By far the easiest and most pleasant way to get around is Moscow's vast, efficient and inexpensive Metro system (http://engl.mosmetro.ru). In fact, the Moscow Metro is a tourist attraction all by itself, with grand stations dripping with chandeliers, mosaics, statues and Communist symbolism (see Key Attractions). Entrances to stations are marked by a large ‘M' and services leave regularly between 0600 and 0100. The train lines are buried deep underground, so allow extra time to reach the platform. The Metro network is centred on the Circle Line, which links the major long-distance railway stations. Nine additional lines, easily identified by their number and colour and on the official Metro map, connect the Circle Line and central Moscow to the outer suburbs. Stations often have multiple names - one for each line that intersects at that point. Illuminated signs overhead indicate the routes to other platforms; to check you are on the right line, look for the list of stations marked on the wall across from the platform.

Moscow also has an extensive network of buses, trolleybuses and trams, run by Moscow City Transport (tel: (495) 233 3995). These can be crowded and unpleasant during rush hour, but at other times they provide an interesting view of the city that you would miss by travelling underground. Tickets (bilyet) are best purchased in advance at Metro stations or kiosks; tickets bought directly from the driver are slightly more expensive. Tickets should be punched in the machine on the wall of the bus. Spot fines are levied if travellers do not have a punched ticket. Buses and trams run from 0530-2430, although some routes may stop earlier.

Monthly passes for the Metro are available: Unified City Transport Passes, available from metro stations and kiosks, are valid on buses and trams as well.

Although there are official taxis and private taxis, it is still a common practice for private cars to stop and offer a ride when flagged down. Obviously, fares must be negotiated and this is best done before entering the car. Official taxis are yellow and have a ‘T' sign and chequered emblems on the doors. These taxis have a sealed meter and a printed fare table displayed inside, but drivers may insist on a negotiated fare - a green light indicates availability. Tipping is not expected. It is often possible to hire a taxi by the hour. Never share a taxi with strangers and be wary of using an unlicensed taxi alone after dark. Taxis can be hailed in the street, or you can call the central reservation line at tel: (495) 927 0000.

Moscow also has an extensive network of marshrutnoye taxis (also known as marshrutka). These minibuses follow a set route and serve as a suburban bus service in the outer reaches of Moscow. Routes generally start at Metro stations but you can also flag marshrutka down at signposted bus stops. They run 0800-2200 and are slightly more expensive than standard buses.

Moscow's road system is based on a series of concentric rings, connected by arterial roads that radiate out from the centre. The inner Garden Ring Road follows a path similar to the Metro's Circle Line. The Moscow Ring Road motorway runs around the outskirts of the city. Traffic accidents, many of them caused by drink driving, are common and night driving is not recommended.

In recent years, traffic has increased significantly, while improvements to the road infrastructure have lagged behind, making driving difficult, especially in the centre. With the added hassle of over-zealous traffic police, difficult-to-find parking, roads that can be ten lanes wide and Cyrillic-only road signs, many Western visitors find it easier to hire a car with a driver. 

It is advisable to use a guarded car park (platnaya stoyanka) as theft is common - many of the larger hotels offer this facility to non-guests. The amount of traffic on Moscow's street has quadrupled since 2001 and traffic jams are common, particularly during the morning and evening rush hour (0700-0930 and 1630-1900). Trumped-up fines or bribes requested by traffic police are an another reason to avoid driving yourself around Moscow.

Car hire can be expensive in Moscow and high fees are charged for airport transfers. Many firms will only hire out cars with a driver. International firms represented in Moscow include Avis, Meschanskaya Street 7/1 (tel: (495) 744 0733: http://avis-moscow.ru/en) and Europcar, Moscow Mozhayskoe Shosse 166 (tel: (495) 775 7565; www.europcar.ru/eng). Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have one year of driving experience. An International Driving Permit or national driving licence with an authorised translation is necessary. Rates include insurance, VAT and unlimited mileage. Visitors planning to hire a car in Moscow should book in advance.

Bicycle hire is not available in Moscow, but the traffic and road network are not really suitable for cycling.