Moscow offers several public transport passes that can help residents and visitors save money and time when using the city’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. For tourists and frequent travelers, unlimited travel passes can be a convenient and cost-effective solution, allowing you to explore Moscow without worrying about individual tickets each time you use public transport.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of unlimited public transport passes available in Moscow, including options for tourists and residents.
1. Moscow Tourist Pass: Unlimited Travel for Tourists
What is the Moscow Tourist Pass?
The Moscow Tourist Pass is a great option for visitors who plan to explore the city extensively. It provides unlimited travel on the Moscow Metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses for a set period (usually 3 days or 7 days). The pass is designed for tourists and is available for purchase either online or at various locations around the city, such as tourist information centers and major metro stations.
Key Features of the Moscow Tourist Pass:
- Unlimited Travel: Offers unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses for the chosen period (3 days, 7 days, etc.).
- Access to Museums and Attractions: The pass also includes free or discounted access to over 40 museums and major tourist attractions in Moscow, such as Red Square, Kremlin, VDNKh, and more.
- Convenience: You can skip the ticket lines at major tourist spots and use the pass for seamless transport access.
Price of the Moscow Tourist Pass:
- 3-Day Pass: Around 450 rubles (approximately).
- 7-Day Pass: Around 700 rubles (approximately).
- The prices may vary depending on the season, promotions, and specific services included.
Where to Buy:
- Online: Purchase in advance on the official website of the Moscow Tourist Pass.
- Tourist Centers: Available at major tourist information centers and metro stations across Moscow.
Advantages of the Moscow Tourist Pass:
- Unlimited travel within the validity period.
- Discounts and free entry to museums and attractions.
- Convenient for tourists who plan to explore the city’s top sights.
Ideal for:
- Tourists visiting Moscow for a short period who want unlimited access to the metro and public transport, as well as entry to various cultural sites.
2. Troika Card: Reloadable Travel Card for Unlimited Rides
What is the Troika Card?
The Troika card is a rechargeable smart card that can be used for unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, and even the aerobus service to Sheremetyevo Airport. Although the Troika card does not provide unlimited travel for a set period (like the tourist pass), it offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel multiple times across all public transport.
Key Features of the Troika Card:
- Unlimited rides: While the Troika card doesn’t offer unlimited travel for a certain period, you can make unlimited journeys as long as you have enough credit on the card.
- Pay-as-you-go system: You load the card with credit and simply tap it when boarding or exiting any public transport.
- Discounts: Compared to buying single journey tickets, the Troika card offers discounted fares, making it cheaper for regular travelers.
Price of the Troika Card:
- Card purchase: The Troika card itself costs around 50 rubles.
- Travel credit: You can load the card with an amount of your choice, and each journey typically costs 40–50 rubles, depending on the mode of transport.
- Single ride: A single ride in the metro costs 55 rubles, but it is cheaper with a Troika card.
Where to Buy:
- Metro stations: Troika cards can be purchased and recharged at ticket machines, kiosks, or customer service centers located in major metro stations.
- Online: You can also purchase and recharge the card online, but physical collection may be necessary.
Advantages of the Troika Card:
- No time restrictions: You can use it for multiple trips within a set period, and it automatically calculates the fare.
- Convenience: It’s perfect for travelers staying longer in Moscow, giving flexible and easy access to public transport.
- Discounts: Troika card holders pay less compared to buying single tickets.
Ideal for:
- Frequent travelers in Moscow who want a convenient and cost-effective way to travel across the city for multiple days or weeks.
3. Unlimited Monthly Passes (For Residents and Long-Term Visitors)
What Are Unlimited Monthly Passes?
For residents or long-term visitors who need daily access to public transport, the Moscow metro offers unlimited monthly passes that provide unlimited travel for a set fee. These passes are available for different transport modes, including the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
Key Features of the Unlimited Monthly Pass:
- Unlimited travel for the entire month on all public transport (metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses).
- Discounted rates for people who travel regularly.
- Easy recharge at kiosks, online, or via mobile apps.
Price of the Unlimited Monthly Pass:
- The price varies depending on the type of transport pass and the zone of travel. For example, an unlimited metro-only pass might cost around 2,000–2,500 rubles per month.
Where to Buy:
- Ticket kiosks or customer service centers at major metro stations.
- Online: Monthly passes can also be purchased through the Moscow Metro app or other official platforms.
Advantages of the Monthly Pass:
- Cost-effective for daily commuters or long-term residents.
- Unlimited travel across all modes of transport for the entire month.
- Convenient and easy to recharge.
Ideal for:
- Residents or long-term visitors in Moscow who travel frequently on public transport and want a cost-effective solution for unlimited travel.
4. Additional Transport Passes
7-Day Passes for Frequent Travelers
For visitors staying a bit longer or those who need a temporary unlimited travel pass, the 7-day pass provides unlimited travel on the Moscow Metro and other public transport modes. These passes are typically available for 750–800 rubles and are valid for one week.
Why It’s Great:
- Ideal for tourists who need unlimited travel over several days.
- Cheaper than purchasing multiple single tickets.
Where to Buy:
- Available at metro stations, kiosks, or official apps.
5. How to Choose the Right Unlimited Pass for You
- Short-Term Visitors: If you’re visiting Moscow for a few days, the Moscow Tourist Pass or a 7-day unlimited pass is your best option, offering the most flexibility for sightseeing and using public transport.
- Frequent Travelers: For residents or those staying longer, the Troika card or unlimited monthly pass will provide great value for money, especially if you use public transport daily.
- Budget-Friendly: If you plan on using public transport occasionally, the Troika card is the most cost-effective option with discounts.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a variety of unlimited travel passes designed to suit different types of visitors and residents. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for a few days or a long-term resident traveling regularly, you’ll find a pass that fits your needs. The Moscow Tourist Pass is ideal for short visits with unlimited travel and museum access, while the Troika card is perfect for frequent travelers who need flexible and discounted transport. For residents, monthly unlimited passes offer great value for those who rely on public transport daily. With these passes, navigating Moscow’s vast transport network becomes simple, convenient, and cost-effective.
