train travel 28th july

Train strikes July 2023: Full list of dates as commuters brace for more travel chaos

• Everything you need to know about the RMT and Aslef action in July 2023 

Tens of thousands of rail workers are striking in July as part of ongoing rail disputes.

Drivers in the Aslef union have agreed to two overtime bans which will impact travel on 16 operators across 12 days.

The RMT has announced that 20,000 workers will go on strike across three separate days later in the month, accusing train operators of failing to make a new pay offer to attempt to resolve the issues.

But when exactly are the train strikes going to take place in July? 

Read on below for a full list of strike dates and see which rail lines will be affected by the latest round of industrial action. 

Aslef overtime bans in July 2023

Train Drivers union Aslef's members are refusing to work overtime for a total of 12 days across July.

This will first impact 16 rail operators from July 3-8.

An overtime ban is short of a strike but will still result in timetable changes and cancellations, because train companies rely on drivers to work overtime and volunteer on their rest days to fulfill their normal service.

The affected operators are: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Great Northern, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, West Midlands Trains.

The second overtime ban is from July 17-22, overlapping with some dates RMT members are striking,  and will be adhered to by members on the same 16 operators.

On these dates, always be sure to check before you travel for the most up-to-date timetable you can get. 

RMT strike dates in July 2023

Industrial action by the RMT has been scheduled across three different days in July. 

This will see rail services disrupted across Britain on 20, 22 and 29 July , coinciding with most schools in the UK breaking up for summer holidays from July 21. 

The strikes also fall on dates of some of the summer's biggest sporting events.

The prestigious golf tournament - The Open Championship - is taking place at Royal Liverpool from July 16 to July 23. 

Spectators travelling to the fourth and fifth Ashes Tests - at Old Trafford and The Oval respectively - could also have to contend with disruption.

In the previous set of RMT strikes in June 2023, Eurovision and the FA Cup final were affected .

The RMT said that despite repeated statements that it was willing to enter further negotiations, neither the rail operators nor the Government have asked it to any meetings.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: 'This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry.

'My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and govt.

'Yet quite incredibly neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.'

Which lines are affected by RMT strikes? 

The rail services affected by the strike will include Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, South Eastern, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and GTR, including Gatwick Express.

It comes after a strike by train drivers with Avanti West Coast that was due on July 2 was suspended.

This was after an agreement was reached between bosses and union officials over sick pay.

A DfT spokesperson said: 'The RMT leadership's decision to call strikes targeting two iconic international sporting events, as children and families begin their summer holidays, will disrupt people's plans across the country.

'After a year of industrial action, passengers and rail workers alike are growing tired of union bosses playing politics with their lives.

'It's high time the union leaders realised that strikes no longer have the impact they once did and are simply driving people away from the railway.

'This Government has played its part by facilitating fair and reasonable pay offers that would see generous increases for rail workers.'

How to claim Delay Repay compensation

Delay Repay is a scheme which makes it easier to get compensation if your train has been delayed. 

If your train is delayed for any reason on a participating service you can claim Delay Repay within 28 days. 

Potential compensation will depend on the train company you travel with, as they operate different schemes, the type of ticket you have, and the length of your delay - generally you will receive more compensation the longer you have been delayed. 

However, this delay does take into account any amended timetables, so make sure you know what the timetable was if you believe you were delayed during a strike.

You can also claim a refund for your train ticket if a delay or cancellation means that you choose not to travel. 

Full list of train strikes in July 2023

Monday 3 - Saturday 8 July 2023: Aslef overtime ban

Monday 17 - Saturday 22 July 2023: Aslef overtime ban 

Thursday 20 July: Strikes by RMT will affect national rail services

Saturday 22 July: Strikes by RMT will affect national rail services

Saturday 29 July: Strikes by RMT will affect national rail services 

• Amtrak Downeaster
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Event Nite Train
• Downeaster Café
• Schedule & Fares
• Multi-Ride Passes
• Group Travel
• Travel Packages
• Old Orchard Beach

Experiences

• Buy Tickets
• Train Status
• Accessibility

Enter your keywords:

Experience Maine by Train

July 27, 2023

Maine is home to beautiful scenery and hundreds of iconic landmarks. Downeaster station communities are fueled by historic charm, delicious food, and artisans from every corner of the world. Immerse yourself in Maine and go there by train ! Learn how the Amtrak Downeaster can connect you to coastal Maine and beyond with affordable fares for the entire family.

Affordable Short Hops

Plan a perfect summer daytrip on board the Amtrak Downeaster to destinations such as Brunswick, Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco or Wells! With fares as low as $6 round-trip per person you can escape your traditional Saturday and find something new. Discover walkable craft fairs, music and arts festivals, and historic locations.

The best part about traveling Maine by Train, is you can be home by dinner. Unless of course, you would like to grab a lobster roll and enjoy it while strolling cobblestone streets. You can walk along the sandy shores of Old Orchard and be back in Wells or Brunswick before the sun sets all while avoiding traffic, tolls and the high cost of gas and parking.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your perfect short hop on board the Amtrak Downeaster. Take your kids beyond the toy box and show them what train travel looks and feels like. Connect with what you love on board the Amtrak Downeaster and discover Maine by rail.

Want to see more Maine?

Our Discover Maine Rail Pass offers 10 one-way trips on board the Downeaster between any two Maine stations within a 7-day period for just $19 per person.

Insider Travel Tip Download the Amtrak App and utilize the train status tool right from your smart phone.

Deals & Discounts

All Kids Ages 2-12 Travel 50% OFF Seniors 65+ Travel 50% OFF

You might also like:

Go from station to sand with the downeaster.

April 27, 2023

College Prep

July 28, 2023

Connect with Us

Browse by category.

• Family Travel
• Romantic Getaways
• School Break
• Train to Maine
• Get There With Your Bike
• Uniquely Portland Trip Ideas
• NEXT STOP: February School Break
• Transport your family – Under the Sea!
• Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays with the Downeaster!
• Fall in Love – With Leaf Peeping!

Interrail Planner

Blog posts to help you plan the perfect Interrail trip.

Exciting new train routes in Europe for 2024 and beyond

As the movement towards flight-free travel gains traction and the popularity of interrailing continues to grow, European train journeys are making a remarkable comeback.

Spain’s national rail operator, Renfe, has recently unveiled its first high-speed train connection with France. Furthermore, starting from 25th March 2024, European Sleeper, a night train start-up, will extend its Brussels-Berlin service to Prague.

Switching up your travel mode is not just an eco-conscious choice, but also a stylish and efficient way to get around. For instance, when you fly from London to Paris, you release 14 times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than you would by taking a train.

Thankfully, European countries are heavily investing in their railway networks, offering improved and faster connections to passengers. From budget-friendly night trains to cross-country routes, let’s explore the latest European railway options.

Vienna to Paris with Nightjet

Austria’s national rail firm, ÖBB, has been leading the renaissance of sleeper trains in Europe since 2016. In late 2021, they introduced a new route connecting Vienna and Paris through Salzburg and Munich. The journey, spanning 14 hours, operates three times a week in both directions, with ticket prices ranging from approximately €30 for a seat to €120 and above for a private compartment. In the summer of 2023, Nightjet unveiled their new-generation trains, equipped with wireless charging stations, free Wi-Fi, secure storage for bicycles and snow sports equipment, and private compartments featuring showers and toilets.

Vienna to Genoa and La Spezia with Nightjet

Nightjet expanded its 2023 timetable by extending the Vienna/Munich service to include stops in Genoa and La Spezia, Italy. From there, travellers can connect to trains bound for Monaco, Nice, and Cinque Terre .

Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam with European Sleeper

After much anticipation, European Sleeper , a Belgian-Dutch social cooperative, launched its maiden route from Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam on 25th May. This single-change journey connects passengers to Paris, London, Prague, and Warsaw. Starting from 25th March 2024, the service will further extend to Dresden and Prague.

Liège to Aachen and Maastricht with Arriva, SNCB, and NS (December 2023)

A brand new three-country train service will link Aachen in Germany, Liège in Belgium, and Maastricht in the Netherlands. This project is a collaborative effort between Arriva, part of Germany’s Deutsche Bahn Group, SNCB, the National Railway Company of Belgium, and NS, Nederlandse Spoorwegen.

Czech Republic

Prague to zurich with čd.

In December 2022, České dráhy (ČD), the national rail operator of the Czech Republic, introduced a sleeper service linking Prague to Zurich with stops at Frankfurt and Basel. This overnight journey, reviving a service that ceased in 2017, takes slightly under 14 hours and offers a range of fare options, from six-bed couchettes to deluxe sleeper compartments with en-suite toilets and showers. Tickets for a berth in a six-bed couchette start from €49.90.

Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice with Ouigo Grande Vitesse (December 2023)

Embrace the winter wonderland in the Alps with the return of Ouigo’s Paris-Bourg train, running from 14th December to 24th March. Bourg is nestled at the base of the Les Arcs skiing area, and a funicular railway swiftly transports you from the town to the Arc 1600 ski resort in just seven minutes.

Paris to Aurillac with SNCF (December 2023)

The Paris-Aurillac night train, out of service since the early 2000s, is set to make a triumphant comeback later this year. SNCF Voyageurs has announced that Le Pyrénéen and L’Occitan night trains will connect the French capital with the south-central commune from 10th December 2023. A daily train will serve Cantal during holiday periods, with Friday and Sunday evening services available in each direction the rest of the time. This initiative is part of a broader effort to revive France’s night trains, which has already included the Paris-Nice and Paris-Lourdes services.

Paris to Berlin with Nightjet (2023) and TGV (2024)

Austrian rail operator ÖBB’s Nightjet is set to relaunch its Berlin-Paris service on December 11, 2023, after a nine-year hiatus. Initially, it will offer three trips per week, with plans to provide daily service from autumn 2024. France and Germany have jointly announced a new TGV train route connecting Paris and Berlin, scheduled to begin in 2024. This high-speed link will significantly reduce travel times, eliminating the need for passengers to change trains at separate stations, such as Cologne or Frankfurt, and allowing them to complete the journey in about seven hours.

Paris to Madrid with Trenitalia (late 2024)

In December 2022, FS Italiane Group, the owner of Italy’s national state-owned railway Trenitalia, unveiled plans for a high-speed Frecciarossa train connection between Paris and Madrid. This new train will link Paris and Barcelona, where an existing high-speed service already connects to the Spanish capital. The service is expected to launch in late 2024, with potential for additional routes linking Madrid with Italy through France.

Paris to Venice with Midnight Trains (2025)

French startup Midnight Trains is set to connect France and Italy with a new night train service from Paris to Venice via Milan, commencing in 2025 and backed by the European Commission. This development will simplify and expedite train travel for UK residents heading to Italy.

Berlin to Stockholm with Snälltåget

Swedish railway company Snälltåget has rerouted its Berlin to Malmö train service through Hamburg and Denmark, extending it to Stockholm. This comprehensive journey takes just under 17 hours, and direct service prices start at around €50.

Munich to Genoa and La Spezia with Nightjet

Nightjet’s 2023 timetable expansion saw its Vienna/Munich service to Milan extended to include stops in Genoa and La Spezia, Italy, offering further connections to Monaco, Nice, and Cinque Terre.

Stuttgart to Zagreb and Rijeka with Nightjet and EuroNight

In their 2023 timetable, Nightjet expanded its sleeper train service from Munich to Venice, Ljubljana , and Zagreb , now originating in Stuttgart, Germany. Seasonally, this route will also operate to the coastal Croatian city of Rijeka , with a total journey time of approximately 15 hours. The Nightjet to Venice travels via Munich, Salzburg, and Treviso, while the service to the Croatian and Slovenian capitals is provided by Croatian Railways HŽ and Slovenian Railways SŽ, operated under ÖBB’s EuroNight.

Brussels to Berlin with European Sleeper

Genoa to naples with ntv italo.

In late 2021, the Italian high-speed rail company NTV Italo launched a service connecting Genoa, a previously poorly connected port city in Italy’s northwest, to the south of the country. This journey from Genoa to Naples takes just under seven hours, with prices starting at around €80 for a return trip.

Milan to Paris with Frecciarossa

Also in late 2021, Frecciarossa, the high-speed branch of Italy’s national train operator Trenitalia, unveiled a luxurious new train route between Milan and Paris. Faster and more opulent than previous services on this route, the journey lasts just under seven hours, with tickets as affordable as €29, although executive fares offer a more comfortable experience.

Rome to Pompeii with Frecciarossa

In July, Italy launched a direct high-speed train service from Rome to Pompeii and back. This service links the capital with the popular archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region in under two hours, departing from Rome at 8:53 am and returning from Pompeii at 6:40 pm. Initially, the service will only run on the third Sunday of each month, but future expansions are possible.

Porto to Lisbon and Vigo with the Iberian high-speed rail network (construction starting in 2024)

Portugal has greenlit plans for a high-speed rail line connecting Lisbon, Porto, and Vigo, as part of the broader Iberian high-speed rail network that will unify Portugal and link it with Spain. This transformative rail link will reduce the travel time between Porto and Lisbon from nearly three hours to just 1 hour and 15 minutes, ultimately connecting Portuguese cities with Vigo in Spain.

Netherlands

Amsterdam to austria with tui’s ski express.

For snow sports enthusiasts, a new overnight train route is set to launch between Amsterdam and several of Austria’s top ski resorts. TUI’s ‘Ski Express’ departs from Amsterdam every Friday night between December 23 and March 31, stopping at Utrecht before heading directly to Austria.

Amsterdam to Zurich with Nightjet

Austria-led night train pioneer Nightjet introduced a route between Amsterdam and Zurich in late 2021, departing at 8:30 pm and arriving at 8:05 am. Travellers can choose from couchettes, starting from around €60, to sleeper cabins, beginning at approximately €120.

Amsterdam to Barcelona with European Sleeper (Spring 2025)

The Dutch-Belgian train operator, European Sleeper, which is set to launch soon, aims to introduce a new night train service from Amsterdam to Barcelona in the spring of 2025, significantly improving north-south rail connections in Europe.

Amsterdam to Berlin with Qbuzz (January 2027)

Qbuzz is taking advantage of the EU’s ‘open access’ railway package by applying for three new train connections: Amsterdam to Eindhoven, Amsterdam to Berlin, and Amsterdam to Paris. Pending approval by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), these routes could become operational starting from January 2027.

Madrid to Alicante and Valencia with Ouigo, Avlo, and Iryo

In November 2022, SNCF-owned Ouigo introduced a new high-speed, budget-friendly route between Madrid and Valencia. By summer 2023, the service will expand to include Alicante. Initially, tickets will be priced at €9 one-way with one suitcase, eventually stabilising at around €30. Renfe’s Aryo, another low-cost operator, is set to launch its Madrid to Alicante service on March 27, starting at just €7, with Iryo launching a similar service on 2nd June. In 2023 and 2024, Ouigo intends to extend its services to Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and the Costa del Sol.

Barcelona to Madrid with Iryo

A new high-speed rail service from Iryo, a consortium between Spanish airline Air Nostrum and Italian train company Trenitalia, has made traveling between Spain’s capital and its top tourist city faster and more affordable since November 2022. Iryo offers 16 return trains daily between Barcelona and Madrid, with a travel time of as little as 2.5 hours each way, all for a cost of just €18. Starting 31st March 2023, this low-cost rail provider will also launch a service between Malaga, Madrid, and Cordoba, with a journey time of three hours. From June 2023, Renfe’s Avlo will connect Madrid with Malaga and Seville.

Barcelona to Lyon via Montpellier and Nimes with Renfe

Spain’s state-owned rail network is introducing new high-speed AVE services to France in 2023. The Barcelona-Lyon service commenced on 13th July, with a journey lasting approximately five hours. Departing from Barcelona in the morning, it stops at Girona, Figueres Vilafant, Perpignan, Narbonne, Béziers, Montpellier-St-Roch, Nîmes, and Valence along the way. Starting from September 1, the train will operate daily. Tickets for the full route are available for as low as €29.

Madrid to Marseille via Barcelona with Renfe

Renfe’s plan to expand its train services into France includes another route introduced on 28th July between Madrid and Marseille. Initially, trains will operate from Fridays to Mondays but are expected to run daily from September. Further routes connecting to Paris are anticipated in 2024, just in time for the Olympic Games.

Ljubljana to Budapest with Hungarian Railways

Launched in December 2021, the Hungarian Railways train travels from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Budapest, Hungary via Graz, Austria, offering a scenic journey. The trip takes approximately 7.5 hours, with prices starting as low as €16 each way.

Stockholm to Hamburg with SJ EuroNight

Launched in September 2022, the Stockholm Central to Hamburg-Altona night train operates on renewable energy. Departing daily at 5:30 pm and arriving at 6:30 am, the journey includes a stop in Copenhagen. Travel options range from seats in a carriage (starting from €25) to shared compartment beds (beginning at €45), as well as private compartments for two passengers with a sink (from around €165). For those seeking added comfort, private compartments for one to three travellers include showers, toilets, and breakfast, starting at around €205. Pet-friendly train compartments are also available. Combined with existing Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn services, this train allows travellers to reach Stockholm from London in under 24 hours.

Switzerland

Zurich to rome with nightjet.

In a 2020 press conference, Nightjet announced its plans to launch a new night train route between Zurich and Rome in winter 2022. However, whether this project proceeds as scheduled remains to be seen. Presently, Nightjet’s Rome routes include Vienna, Salzburg, Villach, and Munich.

United Kingdom

London to bordeaux with hs1 (approximately 2026).

The UK’s High Speed 1 (HS1), which operates the Channel Tunnel railway line, is preparing to introduce a new route from London to Bordeaux. Currently this journey runs via Paris and takes around 6 hours. A new route would bypass the capital and cut the journey time down to 5 hours

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes

• Northern Ireland
• Couchsurfing
• Miscellaneous
• Bucket List
• Who is Penelope?

The Most Beautiful Stations on the Moscow Metro

You might have heard that there are some beautiful metro stations in Moscow. Soviet decorations, chandeliers, mosaic painting and statues are common in many of the stations. The good news is that the Moscow Metro does not cost a lot of money and many of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro are on the same line, so you can almost get on and off at each station to visit these. Over the New Year holidays, I had a free afternoon and decided to visit some of these stations. Check out what I found below…..

The main stations that you will want to visit are on the Number 5 line, also known as the Circle Line. An advantage of this line is that you can get to it very easily and quickly no matter where you are in Moscow. The announcements on the metro are in Russian as well as English so you don’t need to worry if your Russian language skills are not good.

If, like me, you arrive in Moscow via train from Kyiv , then you will arrive at a metro station which many Muscovites believe to be the most beautiful of them all…..

Kievskaya metro station was opened in 1954 and features white marble walls which curve upwards and have with large mosaics surrounded by a gold trim in a very classical style. The mosaics depict life in Ukraine and was designed by a Ukrainian who wanted to display Ukraine’s influence and contribution to Soviet Russia.

Kievskaya, one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro

Soviet era artwork between the arches

Mosaic with golden trim

People carrying flags is a common theme

Going into battle

Belorusskaya

If you look at a map of the metro , you will want to go in a clockwise direction on the circle line. So you will want to get on the train going in the Barrikadnaya direction and not Park Kultury. Stay on this line until you reach the 2nd station, Belorusskaya. This station was built in 1952 and like Kievskaya also features white marble pylons and a plaster ceiling.

The ceiling features 12 mosaics in an octagonal shape depicting Belarusian life, while the tiling on the floor is said to resemble a Belarusian quilt. One of the passageway exits of the station has a statue called ‘Belarusian Partisans’ of three men wearing long coats, holding guns and carrying a flag.”

Belorusskaya metro platform

Soviet artwork on the roof

The hammer and sickle features prominently in the metro artwork

Three men carrying guns, holding the flag…

Mayakovskaya

To get to the next station, we need to change onto the green line (line 2) and go just one stop to the station of Mayakovskaya. This station has an art deco theme and, for some, resembles an elaborate ballroom. The columns are faced with stainless steel and pink rhodonite while the marble walls and ceiling have 34 mosaics with the theme “24-hour Soviet Sky. Apparently, Stalin resided here during the 2nd World War as the station was used as a command post for Moscow’s anti-aircraft regiment.

Mayakovskaya metro

24-Hour Soviet Sky mosaic

Bomber planes

It looks like planes flying over Red Square

Novoslobodskaya

It’s time to get back on the metro and return to Belorusskaya. At Belorusskaya, change to the circle line again and continue clockwise to the next station, Novoslobodskaya. With its 32 stained glass panels, this station reminds me of a church. The panels were designed by Latvian artists and are surrounded by a brass border.

Novoslobodskaya metro

The platform of Novoslobodskaya metro

Stained glass artwork

The golden trim around artwork is also very common

Prospekt Mira

Back on the metro and again just one stop until our next station, Prospekt Mira. This station was originally called Botanichesky Sad after the nearby Botanical Gardens of the Moscow State University. The pylons are covered in white marble and decorated with floral bas-relief friezes. The ceiling is decorated with casts and several cylindrical chandeliers.

Prospekt Mira metro station

Notice the floral decoration

Komsomolskaya

On the metro once more and once more we are going just one stop to the next station – Komsomolskaya. This station is famous for its its yellow ceiling. The chandeliers in this station are huge. The photos below do not do this station justice.  For me, this station resembles a presidential palace.  You hace to see it for yourself to truly appreciate it.

Because of it’s location, this is one of the busiest stations in the Moscow metro as it serves three of the main train stations in the city – Leningradsky, Yaroslavsky, and Kazansky so be prepared for a lot of people.

Komsomolskaya metro

The yellow ceiling seems to go on forever

Yellow ceiling and artwork

One of the ceiling mosaics

Elektrozavodskaya

When you are ready to leave Komsomolskaya metro station behind, then get back on the circle line and go one stop to Kurskaya and change to the blue line (line 3) and go to two stops to the Elektrozavodskaya station. This station gets it’s name from a nearby electric light bulb factory and has a somewhat industrial but also futuristic style, with 6 rows of circular lamps (there are 318 lamps in total). I think this is one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro for how unique it is. The station was opened in 1944 after a delay because of the 2nd World War and features 12 marble bas-reliefs of the struggle on the home front during the war.

The Komsomolskaya metro station

The struggles of war at home

Fixing machinery

Hard at work

Making weapons

Building a tank

Even the station sign is elaborate

Ploschad Revolyutsii

Back on the metro line 3 (but in the other direction), getting off at the 3rd stop – Ploschad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). This is located underneath the square in Moscow of the same name and is a short walk from Red Square in the city centre. It is the perfect place to end a visit around Moscow’s metro. The station features red and yellow marble arches with a total of 76 sculptures in between each arch. The sculptures are supposed to represent the people of the Soviet Union and include soldiers, farmers, industrial workers, children etc… I noticed a lot of people touching the golden chicken in the photo below as well as the show of the woman. I am assuming that this is for good luck.

Industrial worker

Touch the chicken for good luck

Sculpture of the people of the Soviet Union

Woman reading a book – touch the shoe for good luck

In education

Parent and child

These are some of what I think are the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro. Which ones are your favourite? Would you add any to this list?

You Might Also Like

The Oldest Whiskey Distillery in the World

Kjeragbolten: Scary, Exhausting and Exciting!

Mamayev Kurgan Memorial in Volgograd

19 comments.

Kievskaya definitely caught me off guard. Didn’t know Moscow metro stations were THIS extravagant! Mayakovskaya is gorgeous too with the marble walls and mosaics. I might just need to book a flight over to admire all of these!

Do it! Kievskaya was my first introduction to the Moscow metro as I got an overnight train from Kyiv.

You know, in the States, all we ever hear is bad stuff about Russia. It’s nice to see other (and lovely!) dimensions of such a controversial place.

It’s the same in the UK which is why I prefer going to see somewhere and making up my own mind. It’s all ‘politics and bullshit’ as I say

I went to Moscow about 13years for Christmas and went to train stations, so I can see these amazing mosaics and chandeliers. I agree with you that are beautiful Stations for sure and I could of wandered around for days. I think Kievskaya is definitely my favourite out of them all and I even have some similar pictures as you.

I imagine Moscow would have been a little different 13 years ago but these stations have probably always looked beautiful

Food and Footprints

You chose some great stations for this write up! Beautiful details in these stations and would love to visit them sometime. Particularly like the Komsomolskaya station with that yellow ceiling!

Thank you very much. Komsomolskaya seems to be a lot of peoples favourite stations too

Sumit Surai

Wow! Without the text I would have thought them to be some museum or gallery.

I know exactly what you mean!

Rosie Fluskey

Wow, it is just stunning! How does anyone get to work with so much to look at. I’m surprised at the very bourgeois-looking Komsomolskaya station. I would have thought it was all too Tzarist looking, but then I haven’t been to Russia yet lol. This has just made me want to go more!

Wow, that’s a lot of artwork. I wonder how old some of these pieces are?

Generally most of the stations are from 1940-1960 approximately. The later stations are more functional than style.

My mother-in-law was in Moscow fifty years ago and still raves about the metro stations. So far, I could not imagine much. But now! The pictures are great and I think it’s almost a pity that this splendor is underground. But for every user of the Metro can enjoy a free trip to the world of art. Susanne

True. It is like having a free trip to an art museum/gallery. I hope that you can one day visit Moscow and see for yourself.

Oh wow, I would never have known that these were metro stations. The ceilings remind me of how you need to look up sometimes, even in the commuter rush!

It is true about life in general, we just go from A to B looking directly in front of us instead of around us

Wow, I would have never guessed that these were stations. The decor is so pretty and not one I’m used to seeing at metro stations. Love the ceiling at The Komsomolskaya metro station.

They certainly don’t look like metro stations. The ceiling there is one of my favourites too!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.