visa,you need a visa to russia,wich is nothing easy,The costs depends a lot on what you will do and travel classes,dont do it on winter,on summer without snow you will see fantastic views

Hi, I have taken that trans-siberian when i was a kid in 1992.
My advice is know your starting point. Are you starting out in Mongolia, Russia, or China? What city? What do you want to see? Once you know where to start depending on the country specific problems can be solved easier. Generally, it is better to book the lux rooms because the regular ones were little too rough for a long travel.
I think you should carry smaller bills keep in case you have to pay for someone to do their jobs or buy nick nacks (sp?) along the way.
It is a beautiful to experience vast lands, culture and climate changes.
Good Luck,

Visa for Russia is essential and probably the most expensive. If you’re American you probably get 90 days in Mongolia without a visa (I got 30, being Israeli). Make sure at you local consulate, and whatever you do- don’t overstay (I paid 135$US for one day. Expensive). Being American might cause you a bit of hassle with the Chinese visa- but you can’t have it all.
I took the No.4 train from Moscow to Beijing direct (that’s the Chinese one), and a sleeper, but not the deluxe. It was more then reasonable- and highly recommended. The ticket cost 250$US through a Russian agency, which was very reliable.
Next time I’ll take the train I’ll probably stop for a few days in Moscow, Irkudsk, and probably Omsk and Novosibirsk, and st. Petersburg, of I’m headed north. And be sure to take at least three weeks in Mongolia- an experience I’ll be glad to relive.
Tell me if you need any more info on the trip or on the agency- I’ll be glad to assist :)
asaf

there are loads of specific websites that can help plan trips and offer advice to those wanting to do the TS.. I dont know if I am allowed to post external websites on here, so message me if you want some great recommendations… A basic visa will cost you around I think £60 for 90 days sand there are many different options of trains available… hence which I suggested looking at what the experts say and can offer you. They can also help with your visa. Don’t buy anything online or through an agent until you have checked that they are genuine.