Transportation in Russia

Russia's vast distances make the choice of transport a fundamental part of any visit. Between major cities, you'll find that domestic flights are the default for speed, often operating on carriers like Aeroflot or S7. For more scenic and budget-friendly journeys, the national rail network, centered on the Russian Railways (RZD), connects many destinations with a range of services from overnight sleeper trains to high-speed *Sapsan* routes. Within cities, metros like Moscow's and St. Petersburg's are famously deep, efficient, and remarkably cheap to use, while a web of buses, *marshrutkas* (fixed-route minibuses), and trams covers the rest. For first-time visitors, prioritize getting a rechargeable *Troika* card in Moscow or an equivalent local transit card elsewhere, it works across metros, buses, and trams, saves you from per-ride ticket queues, and keeps fares at a fraction of a taxi. Do not rely on unlicensed taxis hailed on the street; instead, use the Yandex.Taxi app, which provides clear pricing and driver details in advance. Be aware that metro stations are practical transit hubs, not just tourist sights, their ornate designs can distract. But the signage is typically in Cyrillic, so having a station name written down is wise. A quick airport tip: Many major airports, like Moscow's Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo, have direct express train links to the city center. These are a comfort and speed-focused option. If you miss the last train, head directly to the official airport taxi desk, agree on a metered or pre-arranged fare before any luggage is loaded, and avoid drivers soliciting inside the terminal, their rates can be a significant splurge with no added benefit.