The Ministry of Transport of Russia has approved specialized rules for tourist railway transportation — they come into force on March 1, 2026. Before that, such trains did not have a separate regulatory framework. The rules for regular long-distance trains and commuter trains remain the same, the agency emphasized.
The document covers the purchase and return of tickets, boarding, excursion programs, themed carriages, and onboard behavior. The rules apply to retro and cruise trains, and themed trains on special routes. Tickets for them can be purchased as part of a tour through a tour operator, or separately — just for travel.
Among the notable rules is the possibility for a late passenger to catch up with the train at the next stop and continue the journey on their ticket. The cost for the section already traveled without them is not refunded.
However, if the passenger decides to disembark earlier than the final destination, it will not be possible to travel on the same ticket on a similar tourist train along this route. An exception is a forced exit due to the need for medical assistance: in this case, the cost of the remaining part of the trip is refunded minus a number of fees. The use of musical instruments and sound amplification equipment is allowed in agreement with the conductor.
Russian Railways currently operates 120 tourist routes — 77 long-distance and 43 suburban — in 52 regions of the country.
