Circum-Baikal Railway tour

Duration: 1 day 

Group: 1-30

Season: All the year round

Language: English, Chinese

Tour type: Rail Tour, Nature and Wildlife

Tour price: from 12000 rub per person

Circum-Baikal Railway tour

A comfortable train moves along Lake Baikal shore by the Old railroad through 39 tunnels and numerous bridges built during Tsarist Russia in 1902-1904.
The train stops at the most significant architectural sites and scenic viewpoints where you could take memorable photos.
On the Circum-Baikal Railway tour, you will discover old Baikal settlements, various tunnels, stone galleries, supporting walls, bridges, and viaducts.
The train stops along the way 3-5 times (depending on its schedule). The off-the-train excursion takes from 15 min to 1 hour. During the stop at Polovinnaya railway station (at 110km) you will be able to swim in the Baikal.

Two types of trains run along the Circum-Baikal Railway: Electric Train and Steam Locomotive Train.

Going on the tour bear in mind, that
– there are no shops or cafes along the way.
– not all coaches on the electric train have lavatories (there are only 4 bio-toilets in 7 coaches).
– you cannot charge your cell phone in the coaches.
– Internet and mobile connection may not work because of rocks (in some places there is no connection at all).

Special offers
1. Combine the Circum Baikal Railway Tour with Irkutsk tank tour and
 get a total of 20% off!
2. Combine the Circum Baikal Railway Tour with Full-day snowmobile tour and
 get a total of 10% off!
3. Combine the Circum Baikal Railway Tour with Dogsled ride and
 get a total of 10% off!

Schedule 2023

September: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
October: Saturday, Sunday
November: No tours
December: No tours

On Fri and Sun the train operates the route Irkutsk – Listvyanka – Port Baikal – Slyudyanka – Irkutsk
On Thu and Sat the train operates the route Irkutsk – Slyudyanka – Port Baikal – Listvyanka – Irkutsk

The trains have coaches of 1st and 2nd class.

 

The itinerary depends on the day of the week.

Option #1: Friday, Sunday
1. Transfer to Port Baikal: bus journey by the picturesque Baikal highway from the stop next to the Drama Theatre of Irkutsk (14, Karl Marx str.) to Listvyanka. Then ferry crossing to Port Baikal. It is possible to start the trip in Listvyanka. Thus, the ticket will be 250 rub cheaper.
2. A journey by the Circum-Baikal Railway with stops and excursions.
3. Arrival in Slyudyanka village, a 20-minute stop.
4. Departure for Irkutsk railway station.

Option #2: Thursday, Saturday
1. Departure from Irkutsk railway station for Slyudyanka village by train, a 30-minute stop. Slydanka is located 166 kilometers away from Irkutsk. The station’s building is constructed from white and pink marble and is a true piece of art.
2. A journey by the Circum-Baikal Railway with stops and excursions.
3. Arrival in Port Baikal.
4. Transfer to Irkutsk: ferry crossing to Listvyanka and bus journey by the picturesque Baikal highway to the stop next to the Drama Theater of Irkutsk (14, Karl Marx str.). It is possible to end the trip in Listvyanka. Thus, the ticket will be 250 rub cheaper.

You have to arrive at Irkutsk railway station or bus stop next the Drama theatre 20 minutes before the boarding and wait for the train/bus to arrive. For convenience, print out the “Кругобайкальский Экспресс” sign, the staff will tell you the directions or look for the staff with the same sign.

The train’s average speed is 20-30 km/h, so you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the lake to the fullest. The stops in the most interesting places (up to 1 hour) will give you the possibility to take a walk.

Departure and arrival points:

Time is approximate and subject to change!

Friday, Sunday: Departure at 08:00 from the Drama theatre*. The departure time is picked up automatically, when purchasing a ticket. Arrival at Irkutsk train station at 20:45 (End time varies and is announced on the eve of the tour).
Thursday, Saturday: at 07:45 from the railway station. Arrival at Kirov Square in Irkutsk at 18:30 (End time varies and is announced on the eve of the tour).

* – 14 Karl Marx str., Irkutsk (Rus: ул. Карла Маркса, 14)

Train description:

All coaches have screens showing a video about Baikal in three languages: Russian, English, and Chinese.
The train consists of coaches of two comfort classes:
The 1st class: soft armchairs are arranged in pairs in front of each other around the table with a panoramic view of the natural landscape and Lake Baikal.
The 2nd class: soft armchairs are arranged in pairs and by three seats one after another (as in an aircraft) with tip-up tables.

 

Price of the Circum-Baikal Railway tour by electric train:

Regular route:

1st class: 18000 13000 rub per person

2nd class: 17000 12500 rub per person

The price includes:

– Transfer (ferry, bus)
– Train ride
– Excursions during the train stops (Russian language)

The price does not include:
– Surcharge for a seat with a lakeside view – 1000 rub.
– Transfer from your hotel to a departure point. Price from 3000 rub
– English-speaking guide. Guide services for the whole tour day cost 10000 rub.
– Excess baggage fees (for over 30x40x50): 600 rub.
– Meals:
 1. Breakfast: from 400 rub
 2. Lunch: from 1000 rub
 3. Dinner: from 1000 rub

 

The Circum-Baikal Railway tour by boat 

There are two options of the boat tour. The options are different in duration, number of stops and price. Besides, they available in different months.

 

Option 1: May 1 – May 30

Description of the Circum-Baikal Railway tour by boat (option 1):
8:30 Departure by bus from the stop next to the Drama Theatre of Irkutsk (14, Karl Marx str.)
10:00 Boarding a ship in Listvyanka
10:00-14:00 Boat trip along the coast and the Circum-Baikal Railway.
The ship goes to Cape Tolsty, and then it follows in the opposite direction. A stop and a short walk to the tunnel (1,2 km).
14:00 Arrival in Listvyanka. Boarding a bus. A visit to a fish market on the way to Irkutsk.
16:00-17:00 Arrival in Irkutsk.

Schedule 2024 (to be confirmed)
May 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26

Price of the Circum-Baikal Railway tour by boat (option 1): 12000 rub.

The price includes:
– Transfer by bus Irkutsk-Listvyanka (round trip)
– Boat trip
– Excursion during the train stop (Russian language)

The price does not include:
– Transfer from your hotel to a departure point. Price 3000 rub (English-speaking attendant, taxi)
– English-speaking guide. Guide services for the whole tour day cost 10000 rub.
– Lunch on the ship: 1000 rub

 

Option 2: July-September

Description of the Circum-Baikal Railway tour by boat (option 2):
10:30 – Boarding the ship in Irkutsk and transfer to Listvyanka
11:50 – Boarding the ship in Listvyanka
12:30-13:15 – Arrival at the cape Tolstiy and walking tour
13:30-14:15 – Arrival in Shumikha village and walking tour
14:30-17:00 – Arrival at the cape Polovinniy and walking tour
18:20 – Arrival in Listvyanka
19:40 – Arrival in Irkutsk

Schedule 2024
July: Thursday and Saturday
August: Thursday and Saturday

Price of the Circum-Baikal Railway tour by boat (option 2): 12000 rub

 

The price includes:
– Boat trip
– Excursiones during the stops (Russian language)
– Lunch box (Sandwich with chicken and vegetables, Fruit (apple or banana), Muffins, Water, Tea)

The price does not include:
– Transfer from your hotel to a departure point. Price 3000 rub (English-speaking attendant, taxi)
– English-speaking guide. Guide services for the whole tour day cost 10000 rub

Special offers
1. Combine the Circum Baikal Railway Tour with Irkutsk tank tour and
 get a total of 20% off!
2. Combine the Circum Baikal Railway Tour with Full-day snowmobile tour and
 get a total of 10% off!
3. Combine the Circum Baikal Railway Tour with Dogsled ride and
 get a total of 10% off!

Other Baikal tours:

Explore the Circum Baikal Railway more thoroughly with the Baikal Railway Walking Tour. Walk through the old tunnels and visit the most significant structures of the Baikal Railway.

If you’re looking for something unique, book Baikal Ice Yachting, luxury and adrenaline-fuelled experience! Sail an ice boat over Siberian lake Baikal.

Book the Dogsled Tour along the Circum-Baikal Railway and enjoy working with powerful Baikal huskies, the beauty of the Baikal’s winter nature, and the architectural monuments of the Circum-Baikal Railway.

Whatever route of the Full-day snowmobile tour you choose, either through taiga or over the frozen surface of the lake, make sure you’ve got your camera with you because the views are breathtaking!

Want to see the Circum-Baikal Railway in winter but afraid of riding over the frozen lake? Take a the tour by hovercraft and enjoy winter views of the Circum-Baikal Railway from its warm and comfortable cabin.

When you are in the Lake Baikal region you can have the unique opportunity to visit a Shaman in Ust-Orda village or on Olkhon Island. You’ll be able to ask the Shaman all your questions and take part in the rituals of Shamanism.

On the Baikal Helicopter tour, you will see the unforgettable Baikal landscapes and the Circum-Baikal railway from a bird’s-eye view.

One-day Fishing trip on Lake Baikal give you a chance to spend a day enjoying the stunning beauty of the Baikal’s nature and experience the excitement of fishing.

Looking for an itinerary for a One-day tour to Olkhon island? It is impossible to see all of Olkhon in one day, but a day trip can be fun and rewarding.

A Real Icy Banya! Such an exotic place actually exists and is located on the shore of Lake Baikal.

Winter tour to Maloye Morye and Olkhon Island. During the trip, you will see landmarks that are not available in any seasons except winter.

On the Baikal Caves tour you will explore several caves and admire their spacious halls and narrow passages, stalactites and stalagmites, crystals of ice and corallites. Most of Baikal caves are even older than the lake!

Spend your vacation in the Floating hotel “Ecotur” which is located in Chivyrkuysky Bay, the most magnificent bay of Lake Baikal.

“Around the Baikal” tour.  During this boat tour, you will travel by a variety of water vehicles watching slowly changing landscapes or getting adrenaline rafting the fast mountain rivers.

Hot Springs Arshan tour.A real fairy tale awaits you on the Arshan tour! Down caps of treetops, blue, green, black, white ice of Lake Baikal, sun, walk along the lake on foot and by car, hot springs with amazing views of the majestic snow peaks bring resemblance to the Swiss Alps and Tibet at the glance of a globe rover.

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