Travelers looking for budget-friendly weekend getaways from Moscow can take advantage of discounted train tickets in August to explore historical cities and natural attractions. According to Yandex Travel, train travel is generally cheaper this month due to decreased demand and increased ticket availability.
Several destinations are within a few hours of Moscow by train, offering a variety of experiences from historical sites to literary landmarks. These destinations include Ryazan, Tula, Bryansk, Vladimir, Yaroslavl, Smolensk, Orel, and Lipetsk.
Ryazan, an ancient Russian city on the Oka River, features the Ryazan Kremlin, a majestic architectural ensemble. Visitors can also explore parks, embankments, and the S.A. Yesenin Museum-Reserve in Konstantinovo. Train tickets start at 850 rubles for a seated ticket and travel time ranges from 2.5 to 4 hours.
Tula is known for its rich history, industrial heritage, and the Tula Kremlin, a medieval fortress. The city is also famous for Tula gingerbread, which can be tasted and purchased in numerous stores, as well as samovars and weaponry museums. Seated tickets start at 850 rubles and travel time is between 2.5 to 4 hours.
Bryansk, located on the bank of the Desna River, is a city with a rich military past and picturesque nature. Key attractions include the Partisan Glade memorial complex and the Gorno-Nikolsky and Assumption Monasteries. Train tickets start at 1,100 rubles and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours.
Vladimir, the ancient capital of North-Eastern Russia, offers an authentic glimpse into the Golden Ring. Must-see sites include the Golden Gate, the Assumption and Dmitrievsky Cathedrals, Georgievskaya Street, and the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. Seated tickets start at 900 rubles, with a travel time of 2 to 3 hours.
Yaroslavl, another picturesque city of the Golden Ring, is the birthplace of the Russian theater. Visitors can explore the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, the picturesque embankment, and the Museum of the History of Yaroslavl. Seated tickets begin at 860 rubles and the train ride takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Smolensk, an ancient city with a heroic military history, features the ancient Smolensk city wall. Other attractions include ancient churches and the Gnezdovo Museum-Reserve. Train tickets range from 1,200 to 1,835 rubles, with a travel time of 3.5 to 5.5 hours.
Orel, the birthplace of Turgenev, Fet, Leskov and Bunin, is permeated with a literary spirit. The Oka embankment, the Historical and Literary Quarter, and the House-Museum of I.S. Turgenev are popular destinations. Tickets range from 1,100 to 1,840 rubles and the journey takes 5 to 8 hours.
Lipetsk, a resort city known for its healing springs and industrial past, offers attractions such as the Lower Park and the V.S. Sorokin Art Museum. Seated tickets cost 1,300 rubles, and the travel time is 6.5 to 9 hours.