 2 B | air conditioning may not be a dry closet | food and drinks traveler's set press linens | Yes |
| 2 K | air conditioner dry toilet | bed sheets | Yes |
| 2 U | air conditioning may not be a dry closet | bed sheets | Yes |
| 2 F | air conditioner dry toilet | traveler's kit (except for double-decker carriages) press (except for double-decker carriages) bed linen | Yes |
| 2 X | air conditioner dry toilet | traveler's kit (except for double-decker carriages) press (except for double-decker carriages) bed linen | No |
| 2 C | air conditioner dry toilet | traveler's kit (except for double-decker carriages) press (except for double-decker carriages) bed linen | Yes |
| 2 N | there may be no air conditioning, dry closet | bed sheets | Yes |
| 2 L | there may be no air conditioning or dry closet | bed sheets | Yes |
| 2 D (tourist) - the carriage goes abroad | there may be no air conditioning or dry closet | bed sheets | No |
Why SV?
Russian railways offer their passengers to purchase tickets for any type of carriage, it all depends on their preference and price category. At the moment, all cars are divided into the following types:
- Sedentary.
- Reservation seat.
- Coupe.
- NE.
The sitting tariff implies traveling short distances; in such carriages it is impossible to move to a horizontal position and, accordingly, the provision of bed linen is not provided. From the inside, the carriage resembles the structure of an airplane cabin, since all the seats are arranged in two rows.
Reserved seats and coupes are the most common fares in Russia. Such carriages are designed for long-distance travel and are also equipped with sleeping places. The main difference between these tariffs is the presence of doors in the compartment and the absence of side shelves.
Why does SV win in absolutely all respects? This is an isolated space with soft and comfortable sleeping places, its own wardrobe and bathroom, as well as free access to the shower. Here you don’t have to stand in line waiting for a free outlet in the vestibule or wake up several hours before the train arrives at the station in order to get to the toilet before a line forms. For some travelers, reserved seat carriages can be a real challenge, causing a lot of inconvenience and a feeling of endless discomfort, at a time when a trip in an SV carriage will bring a lot of impressions and pleasure.
The only competitor that surpasses the sleeping car (SV) in terms of comfort is the luxury category. The compartments are several times larger in size, and also have their own bathroom with a vacuum toilet, a safe and a TV. This is a full-fledged mobile apartment in which every passenger can feel comfortable and safe.
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
Reviews
All passengers who have used the services of the SV carriage at least once were completely delighted. Russian Railways is a team of professionals whose job is to provide comfortable conditions throughout the journey. We remind you that the company does not limit its customers even in returning or exchanging tickets. You can always complete such a transaction directly at the Russian Railways ticket office or online if the purchase was made via the Internet.
RIC cars
On international trains (Moscow - Berlin, Moscow - Paris, etc.) there may be carriages of a fundamentally different layout - carriages of RIC size. They are divided into compartments, each of which can be double or triple.
- 2-seater RIC carriages are similar in terms of conditions and markings to luxury class carriages.
- 3-seater RIC cars (class 2I) are three-seater compartments with vertical shelves. There is an armchair and a washbasin. Bed linen is included in the ticket price.
The information is for reference only. If necessary, check with the carrier.
Trains and carriages. When purchasing a train ticket, please note that each carriage belongs to a particular class. They are designated as 2K, 2L, 1S, 3E, etc. The essence of the designation is to show the passenger the type of carriage (reserved seat, coupe, luxury, etc.) and an approximate list of services that should be provided in it.
The details depend on the carrier - each of them implies its own nuances by the class of the car. Most Russian trains are formed by the Federal Passenger Railway, and in general the principles are the same. Therefore, below the marking of wagons is explained according to the FPC standards with individual additions from other carriers.
Service tariffs for TKS JSC trains
serves branded long-distance trains, which offer an increased level of comfort service. These are comfort and business class carriages, in which there are several service tariffs depending on the list of services provided, the location of seats and the environment. When purchasing a ticket, you can choose a male, female or mixed compartment.
2U Comfort, 2L, 2T Economy TK – 4-seater coupes
Spacious 4-seater coupes, decorated in the company's bright red brand color. Ticket price includes:
- Food (except for 2L - there you need to pay extra for food);
- Vacuum toilet;
- Individual air conditioners in compartments;
- Linen sets;
- Set with toothbrush and soap;
- Newspaper;
- TV;
- Hygienic shower;
- Slippers;
- 220 Volt sockets;
- Transportation of animals (except 2T Economy TK).
Luxury SV carriages: 1B Business TK and 1T TKS
These carriages feature two-person compartments with lie-flat seats, accommodating a total of 16 to 18 people.
The list of amenities in each compartment includes:
- Wi-Fi;
- Dry toilet;
- Air conditioner;
- Food;
- TV;
- Kit for hygiene procedures;
- Linen;
- Newspapers;
- Transportation of pets;
- Sockets 220 Volt;
- Slippers.
In 1T TKS cars there is one common full-fledged shower, and in 1B there is only a hygienic one.
Reserved seat 3U
In this category there are open type carriages with berths ranging from 52 to 54. Passengers can count on a shared dry toilet, air conditioning, hygienic shower, sanitary package, and 220 Volt sockets. Guides can provide power for an additional fee.
Service classes on the Megapolis train from
Another private company on the list of Russian Railways carriers, formed in 2003. Its Megapolis train began operating in 2006. This is a train of new cars. The level of comfort corresponds to the branded Russian Railways trains.
The cars have two dry closets, an air conditioning system, electronic displays, a refrigerator and a microwave in the conductors' room. All passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi, receive blue and yellow linen, and wear branded slippers throughout the hallways.
Service classes are divided according to the type of carriages and the list of services provided.
Compartment carriages:
- 2H is the most basic tariff, providing a minimum set of amenities described above. The only thing worth noting is the lack of air conditioning in these carriages.
- 2U, 2L and 2K - a standard set of services with air conditioning.
- 2T – power is added here.
- 2E – the service package also includes a sanitary kit with a toothbrush, soap, toothpaste and napkins.
Features and differences of SV
Which trains have SV cars? On a branded train you can choose the type of carriage to suit your taste!
As part of branded trains, various types of carriages of recent years of construction run: with seats, reserved seats, compartments, MIKST, SV and Lux, as well as double-decker cars (with seats and sleepers), capable of satisfying the widest range of wishes and preferences of passengers including low-mobility passengers using a wheelchair.
SVs are like an intermediate step between regular coupes and “Lux”. How many seats are there in the St. car? And is there a shower in the carriage?
- The main difference between SV and a regular coupe is that they are designed for half the number of passengers . There are not four seats in one compartment, but two.
SVs are more comfortable inside ; most often they have LCD TVs and air conditioners, and the conductor is called by a special button.
If the ticket price includes meals, as on some routes, the conductor can bring it upon request.- The lamps are located not only on the ceiling , but also at the head of each of the berths, so that you can read without disturbing your neighbors.
- In some SV subtypes there is a toilet and shower in each compartment . Cleaning there is carried out much more often than in cheaper classes of service, including at the request of passengers.
- How are the seats arranged in the carriage? The seats for passengers in the SV are slightly different from the compartment ones; they are wider, more comfortable, and equipped with soft backs .
Below them are compartments for storing luggage. The table for food is also wider and more convenient; there are definitely hangers. Depending on the type and train, the compartment may have its own shower and toilet, safe, TV and other amenities. - The price, unfortunately, is also very different - usually it is twice the cost of a regular coupe.
Sometimes even Russian Railways employees call SV “Luxy”. But these are different types of cars, they have different markings, vary greatly in the level of comfort and service, and very much in price. Sleeping cars are not as comfortable as “Lux” cars.
The latter can carry much fewer passengers, from 8 to 12.
Instead of two sleeping shelves, the Suite is equipped with a lower sofa, which converts into a wide bed (120 cm), and an upper shelf a little less than a meter wide against one wall. The “Lux” also has a comfortable folding table and an easy chair.
Unlike “Lux”, travel in the SV does not guarantee that there will be a toilet and shower in each compartment , and the air conditioning will be turned on at the request of the passenger, and not centrally throughout the car.
Exterior view
All passenger compartments occupy one side and open onto a corridor that stretches along the wall of the car.
There are no seats in the corridor . There is a carpet on the floor, clean and beautiful curtains on the windows.
Inside view
A cozy interior has been created inside. Nice curtains made of curtain fabric, a tablecloth on the table, high backs of soft shelves .
Sometimes there is a mirror hanging on the wall.
An important nuance - all compartments in Russian Railways sleeping cars are divided into three categories - men's, women's and mixed.
If you are traveling alone, but do not want to buy neighboring seats, be sure to specify when purchasing a ticket where you want to go.
SV vs Lux car
How is the SV car different from the Lux car? The latter, albeit a little, still surpassed the SV classes in terms of comfort.
What is offered in the Lux:
- Large compartment area - 1.5 or 2 times;
- Bedroom;
- Comfortable bathroom with vacuum toilet and shower;
- Alcohol;
- Expanded hygiene kit;
- Mini bar;
- TV with DVD player.
Outsiders are prohibited from entering such carriages, so the appearance of random fellow travelers is completely excluded.
Now you know what a SV carriage means and you will be able to choose the most comfortable conditions for yourself. In addition, recently the management of Russian Railways has been actively practicing a system of discounts designed to increase the number of ticket sales.
For example, now you can get a 40% discount when purchasing tickets 2 months before departure.
The SV car on the train is one of the most comfortable offers from Russian Railways. Places of this type are characterized by increased comfort and, as a result, higher prices. Next, we will look at the features of this type of carriage.
What are SV type cars?
What is a SV on a Russian Railways train? According to the generally accepted formulation, it is a sleeping car consisting of nine one-, two- or three-seater compartments and designed to carry 18 passengers.
Its main characteristic feature is the increased level of comfort.
The first SV cars appeared back in 1867. Their inventor is the famous American engineer J. Pullman. It was he who first introduced to the public passenger seats that could turn into comfortable sun loungers.
Before this, all seats on trains were exclusively seated and, moreover, quite hard.
