Transportation in Russia: Complete Travel Guide 2026

Russia spans 11 time zones, stretching from Europe to Asia, so understanding transportation is key for travelers. For Indian tourists, learning how to get around Russia may seem tricky at first, but the country’s system is logical, affordable, and surprisingly tourist-friendly.The best way to get around Russia includes using Moscow’s metro, famous for its ornate, artwork-filled stations, and taking advantage of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway to cross the continent.

For budget-conscious travelers, the cheapest transport in Russia includes buses, trams, and local trains, which are reliable and widely available.If you’re looking for best transportation in Russia, consider combining metro networks, regional trains, and domestic flights for long distances. Public options are also excellent, with well-organized schedules and easy ticketing systems.Exploring public Russia transport not only makes travel efficient but also provides a glimpse into the country’s culture, architecture, and history along the way.

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1. Buses

Russian buses connect everything from major cities to remote villages, making them essential for both urban travel and countryside exploration. Public transportation in Russia includes an extensive bus network that’s particularly useful for budget travellers.

Highlights

• Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral views from Moscow city bus routes 158 and K
• Scenic countryside panoramas along the Golden Ring bus routes connecting historic towns
• Breathtaking mountain landscapes on the Sochi-Krasnaya Polyana routes
• Volga River views on many intercity routes in central Russia

Key Routes

• Moscow to St. Petersburg: 9-hour journey with regular day and night services
• Moscow to Vladimir/Suzdal (Golden Ring): 3-4 hours, frequent departures
• St. Petersburg to Peterhof Palace: 45-minute ride with palace views
• Sochi to mountain resorts: Year-round services to ski areas and hiking spots

Cost

• City bus fare: 60-70 RUB per ride in Moscow; 40-60 RUB in regional cities
• Intercity bus: 500-2,500 RUB depending on distance and comfort level
• Transport cards: Troika (Moscow) and Podorozhnik (St. Petersburg) offer 30-40% discounts
• Monthly passes: Available from 2,000 RUB, excellent for longer stays

Operating Hours

• Weekdays: Typically 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM
• Weekends: Similar hours with slightly reduced frequency in suburban areas
• Frequency: Every 5-20 minutes within cities; 30-60 minutes for intercity routes

Pro Tips

• Sit on the right side of buses heading to Suzdal for the best views of countryside churches
• Download Yandex.Transport app for real-time bus tracking in all major Russian cities
• Buses can be extremely crowded during rush hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) – plan accordingly
• Buy intercity tickets 1-3 days in advance during summer and holidays to secure seats

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2. Trains

Russia’s extensive railway network forms the backbone of its transport system, ranking among the world’s largest. For long-distance journeys, taking the train is considered the best way to get around Russia, offering not just comfort but also spectacular scenic views and a uniquely immersive travel experience. Trains connect major cities and remote regions, making them essential for both practical travel and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.

Highlights

• The legendary Trans-Siberian Railway journey from Moscow to Vladivostok crosses 8 time zones
• Sapsan high-speed trains zip between Moscow and St. Petersburg at 250 km/h
• Scenic routes through Karelia showcase stunning lakes, forests and northern landscapes
• Red Arrow overnight train provides a classic Russian railway experience with dining cars

Key Routes

• Moscow to St. Petersburg: 4 hours by Sapsan high-speed train; 8-9 hours by overnight train
• Trans-Siberian: Moscow to Vladivostok (7 days), with stops possible at Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, and Lake Baikal
• St. Petersburg to Helsinki: International route with border crossing (3.5 hours)
• Moscow to Sochi: Popular Black Sea route (24 hours) with mountain and coastal views

Cost

• Sapsan high-speed: 2,500-7,000 RUB one-way (Moscow-St.. Petersburg)
• Trans-Siberian Railway: 12,000-50,000 RUB for full route (class-dependent)
• Overnight trains: 2,000-9,000 RUB depending on class and distance
• Suburban elektrichka trains: 50-400 RUB for local journeys

Operating Hours

• Long-distance trains: Departures are scheduled throughout the day and night
• Suburban trains: Usually 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM
• Frequency: High-speed trains hourly on main routes; long-distance trains daily

Pro Tips

• Book through the official Russian Railways website (rzd.ru) or app for the best prices
• For overnight trains, choose a kupé (4-berth compartment) for a good comfort-value balance
• Pack food and drinks for long journeys, despite dining cars being available
• Request bottom bunks (nizhnie) for easier access and more headroom on overnight trains

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3. Taxis

For flexible, door-to-door travel, taxis provide one of the most convenient options for how to get around Russia. Both traditional taxis and app-based services like Yandex Go operate across major cities, offering reliable and relatively affordable transportation for short trips, airport transfers, or exploring urban areas at your own pace.

Highlights

• Evening taxi rides through Moscow showcase spectacular illuminated buildings and monuments
• Airport transfer routes often pass scenic city outskirts and interesting neighbourhoods
• St. Petersburg canal crossings by taxi offer unique perspectives of the “Venice of the North”
• Taxi rides to suburban attractions like Tsaritsino Palace provide glimpses of local life

Key Routes

• Airport transfers: All major Russian airports to city centres
• Intercity trips: Available for medium distances (e.g., Moscow to Sergiev Posad)
• Late-night service when public transport is limited
• Custom sightseeing routes are negotiable with drivers

Cost

• City rides: 300-800 RUB within Moscow/St. Petersburg
• Airport transfers: 1,000-2,500 RUB depending on distance and time
• Intercity: Approximately 15-20 RUB per kilometer
• Payment: Cash, cards, or in-app payments (Yandex Go, Uber, Gett)

Operating Hours

• 24/7 availability in major cities
• Reduced availability between 2-5 AM in smaller cities
• Frequency: Immediate in urban areas (2-7 minute wait); longer in remote areas

Pro Tips

• Use the Yandex Go app (Russia’s leading taxi app) for reliable service with an English interface
• Take photos of luggage before long taxi journeys as a precaution
• Confirm the price before starting if hailing street taxis rather than using apps
• Learn basic Russian phrases for directions – many drivers speak limited English

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4. Metro

The metro systems in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and several other Russian cities offer the fastest urban transportation in Russia. Moscow’s metro is famous worldwide for its stunning station architecture.

Highlights

• Moscow’s Komsomolskaya station features chandeliers and ceiling mosaics like an underground palace
• St. Petersburg’s deepest metro stations are over 100 meters underground with lengthy escalators
• Avtovo station in St. Petersburg showcases crystal columns and marble walls
• Moscow’s Ring Line connects major attractions and transport hubs in a circular route

Key Routes

• Moscow Circle Line: Connects major railway stations and city landmarks
• St. Petersburg Line 1: Links the main tourist district with key cultural sites
• Moscow Red Line: Serves Red Square, the Kremlin and other central attractions
• Kazan Metro: Connects major parts of Tatarstan’s capital with distinctive station designs

Cost

• Single ride: 60 RUB (Moscow), 65 RUB (St. Petersburg)
• Transport cards: Troika in Moscow saves 30-40% with multi-journey options
• Tourist passes: 24-hour unlimited rides from 230 RUB in Moscow
• 90-minute transfers: Available with transport cards in most systems

Operating Hours

• Weekdays: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM
• Weekends: Same hours as weekdays with full service
• Frequency: Every 90 seconds during peak hours; 3-5 minutes off-peak

Pro Tips

• Download Yandex.Metro app for navigation in English with offline functionality
• Stand on the right, walk on the left on escalators to avoid irritating locals
• Metro cards work across multiple transport types for seamless transfers
• Visit stations like Mayakovskaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii as tourist attractions in their own right

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5. Trams

Source

Trams serve as a scenic option for public transportation in Russia, especially in cities with historic districts. While slower than the metro, tram routes let travelers enjoy charming streetscapes, architectural landmarks, and city life from above ground, making them ideal for leisurely sightseeing and short-distance commuting.

Highlights

• St. Petersburg’s tram routes along the Neva River embankments offer spectacular water views
• Moscow’s tram 39 passes multiple historic districts and architectural landmarks
• Yekaterinburg’s tram network showcases both Soviet-era buildings and modern developments
• Kaliningrad’s trams pass through former German neighborhoods with distinctive architecture

Key Routes

• Moscow: Route A (“Annushka”) circles the historic boulevard ring
• St. Petersburg: Route 3 passes major sights, including the Peter and Paul Fortress
• Yekaterinburg: Route 1 connects the city center with the constructivist architecture districts
• Nizhny Novgorod: Route 2 offers scenic Volga River views

Cost

• Single ride: 50-60 RUB in most cities
• Day passes: Available in major cities from 200 RUB
• Transport cards: Same as for buses and metros, with similar discounts
• Cash payment: Available on most trams but often without change

Operating Hours

• Weekdays: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM typically
• Weekends: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM with reduced frequency
• Frequency: Every 7-15 minutes during peak hours; 15-20 minutes off-peak

Pro Tips

• Older tram models require you to validate tickets yourself using punchers
• Trams have the right-of-way in traffic, making them faster than buses during rush hour
• Front carriages generally have better views and are less crowded
• Ring the bell button to request stops on older tram models

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6. Car Rental

For maximum flexibility, especially when exploring rural areas, renting a car provides independent transportation in Russia. This option works well for visiting places with limited public transport.

Highlights

• The Golden Ring route from Moscow through historic towns offers perfect self-driving opportunities
• Coastal drives along the Black Sea near Sochi feature dramatic mountain-meets-sea landscapes
• Karelia’s lake district, north of St. Petersburg, rewards independent exploration
• The Kola Peninsula in the far north provides unique Arctic driving experiences

Key Routes

• Moscow to Vladimir and Suzdal: Classic Golden Ring circuit (220 km)
• Kaliningrad to the Baltic coast: Short drives to beaches and nature reserves
• Sochi to mountain resorts: Stunning ascent from sea level to mountains
• Lake Baikal circuit: Breathtaking lakeside routes in Siberia

Cost

• Economy cars: 2,000-3,500 RUB per day
• Mid-size vehicles: 3,500-6,000 RUB per day
• Insurance: Basic included; full coverage adds 500-1,000 RUB daily
• Fuel: 60-70 RUB per liter for standard gasoline

Operating Hours

• Major rental agencies: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM at offices; 24/7 at airports
• Vehicle collection: Usually takes 30-45 minutes for paperwork
• Frequency: Booking recommended, especially in summer months

Pro Tips

• Driving in Moscow and St. Petersburg is challenging – consider public transport within cities
• International Driving Permit is required alongside your Indian driving license
• Winter driving (October-April) requires special skills due to snow and ice
• Parking in city centers is difficult and expensive; use park-and-ride facilities

FAQs

What is the best way to get around Russia?

For long distances between cities, trains provide the best transportation in Russia – they’re comfortable, reliable, and often run overnight. Within cities, metro systems are the fastest when available. For flexibility, app-based taxis offer good value, while buses reach the most destinations overall.

What is the main transportation in Russia?

Trains form the backbone of transportation in Russia, particularly for long-distance travel. The extensive railway network connects all major cities and many smaller towns. For urban travel, metro systems and buses are the primary options, with metros handling millions of passengers daily in larger cities.

What is the cheapest way of transport in Russia?

Buses generally provide the most affordable transportation in Russia. City buses cost 40-70 RUB per ride, while suburban trains (elektrichka) offer economical options for reaching nearby towns. For maximum savings, purchase transport cards like Troika in Moscow to reduce per-ride costs by 30-40%.

Is a taxi expensive in Russia?

Compared to Western Europe or North America, taxis in Russia are reasonably priced. A typical 5-7 km ride costs 300-500 RUB in major cities. Using apps like Yandex Go or Uber provides the best rates. Airport transportation in Russia via taxi costs 1,000-2,500 RUB, depending on the city and distance.

Can tourists use the Russian Metro?

Yes, tourists can easily use public transportation in Russia, including the metro, buses, and trams. Metro systems in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have English signage and ticket machines with English interfaces. Single tickets or transport cards are available for purchase.

What currency is used in Russia?

The currency used in Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB). While major credit cards work in cities, cash is necessary in smaller towns. As of 2025, 1 Indian Rupee equals roughly 0.8–0.9 RUB.

Are taxis in Russia expensive?

Taxis in Russia are relatively affordable, especially app-based services like Yandex Go. A 30-minute ride in Moscow or St. Petersburg typically costs 500–800 RUB, cheaper than many European capitals.

Are buses cheap in Russia?

Buses provide cheap transport in Russia, with city fares around 40–70 RUB per ride. Intercity buses remain economical too; for example, a 200 km trip costs about 700–1,000 RUB, making it 3–4 times cheaper than the same journey by taxi.