Belarus and Russia will launch cross-border commuter passenger service in April
Friday, 03 April 2026
From Belarus, trains on Smolensk-Orsha-Smolensk and Smolensk-Vitebsk-Smolensk routes will begin running in express format starting April 3, with up to three trips daily.
The main objective of launching direct flights is to create a single, seamless transport space between the border regions of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
The introduction of direct routes eliminates transfers at Osinovka and Zaolsha stations, simplifying logistics and reducing travel time. Travel time will be reduced by an average of 1.5 hours. Travel time from Orsha to Smolensk will be 1 hour 40 minutes, and from Vitebsk to Smolensk – 2 hours.
Ticket sales begin 10 days before the train's departure date. Discounted fares are available for certain categories of travelers throughout the entire journey. For more information, visit Belarusian Railways website.
