International rail traffic is gradually closing as more and more countries introduce bans and restrictions on entry and exit due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is highly likely that train traffic between Russia and other European countries will be almost completely stopped in the next few days, says Travel.ru's own correspondent.
In recent days, connections with the Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, and Mongolia have been suspended. Obviously, Estonia, Ukraine, and Poland are next in line, having announced on March 13 the upcoming closure of their borders, as well as countries to which trains run via Poland and Ukraine — Moldova, Germany, and France. Some train routes may remain on the schedule for some time to bring home citizens of various countries abroad.
It is likely that the stoppage of traffic will also affect other directions. Resumption of traffic will be possible no earlier than the outbreak of the epidemic is extinguished both in Russia and in all the countries through which a particular train passes - this may take several months.
In addition, we should expect a drop in demand for domestic Russian transportation by both trains and other modes of transport. It is not yet known whether the Russian authorities will take measures as strict as in Europe, but the demand for transport will in any case fall significantly due to the cancellation of many business, cultural and sporting events (or their holding behind closed doors), as well as the refusal of private and tourist trips out of caution. As a result, within a few weeks, a significant portion of flights by various modes of transport in Russia may be cancelled.
Passengers planning to travel in the coming weeks, both within Russia and abroad, should weigh the need for travel many times. Not only unexpected and mass cancellations of flights due to the coronavirus epidemic can be a problem, but also quarantines and entry bans, which are introduced almost daily by various countries for passengers arriving from certain places. In addition, quarantine can also be encountered upon returning home. It is also worth keeping in mind that even in countries and regions without quarantines, most mass events, including tourist ones, have now been cancelled, sports competitions are often held without spectators, museums and other attractions are closed. Finally, the chance of contracting the new coronavirus increases significantly when traveling compared to staying at home.
Source: travel.ru
