Irkutsk, Irkutsk Region to Beijing, Beijing Municipality from €89: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard Services: On the train journey from Irkutsk to Beijing, you will find catering services offering a variety of meals. Options typically include Russian and Chinese cuisine, along with vegetarian choices. Meals are served at your seat, and a menu is usually provided onboard. Be sure to bring cash in rubles or yuans as some services might not accept cards.

• Seating Options: The train operators for this route, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Mongolian Railway, provide several seating options. First Class cabins are spacious with two berths, offering privacy and comfort, while Business Class has four berths in each compartment, providing a balance between cost and comfort. Economy Class, which is more affordable, has six berths in a compartment; it’s best for those looking to save money but still enjoy the journey.

• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at Beijing West Railway Station, you can leave luggage at the left luggage office located in the station. This area typically operates from early morning until late evening. Additionally, restrooms are available, but showers are not provided. It’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the layout of the station using available station maps to navigate easily.

• Fastest Way to City Center: From Beijing West Railway Station, the fastest way to reach the city center is via the Beijing Subway Line 7. Take Line 7 (the purple line) and transfer at the interchange station to Line 1 (the red line) which goes towards Tiananmen Square, a central location for tourists. Buses are also available, but they can be slower depending on traffic.