Irkutsk Transportation

Although I did not try any other way, I think the best way to get to travel around Russia is by rail! First, it is the most common way of Russians to travel; Secondly it is quite cheap (we payed about US$100 for Moscow - Ulan-Ude (further than Irkutsk) - Moscow including all supplements) and Thirdly is a lot of fun and very relaxing. Of course you need to take some time - we travelled 4 weeks from Berlin to Ulan-Ude and back. We bought all our tickets on the way exept Moscow-Ekaterinburg and proved that it is possible to all Russians who warned us. Ok, it is not always easy to get tickets. You should keep in mind the following:
1)It is mostly impossible to buy a ticket for a train not leaving the place where you just are (we managed once)
2)Come as early as possible (two days ahead is fine), do not expect to get a ticket just before the train leaves
3)Have somebody with you who knows at least some Russian
4)Take cheaper trains (numbers greater than 100), they are stopping more often, but are also very nice
5)Be prepared to change your plans if you do not get tickets for the train you want
6)Always have all passports with you.

We always took coupe, a four-bed compartment, there is also luxe (two beds, more expensive) and platzkarta (a lot of beds in one car, no walls in between, quite noisy and crowded, we never took it).

In every car there is a boiling water supply for tea which is free of charge and two toilets (no showers), your compartment can be safely locked from inside and is a pleasent place to be. You have four beds at all times, two on each side, and you can comfortably sit on the lower ones using the table in between for food and games.

Every few houres the train stops for 20 minutes and you can walk around a bit and buy all kinds of food from the locals very cheap - so don't take too much food besides tea on your journey.

We felt so much at home after some time that we were dissapointed when a 27 hour ride was over!
To go from Irkutsk to Lake Baikal you should take the Boat (hydrofoil), it is cheaper and faster and more fun than the bus. You have to get to the hidrofoil terminal (I think Bus #16)

Irkutsk Hotels

Irkutsk Transportation

Visiting Irkutsk?

Visiting Irkutsk?

Irkutsk Hotels