Moscow’s public transportation system is not only one of the most efficient in the world but also offers some fantastic ways to explore the city’s top attractions. From the iconic Moscow Metro to buses and trolleybuses, the public transport routes provide easy access to the best of Moscow’s landmarks, parks, and cultural sites.
In this guide, we will highlight the best public transport routes for sightseeing in Moscow, making it easy for you to navigate and enjoy the city’s rich history, art, and modern attractions.
1. Moscow Metro: The Most Efficient Way to Explore the City
The Moscow Metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel around the city, with easy access to some of Moscow’s most famous attractions. With its expansive network, you can visit several key landmarks in one trip. Plus, the stations themselves are a historical attraction, with many featuring grand Soviet-era architecture, stunning frescoes, and marble finishes.
Route Highlights:
- Red Square and the Kremlin: The Krasnopresnenskaya and Biblioteka Imeni Lenina metro stations are the closest to Red Square and the Kremlin, where you can explore the Mausoleum of Lenin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and GUM department store.
- The Moscow River: Take the Kievskaya metro station to reach the Moscow River, where you can enjoy boat cruises or visit the Gorky Park and Krymsky Bridge.
- Arbat Street: For one of Moscow’s most famous pedestrian streets, get off at Arbat station for shops, restaurants, and street performances.
- The Cosmonautics Museum: Take the VDNKh station to visit the Cosmonautics Museum, dedicated to the Soviet Union’s achievements in space exploration.
Tip: Look out for the Komsomolskaya station on the Circle Line for a particularly beautiful metro station, known for its ornate mosaics depicting Russian history.
2. Trolleybus Route 1: Exploring Moscow’s Historic Heart
The Trolleybus Route 1 is one of Moscow’s most scenic routes, taking you through the city’s historic center while giving you a glimpse of its iconic landmarks.
Route Highlights:
- Pushkin Square: Start at Pushkin Square, where you’ll see the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, home to one of the largest collections of European art in Russia.
- Arbat Street: Ride along Arbat Street, one of the oldest and most famous streets in Moscow, known for its shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere.
- Kitai-Gorod: The route takes you through the Kitai-Gorod district, an area steeped in Moscow’s medieval history and filled with ancient churches, historic buildings, and narrow alleys.
- Kremlin and Red Square: Finish your journey with a stop near the Kremlin and Red Square, offering a perfect view of Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Spasskaya Tower.
Tip: The trolleybus is slower than the metro, but it’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy a more leisurely, scenic view of Moscow’s heart.
3. Bus Route 11: From Gorky Park to the Kremlin
Bus Route 11 takes you through some of Moscow’s most iconic locations, starting from the expansive green spaces of Gorky Park and finishing near the Kremlin and Red Square.
Route Highlights:
- Gorky Park: The route begins at Gorky Park, one of the most famous parks in Moscow, where you can visit the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and stroll along the Moscow River.
- Lenin Library: Stop at the Lenin Library station, located near one of the largest libraries in Russia and close to the Novodevichy Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pushkin Museum and the Kremlin: The bus travels towards the Pushkin Museum and continues through the heart of Moscow, ending at Red Square and the Kremlin, where you can see Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Mausoleum of Lenin, and the Kremlin Towers.
Tip: This bus route offers a great mix of parks, museums, and historical sites, ideal for a more relaxed, sightseeing journey across Moscow.
4. Moscow Metro: The Circle Line (Koltsevaya Line) for a Historical Overview
The Circle Line (Koltsevaya Line) is one of the most iconic routes of the Moscow Metro. This circular line encircles the city’s historical center and provides quick access to some of the most important landmarks in the city.
Route Highlights:
- Komsomolskaya Station: Get off at this station to admire the Komsomolskaya Square, where you’ll find three of Moscow’s most famous railway stations and beautiful Stalinist architecture.
- Red Square: Take the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina or Okhotny Ryad station for easy access to Red Square, the Kremlin, and Bolshoi Theatre.
- Novoslobodskaya Station: Admire the art deco-inspired mosaics in the Novoslobodskaya station on the Circle Line, an artistic and architectural marvel of the Soviet era.
- Taganskaya: This station is close to the Taganka Theater, one of the most famous cultural venues in Moscow.
Tip: If you’re short on time and want a quick overview of Moscow’s key sights, the Circle Line offers easy access to many landmarks, especially for those who prefer a less crowded, circular route.
5. Tram Route 39: A Scenic Ride Through Historical Districts
Tram Route 39 offers a slower but scenic route through some of Moscow’s most charming historical districts. It’s ideal for those who want to experience the city at a relaxed pace, especially in the central areas.
Route Highlights:
- Kitai-Gorod and Zaryadye Park: The tram rides through the Kitai-Gorod district, passing by the Zaryadye Park — an urban park offering incredible views of the Moscow River and the Kremlin.
- Pokrovka Street: You’ll also pass through Pokrovka Street, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and historical buildings, as well as a number of cafes and cultural venues.
- Chistye Prudy: A stop near Chistye Prudy, one of the oldest parks in Moscow, where you can relax by the pond or stroll through tree-lined walkways.
Tip: This route is slower than the metro and bus but offers a charming perspective of some quieter and less-visited areas of Moscow, perfect for a relaxed sightseeing experience.
6. Moscow Metro: The Ring Line (Siniye Linii) for a Cultural Journey
The Ring Line of the Moscow Metro connects various cultural and historical hubs across the city. It’s the perfect route for tourists who want to explore a wide range of museums, galleries, and parks.
Route Highlights:
- Tretyakov Gallery: Start at the Tretyakovskaya station, close to the State Tretyakov Gallery, one of the most famous museums in Russia, home to an extensive collection of Russian art.
- Muzeon Park of Arts: Head to the Park Kultury station, from where you can explore the Muzeon Park of Arts — a cultural park featuring a collection of sculptures, open-air art exhibitions, and gardens.
- Gorky Park: Stop at Oktyabrskaya station, which gives access to Gorky Park, one of Moscow’s most popular spots for outdoor activities, cultural events, and leisure.
Tip: For tourists interested in cultural experiences, the Ring Line is a great option to explore museums, parks, and cultural hotspots across Moscow.
Conclusion: Discovering Moscow by Public Transport
Moscow’s public transport system offers an excellent way to discover the city’s many attractions, from historic landmarks and museums to beautiful parks and unique neighborhoods. Whether you choose to ride the efficient metro, take a scenic tram ride, or enjoy a leisurely bus tour, these public transport routes allow you to experience Moscow’s cultural and historical gems at your own pace. For tourists, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B, but about enjoying the journey and all the fascinating sights that Moscow has to offer.