Traveling from Ufa to Saratov on a New Train
The dilemma of where to go on vacation arises every year. Many head south for warmth and the sea, to soak in the water or a lake and bask in the sun. But not everyone shares this type of vacation, especially if the holiday is only a week. A photographer from UFA1.RU chose a less traditional destination for these purposes.
So, Saratov — yes, that«s the city chosen. What to do there, you ask? Well, let»s figure it out. To start, exploring neighboring cities is generally fun — not for everyone, but for some individuals. Some like to lie under the scorching sun, while others prefer to walk under it.
There is a direct railway connection from Ufa to Saratov — just 18 hours of travel, and you«re there. The cost is about 4,000 rubles (approx. $44 at current rates). You can also go by bus, but the price is much higher: from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles ($56–$78 at current rates). The travel time, however, is almost 6 hours less — only 12 hours.
Traveling in a third-class (platzkart) carriage in summer carries risks: you might end up in a carriage where the air conditioning doesn«t work for one reason or another, or there are many noisy children. But the biggest fear is a snoring neighbor. In short, we advise stocking up on patience, earplugs, and Zen.
Saratov is slightly younger than Ufa — it«s 435 years old. It needs about 100,000 more people to reach millionaire city status. The city lies on the banks of the Volga River, and in good weather you get the full feeling of being at a resort.
The first impression is, of course, depressing — the station resembles an endless construction site, from which it«s difficult to find an exit to the city. And the streets nearby are something of desolation and industrial zone. Here and there, repair work is underway; it seems there»s nothing to see.
But in the center of Saratov, there«s its own atmosphere. First, the architecture — there are a huge number of beautiful buildings. Yes, many are shabby, some are draped and generally not well maintained. But it»s about the atmosphere. The entire city center is dotted with low carved houses, not private ones, but just like in Tsarist Russia. Walking past them, you feel like a hero in a sea adventure movie, as if you«re about to board your sailboat and set off to discover new continents.
Second, in the center of Saratov there is its own Arbat — Pyotr Stolypin Avenue. Street musicians often play here, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. To each their own leisure, as they say.
From here you can go down to the embankment. It«s still better than Ufa»s, but it«s also empty, as it»s paved with asphalt and concrete. The only refuge from the merciless sun is in the alley a little higher up — that«s actually what makes the Saratov embankment better than the one in the capital of Bashkortostan. And also that it has its own beach.
The local Victory Park is a special place in Saratov. It is located on a hill with a view of the entire city. But getting there is an adventure in itself. If you wish, you can climb from the side of 32nd Rifle Division Street. If you walk through the park to the end and descend to Krasnova Street, you«ll find that landscaping has not yet been done there.
Overall, Saratov is a pleasant, history-rich but shabby city with its own special river atmosphere. Is it worth spending 10,000 rubles (approx. $111 at current rates) for a weekend trip here? To see the Volga, stroll along its banks, and immerse yourself in history — probably yes. Especially if you«ve already been to Samara and the nearby cities of Bashkortostan.
