Moscow. Such a huge city, and so many ways of getting from A to B. (Landmark to Hotel, I guess). Being in the centre certainly helps, that's naturally where most of the public transport is concentrated, but unfortunately so is the traffic. So, I will describe and analyze all modes of transport ... Read review
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Advantages: Anywhere In The City You'll Find A Way To Travel. Cheap. Disadvantages: Not All Ways Are 100% Safe and Free Of Constant Traffic. Can Be Ripped Off As A Tourist
...and so many ways of getting from A to B. (Landmark to Hotel, I guess). Being in the centre certainly helps, that's naturally where most of the public transport is concentrated, but unfortunately so is the traffic. So, I will describe and analyze all modes of transport from the point of view of a FOREIGNER.
Often the easiest way around Moscow, there are two ... ...not after. Another point: when getting a cab outside a hotel or an airport, the further from it you walk, the cheaper the taxi will generally be. One major problem in Moscow is the constant traffic jams, so finding yourself stuck in one has become more of a daily routine rather than a rarity.
The very unique and most beautiful underground system in the world ... more
Moscow. Such a huge city, and so many ways of getting from A to B. (Landmark to Hotel, I guess). Being in the centre certainly helps, that's naturally where most of the public transport is concentrated, but unfortunately so is the traffic. So, I will describe and analyze all modes of transport from the point of view of a FOREIGNER.
=======================TAXI============================Often the easiest way around Moscow, there are two types of cabs: The Municipal Yellow Cabs and unofficial cabs (random drivers wanting to make small cash). Booking the latter is normally impossible, but for both it's as simple as sticking your hand out in the street! Unofficial cabs are OK, but are more like pot luck - you never know what you get. Most tourists go for the Yellow Cab as it is very safe, unfortunately more expensive. The more foreign you appear/talk, the higher the chance of being ripped off by the taxi driver, so it will save a lot of money to have a Russian with you. But don't worry, even having the normal price quadrupled is nothing even close to the crazy fees the black cabs in London ask for. Just arrange the cost before, not after. Another point: when getting a cab outside a hotel or an airport, the further from it you walk, the cheaper the taxi will generally be. One major problem in Moscow is the constant traffic jams, so finding yourself stuck in one has become more of a daily routine rather than a rarity. ==============UNDERGROUND (METRO)===================
The very unique and most beautiful underground system in the world is the backbone of Moscow's public transport system - without it millions of people wouldn't be able to go to work every day. Other than the obvious advantage - no traffic jams - you get to appreciate beautiful Soviet-time architecture. Most historical landmarks are maximum 5 minutes walk from Moscow, therefore the Metro is extremely useful. And Cheap. Try to avoid peak hours as it can get very crowded. As most station names are in Cyrillic only, it may get confusing without help. Otherwise, this is my favourite way of travel.
=================BUS & TROLLEYBUS=====================The other common transport all over Moscow, buses being the less common in city centre. For those that don't know, trolleybuses are a cross between buses and trams: they run on electric wires rather than fuel, but have bus wheels instead of tracks. Also very cheap, but here the problem of using a taxi (traffic jams) and the underground (crowded) produce in these forms of transport something you would want to do just once, out of curiosity. Even I, as a Russian speaker, find the bus and trolleybus routes much more confusing than those of the Metro. Not advised. ====================TRAMS============================= Similar to trolleybuses, except perhaps a more classy way of travelling. These are harder to find, but just for the experience, I'd give it a go. There is less traffic on tram lines (less, but enough) and you get a free "vibrating massage" on your journey due to the wagon's constant shaking. =================SHUTTLE VANS=========================
Something you would find in the outer parts of Moscow rather than the centre, these are shuttle vans ("marshrutkas") that run around certain routes 24/7, in other words they are fast buses, and they are dead cheap. The word DEAD comes into mind: Marshrutka drivers are notorious for suicidal speeds and the vans are known for poor safety records, therefore there are plenty of fatal accidents involving these all year round. So, unless, you're looking for adrenaline, this is a definite NONO.
My golden advice is, therefore, to stick to yellow cabs and definitely try out the underground. And don't stand out as a tourist - this will save money. Hope you visit Moscow!
Advantages: very easy to get anywhere Disadvantages: none
Anywhere, anytime in Moscow you can just stick your arms out and a car will stop. These taxis are always safe, although presumably single women out in the suburbs or on the streetwalker streets should be careful. If you know the correct price then you will pay that, otherwise you'll be overcharged, but it'll still be cheap. You need to negotiate before you get in. It should cost about 50 rubles to get to most places around town, and you can go from ...
anonru 19.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Getting around in Moscow
Advantages: Decorative, cheap Disadvantages: Sometimes crowded
The underground service deep beneath the city of Moscow is absolutely amazing. Each station is decorated in a particularly ornate style, and you can see works of art and chandeliers. It is totally different from a trip on the London underground because as well as travelling you get to experience some Russian culture. The trains seemed to be relatively frequent and the only problem we had was being able to read the names of the stations as they were ...
weebagpuss 30.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Getting around in Moscow
Advantages: Very regular, efficient public transport system Disadvantages: No provision made for babies and young children
I have just returned from a 4 day visit to Moscow, a city I have wanted to visit for a number of years now. We have the privilege of being shown round by a South African guide, which was helpful because without having somebody who knows the city, it can be quite daunting.
The biggest challenge faced was how to carry around a 10 month old baby. Many parents wonder whether it is really viable to take such a young child abroad with them. My response ... ...Moscow, but also challenging.
I went during February, when the winter is at its most severe. The Russians generally keep their children inside at that time of year, so we found ourselves as one of the few people on the tubes and mashookas with a baby and a pushchair.
There are no ramps for the pushchair, but we found that it was possible to use two people to carry the pushchair with baby inside up and down the steps, and one person could get the ...
AfricanProtea 09.03.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Getting around in Moscow
Advantages: Very easy to get anywhere, cheap public transport, easy to use Moscow underground Disadvantages: at rush hours crowded
Moscow underground:
- very cheap, now single costs only 15 rubles (1 pound = 50 rubles)
- trains are frequent, every 3-4 minutes
- most stations are very well decorated
- trains have much more room then London's trains but a little more noisy
Buses, trams, troleybuses:
- cheap, single is also only 15 rubles
- but have more confusing routes then underground Minibus:
- cheap
- fast
- maximum 11 passengers
Taxi: - cheap
- traffic jams
- ... ...just stick your arms out and a car will stop
- everyone can be a taxi
- could be not safe at suburbs for single women
- you should negotiate price before get in
- if you do not know correct price you will be overpriced
- to get from both international airports (Domodedovo and Sheremetevo) cost about 1,300 - 1,500 rubles ...
barm 06.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Getting around in Moscow
Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
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Advantages: Beautiful! Disadvantages: If you can´t walk long distances, don´t go here
Ivan the Terrible stayed during his childhood and later with his first wife, Anastasia.
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Well, if you want to know more, you can call or write:
Prospect Y. V. Andropova 39, Moscow 115487
Tel: (095) 112 5217 (Manager)
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(095) 115 2309 (Guided Tours)
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Advantages: A unique and interesting experience, some fascinating sights Disadvantages: Can be a confusing and not as beautiful as most European capital cities
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GettingAround
We found Moscow a very easy city to navigate our way around, but a good map is an essential piece of kit. Our Insight fold out map, purchased from Stanford's in Covent Garden prior to our trip proved invaluable. The "must see" tourist attractions are all contained within one small area of the city which can be walked around easily. However if you are not lucky enough to be staying very central, and with hotel prices as expensive as they are inMoscow this is likely, the metro system is your saviour.
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Or Metpo as known to Russians! Once you've mastered the system, it's a fantastic way to zip around the city and exceptionally cheap at 15 roubles (29p) a ticket purchased from the "kacca" lady. You will ...
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