Moscow is a city of contrasts, blending historical charm with modernity, and there’s no better way to experience it than aboard one of the city’s iconic trams. While the Moscow Metro is often the go-to option for fast, efficient travel, trams offer a scenic and leisurely way to explore the city, providing a view of Moscow’s streets, parks, and neighborhoods that you can’t experience underground. Whether you’re traveling to a specific destination or simply enjoying a relaxed ride, trams offer a unique and delightful perspective of Moscow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about riding a tram in Moscow, from how to board to how to pay and tips for making the most of your ride.
1. Moscow Trams: Overview and Key Features
Why It’s Important
Moscow’s tram network is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world, offering an efficient way to explore the city above ground. The tram system is well-connected, running alongside busy streets, parks, and neighborhoods, making it a great option for both locals and tourists.
Key Features
- Coverage: The Moscow tram network spans the city’s central and surrounding districts, connecting areas that might not be served by the metro. Key routes pass by many historical sites, parks, and tourist destinations, such as Gorky Park, Zaryadye Park, and Arbat Street.
- Route Numbers: Trams are numbered, and routes typically range from 1 to 99, with some express routes starting at 100. The route numbers are displayed clearly on signs at tram stops and onboard the trams.
- Frequency: Trams generally run every 10-15 minutes, and during peak hours, the frequency can increase to every 5-10 minutes, making it easy to catch a tram even if you miss one.
- Operating Hours: Trams operate daily from 5:30 AM to midnight, providing convenient transportation around the clock. In some areas, trams may run 24/7.
Why You Should Ride the Tram
- Scenic Views: Unlike the metro, trams travel above ground, offering a wonderful opportunity to see Moscow’s neighborhoods, streets, and architecture.
- Relaxed Experience: Trams are slower than the metro, making them a more leisurely option for sightseeing and enjoying the city.
- Accessibility: Trams are a great way to reach areas that are farther from metro stations, especially when you want to explore outside the city center.
2. How to Find the Right Tram Route
Why It’s Important
Knowing which tram to take is key to ensuring a smooth journey, especially if you’re heading to a specific location or sightseeing spot. Fortunately, finding the right tram is simple with the help of maps, apps, and station signage.
How to Find Your Tram Route
- Check Tram Stop Signs: At every tram stop, you’ll find signs with route numbers, the destinations, and the directions the trams are heading. This is helpful in determining which tram will take you to your desired location.
- Use Mobile Apps: Apps like Google Maps and Yandex.Transport are perfect for planning your tram journey. They show tram routes, schedules, and real-time updates, making it easy to navigate the city.
- Route Maps: Tram routes are available on public transport maps at tram stops, on the official Moscow public transport website, and in apps. These maps show all tram lines and the stops along each route.
- Ask Locals: If you’re unsure about which tram to take, don’t hesitate to ask locals or transit staff. Many people in Moscow speak English and are happy to help.
Why It’s Useful
- Efficient Travel: By knowing the right tram route, you can avoid getting lost and ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
- Better Sightseeing: Trams pass through scenic parts of Moscow, and understanding the routes helps you make the most of your sightseeing trip.
3. How to Pay for a Tram Ride
Why It’s Important
Knowing how to pay for your tram ride ensures that your journey is smooth and hassle-free. Moscow offers several payment options to suit different preferences, whether you want to pay for a single ride or use a more convenient transport card.
Payment Options
- Single Ride Ticket:
- A single ride ticket for a tram costs about 55 rubles. You can buy tickets from kiosks at tram stops or onboard the tram.
- If purchasing a ticket onboard, be prepared to have small change for cash payments.
- Troyka Card:
- The Troyka card is a rechargeable transport card that works on the metro, buses, trams, and even the aeroexpress train to the airport. It’s a convenient option for tourists who plan on using public transport frequently.
- The card itself costs 50 rubles, and you can load it with any amount of money. Each ride on a tram costs about 55 rubles, but with a Troyka card, you’ll benefit from discounted fares.
- Contactless Payment:
- You can also use contactless payment methods such as bank cards or smartphones with NFC (near field communication) capabilities. Simply tap your card or phone on the ticket validator when boarding.
- Travel Pass:
- If you’re planning to stay for a longer period and use public transport frequently, you can buy a travel pass for unlimited rides on trams, buses, and the metro for a set period (e.g., 3, 7, or 30 days).
How to Pay for the Tram Ride
- At the Stop: You can buy a single ride ticket from the kiosk at the tram stop before boarding.
- Onboard: If you’re paying with cash, you can purchase a ticket onboard from the ticket inspector (if available) or use a Troyka card by tapping it on the validator.
- Contactless Payment: Simply tap your contactless bank card or smartphone on the validator when boarding the tram.
Why You Should Use the Troyka Card
- Convenience: The Troyka card allows for faster and more convenient payment, especially if you’re using multiple forms of public transport.
- Discounts: You’ll pay less per ride with the Troyka card compared to buying individual tickets.
4. Boarding the Tram
Why It’s Important
Knowing how to properly board the tram ensures that your journey is smooth and that you don’t miss your stop.
How to Board the Tram
- Wait at the Tram Stop: Stand at the designated tram stop and wait for your tram to arrive. Trams have clear route numbers and signs that indicate their destinations.
- Allow Others to Exit First: When the tram arrives, allow passengers to exit before boarding.
- Boarding: Once people have exited, board the tram using the front or rear doors depending on the tram type. If you’re using a Troyka card or contactless payment, tap it on the validator as you enter.
- Find Your Seat: If there are seats available, take one. If the tram is crowded, stand in the designated standing areas and hold onto the poles.
Why It’s Helpful
- Smooth Process: Following these steps ensures that you board the tram efficiently without delays or confusion.
- Courtesy: Allowing people to exit first and following the seating etiquette helps everyone have a comfortable journey.
5. Tips for a Comfortable Ride
Why It’s Important
Trams in Moscow can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Being mindful of your surroundings and following proper tram etiquette will help ensure a pleasant ride for everyone.
Key Tips for Riding the Tram
- Stand on the Right: If standing, always stand on the right side near the doors to leave space for passengers to exit.
- Offer Your Seat: If you see an elderly person, pregnant woman, or someone with disabilities, offer them your seat as a courtesy.
- Quiet Ride: Keep conversations quiet, and avoid using your phone or playing loud music without headphones.
- Avoid Blocking the Aisle: Make sure your bag or belongings don’t block the aisle or interfere with other passengers.
- Be Mindful of Personal Space: The trams can get crowded, so respect other passengers’ personal space.
Why These Tips Matter
- Comfort: Following these simple tips makes the tram ride more pleasant and comfortable for everyone on board.
- Safety: Proper behavior helps ensure that the ride is safe, especially during busy hours when trams are more crowded.
6. Exiting the Tram
Why It’s Important
Knowing when and how to exit the tram efficiently is essential to avoid delays and allow other passengers to board.
How to Exit the Tram
- Press the Stop Button: When approaching your stop, press the stop button located near the doors to signal to the driver that you wish to exit.
- Exit Through the Doors: Once the tram stops at your destination, exit quickly and efficiently through the doors. If you’re near the front or back, make sure to let others get off first.
- Stay Safe: Be cautious when exiting during busy times, and avoid rushing or crowding the doors.
Why Exiting Properly Matters
- Efficiency: Exiting quickly and smoothly ensures that the tram can continue on its route without delays.
- Courtesy: It’s important to be considerate of other passengers when exiting, especially if the tram is crowded.
Conclusion
Riding a tram in Moscow offers a scenic, relaxed, and affordable way to explore the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and cultural landmarks. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the tram system like a local. Whether you’re traveling to Gorky Park, Arbat Street, or other key areas, trams are a convenient and enjoyable option to add to your Moscow travel experience. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to make the most of your tram ride in this vibrant city.