Russian Railways eyes 2027 launch for tourist trains to China

Russian Railways may introduce tourist train services to China by 2027. The company has begun evaluating the feasibility of the new route. Officials have already outlined key criteria for its success. Ivan Kolesnikov, deputy CEO of Russian Railways, announced the potential project at the Travel! forum. The company currently runs tourist trains to Belarus, Abkhazia, and North Korea.

Andrey Nikitin, head of Russia’s Transport Ministry, stressed that any new international route must prove economically viable. Passenger demand will also play a deciding role in the plans. Russian Railways aims to finalise details for the China service as early as next year. The proposed route will be assessed on financial and practical grounds. If approved, it could expand Russia’s tourist rail network significantly. Final decisions are expected in the coming months.