FAQ: What is the best way to get around in Russia?

Transport options

• Air. Air travel is the most efficient option for covering long distances. Many flights are routed through Moscow, and since 2021, the government has subsidised tickets to remote regions and the Russian Far East. Major airlines include Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines, UTair, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines, and Pobeda Airlines.
• Rail. All intercity rail transport in Russia is operated by Russian Railways (RZD). Ticket prices vary depending on the type of carriage, including seated, couchette, and open-plan sleeper. There are also suburban trains. The high-speed Sapsan runs between Moscow and St. Petersburg with a journey time of around four hours.
• Intercity buses. Operated by various companies, these depart from bus stations and connect towns and cities across different regions.

Buying tickets

Russians commonly use platforms such as RZD Online, Aviasales, Tutu Travel, Busfor, Yandex.Travel, and Omio to search for and buy travel tickets. These websites cover nearly all possible travel options, including complex routes involving transfers. They also provide updates on schedule changes or delays and offer purchase protection, including refunds should your trip be cancelled.

Hotel booking

The most popular online booking services in Russia are Yandex.Travel, Hotellook, Ostrovok, and 101Hotel. These platforms allow users to compare prices, read reviews, and filter hotels by rating, location, breakfast availability, and other criteria. Flexible rates with free cancellation are often available. In addition, platforms like Avito offer short-term flat rentals.

Safety

• For those travelling by car, a map that alerts you to speed cameras, accidents, and traffic jams is essential. Popular choices include Yandex.Navigator and 2GIS, the latter offering offline access to databases and points of interest along the route.
• When purchasing tickets or booking accommodation, ensure you use two-factor authentication for secure payments. 

More on this topic

• A quick and easy guide to getting around Russia
• Freight shipping in Russia: what Indian businesses should keep in mind
• FAQ: What are the key steps for Indian businesses entering the Russian market? 
• FAQ: What documents do you need to conduct business in Russia?