The Vostok train #019/020 began operating from Moscow to Beijing in 2001. It is a Trans-Manchurian train and therefore does not pass through Mongolia on its way from Russia to China. Many people from Russia and China use this train to transport their wares between the 2 countries; each passenger can bring up to 36 kg of luggage.
The train is quite modern with comfortable first and second-class compartments and a good restaurant. At the border, a Chinese restaurant car is attached to the train and the kitchen changes from Russian to Chinese and vice versa the other way. Roubles are accepted on board when the train is in Russia and CNY when the train runs through China.
First class compartments have two lower berths; Second class compartments have two lower and two upper berths. There is a special compartment for disabled people and people accompanying them.
Wheels are changed on the border between Russia and China. Passport control takes place in Zabaikalsk and Manchzhuria and takes approximately 10 hours.