Getting around Moscow

The most efficient way of public transportation in Moscow during your City Break is without a doubt the metro. Some of the stations are a touristic site themselves, with their beautiful architecture and rich history. But the metro system is not only amazing to visit; it is also a very quick, safe and efficient way to get from A to B. Another option is the trolley bus or tram, although if you do not speak Russian this is not the most advisable option. If you want to go by taxi, just stand at the side of the road and raise your hand, the car that will stop to pick you up probably has no taxi sign on it but is willing to bring you to your destination anyway.

However, just walking around is always the best way to fully experience the atmosphere of a city, the main highlights such as the Red Square and the Kremlin are in a walking distance.

Metro Moscow

The Russian metro is one of the oldest metro systems in the world (the start of the construction of the first line was in 1932) and transports over 10 million people on a daily basis. It currently has 180 stations but new lines are being built so the already huge system is still expanding. It has one circular line around the center (Koltsevaja, or line 5), and eleven straight lines which go from North to South, East to West, etc. So wherever you are, you can always go to line 5 and take this one until you are at the station where the metro goes to your destination. In rush hour, the metro arrives every 80 seconds so you never have to wait long.

A ticket costs RUB 26 (circa EUR 0.65), no matter the distance. You can also buy a card with 5, 10, 20 or 60 trips, which is cheaper and you will be able to avoid the often longs queues at the ticket booths.
Some metro stations that are worth a trip are Komsomolskaya and Novoslobodskaya on the ring line, Kropotkinskaya on the red line, and Mayakovskaya on the green line.

The metro is relatively safe, but be aware of pickpockets and avoid being alone in a cabin, just as you would at home probably. The metro is open between 5.30 AM and 1 AM.

Trolley bus/ tram Moscow

Especially outside the city center, the metro stations are further apart, but (trolley) buses are available on every larger street and go on a high frequency. You can buy a ticket from the driver or (a bit cheaper) in designated booths.

Taxi Moscow

The official taxis tend to be quite expensive with a minimum fare of RUB 250, but as soon as you raise your hand, it is highly likely a private car will stop and offer you a ride for a fee. Since most drivers do not speak English, make sure you have a note with your destination (or practise really hard on pronouncing it) and the amount you want to pay. Inside the inner circle, you should be able to get anywhere for RUB 200, except during holidays or at night-time (when the metro does not work). Always negotiate the fee beforehand and make sure you have an agreement, to avoid unpleasant surprises after you got on the way.

Sightseeing tours Moscow

Several companies offer hop on hop off bus tours. Most of them take approximately one hour (that is, if you do not hop off...) and address all the major touristic sites. See for example http://www.city-sightseeing.com/ (fill in Moscow) and http://www.hoponhopoff.ru or ask at the reception desk of your hotel. Most of these tours work less frequently in the winter season due to the cold weather.

Getting from the airport to the city center of Moscow

Whichever airport you arrive at, one option is to take a taxi downtown. However, be cautious, taxi drivers at the airports are known for raising the price after they started driving, taking unnecessary detours and give you all in all quite some hassle. All airports do have taxi kiosks where you can buy a taxi tickets for a fixed price, so make sure you get one of these and ignore the people who jump at you as soon as you cleared customs.
A much cheaper option is to take the Aero-express train, which became in operation in 2009. The train stops at all the Moscow major airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo) and the city center. A ticket from Sheremetyevo to the center of Moscow costs RUB 300 (EUR 7.50).