Stations are the gates of cities. It is through them that the majority of visitors enter the settlements. Some train stations are huge buildings with an extensive infrastructure and many services, and some offer a minimal set of services. However, many useful things can be done at any train station.
Station services
Once at the station of an unfamiliar city, many people try to get rid of the feeling of the road as soon as possible, and therefore quickly leave the station premises. As a rule, they immediately become victims of the intrusive service of local taxi drivers who offer their services at inflated prices. This is especially true for Moscow taxi drivers. At the same time, in an unfamiliar city, a person, especially one who has arrived with a large luggage, has practically no other choice but to take a taxi. It is good if the hotel is booked in advance and there is no need to look for accommodation, but still, the first impression of the city can be spoiled.
In most cases, train stations are the final stop for many types of public transport that can be used during the day.
In fact, any station provides a fairly good set of services that can greatly make life easier for a visitor. For example, you can use a luggage room, which is almost everywhere. Their services are inexpensive, and in return, you will get the opportunity to explore the city without the hassle of uncomfortable suitcases.
In addition, you can eat at the station, both in an inexpensive diner and in an elite restaurant, buy a local SIM card for a cell phone, a newspaper with advertisements for renting real estate, and replenish the supply of medicines in a pharmacy. If you come to the city at night, it might make sense to spend the night in the common room, and in the morning go in search of accommodation. There may not be empty seats in a comfortable lounge, but you should not despair: many train stations are literally surrounded by hotels and guest houses.
At some train stations, you can not only visit the toilet, but even take a shower, although, of course, for reasons of sanitation, it is better to do this only in the most extreme cases.
Pros and cons of train stations
As a rule, city central stations offer consulting services on finding accommodation, ordering a taxi at lower prices, and providing information about the city. Here you can order an excursion, use a computer with Internet access, make a call to your relatives and friends who are worried about you.
Of course, we must not forget that railway stations, despite the increased security measures, are one of the favorite places for thieves, swindlers, card cheaters and other asocial strata of the population. Therefore, be careful, avoid casual acquaintances and intimate conversations with suspicious people. Remember that losing documents or money in a foreign city is much more unpleasant than at home.
