Circum-Baikal Railway
A historic railway line hugging the shores of Lake Baikal, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into engineering marvels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, vibrant views
Circum-Baikal Railway
Best Time
Clear skies, vibrant views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic railway line hugging the shores of Lake Baikal, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into engineering marvels.
"A relaxing and amazing five-and-a-half-hour journey with spectacular views of Lake Baikal."
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible, especially from the train windows and during stops.
🥪 Pack Snacks & Drinks
While some tours offer meals, bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea for the long journey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tunnels and Stone Galleries
Along the railway route
Marvel at the impressive engineering of over 30 tunnels and stone galleries carved into the mountainside.
Panoramic Lake Baikal Views
From the train windows
Enjoy breathtaking, ever-changing vistas of the vast, icy expanse of Lake Baikal.
Historic Engineering Marvel
The entire railway line
Appreciate the scale and quality of construction of this historic railway, built over a century ago.
Port Baikal and Slyudyanka
Starting and ending points
Explore the charming port town of Port Baikal and the unique marble station in Slyudyanka.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Embrace the Journey's Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible, especially from the train windows and during stops. 
🥪 Pack Snacks & Drinks
While some tours offer meals, bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea for the long journey.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stops
The train makes several stops for photos. Wear comfortable shoes for short walks.
❄️ Winter Travel Gear
If traveling in winter, dress warmly and be prepared for icy conditions on the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible, especially from the train windows and during stops.
🥪 Pack Snacks & Drinks
While some tours offer meals, bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea for the long journey.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stops
The train makes several stops for photos. Wear comfortable shoes for short walks.
❄️ Winter Travel Gear
If traveling in winter, dress warmly and be prepared for icy conditions on the lake.
🗺️ Consider a Tour
Organized tours from Irkutsk often include transport to the ferry and train, making logistics easier.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Circum-Baikal Railway for its stunning natural beauty and impressive historical engineering. The journey offers breathtaking views of Lake Baikal and a chance to appreciate the scale of the old railway construction. Some find the long duration a bit tiring, and occasional delays can occur, but the overall experience is highly memorable.
"A relaxing and amazing five-and-a-half-hour journey in an eight-compartment coach, with seats that can be converted into beds, six passengers in an open compartment each. The large Baikal Lake on the right was covered with ice, with adventurers on four wheels or 🎿 or just walking. A sky glider was seen, too.
The excitement was the Sun and the Moon. We were simple, happy tourists, screaming (not very loud, though) at the appearance of the Sun or Moon after being blocked by the numearable tunnels, hill-sides, or dotting buildings along the coast. Similar disappointing sighs were heard each time the Sun or Moon was blocked.
The left side of the rail was ice-covered, with tall trees, stones, hills, and many beautiful buildings, some of which could be high-end resorts for peaceful resorts.
We were not bored as we had many personal, working and even natinalistic experiential stories to share; as travelling in a group with old and new buddies made ones forget about works, offices, and even homes."
Swee Hiang Poh
"Nice view to the lake. Monument is stanning"
Hannu Vähäkoski
"I was amazed by the scale and quality of construction of this road. The tunnels are huge, high, long, for two railway lines. On the outside of the tunnel wall there is a date 1903-1904. The road goes along the picturesque coast, cuts through the rocks... and is not used in any way. Only a tourist train goes along it."
Ирина Кучеренко
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors travel from Irkutsk. You can take a train or bus to Listvyanka, then a ferry to Port Baikal to board the Circum-Baikal Railway. Alternatively, some tours offer direct bus transport from Irkutsk to Listvyanka. The journey back from Slyudyanka to Irkutsk is typically by train.
The railway typically starts from Port Baikal and ends in Slyudyanka, or vice versa. Some tours may offer different boarding points.
Yes, the Circum-Baikal Railway operates in winter, offering a unique experience with frozen Lake Baikal. Be prepared for cold weather and icy conditions.
While you can drive to some points like Listvyanka or Slyudyanka, the railway itself is best experienced by train. Accessing the entire route by car is not feasible.
The full journey typically takes about 5.5 to 8 hours, depending on the route and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased through tour operators in Irkutsk or directly from the railway ticket offices if available. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, there are usually different seating options, often in open compartments with seats that convert to beds for overnight comfort, accommodating around six passengers. Some tours may offer private compartments.
Operating hours vary by season and specific train schedules. It's best to check the latest schedule when booking, as trains typically run during daylight hours.
The cost of the Circum-Baikal Railway is primarily the ticket price for the train journey. There isn't a separate admission fee for the railway itself.
While direct online booking might be limited, many tour operators in Irkutsk offer online booking for packages that include Circum-Baikal Railway tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular way is to take a day trip on one of the tourist trains, enjoying the views and stops. Some may opt for longer stays in Port Baikal or Slyudyanka.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Lake Baikal, rugged coastlines, mountains, forests, and impressive tunnels and stone galleries.
Absolutely! The Circum-Baikal Railway is a photographer's dream, with dramatic landscapes and historic structures. Stops provide ample time for capturing memorable shots.
At each stop, guides provide information about the local history and sights. You'll have time to disembark, take photos, and explore the immediate surroundings.
Accessibility can vary. While some trains may have accessible carriages, it's best to inquire with your tour operator or the railway company beforehand regarding specific accessibility features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some tours include meals, or you can order food with your tickets. However, many travelers prefer to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the journey.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed and recommended by many travelers to ensure you have your preferred options.
There are typically dining options available in Listvyanka, Port Baikal, and Slyudyanka, ranging from local cafes to restaurants, especially in tourist areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! Focus on the dramatic tunnels, the vastness of Lake Baikal, the rugged coastline, and the historic railway infrastructure. Stops offer unique angles.
Morning light often provides clear views of Lake Baikal, while late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour lighting. Winter offers unique photographic opportunities with snow and ice.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Some creators have used drones for aerial shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures.
Experiment with different perspectives from the train windows, during stops, and consider capturing the interplay of the train with the stunning natural scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep little ones happy throughout the journey. Consider booking a tour that includes transport from Irkutsk to simplify logistics. The slow pace of the train is also a plus, allowing for a more relaxed experience for families. Ensure children are supervised closely during stops, especially near the water's edge or on potentially uneven terrain.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Bring a variety of lenses, including wide-angle for sweeping vistas and telephoto for capturing details of the railway and distant shores. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or capturing the movement of the train. The changing light throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset (if your schedule allows), can create magical photographic moments. Don't forget to capture the unique engineering of the tunnels and stone galleries.
+1❄️ Winter Adventurers
Dress in multiple warm layers and ensure you have insulated footwear. The railway becomes a gateway to exploring the frozen lake, and some visitors combine the train journey with activities like ice skating or skiing. The visual contrast between the dark train, the white snow, and the deep blue of the ice is incredibly photogenic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Circum-Baikal Railway
Today, much of the original line is no longer part of the main Trans-Siberian route, having been bypassed by a tunnel. However, a significant portion, approximately 84 kilometers, has been preserved and operates as a tourist railway. This preserved section, running between Port Baikal and Slyudyanka, allows visitors to experience the grandeur of the original construction and the breathtaking scenery it traverses. The scale of the tunnels, some of which are over a kilometer long, and the intricate stonework are particularly awe-inspiring.
Travelers often express amazement at the quality and scale of construction, noting that the tunnels were built for double tracks, even though only a single line was ever laid. This foresight in engineering is a key highlight for many visitors. The railway's unique position along the picturesque coast of Lake Baikal, cutting through rocks and mountains, makes it a truly unforgettable journey.
Experiencing Lake Baikal from the Rails
+1During the warmer months, the lake is a brilliant blue, reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. In winter, it transforms into a massive ice sheet, often covered in a pristine layer of snow, creating a surreal and magical landscape. Adventurers can be seen on the ice, engaging in activities like skiing or driving on the frozen surface, adding another layer of visual interest. The journey is punctuated by frequent stops, allowing passengers to disembark and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty, taking photos and breathing in the crisp Siberian air.
Travelers often describe the experience as relaxing and amazing, with the slow pace of the train allowing for full appreciation of the scenery. The sight of the sun and moon appearing and disappearing as the train passes through tunnels or behind hills is a recurring theme in visitor accounts, adding a touch of wonder to the journey. The combination of the historic railway and the majestic natural beauty of Lake Baikal makes this a truly unique travel experience.
Winter Wonders on the Circum-Baikal Railway
Travelers who venture out in the colder months often speak of the dazzling whiteness and the unique thrill of seeing the lake frozen solid. It's a time when the railway becomes a gateway to exploring the frozen wonders of Baikal. While the views are different from summer, the sheer scale of the ice and the dramatic winter light provide incredible photographic opportunities. The tunnels, though less dramatic without the vibrant green of summer foliage, still offer a sense of historical intrigue.
For those seeking an adventure, winter on the Circum-Baikal Railway can be combined with activities on the ice, such as skiing or even ice driving. The experience is often described as exhilarating and unforgettable, offering a chance to witness the raw power and beauty of Siberia in its most elemental form.
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