Uzbekistan High-Speed Train Ride from Tashkent to Samarkand

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Rainy Uzbekistan
May 31 to June 01, 2019

Introduction, Planning and Full Itinerary for Uzbekistan Solo Trip 2019

Who would know that Uzbekistan has a bullet train that can reach 230 km/hr speed :)

Day 1: May 31, 2019 Friday
0230H ETA Tashkent UTC +0500H; immigration check-in
money exchange; $1 = 8,460 UZS $90=761,500; Cappucino Choco / water 7,000
walk to Tashkent Pass Centre (Central Train Station)
VIP Seat bullet train ticket to Samarkand 204,000
Ordinary Seat regular train ticket back to Tashkent 126,000
0728H ETD Tashkent; train 762
0942H ETA Samarkand; bus #3 to Registan 1,300
Registan (Madrasah)  40,000; Uzbek dumpling meal 32,000
Fridge magnet / shirt souvenirs 70,000; Bibi-Khanym Mosque 25,000
Shah-i-Zinda, Bazaar (strong rain occured); taxi to Train Station 20,000; Noodles 20,000
1846H ETD Samarkand
2213H ETA Tashkent South Railway; Hotdog meal 19,000
walk to Hostel; Sunrise Caravan Stay 85,000; midnight snacks 23,000
SubTotal: 672,000  UZS

Uzbekistan has bullet train :) the usual travel time of 4 hours will become 2.15 hours for only $24 from Tashkent to Samarkand #tashkent #samarkand #uzbekistan #bullettrain
With max speed of 230km/hr and ON TIME departure / arrival #tashkent #samarkand #uzbekistan #bullettrain

Uzbekistan Bullet Train Ride from Tashkent to Samarkand (Registan)

Trans-Siberia Train Ride; Moscow to Vladivostok in 6 Days (7 Time Zones)

12 Days Solo Backpacking in Summer Russia (Trans-Siberia Train Ride)

August 25 to September 05, 2017

How to Apply for Russia Tourist Visa

"Trans-Siberian is not just a railway, it’s an experience, a condensed version of life in somewhat extreme but comfortable and even amazing setting. That’s why TransSib is something people want to do at least once in their life: it’s comparable to climbing a mountain or going to a meditation retreat. Except that in the case of Trans-Siberian railway the adventure is aided by infrastructure, it also has several degrees of comfort (a brief hello from capitalism), and is not a solitary but a truly collective experience – a very 21-st century way of engaging into a spiritual quest. "
http://waytorussia.net/TransSiberian/Intro.html

Important Note: If you make the Trans-Siberian route by train and sleep on it, the train ticket would be equivalent to the visa registration (always keep your ticket in handy).

Trans-Siberia Train Ride Tips before and during the Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey;
http://waytorussia.net/TransSiberian/Intro.html
http://budgettravelrussia.com/Trans-Siberia/TransSiberia.html
https://russiau.com/organizing-trans-siberian-train-trip/

Where to Book the Cheapest Ticket of your Trans-Siberia Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey;
http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/ru

In my case, evening upon confirmation of my Russia tourist visa, I booked my one-way non-stop ride ticket from Moscow to Vladivostok (6 straight days) which was around 2 weeks before the Moscow departure. The available open slot in 3rd class was only 11 (1 on lower which I availed), 5 open slot in 2nd class while 2 in 1st class (summer season is peak season).

Trans-Siberia Train Ride; Moscow to Vladivostok  in 6 Days (train stop)

China Train Ride Experience during Lunar New Year Week

7 Days Solo Trip Revisiting Winter Mainland China

February 20 to 26, 2015

Zhangjiajie Tour last part; Tianmen Mountain's other Scenic Area

I booked and paid all my train rides during this 7-days trip via walked-in only because online booking has additional commission plus requirement of hotel address where it has be delivered. Moreover, my ultimate reason was all of my preferred schedule was fully booked/not available on just a month preparation before the flight date. Even so, this was also what I did on my 1st visit last January 2013, booking directly in ticket office.

DESTINATION: Beijing to Harbin Train #2265 285CNY($46) 18hr30min overnight ride (Feb20, hard sleeper)
REMARKS: booked during Beijing Airport Terminal 3 transit. No wifi, no electric outlet, with central toilet, personal pillow and comforter.

DESTINATION: Changsha to Zhangjiajie 54.5CNY($9) Train #536 5hr30min morning ride (Feb23, ordinary seat)
REMARKS: booked during the day and time of departure. No wifi, no electric outlet, with central toilet, crowdy, lots of baggage in aisle. 

DESTINATION: Zhangjiajie to Beijing Train #536 229CNY($37) 26hr overnight ride (Feb24, standing no seat)

REMARKS: booked in Beijing Railway Station before Harbin departure. No wifi, no electric outlet, with central toilet, crowdy, lots of baggage in aisle.

China Train Ride Experience during Lunar New Year Week (Beijing to Harbin)

Crossborder Train Ride from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Beijing, China

4 Days Self-guided Solo Trip in Winter Mongolia

February 16 to February 19, 2015

Ulaanbaatar City Tour last Part; going to Central Area

I did not booked in advance because I doubt the online booking process plus the fact that winter season is off-peak, seat/sleeper slot is not a problem. Even though I know this will be one of the requirements in Ulaanbaatar Airport immigration, I will just tell them that I will be buying my ticket immediately.

Transmongolia train is probably the best way to experience something of the communist time, even if it has evolved a bit since then. The railway network is poor, consisting mainly in the Irkutsk-Beijing trans-mongolian way with a few extensions. The rolling stock consist of 30–40 years old Soviet cars. Trains are extremely slow. They usually leave on time, and arrive on time or less than 20 min late. Mongolian trains are cheap, even in comparison with Russian and Chinese trains. You pay an extra fee if you book in advance, no extra charge if bought in train ticket office. Passport is required to buy a ticket.

I bought my ticket immediately upon arrival coming from Ulaanbaatar airport. Train ticket office is just infront of Ulaanbaatar train station, office hours of 0900-1700 daily. Departed exactly on time. I availed the 2nd class sleeper type, 4 pax per cabin, room temp around 28'C. With outlet rounded plug, television, reading light, blanket, pillow, bedsheets, coffee and tea. No food selling, pack snacks is a must. We arrived in the Mongolia border at 1850H per schedule. Roaming Immigration Officer requested to hand-over passport, I just stayed inside the train cabin. Around 2030H, we left the border.

Travel time is 28.5 hours for train #24 during winter season with the following timings;

FEBRUARY 19 THURSDAY (2015 LUNAR NEW YEAR)

0715H ETD ULAANBAATAR TRAIN STATION (UTC +0800H)

1850H ETA MONGOLIA BORDER

2100H ETA CHINA BORDER

FEBRUARY 20 FRIDAY

0930H BRUNCH SOLD INSIDE TRAIN

1145H ETA BEIJING RAILWAY STATION (UTC +0800H)  
 

To know more about the updated Mongolia local and international train schedule and fares...

https://eticket.ubtz.mn/en/user_us.php 

Crossborder Train Ride from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Beijing, China (Soviet cars)

Selcuk last part; Temple of Artemis & Train to Pamukkale

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Selcuk 1st part; Strolling the Ancient City of Ephesus

How to go to Temple of Artemis;
Upon exiting the Ephesus Archeological Site, minibus passed the main road regularly on almost every 30min interval. Temple of Artemis passes by on the way going back to Selcuk train station, same fare of 2.5TRY($1.2). Travel time from Ephesus Archeological site to Temple of Artemis is less than 5 minutes only, can be walk but that time there was a scorching heat of the sun. No entrance fee for the Temple of Artemis. Photography and video taking is permitted inside, monopod and tripod also is allowed.

DAILY TRAIN SCHEDULE FROM IZMIR, SELCUK AND DENIZLI 
Izmir Airport to Selcuk (4.75TRY=$2.26) for an 1-hr travel time
08.06  -  09.21  -  11.45  -  13.51  -  16.02  -  16.54  -  18.37  -  19.30
Selcuk to Izmir Airport (4.75TRY=$2.26) for an 1-hr travel time
06.49  -  07.22  -  09.00  -  11.28  -  15.53  -  17.58  -  19.32  -  20.44
Selcuk to Denizli (Pamukkale) (15.75TRY=$7.5) for a 3-hrs travel time
09.01  -  10.18  -  12.39  -  14.43  -  17.05  -  17.57  -  19.33  -  20.43
Denizli (Pamukkale) to Selcuk (15.75TRY=$7.5) for a 3-hrs travel time
04.20  -  05.45    -   08.20    -  12.50  -  14.50  -   17.15

The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was famous for its Temple of Artemis, which was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple also known less precisely as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only foundations and sculptural fragments of the latest of the temples at the site remain.

Turkish train from Izmir to Denizli, passing by Selcuk

Casablanca Tour 1st part; Train trip from Marrakesh

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour last part; going back to Marrakesh

I booked my ticket a day before my intended schedule. From Jemaa Square, I took bus #8 going to Marrakesh train station which has around 15 minutes travel time, fare costs only 4MAD ($0.50). I chose 0655H Marrakesh departure arriving in Casablanca Casa Voyageour train station at 1010H, a 3 hours travel time with no stops. Train departure from Marrakesh has every 2 hours interval, fare costs 90MAD ($11.11) for 2nd class seat.

Rail transport in Morocco is operated by the ONCF. The main network for passenger-transport consists of a North-South link from Tangier via Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech and this N/S link interconnects with the East-West connection linking Oujda in the East via Fes to Rabat. Major destinatioons currently not (yet) linked by rail are often served by Supratours, a bus company operated by the ONCF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Morocco

Morocco train ride from Marrakesh to Casablanca

Train Travel Experience and Tips in Central Europe last part

France-Switzerland-Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Italy
October 10 to November 02, 2013

Train travel experience and tips in roaming Central Europe 1st part

NETHERLANDS (HISPEED)
- booked tickets were Brussels to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Cologne, both valid only on booked date but open time.
- no power outlet, no upper bank and no wifi onboard. Seats are comfortable, even the toilet.
- IC train bound to Amsterdam was stopped to more than 1hr due to technical problems
- though I booked in Hispeed website, most trains assigned were not their owned.
- my supposed to be night train sked from Amsterdam to Cologne has stopover of more than 5hrs in the middle of the night. Thus, sleeping outside station again.

GERMANY (DBAHN)
- booked tickets were all domestic trips (Cologne to Hamburg, Hamburg to Berlin, Berlin to Fussen and Fussen to Munich)
- credit card is required to show on inspector onboard together with print-out eticket
- no power outlet, no upper bankand no wifi onboard
- train seats are less comfortable compared to the SNCF, SBAHN and HISPEED.
- no english translation onboard audio announcements
- mini led display for the route reservation on that particular seat. If none indicated, these means that seat is open to anyone.
- no human/machine inspector for the metro tickets. When I purchased my ticket to a vendo, there is only one small validation machine nearby the platform. 
- Tickets bought are valid only on the date and time it was purchased. All details are included in the online eticket, ensure you understand accordingly.
- Berlin to Augsburg stop-over was delayed by 30mins, good thing the stop-over duration is 35mins so I still have time to analyze the station on the next destination.
- very stunning vivid meadow views on the left side of the train from Augsburg to Fussen, prepare your camera.
- in Munich, I have a sudden changed of plan due to boredom. I bought Bayern Bohmen ticket for 25 Euro which entitles for 1day unlimited ride in Bavarian region (RE/RB/CN trains only). I went for a short visit in Nunsberg. This is very, very economical knowing that I can immediately hop to any trains I want despite of peak periods.
- no wifi onboard and no 220v outlet. Trains are comfortable, even the toilet.

Czech Republic (CD) Train

Train Travel Experience and Tips in Central Europe 1st part

France-Switzerland-Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Italy
October 10 to November 02, 2013

Vatican city last part; 551 steps up to St. Peter's Basilica Dome

Total train ticket fare cost was more than $1,100 for all schedule types. Route included was Paris-Marseilles-Lyon-Geneva-Bern-Lucerne-Luxembourg-Brussels-Amsterdam-Cologne-Hamburg-Berlin-Fussen-Munich-Prague-Vienna-Salzburg-Deichtstein-Venice-Milan-Florence-Pisa-Rome.

I have soft copies of all booked tickets on my mobile phone in case the barcode of print-out hardcopy I brought is unreadable. Usually 2nd class are free seating assignment especially on off-peak timings, whether in upper or lower deck. I always double confirm the ride by looking again on print-out ticket, bulletin board, section letter, class type, led monitor on the body of the train and inside, transfer station, route and seat allocation (if applicable). As what happened to me, I ignore the route allocation, I just hopped in. A fine of 3Chf has been charged (current ticket price subtracted by purchased ticket).

For every train station I arrived, I went first on the departure timings bulletin board (yellow paper posted inside anywhere) to confirm my next destination. Then, if there's a query or doubt, I went to Train Information Desk. Afterwards I went to Tourist Info Office and grab a free city map. I usually start my journey by navigating the hostel first, leave bag then begin the tour. If no hostel, go to train station locker area then proceed to city tour.
Book train tickets online as early as possible, price treatment is almost the same with plane tickets. The later purchase, the expensive. I did not buy Euro Rail Pass due to following;

1. Around 585 Euro ($761) 1st class only offered for solo traveler plus $25 delivery charge.
2. Limited slots for all train though hop-in anytime
3. There are some promo fares offered on respective train companies.
4. Seat reservation is not included
5. I have almost less than 2 weeks before my flight departure when I received my visa. Home delivery has 7days minimum.
6. Most of the travel online forum suggested to book tickets as early on respective train companies, they do not recommend to buy Europass.
7. Its not clear whether the peak timings and night trains are ALL included in Europass
8. The main reason; I am not sure if this more than 30 days vacation shall be approved because of complications and operational requirements at work.

France (SNCF) train

Train Travel from Cairo to Aswan

fearless 4.5 days DIY eid season solo trip to Egypt

october 25-29, 2012 thursday to monday

a dream come true on pyramids of giza

After finishing the major landmarks of Cairo, I went back to Ramsis Railway Station for an impromptu booking to Aswan, southern part of Egypt. I was told day before that sleeper trains are fully booked up to 1st week of November. If I really want to pursue my preferred schedule, just ride the train and find my luck there as chance passenger. Aswan train travel time from Cairo will took 14 hours, probably my longest train escapade since I've been to this kind of transportation.

It is important to book train ticket in advance, at most 2 weeks before the preferred date.
For train booking for ordinary passenger is via ....
https://enr.gov.eg/ticketing/public/smartSearch.jsf

For sleeper couch usually for tourist is via ....
http://www.wataniasleepingtrains.com/Watania/Price_list_%26_Schedule.html

Ramsis railway station has a lobby that looks like you are somewhere in France, with small pyramid in the center and inverted on the ceiling. Platforms that serve northern part (alexandria, etc) are on #1-7 which is on the left side of the lobby while for the southern part (luxor, aswan) is straight ahead, platforms #8-11. Ticketing office is on the side of platform #11, entering through underpass from platform #8.

ramsis railway station main lobby

India Train Experience and Tips

solo traveling new delhi - jaipur - agra (india) in 1.5 days

may 18-19, 2012 friday to saturday

India train booking without local mobile number

Railway experience has never been this incredible. Control yourself to get on your nerves or else you may not accomplished a true India travel without finding yourself having joyride on this famous Indian-style mode of transportation. The following is based on Pinoy-style observation, no offense for whatever impact would it had be.

1. book your seat in advance (important) - this is very, very critical and as much as possible maximize the 120 days (4 months) allowance before the travel date. As for mine, I booked and confirmed all my 3 train tickets last April 23, 2012 which was less than a month before my travel date. All of them were wait listed status so I don't know yet what will happen next if on the date itself the tickets is still on the same status. The thought of how long will I wait, do I have to force myself in or wait for another departure is playing in my mind after booking. Wait, I cannot afford that because I have only 1.5 days and train travel took 3-6 hours depending on the stops. confirmed seat slot is essential. Here were the status of that 3 tickets I booked from the date of purchase up to travel date;

new delhi old station going to jaipur

India Train Bookings from Abroad without Local Mobile Number

solo traveling new delhi - jaipur - agra (india) in 1.5 days

may 18-19, 2012 friday to saturday

Incredible India solo backpacking in 1.5 days

As of April 2012, India local mobile number is required for processing all train bookings abroad or for any tourist coming outside India. The following updated procedure tells how to book online without actually having it;

1. create an account in IRCTC:

- makemytrip.com and cleartrip.com has a tied agreement to India Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to avoid illegal selling of train tickets. After filling up everything required (with asterisk) just put any 6-digit number for ZIP CODE and any 10 digit india formatted number for mobile number (example: 834949****, this was my random number used, you may used it replacing the last 4 asterisk. Incorrect format will put your email account to junk status. Thus, you have to create new one with another email). Then click SUBMIT. An email from IRCTC will be received from your email within 10mins stating your one-time passwords (OTP) for log-in and email. The third one is Mobile OTP which will be received via SMS on mandatory indian mobile number (with country code starting with 91). Don't worry there is a reliable alternative for this method if you really don't have any local sim card or Indian friend to help you.

registering in IRCTC website

Dammam to Riyadh Train Travel in the Afternoon

solo flashpack sightseeing the sands
october 25, 2011 tuesday

Riyadh to Dammam train trip in the morning

address in dammam;

Dammam, 'Abd Allah Fouad District, ibn Sina St., west of Dammam Housing Complex on Dammam-Khobar highway.
The station is open 24 hours.

train trip schedules from riyadh city to dammam city;
Train   Dammam   Riyadh    
1          05:22       09:58
3          09:32      14:28
5         12:32       17:18
7         15:22       20:08
9         19:28       00:14

train ticket fares (riyal);
Dammam–Riyadh       Full Ticket Half Ticket     Infant
Al-Rehab Class             130              65             13
Al-Taleaa Class              75               38              8
Al-Qafilah Class            60               30             6

saudi railway at dammam station

Riyadh to Dammam Solo Train Trip in the Morning

solo flashpack sightseeing the sands
october 25, 2011 tuesday

The idea of constructing a railway line in Saudi Arabia was first introduced in the mid 1940s, when a need became apparent for a port on the Gulf coast to handle materials dispatched to The Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco). In the beginning, the railway line was run by Aramco, but it was subsequently entrusted to the Ministry of Finance, at which time it was known as the Railway Department. On the 13th of May, 1966, a Royal Decree was issued establishing the Saudi Railways Organization as a public corporation having full legal status.
source: http://www.saudirailways.org

saudi railway e-ticket

saudi railway Al Qafilah section

New PNR Bicol Express Train Escapade

feeling the new transpo trip for the 1st time
September 09-11, 2011

The Philippine National Railways (Pambansang Daangbakal ng Pilipinas), commonly abbreviated as PNR, is a state-owned railway operating an extensive railway line on the island of Luzon. As of 2010, it operates two commuter rail services in Metro Manila and the Bicol Region. The commuter line in Metro Manila is part of the Strong Republic Transit System and is referred to as the Orange Line.

After resuming its operation last june 09, 2011 and suspended last july due to continuous heavy rains, finally it was officially announced last september 05, 2011 that the PNR bicol express trip (from tutuban station to naga station) will  start its operation again. in fact, it will be better than ever, differences tallied as follows;

PNR tutuban station

Malaysia Day Tour last part (KL Tower and Batu Cave)

quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
january 19-22, 2011 thursday to saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.

additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

what a 2-days trip in singapore-malaysia!

singapore morning rush 1st part (merlion & the flyer)

singapore morning rush last part (mbs skypark)

singapore afternoon adventure 1st part (uss)

singapore afternoon adventure last part (g-max)

malaysia day tour 1st part (petronas twin towers)

(2) kuala lumpur tower

The Kuala Lumpur Tower is a tall tower located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its construction was finished in 1995. It is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft), which currently makes it the second tallest freestanding tower in the world. The roof of the pod is at 335 m (1,099 ft). The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant, providing diners a panoramic view of the city. Races (vertical marathon) are organized yearly where participants race up the stairs to the top. The tower also acts as the Islamic falak observatory to observe the crescent moon which marks the beginning of Muslim month of Ramadhan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah, to celebrate fasting month of Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha. The tower is the landmark of Kuala Lumpur with nearby Petronas Towers.

entering the kuala lumpur tower viewing deck

Kanchanaburi Rail Solo Trip

my 1st solo international backpacking (bangkok-kanchanaburi-ayutthaya)
June 4-8, 2010 friday to tuesday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional tasks: to witness the wonders of there architectural ruins and experience the thrill of 1st lone traveling abroad

thailand, beginning of my travel addictiveness
day 1: bangkok temple trip

continued...

DAY TWO:
KANCHANABURI RAIL TRIP

Woke-up 530am, check-out on my guest house then went to hua lampong train station by foot for 10 mins. Around 0640H, the train moves, start of excursion trip, goodbye bangkok for a moment.

hua lampong station

hua lampong station trains bound to kanchanaburi

inside the hua lampong station checking the train departure times