Russia Public Transport System

Russia Public Transport System

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Last updated:
09.07.2019

The Russian transport system is famous for being one of the most efficient ones in the world. At first, it can be a bit confusing, so we collected some useful information that will make you feel like a local upon your arrival!

Russian Metro

If you are planning to spend most of your trip to Russia in the urban cities, the metro is your best time savior and the most affordable way of travel. The metro is laid in the 8 biggest Russian cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Volgograd.

Actually, the metro is not only the most favorable way of travel around the city but also a perfect opportunity to enjoy the unique architecture of the stations on your way to the final destination. If you wonder which metro stations to visit in Moscow, you for sure should check Park Pobedy, Arbatskaya, Pushkinskaya, Mayakovskaya, Prospekt Mira, and Ploschad Revolyutsii stations.

metro

If St. Petersburg is included in your itinerary, you have a great chance to see one of the deepest subways in the world! While in St. Petersburg, save some time to appreciate the beauty of Admiralteyskaya, Narvskaya, Ploshad Vosstaniya, Obvodny Kanal, and Mezhdunarodnaya stations. The majority of them are open from 5:30 AM until 1:00 AM.

It’s worth mentioning that travelers can choose between different kinds of tickets. In the Moscow metro, a single journey usually costs 0.86$ (55 roubles). Sometimes you also need to pay for carrying large luggage.

We also highly recommend to download or print a metro map to feel like a local upon your arrival. You can also use the Yandex Metro app for even more convenient planning of your metro itinerary.

A Must-Visit Metro Stations in Moscow:

  • Park Pobedy
  • Arbatskaya
  • Pushkinskaya
  • Mayakovskaya
  • Prospekt Mira
  • Ploschad Revolyutsii

Buses, Trams, and Trolleybuses

Russia has a really developed network of surface transport routes. Using buses, trams or trolleybuses is a comfortable way to enjoy local views while making your way through the city. But before using this kind of transport, it’s better to know that during rush hours it can get extremely jam-packed.

tram

You can easily find the type of stop you need thanks to the existing sign system. “A” sign stands for buses, “T” for trolleybuses, and usually hanging over the road “T,” or “ТРАМВАЙ” sign stands for trams.

It’s worth mentioning that tickets can be bought directly on board in Moscow and many other Russian cities, but we would like to pay your attention that drivers rarely have changed. So, it’s better to get your tickets in advance at the ticket offices, which are usually located inside or outside the metro stations. Please keep in mind that the staff usually doesn't speak English. Also, don't forget to validate your ticket as you get on board!

Travel Cards

For sure, a smarter way to pay for any kind of public transport is using a travel card. Undoubtedly, it’s more beneficial: the more journeys you buy, the cheaper they become. All travelers can buy tickets and travel cards at metro ticket offices and ticket vending machines.

travel cards

Here is the list of the most popular travel cards in Moscow:

  • Troika Card (the rechargeable card that allows you to travel with all means of public transport including Aeroexpress trains going to airports. Moreover, with the Troika Card you can pay for the local public bicycle rental service);
  • TAT (the name of this card is the acronym of the Russian words for “trolleybus, bus, and tram”. The TAT card allows you to use any kind of surface transport);
  • 90-minute Ticket (allows you to use any public transport within an hour and a half);
  • Unified Travel Card (with this card passengers can use surface transport, the metro, Moscow Central Circle or MCC, and monorail without any limits for 24 hours, 3 days, or a week).

Other Russian cities have a very similar card system.

Where to Buy Tickets & Travel Cards?
All travelers can buy tickets and travel cards at metro ticket offices and ticket vending machines.

Easily use public transport while traveling in Russian cities. Enjoy a well-developed transport system as well as a witness to the beauty of the famous Moscow Metro! If you still have more questions, don't hesitate to contact us.