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The Kremlin, Rostov

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Getting around in Russia

Air: 

The internal network radiates from Moscow's three major airportsDomodedovo, Vnukovo Airport, and Sheremetyevo Airport . There are over 100 regional airlines in Russia, most of which run services from Moscow to their region. Aircraft safety has improved over the past ten years, although crashes are still not unknown. The purchase of newer craft and improved safety regulations have seen things slowly improve, however.

Side of road: 
N/A
Road classification: 

The European part of the Russian Federation depends heavily on its road network. Generally, the few roads in Siberia and further east are impassable during the winter. It is not recommended to drive in Russia as harassment from traffic police is endless. If you do decide to drive, it is advisable to pre-plan the itinerary and accommodation requirements. On the majority of tourist routes, signposts are also written in the Latin alphabet. Sample distances: Moscow to St Petersburg: 692km (432 miles); Moscow to Minsk: 690km (429 miles); Moscow to Rostov-on-Don: 1,198km (744 miles); Moscow to Odessa: 1,347km (837 miles). Motorists should avoid driving at night if possible.

Bus: Long-distance coach services are slow, uncomfortable and only marginally cheaper than train travel with none of the romance.

Car hire: 

Available from local and international firms. Chauffeured cars are available in major cities.

Regulations: 

Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are to 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (55mph) in non-built-up areas and 100kph (62mph) on highways. Visiting motorists who have been driving for less than two years must not exceed 70kph (43mph). Hooting the horn is forbidden except when to do so might prevent an accident. Every car must display registration plates and stickers denoting the country of registration and be fitted with seat belts, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher and an emergency sign (triangle) or red light. In case of an accident, contact the nearest traffic inspection officer and make sure all participants fill in written statements, to be witnessed by a militia inspector. All repairs will be at the foreign motorist's expense.

Breakdown service: 

GAI (tel: (495) 923 5373).

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit and a national licence with authorised translations are necessary. Visitors travelling in their own cars must also possess the following documents at all times: passport and visa; car registration number and full details of itinerary; form provided by Customs on arrival guaranteeing that the car will be taken out of the Russian Federation on departure; and insurance cover documents. A road tax is payable upon entry to the country. Motor insurance for travel within the Russian Federation should be arranged prior to departure, or upon entry to the Russian Federation at the offices of Ingosstrakh, the Russian Federation foreign insurance agency. Contact the embassy or a specialist tour operator for further details.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Public transport in the cities is comprehensive and cheap. Many services are electric traction (metro, tramway, trolleybus). Stations on the Moscow and St Petersburg metros are always elegant and often palatial. Entry to the underground is by single-use tokens or a multi-use paper ticket, both of which are inserted into the ticket barrier. Fares are standard for the various forms of transport; weekly and monthly passes are available. Buses operate 0500-0000. Tickets are available in strips or booklets from people outside the metro station or from the drivers or bus conductors (look for the red armband) directly. Tickets must be punched in the machine provided on the bus. Taxis are also available; they can be hailed in the street, hired at a rank or booked by telephone. It is safer but far more expensive to use officially marked taxis; they are yellow with chequered signs on the doors, although in practice it is totally safe to flag down any car, agree a destination and price and get in. However, always use common sense.

Rail: 

The railway is a vital part of the infrastructure of Russia because of the distances involved in getting from A to B and the sometimes poor road system. Tourists can book tickets at stations or online via the state railway (tel: (499) 262 1628; www.eng.rzd.ru). Children under five years of age travel free. Children aged five to nine pay half fare. Rail travellers are advised to store valuables in the compartment under the bed or seat and not to leave the compartment unattended. There are regular services between Moscow and St Petersburg, including several overnight trains.

 

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