Transportation

Getting there

Moscow- Beijing

By: andrewmoran on July 26, 2006 - 11:41am

I see you guys are planning on taking the train from Beijing to Moscow. In October of last year, we took it going the other way, and had a fantastic time. We stopped in Irkutsk, and spent a few days in a tiny town about an hour outside called Listavyanka. It wasn't touristy, we stayed in a homestay (where the owner of the house puts you up as a guest & feeds you whatever the family are eating) and those few days really stood out as a highlight of a yearlong trip. 

 

As for the train journey itself, I can't stress enough that you bring a lot of books and instant coffee. And vodka. Do promise that you'll be careful with the vodka, otherwise, you'll end up drinking your entire supply for 4 days in one evening, and then there'll be vomiting, and that just makes everyone uncomfortable. 

 

The cabins come in 2 or 4 berth flavours. We were travelling in a group of 4, and got a cabin to ourselves, but then we made friends with the 2 swedish guys in the next cabin, and they had their 4 berths to themselves for most of the journey, so it's the luck of the draw, i suppose. 


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Train Travel in Japan

By: kaibrown on May 8, 2006 - 8:27pm
Train Travel is definitely the best way to get around Japan -- efficient, clean and quick.  Hard to beat!  The downside -- train travel is so well used and is such a part of the culture that it can be the most confusing way to travel around Japan as well.  Some pointers:


Shinkansen or Bullet Train
As you two already know, this is by far the fastest way to get around.  The train is so fast that it has it's own special train tracks and very limited stops.  It also by far the most expensive way to travel and really only goes to main tourist hubs.  If you want to get out and see "Old Japan" you will have to get off the shinkansen.


Limited Express (aka LEX)
In speed, this is the next step down from the shinkansen.  It uses the same train tracks as other local trains, but usually makes very limited stops and will skip several train stations.  (Warning: if you are going to an off the beaten path train station -- make sure that your train actually STOPS there!)  Seating is spacious and comfortable and for long journeys this is the way to go.  You will know when you are riding a LEX b/c you will be given 2 tickets.  One is the normal fare charge and one is for the "limited express" surcharge.


Express, Rapid and Local Trains
Everything else falls into this category.  Don't get "Express" and "Rapid" confused with "Limited Express".  Again, the key is if you've paid a surcharge, you're on a LEX.  The "Express" and "Rapid" trains are actually just local trains that skip stops.  You pay the same fare whether you take a local or an express.  If you are on a budget, look for express and rapids.  They can sometimes be as quick as a LEX but w/o the surcharge (often adds between 20-50% more on the normal fare).  You do give up comfort (the trains are usually much more crowded) and space.  If you are travelling a long distance and with luggage -- stick with the LEX.


Confused yet?  Bottom line - for short distances or for sightseeing, look for rapids and express.  They usually run more often and are cheaper.  For long journeys which includes luggage (i.e. travelling to your next overnight destination) look for the LEX.  They are worth the extra $$. 


Some other thoughts...


Luggage - Travelling in Japan WITH luggage is a pain.  There is just no way around it.  Train stations often don't have escalators or elevators and the trains are not designed for large pieces of baggage.  Not only that, but Japanese DON'T travel with luggage so they'll stare at you.  Whenever you can, get rid of your stuff.  There is a luggage forwarding service called takkyubin that I've never actually used but wished I had researched it more before we left.  Also there are lockers in the train stations but it's very inconsistent and often full.  If you're going to a very remote location, I would recommend leaving your luggage behind and coming back to get it.


More than just JR - You may be surprised (I was) but there are several other train companies other than just JR.  If you have a Rail Pass, you'll be looking to travel on JR as much as possible.  But oftentimes (again for the more remote locations) you may have no choice but to travel with another company (i.e. Nankai).  Don't let this throw you -- also, keep in mind that although travelling on JR may be free (again, assuming you have a rail pass) the other train company may be quicker and worth the extra cost.


Train Planning - When I was in Japan we were travelling to a new town every 2 days.  Yes, A LOT!!  We got into the habit of mapping out our next destination almost as soon as we arrived.  Picking up train schedules, asking questions, etc.  If you know what your next destination will be, it is worth it to do a little planning.  Especially if you want to use the LEX.


Ok, that's it for now...hope this helps.  I'm looking forward to reading your next dispatch!

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Getting around Japan

By: truthchild on April 24, 2006 - 8:47pm

You can't get around Japan without JR!! (Japan Rail)

 The Railpass is a DEAL if you're going to be traveling roundtrips or long distances on the Shinkansen. The unfortunate part being that the Railpass can't be used on certain express trains. However, that being said, I believe one way tickets used to be a couple hundred dollars, so for about $271 a 7 day JR Pass that gets you anywhere is a steal. (14 day passes are also available)

Their website has been updated recently and includes all the info you need including schedules: http://www.japanrail.com/ 


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Brisbane - CityCat Ferries

By: amyo on October 18, 2005 - 9:45pm
A good way to see Brisbane is from the river that curves through the city. For under $5AU you can ride a CityCat all day if you want to. The ferry is a high speed catamaran that slices through the water so that there is barely any movement. My tip is to stand right at the front with the wind in your face.

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SA Hop-on Hop-off bus

By: halans on October 9, 2005 - 11:26am
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To get around Singapore, you can jump on the Singapore Airlines Hop-on Hop-off bus. You get a 50% reduction when you show them your Singapore Airlines boarding pass - now 3 SGD pp). We had used these hop-on/hop off tourist bus formula's before, and they had always been excellent, especially if you do not have much time. Sadly, this version was lacking the usual emphasis on historical/cultural background info of the points of interest, and instead focused only on the hotels and shopping malls near the stops. So much for the added value.
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'City Sights' Brisbane bus tour

By: halans on October 9, 2005 - 11:12am
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Must do, take a 'City Sights' bus tour to get to grips with the city. And if you're lucky you have a fabulous busdriver, who goes the 'extra mile', literally!
In between you can jump off and back on again at any stop. In the evening, use your City Sights ticket to jump on the CityCat ferry (it's free, or rather included), back up the river, at night. Great view of Brisbane skyline at night.
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