[tombh]

I don't actually remember, I think it was something like $250. And that was through an agency, so surely it could have been even cheaper if I understood enough Russian to buy the ticket directly.

There are first class rooms as well, for even more comfort and privacy. I can't imagine they'd be bank-breakingly expensive either.

[thriftwy]

Russian Railways have a decent web site so you probably don't need to read Russian even, but as time goes it may no longer be that cheap.