The announcement by Head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov about the opening of the tourist season on the peninsula on July 1 has triggered demand for railway tickets to Simferopol.
Exhausted by the lockdown, Russians want to boost their immune system and brighten the mood by swimming in the sea, breathing fresh air and walking among palms, pines and cypresses.
Russian Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh has instructed the Federal Agency for Rail Transport to arrange additional trains to Crimea.
Grand Service Express, Russia’s first private transport company engaged in passenger transportation, reacted immediately and launched Tavria trains on new routes that will connect St Petersburg with Yevpatoria, and Yekaterinburg and Kislovodsk with Simferopol.
Tickets are already available. It will take 64 hours to get from Yekaterinburg to Simferopol; 43 hours from St Petersburg to Yevpatoria and 21 hours from Kislovodsk to Simferopol. The routes include crossing the Crimean Bridge.
In addition to picturesque views, passengers will be provided with automated climate control systems, restaurants and online libraries with films and music. The trains have both compartment and couchette cars.