Transport in Russia is an engineering marvel designed to conquer vast distances. The crown jewel is the Railway Network (RZD), with the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway connecting Moscow to Vladivostok over 9,000 kilometers. Trains are the lifeblood of the country, offering a social and scenic way to travel. In the cities, the Metro systems—especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg—are tourist attractions in themselves, known as "Underground Palaces" due to their marble halls, chandeliers, and mosaics. They are fast, cheap, and incredibly efficient. For flexibility, ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go make getting around cities easy and affordable. "Marshrutkas" (minibuses) serve smaller routes. While flying is necessary for crossing the country quickly, taking the train offers the true Russian experience of tea, conversation, and endless landscapes passing by the window.
Travelers exploring Russia will find a transport network dominated by the train. The RZD (Russian Railways) network is the nervous system of the country, connecting Europe to the Pacific. Trains are punctual, safe, and social. Options range from the high-speed Sapsan (Moscow-St. Petersburg) to the legendary Trans-Siberian sleeper trains that take 7 days to cross the country.
Within major cities, the Metro is the best way to travel. Moscow and St. Petersburg have metro systems that are tourist attractions in themselves—deep underground, decorated with marble, statues, and chandeliers. They are incredibly frequent (every 90 seconds in rush hour) and cheap.
Buses and Marshrutkas (minibuses) serve routes that the metro doesn't reach. They are faster but can be confusing for non-Russian speakers. Taxis are cheap and ubiquitous; apps like Yandex Go are essential as they work exactly like Uber and overcome the language barrier. Domestic Flights are necessary for crossing the vast distances; airlines like Aeroflot and S7 connect major regional hubs.
Buying tickets in Russia has become digital. For Trains, booking online in advance via the RZD website or app is highly recommended. You can choose your specific bunk (Upper/Lower) and wagon class (Platskart - open dormitory, or Coupe - 4-person cabin). Passport details are required for booking.
For the Metro, you can buy a Troika card (Moscow) or Podorozhnik card (St. Petersburg). These are rechargeable smart cards that you tap at the turnstile. You can top them up at ticket machines which have English interfaces.
For Intercity Buses, tickets can be bought at the "Avtovokzal" (Bus Station) or online via aggregators like Tutu.ru. For Taxis, link your card (or choose cash) in the Yandex Go app. Note: Due to international sanctions, non-Russian credit cards (Visa/Mastercard issued abroad) may not work directly. Travelers often need to pay in Cash (Rubles) or use specialized travel cards if available. Always carry cash for small purchases.
Public transport in Russia is extremely reliable. Trains and Metros run on a strict schedule. If the schedule says the train leaves at 14:03, it leaves at 14:03:00.
Safety is generally high. The Metro and Train stations are heavily policed and have metal detectors at entrances. Violent crime on transport is rare. However, pickpocketing can happen in the Moscow Metro during rush hour. Keep your backpack in front of you.
On sleeper trains (Trans-Siberian), safety is good. Each wagon has a "Provodnitsa" (attendant) who keeps order. It is common to share food and tea with cabin-mates. Men and women often share compartments, but female-only coupes are available on some trains. Taxis via apps are safe and tracked; avoid hailing random cars on the street. Overall, the Russian transport system is an engineering marvel that keeps the massive country connected.