You’re planning to buy a Russian train ticket for your Trans-Siberian journey but don’t have a Russian MIR bank card? Don’t worry, in 2026, there are still reliable ways to book online using a Visa or Mastercard.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to book Russian train tickets as well as routes like the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian, using a trusted international-friendly platform.
Last updated 11 June 2026
Why you can’t use Visa or Mastercard on Russian railway websites (RZD, Tutu.ru, etc.)
To buy a ticket on the RZD website (the national russian railway company), Tutu.ru or even Grand Service Express (a private railway company) you must have a Russian bank card.
Even if the Visa or Mastercard logos appear on these websites, it is not possible anymore. Many Russians still have their Visas and Mastercards, but the payments goes through another system (probably MIR, I’m no banking expert), not the international Visa/Mastercard ones we know in the west/rest of the world.
Best alternative to buy Russian train tickets online with Visa or Mastercard
RussianTrain.com is a licensed russian tour operator part of the Anyday travel LTD and the one I recommend you to book on. The ticket prices include all taxes and fees.
The customer team is easily reachable by phone, email, Whatsapp and even Facebook.
Their website is available in 6 different languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese and German; You can choose your prefered currency between Euros, British Pound, US Dollar, Swiss Franc …
All the destinations I looked for in the search bar were available, including deep in Siberia and in Crimea, but if you don’t see the place you’re looking for, just contact the customer service.
Note : they have exchange ticket fees of 1400₽ and tickets for international travels with China and Mongolia are non refundable.
