The railway was built over many years starting in 1891. Before it existed, travelling across Russia meant months of slow, difficult journeys by horse and cart through enormous forests and freezing plains. The railway changed everything, connecting distant towns and cities and helping people, food and supplies travel across the country much more quickly.
The journey passes through an incredible variety of landscapes: wide grassy plains called the steppes, the thick evergreen forests of Siberia (called the taiga), mountain ranges, and the shores of Lake Baikal. As the train moves east, passengers watch the scenery change slowly through the windows. Deer, eagles and sometimes even bears can be spotted along the route.
Passengers travelling the whole route cross eight different time zones - meaning clocks have to be changed eight times! Each carriage has a small kitchen area and a friendly attendant called a provodnik who brings cups of tea in special glass-and-metal holders. Many travellers play cards, share food and make friends on the long journey, because you spend so much time together.