Getting Around Russia: Trains, Metro and Taxis

Russia is a very large country, and knowing the main ways of getting around makes a first visit calmer. This page introduces trains, city Metro systems, buses and taxis, explains how to think about tickets and payment in general terms, and gives simple tips for planning routes, avoiding rush hours and travelling with luggage. Fares, routes and payment options can change, so confirm the details with the official transport operators.

The main ways to get around

Between cities, many visitors use trains or domestic flights, depending on the distance and the time available. Within cities, public transport usually includes buses, trams and trolleybuses, and some large cities, such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg, also have a Metro.

Taxis are also available. The right choice depends on where you are going, the time of day and how much luggage you have. Distances in Russia can be long, so check travel times before you plan your route.

• Trains and flights: for travel between cities.
• Metro: usually the most direct way across the centre of cities that have one.
• Buses, trams and trolleybuses: useful for short routes and areas without a station.
• Taxis: handy with luggage or late at night.

Tickets and payment in general terms

Tickets for public transport and trains are usually available from ticket offices, machines or apps, and some systems accept cards or a travel card. Which methods work for you can depend on your provider and your situation, and the options can change.

Check the current fares and payment options on the official websites of the transport operators before you travel. It helps to carry some cash in rubles as a back-up, and to keep your ticket or card until the end of the journey.

• Check the official operator sites for current fares and ticket types.
• Find out which payment methods work for your cards and phone.
• Keep some cash as a back-up.
• Keep your ticket or card until you leave the station.

Plan your routes

Plan your route before you set off, and note the lines, the interchange stations and the exit you need. Station names are shown in Russian, and many stations also show Latin letters or English announcements, but this can vary, so it helps to know the stop names in advance.

For long-distance trains, check the departure station, since large cities can have several. Large interchange stations can have long passages, so allow extra time for transfers. A saved offline map and a screenshot of your route can help if you lose your connection.

• Note the line colors and the names of your stations.
• Check the departure station and platform for trains.
• Allow extra time for long transfers.
• Save your route offline.

Rush hours and luggage

The busiest times are usually the weekday morning and evening rush hours, when trains and passages are crowded. If you can, travel outside these times, especially with luggage.

Check the rules for large bags with the operator, and consider a taxi for heavy luggage. If you need to store luggage, check the options at stations and airports and confirm the hours and conditions with the provider.

• Avoid weekday rush hours if you can.
• Pack light, and keep your bag close in crowded trains.
• Consider a taxi for heavy luggage.
• Check storage options with the provider.

Quick checklist

• Look up the official fare and ticket information
• Check which payment methods work for you
• Carry some cash in rubles as a back-up
• Note your lines, stations and exits in advance
• Check travel times and departure stations for long trips
• Save your route and map offline
• Avoid rush hours if you can

Official sources

• Russian Railways
• Moscow Metro

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to get around Russian cities?

Many visitors use public transport, such as the Metro where it exists, buses and trams. Check the current fares and payment options on the official operator website, and use taxis where public transport does not go.

How do I travel between cities?

Many visitors use trains or domestic flights, depending on the distance. Check routes, schedules and booking steps with the official operators, and allow enough time because journeys between cities can be long.

How do I pay for public transport?

Options usually include ticket offices, machines and cards or apps, but what works for you can depend on your provider. Check the official operator website, and carry some cash as a back-up.

Are taxis a good option?

They can be useful with luggage or at night. Use an official taxi service that you have checked in advance, agree how the fare is calculated and keep your booking details.

These are general tips. Rules and conditions depend on your situation and can change: please confirm all details with the official source before you travel.