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Connection between Moscow and St. Petersburg remains popular.

Russian Railways carried 6, 463,000 among passengers between Moscow and St. Petersburg in 2008, 5.5% more than in 2007.

About 54% of passengers travelled on our branded trains, but our express trains were also very popular. For example, in 2008, Trains Nos. 159/160 Aurora, 165/166 Nevsky Express and 167/168 ER-200 were used by more than 740,000 people.

Travel times currently vary between 4½ to 5½ hours, but reducing them still further is one of the goals of the Strategy for the Development of Rail Transport in Russia until 2030. The Moscow - St. Petersburg connection will be the first test route in Russia to develop and offer high-speed train services.

This year, Russian Railways plans to begin operating the Sapsan high-speed train made by Siemens between Moscow and St. Petersburg . The electrically-powered Sapsan can carry more than 600 passengers and is capable of reaching speeds of 250 kph, enabling it to cover the route in just 3¾ hours.

The first Sapsan was presented on 26 December 2008 in St. Petersburg.