Russian Railways outlines availability of non-refundable train fares

Non-refundable fares are available in Federal Passenger Company compartment carriages, selected Lastochka trains and Sapsan meeting compartments. They account for about 10% of tickets offered for sale, Russian Railways told RIA Novosti on October 10.

Federal Passenger Company, a Russian Railways subsidiary, offers non-refundable tickets in compartment carriages on domestic services. For high-speed travel, the fares cover seated places on some Lastochka trains and meeting compartments on Sapsan services operated by the high-speed passenger directorate.

Sales began in 2019 after legislation allowing the fares took effect. They are permitted in the unregulated segment, where operators set prices, including compartment, sleeper and luxury carriages and high-speed trains with seats. They are unavailable in open-plan sleeper carriages, whose fares are regulated by the state.

When the fares were introduced, Russian Railways said prices would be between 5% and 20% below comparable refundable tickets. The company described the current figure of about 10% as a share of tickets offered for sale, rather than a share of journeys made.

Non-refundable status does not remove statutory exceptions. These include sudden illness affecting a passenger or a family member travelling with them, along with other extraordinary circumstances. Refunds can also be available if a train is cancelled or its departure delayed, or if the passenger is not given the seat specified on the ticket.