Best Ways to Travel Throughout Russia

Russia is an amazing country with incredible sights and sounds. It is a terrific place to visit but you may be concerned about the best options to choose when travelling around the country. There are myriad ways to get around Russia, but some options are better than others, depending on your budget and what you want to explore. Being organized and well prepared is a good way to ensure that you are not stressed out when you get there.

Flying

Keep in mind that Russia is a very large country so if you plan to travel far, you may need to fly to your destination. Depending on your travel plans, you may need to select a local airline carrier since the well-known carriers may not fly everywhere. Just be sure it has a decent safety rating! A popular low-cost airline is Aeroflot which you can book on their website, which is in English.

Driving

You can also choose to rent a car to get around. International car rental companies, such as Avis or Hertz, are advisable as they are more likely to speak English and will understand what you are asking for. It does take some courage to drive in Russia, especially since you will be in unfamiliar territory, and large cities such as Moscow will likely have heavy traffic.

Train and Metro

A less stressful method to make your way around is to take the train. In fact, many people recommend taking the Trans-Siberian railway which extends right across the country, starting off in Moscow and ending in Vladivostok. This is a nice, safe way to see the scenic beauty of the country. You can choose your own travel itinerary or go on a guided tour.

Traveling between Moscow and St. Petersburg does not have to be by plane. The Sapsan is a good rail alternative to flying and makes several trips daily between Moscow and St. Petersburg. It is a very convenient and fast, high speed rail system. The trip takes four hours and there is a bistro on board, so you can get food while you travel. Do remember that your passport may be checked if you are travelling by train, so keep it on you at all times.

The larger cities have metro systems which are a good way to travel around within these cities and is very affordable. You can find good metro systems in both St. Petersburg and Moscow and there are various ticket options too. You do, however, need to ensure that you have cash on hand to pay for the tickets, as foreign credit cards may be declined.

Ship

Because of the large area that the country occupies, it is only natural that there’s a myriad of rivers crisscrossing the land. And as the traveler you are offered the chance to experience Russia via waterways. Simply pick a cruise or a local boat ride that suits your fancy and remember to keep your papers close by, in case you need then. As you can see there is so many options to choose from which will allow you to see the beautiful country of Russia.

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