Exploring Belarus: Train Travel And Border Crossings

Belarus has an extensive and well-connected rail network, making it easy to travel into the country by train. Minsk's Central Station is one of the largest in Europe and offers 24-hour access to the capital. From there, you can take trains to most major cities in Europe and the CIS, including Brest, Gomel, and Mogilev. However, it is important to note that due to the war in Ukraine, the U.S. has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Belarus, warning of unpredictable situations and potential harassment of foreigners. American passport holders will need a visa to enter Belarus and may not be allowed to enter or exit the country via land borders.

What documents do I need to leave Belarus by train?

To leave Belarus by train, you will need to present the following documents to the border guard:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border.
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• A document confirming the payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered both in Belarus and abroad.

It is important to note that Belarus has well-developed transportation systems, and you can easily travel by train from Minsk to almost every major city in Europe and the CIS. Minsk's new Central Station is one of the largest in Europe and is open 24 hours a day.

Additionally, when travelling by train within Belarus, you can purchase your ticket online or at ticket offices at stations. For domestic and some foreign lines, you can obtain digital tickets by paying online using bank cards or digital money systems such as EasyPay and WebMoney. If you choose digital registration, you only need to show your passport when boarding the train.

It is worth noting that American passport holders are required to have a visa issued by a Belarusian embassy or consulate to enter Belarus. Even with a visa, entry into Belarus over a land border is unlikely.

Can I use public transport to get to the train station?

Yes, you can use public transport to get to the train station in Belarus. The country has a well-developed transportation system, with buses, trolleybuses, trams, private buses, and taxis operating in Minsk and other major cities.

In Minsk, you can take advantage of the city's metro system, which costs Br0.90 per ride. You can also opt for a seasonal ticket if you plan on using public transport multiple times a day or for an extended period. This option is available for 10, 15, or 30 (31) days.

When travelling to the train station, you can also use the country's extensive rail network, which connects major cities like Brest, Gomel, and Mogilev. Belarusian Railways offers various lines, including urban, regional, interregional, and international lines, providing access to different parts of the country and beyond.

Additionally, if you're arriving by plane, you can take a shuttle bus from Minsk National Airport to the train station "National Airport Minsk", and then take a train to the city centre.

What are the rules for travelling by train in Belarus?

Belarus has an extensive and well-connected rail network, with international rail links to most major European and CIS cities. Minsk's Central Station is one of the largest in Europe, open 24 hours a day, and offering a wide range of facilities. The country's rail system efficiently connects major cities like Brest, Gomel, and Mogilev, providing access to cultural landmarks, museums, and the unique history of the region.

Buying Tickets

Tickets can be bought in person at ticket offices at stations, booked by phone, or purchased online. For domestic and some foreign lines, digital tickets can be obtained by paying online using bank cards or digital money systems like EasyPay and WebMoney. The cost of travel depends on the line, class, and category of the railway car. For instance, a ticket from Brest to Vitebsk costs about Br18 (USD7-8) for a reserved seat and around Br25 (USD9-10) for a compartment.

On the Train

Smoking is prohibited on railcars except for international trains, which have dedicated smoking areas. Commercial and free services are provided, including bed linen, first medical aid, and helpful information.

Border Crossing

When crossing the border of Belarus, foreign citizens must present the following documents to the border guard:

• A valid passport intended for crossing the border.
• Insurance for a car registered outside Belarus.
• An electronic control stamp confirming payment for disinfection services.

Upon departure, you must also present a document confirming payment of a local fee for crossing the border by drivers of vehicles registered in Belarus or abroad. It is obligatory to pass border and customs control, and if necessary, automobile, veterinary, sanitary-quarantine, and phytosanitary types of control.

Foreign citizens must also produce a document for travelling abroad with a valid visa for Belarus (if needed). Upon entry, they must receive and fill out a migration card, which is stamped by a border service officer. This card must be handed over when departing the country.

Rules of Stay in Belarus

Foreign citizens must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior within ten days of arrival (excluding Sundays and public holidays). This can now be done online through a single portal of electronic services. Those staying in hotels can have the hotel complete the registration for them, while those in private homes must complete the process themselves. Failure to register or staying beyond 30 days can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and future entry prohibition.

Travelling Between Russia and Belarus

Belarus and Russia do not have international passport control at their land border. Therefore, foreign citizens, even those holding valid visas, may not cross the Belarusian-Russian border by car, train, or on foot. Only Russian and Belarusian passport holders may transit this land border.

How much does it cost to travel by train in Belarus?

Belarus has a well-developed transportation system, and travelling by train is one of the most comfortable and reliable options. Railroads inside the country can get you to over 2,100 destinations.

The cost of travelling by train in Belarus depends on the line, class, and category of the railway car. For example, a ticket from Brest to Vitebsk, which covers almost the entire breadth of the country, costs about Br18 (USD7-8) for a reserved seat, or Br25 (USD9-10) for a compartment, on an interregional line train.

For international travel, there are direct overnight trains from Belarus to Germany, with tickets available from 175 EUR. There are also direct express trains between Minsk and Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, which run three times daily, with tickets costing around 25 EUR.

You can buy train tickets online on the website of the Belarusian railways or at a train station in Belarus.

Where can I buy tickets for the train in Belarus?

You can buy train tickets in Belarus in person at ticket offices at stations, or by phone or online (with delivery in Minsk, Gomel, and Mogilev). If you don't opt for delivery, you must pick up your tickets from the station before the deadline.

For domestic and some foreign lines, you can get digital tickets by paying online using bank cards or digital money systems like EasyPay and WebMoney. If you go for digital registration, you only need to show your passport to board the train.

You can also buy train tickets via the website of the Belarusian railways or at a station for the following international routes:

• Minsk to Vilnius, Lithuania
• Minsk to Riga, Latvia
• Minsk to Warsaw, Poland
• Minsk to Yekaterinburg, Russia
• Minsk to Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Brest to Moscow, Russia
• Brest to Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Brest to Vladivostok, Russia
• Brest to Yekaterinburg, Russia
• Minsk to Lviv, Ukraine
• Minsk to Kyiv, Ukraine
• Minsk to Odessa, Ukraine
• Minsk to Kharkiv, Ukraine

Belarusian Railways

Belarusian Railways offers a convenient format of passenger transportation:

• Urban lines – within Minsk or an oblast capital and their satellite towns
• Regional lines – within an oblast or up to the nearest oblast subordination city in a neighbouring region
• Interregional lines – between Minsk and oblast capitals, or between oblast capitals
• International lines – connecting Belarus with other countries

Frequently asked questions