Getting Around Russia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Moscow and St. Petersburg. Rural: Rent a car for Golden Ring exploration. Far East: Domestic flights and Trans-Siberian rail. For convenience, book airport transfers from Moscow to your destination.
Train Travel
RZD National Rail
Extensive and reliable train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Moscow to St. Petersburg 2000-5000 RUB, journeys under 4 hours on high-speed lines.
Tickets: Buy via RZD app, website, or station kiosks. Electronic tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-10 AM and 5-8 PM for better prices and availability.
Rail Passes
Intercity passes offer unlimited travel on select routes for 3000-10000 RUB depending on duration.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, RZD website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Sapsan and Allegro connect Moscow to St. Petersburg and other key cities at up to 250 km/h.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Moscow Stations: Main station is Moscow Yaroslavsky, with connections to Leningradsky.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural Siberia and Golden Ring. Compare rental prices from 2000-4000 RUB/day at Moscow airports and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Some highways like M11 require electronic transponders (200-500 RUB per trip).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, trams and pedestrians have priority.
Parking: Paid zones in cities 100-300 RUB/hour, free outside centers.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 50-60 RUB/liter for petrol, 55-65 RUB for diesel.
Apps: Use Yandex Maps or 2GIS for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Moscow during rush hours and around St. Petersburg.
Urban Transport
Moscow Metro & Trams
Iconic network covering the city, single ticket 60 RUB, day pass 250 RUB, 10-journey card 600 RUB.
Validation: Use contactless cards or app, inspections are common.
Apps: Moscow Metro app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Velobike sharing in Moscow and other cities, 150-300 RUB/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in parks and along rivers, especially in summer.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Mosgortrans (Moscow), Peterburgskiy Transport (St. Petersburg) operate comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: 60-100 RUB per ride, buy from kiosks or use contactless payment.
Electric Buses: Growing network in cities, eco-friendly option for short distances.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in cities for easy access, central Moscow or St. Petersburg for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Maslenitsa.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, 3G/4G in most rural areas including Siberia.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 300 RUB for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTS, Beeline, Megafon, and Tele2 offer prepaid SIMs from 300-1000 RUB with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 500 RUB, 10GB for 1000 RUB, unlimited for 1500 RUB/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major metro stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Multiple zones, Moscow Time (MSK) UTC+3 primary, spans UTC+2 to UTC+12 across country.
- Airport Transfers: Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) 30km from Moscow center, Aeroexpress train 500 RUB (40 min), taxi 2000 RUB, or book private transfer for 1500-3000 RUB.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (200-500 RUB/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro partially accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 500 RUB), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 300 RUB, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Russia
Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO): Primary international gateway, 30km northwest of Moscow with Aeroexpress connections.
Pulkovo Airport (LED): St. Petersburg hub 20km south, bus to city 300 RUB (40 min).
Domodedovo Airport (DME): Moscow secondary airport with domestic and some international flights, convenient for south.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Istanbul or Dubai and taking train to Russia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Pobeda, S7 Airlines, and Aeroflot serve domestic routes with connections across Russia.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 100-300 RUB, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, Mir cards common locally, American Express limited.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, SberPay and Mir Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep 5000-10000 RUB in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.