Getting Around Russia: Practical Transport Guide 2026

Getting Around Russia: Practical Transport Guide for 2026

Russia is vast, varied and highly rewarding to explore — from the palaces of St. Petersburg to the Trans-Siberian’s endless horizons. This guide covers realistic, up-to-date advice for foreign tourists planning travel in 2026: how to navigate airports and long-distance trains, use city transport, pay for services, and stay safe.

Arrival and international flights

Many international routes to Russia in 2026 connect via hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, Belgrade and major Chinese gateways. Direct services from many Western airlines remain limited. Major international airports include Moscow’s Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) and Vnukovo (VKO), plus Pulkovo (LED) in St. Petersburg and others across the regions.

Domestic flights

Domestic air travel is the quickest way to cover great distances. Airlines operate frequent services between Moscow and regional capitals. Expect easy connections inside Russia, but plan flights and check baggage rules in advance — low-cost carriers often charge extra for hold luggage.

Trains: the backbone of travel

Russian Railways (RZD) runs an extensive network. Key options:

• High-speed: Sapsan connects Moscow and St. Petersburg in about 3.5–4 hours — comfortable, best for day trips.
• Overnight sleepers: Long-distance “firmeny” trains and couchettes are an iconic and practical choice for trips like Moscow–Vladivostok or shorter overnight routes.
• Trans-Siberian: Book early for the classic Moscow–Irkutsk/Vladivostok legs. Consider reserving a cabin for comfort.

Buy tickets via the official RZD website/app, or trusted third-party sites and apps. Train stations have ticket offices and self-service kiosks. Keep your passport and ticket handy when boarding; conductors check documents.

Route	Approx. travel time	Typical cost (economy)
Moscow – St. Petersburg (Sapsan)	3.5–4 hrs	€20–€80
Moscow – Vladivostok (overnight)	~7 days	€250–€800
Moscow – Kazan	~11 hrs	€25–€90

City transport: metros, trams, buses

Moscow and St. Petersburg have extensive metro systems known for speed and cleanliness. The Moscow metro is also famous for its architecture. Buy and top up travel cards at station kiosks: Moscow uses the Troika card; St. Petersburg uses the Podorozhnik system. Buses, trams and commuter trains (elektrichka) serve urban and suburban routes.

Taxis and rideshares

Yandex.Go and other local apps are the dominant rideshare services. You’ll also find traditional taxis; agree on the fare beforehand if paying cash. Because many foreign Visa/Mastercard cards may not work widely in 2026, check payment methods in apps: cash and local payment systems are commonly accepted, and drivers often accept cash in rubles.

Payments and money

Important 2026 reality: many places do not accept foreign Visa/Mastercard. Practical tips:

• Carry sufficient cash in Russian rubles for taxis, small shops and markets.
• Local cards (Mir, UnionPay) and some crypto-friendly merchants are more widely accepted; confirm before travel.
• ATMs that accept foreign cards exist but may be limited; withdraw larger sums at major bank branches to be safe.
• Exchange currency at reputable banks or exchange offices rather than the airport counters with poor rates.

Car rental and driving

Renting a car gives flexibility in rural areas. An International Driving Permit together with your national driving license and passport is recommended. Roads range from excellent federal highways to rough regional roads; winter driving requires experience and winter tires. Toll sections (for example, M11 between Moscow and St. Petersburg) can be cashless — check payment options when renting.

Practical tips and apps

• Download useful apps before arrival: Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Go, 2GIS, RZD app and map packs for offline use.
• Buy a local SIM (MTS, MegaFon, Beeline) on arrival — you usually need to register with your passport at the point of sale.
• Use luggage storage at major stations and airports for day trips; many large stations have left-luggage services and lockers.
• Keep emergency numbers handy — 112 is the general emergency number in Russia.
• Respect local rules and carry your passport when moving between regions; conductors, police or hotel staff may request ID.

Visas and entry

Make sure you have the correct visa or e-visa for your trip. For many travelers you’ll need an invitation letter — see our Russian tourist invitation options or check requirements for electronic visas on our Russian e-visa page.

With planning, a flexible itinerary and the right local tools, getting around Russia in 2026 can be straightforward and rewarding. Prepare for a few practical differences compared with other parts of Europe, and you’ll be able to enjoy everything this huge country has to offer.