When traveling by train, you need to know how to save on tickets. There is an extensive list of beneficiaries who purchase travel passes at reduced rates. Russian Railways also sets different ticket prices for ordinary citizens who are not eligible for preferences.

Let's figure out who can buy discounted train tickets and when, and who gets them for free.

The state provides benefits for the purchase of train tickets to a large number of citizens of various categories.

These include: children, students, honored people and some others.

Passengers entitled to free travel on long-distance trains in interstate traffic issue tickets only at railway ticket offices.

On trains operating within the country, as well as in the CIS and the Baltic States, children can be taken on their boarding pass. This applies only to the smallest (under five years old). It is more difficult with children under ten. In Russia, they are also allowed to be transported free of charge, only you have to divide the place for two. And in the direction of the near abroad (post-Soviet space), preferential prices are set - up to 65%.

Children are also given travel passes that do not have to be paid for. One adult can only take one child per seat. Only the smallest (under 5 years old) can travel free of charge on suburban trains.

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Young people who receive education away from their homes are also entitled to benefits. They operate during the academic year: from 01.09 to 31.05 each year.

Apply only to young people enrolled in full-time departments of any educational institution.

And these are pupils and students:

  • Suvorov military, Nakhimov naval schools (from 10 years);
  • University of s;
  • vocational schools;
  • schools and so on.

Everyone is entitled to a 50% reduction in fares.

The preferences apply to reserved seat and shared carriages.

There is a circle of people who are paid by the budget. This:

  • disabled people and war veterans;
  • participants of the Great Patriotic War (1941 - 1945):
    • directly fights;
    • internees on the courts of the USSR;
    • who served, but did not fight;
    • having medals and orders;
    • persons who have been awarded the sign "Inhabitant of the besieged Leningrad";
    • rear workers;
    • concentration camp prisoners (in the past);
  • family members:
    • the dead doctors of the besieged Leningrad;
    • deceased invalids of the Second World War;
    • persons who served in self-defense and air defense groups;
  • disabled people, including children with disabilities;
  • persons traveling with disabled persons of the 1st group and disabled children;
  • citizens affected by the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

These persons have the right to visit a sanatorium (called “to the place of treatment”) in the territory of the Russian Federation once a year.

In addition to the passport and the corresponding certificate confirming the category, you also need a coupon from the social service.

Some people can travel on long-distance trains at the expense of the budget three times every year. These include:

  • Heroes of the Russian Federation, the Soviet Union;
  • full holders of the Order of Glory.

Twice they will be given a free ticket on demand and once - to go to the place of treatment.

Heroes of Socialist Labor, holders of all degrees of the orders "Glory" and "For Service in the Armed Forces of the USSR" are provided with one free travel voucher annually.

Persons performing the function of the state can also use long-distance trains at the expense of the budget. And they have more rights.

  1. Federal deputies are issued tickets on demand. You don't need to pay for them. They are also not limited by the class of carriages. The rule applies to accompanying persons.
  2. Deputy assistants also travel for budget money. They are given tickets for compartment seats. The number of trips is not limited within the Russian Federation (or the subject of the federation).

Russian Railways offers discounted train tickets, focusing on the following factors:

  • the upper shelves are not as comfortable as the lower ones;
  • people do not like to ride in the “tail” of the carriage (the toilet is nearby);
  • non-holiday periods are characterized by a decrease in passenger traffic.

In addition, the carrier company is trying to stimulate people. To do this, practice discounted prices for children, group travel discounts... Specialists monitor the occupancy of routes. Additional offers are also made for the most unpopular ones.

Russian Railways sets discounts on tickets, guided by its own rules and interests.

Ask the cashier about the company's shares before giving money.

Platzkart cars are in greatest demand among citizens. In 2016, the following preferential terms were offered:

  1. On the upper shelves (even seats from 38 to 54), you could buy a ticket 30% cheaper. The promotion is conditional: it was proposed to make a purchase no later than 8 days before the route was sent.
  2. For the rest of the "high-rise" places (even numbers from 2 to 36) it was proposed to give 15% less, under the same conditions of purchase. The promotion was valid until the vacation period (until April 28). Probably, the carrier will offer similar conditions to its customers for one of the periods of 2017.

Russian Railways encourages the advance purchase of travel passes. You can buy them within two months - 45 days before the start date of the trip.

For customers who purchase tickets in advance, up to 16 days before departure, the carrier promises to reduce the cost of the journey by 30%, up to seven days - by 15%.

The promotion for domestic trains does not apply to the summer season. The rule "earlier - cheaper" works on foreign routes.

Carriers arrange temporary promotions, focusing on the occupancy rate of railway trains. Then they offer to buy a discounted train ticket.

For example, such conditions were provided to clients wishing to visit Paris (in 2016).

Internet sales are being stimulated. When buying through online ticket offices, you can significantly reduce the cost of tickets.

Promotional terms are changing. For specific information, contact the box office in your city.

Russian Railways invites customers to celebrate their birthday together. For birthday people, the fare is reduced by 35%. On the Sapsan route, you can save half the fare for the birthday man and three friends traveling seven days before the date of the holiday and the same amount after.

Newlyweds also enjoy the privilege. They are offered a 35% reduction in the cost of travel if they manage to take advantage of the discount on time (a month after the wedding).

Dear newlyweds: do not forget your marriage certificate when you go to the checkout!

Some directions are filled in with the help of other tempting conditions. People are offered to travel together to some not particularly popular country.

Finland, Poland, Mongolia, China, Korea, the Baltic countries were considered as such. Price reductions were offered in different ways: from 50% for children, up to 10% for adults (2016).

The conditions for 2017 have not yet been officially announced.

It must be remembered that conditions change. They depend on the availability of free places, the demand for directions.

Passengers from one of the most popular destinations can take advantage of special discounts.

Sale of tickets for "Sapsan" starts 60 days in advance. The first buyers get them at the lowest price. Then it grows, taking into account the demand.

This route is subject to a 20% price reduction for a round trip ticket. If you buy a road map, you can save: for schoolchildren and people over 60 - 50%, for young people - 30%.

Due to the fact that the budget pays extra for the travel pass, it is necessary to correctly draw up your benefit. To do this, you must present a package of documents at the railway ticket office.

It includes;

  • identity card (passport, for children - birth certificate);
  • document confirming the preferential category;
  • a certificate from the Pension Fund (in some cases).

  1. Students and pupils are required to present a certificate from the educational institution, student (student) card, accompanied by confirmation of the fact of having Russian citizenship.
  2. Children confirm age by date on birth certificate.
  3. It is enough for the holders of orders and medals to provide the appropriate certificate, also applies to all participants in the Second World War.
  4. Deputies and their assistants are also provided with travel documents only if they have a certificate confirming their respective status.

All documents are not only checked, but also recorded by the cashier. The provision of fake IDs (other documents) is punishable by law.

We describe typical ways of resolving legal issues, but each case is unique and requires individual legal assistance.

For a prompt solution to your problem, we recommend that you contact qualified lawyers of our website.

In 2018, no changes are planned in the procedure for granting travel benefits.

Our experts monitor all changes in legislation in order to provide you with reliable information.

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State support programs for the Russian Federation include discounts on travel on long-distance trains, as well as discounts on the purchase of railway tickets to travel from one city to another (these benefits do not apply to commuter trains). Let us consider in more detail what kind of benefits exist on travel on trains and who is entitled to them.

Travel to the place of treatment

For some categories of citizens, the legislation of the Russian Federation provides the opportunity to use free travel by rail to the place of treatment and back, provided that the place of treatment is located in Russia. These categories of citizens include the following persons:

Disabled people who got their disability during the hostilities;

Served (at least 6 months) in military educational institutions, military units or other institutions that are not part of the active army from 06/22/1941 to 09/03/1945;

Servicemen awarded with USSR medals or orders for service in the period from 06/22/1941 to 09/03/1945;

Persons awarded with the medal "Resident of the besieged Leningrad";

Persons who during the Second World War worked at air defense facilities, took part in the construction of defensive structures, naval bases, airfields and other military facilities located in the rear borders of active fronts, operational zones of fleets, front-line sections of railways and highways;

Persons who are members of the crews of ships of the fleet who were interned at the beginning of the Second World War in the ports of foreign states;

Persons who are members of the families of those killed in the war, participants in the Second World War and hostilities;

Family members of citizens who, during the Second World War, were in the personnel of self-defense groups of objects and emergency teams of local air defense;

Persons who are members of the families of the deceased workers of hospitals and hospitals in Leningrad during the Great Patriotic War;

Persons who in the past are juvenile prisoners of fascist camps;

Disabled people;

Disabled children;

Persons who accompany disabled people of the 1st group of all categories and disabled children;

Persons affected by radiation caused by the disaster at a nuclear power plant, and persons equated to them.

For all of the above categories of citizens, free travel is issued on the basis of an identity document, a document giving the right to benefits, as well as a special coupon, which can be obtained from the social insurance authorities.

Read also: Refund of Russian Railways tickets purchased via the Internet: conditions and procedure

Other benefits for travel on long-distance trains in 2019

In addition to free travel to the place of treatment and back, in our country there are a number of other benefits for travel on long-distance trains. The table below shows the categories of beneficiaries, particulars of benefits, as well as the documents that must be provided.

Beneficial persons

Train travel concession

Documents on the basis of which a reduced fare is issued

1. Heroes of the Russian Federation.

2. Heroes of the USSR.

3. Full Cavaliers of the Order of Glory.

1. Book of the Hero of the Russian Federation, Book of coupons.

2. Book of the Hero of the USSR, Book of coupons.

3. Order book, coupon sheet.

1. Heroes of Socialist Labor.

2.Holders of the Order of Labor Glory of three degrees.

3. Owners of the order "For Service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" of three degrees.

Travel without payment on trains and carriages of any category (once a year).

1. Book of the Hero of Socialist Labor, Book of coupons.

2. Order book, Book of coupons.

1.Persons who are members of the Federation Council.

2. Deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

3. A person who accompanies a member of the Federation Council with a disabled person of the 1st group or a deputy of the State Duma with a disabled person of the 1st group.

Travel without payment on trains and wagons of any category an unlimited number of times.

If a person is disabled of the 1st group, it is additionally necessary to provide a pension certificate.

1. Assistant to a member of the Federation Council.

2. Assistant to a State Duma deputy

Free travel in compartment cars of fast trains or in compartment cars of a lower category an unlimited number of times.

Corresponding identity.

Schoolchildren who are trained in the Suvorov military, cadet, naval cadet corps or Nakhimov naval schools.

1. For students over 10 years old, a 50% discount is used for travel in reserved seat class cars and general fast and passenger trains (long-distance).

2. Discount on travel on branded fast trains and passenger trains. A privileged person must pay 50% of the cost of a ticket for a regular fast or passenger train and the difference between travel in branded and regular railway transport.

This benefit is seasonal. It is provided from 1.01 to 31.05 and from 1.09 to 31.12 of the current year.

Student help.

1. Travel without payment for one child under the age of 5 years without a separate seat in coupe, SV, reserved seats, general and seated carriages.

2. Travel without payment for one child (under the age of 10) without a separate seat in a luxury carriage.

3. Concessionary travel for children aged 5 to 10 years at selected seats with payment of a ticket for child fares. Children's fare in SV, compartment, general and sedentary (domestic trains) carriages implies a discount of 65%. Children travel in luxury carriages (domestic trains) free of charge.

4. Payment for travel at the child's rate on trains of interstate communication.

Child's birth certificate.

Pupils (students) full-time education.

A 50% discount on travel on the upper bins in compartment cars of all types of trains (long-distance travel within the Russian Federation). The discount is valid from September 1 to June 30 and from August 25 to December 31.

Student card (student certificate), as well as a document confirming Russian citizenship.

Please note that student and student discounted fares do not apply to trains on the following destinations:

Saint Petersburg - Kaliningrad

Moscow - Kaliningrad;

Kaliningrad - Adler.

In all other cases, the benefits apply according to the standard rules.

Students and postgraduates of full-time departments of educational institutions of higher and secondary vocational education of the Russian Federation are provided25% discountfor travel in compartment wagons and wagons with seating *, equated to compartment-type wagons (high-speed trains "Strizh", "Lastochka", "Nevsky Express", etc.) on trains JSC "FPK" plying in domestic traffic.

Student project "Russian Railways Bonus"- this is not only a discount on the ticket, but also:

  • the possibility of accumulating points for trips on the trains of FPC JSC, long-distance trains "Sapsan", "Lastochka", "Allegro" of the carrier DOSS (JSC "Russian Railways") with their subsequent cancellation on premium (free) tickets (except for Allegro trains);
  • special offers from program partners.

3 easy steps to participate in the Student project "Russian Railways Bonus":

    in the loyalty program "Russian Railways Bonus"

  1. Get a certificate from the dean's office on the letterhead of the educational institution, confirming the fact of study

    2. Send help by in your personal account on the website

The discount will be assigned within 2 days from the date of sending the certificate.

A simplified scheme for obtaining a discount is valid for undergraduate and graduate students between the ages of 14 and 25... Students and graduate students over 25 years old to receive a discount must contact the Trade Union Committee or the Student Council of the educational institution and provide their number of the Loyalty Program participant.

The discount is valid until September 1 of the next academic year. To extend the discount, you must send a certificate issued in the new academic year or reapply to the Trade Union Committee or the Student Council of the educational institution.

Travel document processing:

  • at the railway ticket offices you must give your number of the Russian Railways Bonus loyalty program participant, as well as inform about the availability of a student discount;
  • on the site JSC "Russian Railways" you must select "Indicate the number of the bonus, electronic, road card or business pass ", Enter the Program participant number in the fieldRussian Railways Bonus shares: for pensioners, students, with partner cards. "

When boarding the train, you must present:

  • duly executed travel document (ticket);
  • an identity document on the basis of which an electronic ticket was purchased;
  • with a simplified scheme for obtaining a discount, JSC "FPK" reserves the right to check additionally a student card and a certificate

Student discount tickets can only be issued in the name of the cardholder.

Information for institutions of higher professional education:
If your institution wishes to join the Student program, then you must send an application on the form of the educational institution to the address [email protected] to the Student Coordination Council of the All-Russian Trade Union.

When sending a list in the "subject line" section, please indicate the name of the institution.

The discount applies to the purchase of an unlimited number of tickets issued in the name of the program member during the period of the offer. The discount is cumulative with current promotions and tariff offers that apply to trains included in the dynamic pricing program. For trains that are not included in the dynamic pricing program, the program participant has the right to independently choose a discount within the framework of the current offers. The discount is calculated from the applicable fare as of the date of purchase of the travel document (ticket). Services are paid in full.

* In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 18, 2007 No. 99 "On the criteria for determining
categories of trains for the carriage of passengers, depending on the speed of their movement and the distance of travel "by speed
trains are subdivided into:
high-speed - route speed, which is more than 91 km / h;
fast - route speed, which is from 50 to 91 km / h;
passenger - route speed, which does not exceed 50 km / h.

Student years are a time of low income and related problems. Young people, in particular, have to travel a lot around the metropolis and beyond. And this leads to additional spending. Therefore, in the regions there have been established benefits for students on travel.

Let's take a look at what benefits young people can take advantage of in 2019.

Public transport

Financing of this type of state preferences is carried out from regional budgets. This is stated in the Federal Law "On Education" No. 273-FZ dated 22.12.2012. To provide youth with discounts on public transport, local authorities must negotiate agreements with carriers. Educational institutions are informed about this and explain everything to students and pupils.

A young person can take advantage of this preference by issuing a student ticket. The government of the Russian Federation decided to use international experience in solving this problem. Therefore, a public transport pass is now issued in the form of a smart card. It operates on all routes contracted by the authorities, which is convenient for students. After all, young people have to move from their place of residence to educational buildings, libraries, enterprises and so on.

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The pass allows you to use the following types of transport running on city lines:

  • by buses;
  • trams;
  • subway;
  • trolleybuses;
  • boats (in some cities).

The effect of benefits does not apply, as a rule, to travel in taxis and minibuses. However, there may be exceptions. You should find out about them at the dean's office of the faculty or the rector's office.

Preferences are provided only to young people studying at daytime departments of state educational institutions:

  • higher;
  • secondary special.

The procedure for issuing a travel pass


In order to get a smart card, you need to go to the leadership of the trade union committee of the educational institution. This organization is engaged in the issuance of a document confirming the student's rights to benefits. You should have the following documents with you:

  • the passport;
  • student ID;
  • black and white photograph (3 × 4).
It is recommended to make photocopies of identity papers. They will be required to remain in the union.

Ask a specialist from the trade union committee to fill out an application. It is not necessary to do this in advance, since the application for the smart card is written on a special form. In this case, the following requirements should be observed:

  1. Personal data is entered into cells. They are filled in with block letters.
  2. When filling out the form, only blue paste is used. Writing in other colors is strictly prohibited.
  3. All data must be entered accurately and without errors. In addition, they are required to comply with those indicated in the passport.
Crumpled, filled in with errors and blots, applications are not considered by the trade union committee.

Do you need on this issue? and our lawyers will contact you shortly.

Algorithm for receiving a smart card

  1. An application received from a student is processed in approximately two days. This time is needed to check the information entered in the form. If everything is filled in correctly, then the young man is given a decision in his hands.
  2. With this paper you need to go to a special cashier that sells coupons for public transport. As a rule, next to it there is an announcement about the acceptance of questionnaires.
  3. The cashier is obliged to check the accuracy of the application. To do this, he:
    • verifies the photo with the applicant's face;
    • requires you to provide proof of identity.
The student himself must go to the cashier with the questionnaire. You should have your passport or student ID with you.
  1. The cashier gives the young man a slip of the form.
  2. With him, you should return to the checkout, after two weeks.
  3. On the spine get a travel ticket.
To activate the smart card, it must be topped up. Initially, its balance is zero.

This document entitles you to a 50% discount on public transport. It cannot be used in a taxi.

Smart card expiration date

The pass can be used for five years. That is, the student has the right to apply for it in the first year and not worry about the extension. It will only be necessary to replenish the balance. But remember that the smart card is fraudulent. Universities submit lists of expelled students to organizations that issue travel cards.

As soon as the student finishes his studies at the educational institution, his ticket is canceled.

Discounts on commuter trains

By Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 27, 2010 No. 1163, the provision of benefits for students for travel on electric trains is attributed to the responsibilities of regional authorities. They must conclude an appropriate agreement with Russian Railways. The preference is 50%. In practice, it happens as follows:

  1. The region is adopting a law on student preferences for paying for commuter train tickets.
  2. Based on this, a contract is drawn up with the service provider.
  3. The carrier receives a subsidy from the budget to cover the costs of the services rendered.
If the authorities do not carry out the above work, then there will be no discounts on electric trains.

How to buy a discount ticket for a student


According to the established procedure, young people are given a discount on the basis of documents confirming the preferential category. They must be presented to the cashier. That is, when purchasing a travel card, you need to have the following papers with you:

  • passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
  • student ID;
  • a certificate from an educational institution stating that a person is studying there (on demand).

All of the above documents must be:

  • valid;
  • issued to the same person.

There are a number of restrictions on the provision of this type of preference in 2019. Namely:

  1. The discount on travel by train is valid during the educational process: from September 1 to June 15 of the next year.
  2. It applies only to full-time students and pupils of state educational institutions.
  3. The discount is valid only on suburban routes.

Electric train discounts are not eligible for students studying:

  • in absentia;
  • in branches of foreign universities.

In 2019, students and pupils have the right to purchase train passes. The discount for them is also 50%. To do this, you should contact the cashier of the Russian Railways, having the documents with you (indicated above).

For your information: these benefits do not apply on intercity trains. However, Russian Railways provides discounts on some seats, for example, the upper bunk. This allows students to save money on travel costs.

International travel card: ISIC card


There is one more type of preferences, which are valid in 130 countries of the world. This is an ISIC card. It entitles you to discounts:

  • for travel in public transport in the EU countries;
  • for discounted tickets on international flights (from 10 to 30%).
More specifically, you should find out about the preferences at the card issuing centers. They operate in large cities of Russia.

Who and how can get an ISIC card

This card is designed for young people from 12 to 26 years old. The main condition for its provision is training at an educational institution during the day. That is, like the travel card, it is not issued to correspondence students.

The ISIC card is usually handled by the trade unions of the universities. In addition, students and pupils of schools can independently apply to the appropriate centers. You need to have the following documents with you:

  • passport or birth certificate (for children under 14);
  • student or student card;
  • photo 3 × 4.

The ISIC card replaces the identity card when traveling abroad. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to get a discount on rental payments.

This card is issued for one year only. You have to pay for it. In 2019, it costs 600 rubles.

March 18, 2017, 07:31 Mar 3, 2019 13:49

The procedure for financial assistance to students is determined by the law "On Education", which was adopted in 2012. Everyone who receives an education should familiarize themselves with it, because it is there that all types of material support that can make life easier are spelled out. Many students have to study away from home, so the most in demand benefits for train tickets.

What students can count on

Until 2015, the list of transport benefits for those receiving higher professional education was slightly wider. Due to the economic crisis, a discount on tickets for long-distance trains, that is, for those that cross the border, was removed from it. Now, at a reduced cost, you can only move around the suburbs or the country.

At the same time, in 2015, season tickets were introduced, with which it is possible to really reduce the cost of travel on railway transport by 50%. The subscription applies to electric trains. For suburban transport, you can get a document according to the rules:

  • students who receive primary vocational and higher education are able to use the discount;
  • when buying a travel document, you must have a student card with you;
  • a discount pass can be used from the first day of the school year to mid-June; in summer, you will have to travel at full cost.

The procedure for using the exemption is governed by regional legislation, so the rules may change insignificantly. The conditions depend on what agreements have been reached between the executive authorities and transport companies operating in the field of commuter transportation.

The benefit for travel around the country works in a similar way. The procedure for its provision can be found in the educational institution.

Features of purchasing tickets

There is one peculiarity - you cannot buy a ticket at a reduced cost in the summer. This is due to several reasons:

  • students use the benefit for personal purposes;
  • at this time, the student may already be a graduate;
  • it is on the deduction lists.

The privilege applies only to seats in reserved seat cars, but the train can be either a regular passenger or a fast one. In some regions of Russia, the right to receive a discount on a travel document applies only to some routes. In this case, an alternative is offered with a different departure time, for example, on a train passing through the settlement at night or daytime. Specify in advance the specifics of providing the benefits so as not to get into a difficult situation when buying. It is best to take a certificate from the place of study and a student card in advance, with which you need to contact the cashier. Purchase tickets two to three weeks before departure to be able to choose from several destinations.

Other useful student benefits

Students in tertiary education may qualify for other useful benefits as well. Here is a list of them:

  1. In some regions, they are entitled to reduced fares on the metro or ground transport. To do this, you need to purchase a smart card or a special travel document. This discount is provided for travel only in those cities where the executive authorities have concluded contracts with carriers.
  2. Students who study on a paid basis and their parents are entitled to a 13% tax deduction refund on contributions actually paid (they are deducted from wages by the accounting departments of enterprises).
  3. Upon successful studies or a certain social status, the student is eligible for a scholarship.
  4. Students are given discounts on housing and communal services or a hostel, they are entitled to live on campuses for a fee not exceeding 5% of the scholarship, which is set in the educational institution.
  5. In large cities, on a student card, you can visit a theater, nightclubs or cinema on favorable terms. This benefit is not guaranteed at federal or state level and is provided by entertainment executives.
  6. The situation is similar with shopping centers or supermarkets, where you can get a discount on purchases upon presentation of a student's document, especially often such promotions are held before January 25.
  7. Free of charge in almost all localities, those receiving vocational education have the right to visit municipal museums and use the funds of state libraries. This is a good help for writing essays and term papers. In Moscow, some libraries are open around the clock, which is very convenient for full-time students.

Most of the benefits can actually be obtained only at the time of receiving the first education; it is allowed to use regional or federal social assistance only once. A student can study at two faculties at the same time, but this does not mean that his eligibility for benefits will be different. A certificate from the place of study must be obtained where knowledge is obtained internally.