Russia is a vast and diverse country that spans two continents, offering everything from iconic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg to remote villages, Siberian adventures, and epic train journeys. Whether you’re into culture, nature, or history, Russia has something for you!
Getting to Russia
Main International Airports
- Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO)
- Moscow Domodedovo (DME)
- Moscow Vnukovo (VKO)
- St. Petersburg Pulkovo (LED)
Flight Costs (Round Trip Estimates)
- From Europe: $300–$700
- From Asia: $400–$900
- From USA/Canada: $600–$1,200
Tip: Book 2-3 months ahead for the best fares!
Visa Requirements
- Most travelers need a visa.
- Apply for a tourist visa (up to 30 days) via the Russian consulate or e-visa (for select countries).
Visa costs: $50–$150 (depending on nationality). You’ll need an invitation letter from a hotel or tour company.
How to Travel Around Russia
Russia is HUGE—you’ll need planes, trains, and automobiles!
Domestic Flights
- Best for long distances (Moscow → Vladivostok is 8+ hours by air).
- Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines are popular. Fares: $50–$200 Domestic flights often cheaper when booked in Russia or via local sites.
Trains (Russian Railways – RZD)
- Comfortable, affordable, and a cultural experience!
- Sapsan High-Speed Trains (Moscow ↔ St. Petersburg): 4 hours, $30–$80
- Trans-Siberian Railway: Moscow → Vladivostok (7 days nonstop!), with stops like Irkutsk (Lake Baikal) Classes:
- Platzkart (3rd class): Cheapest, open dormitory-style
- Kupe (2nd class): 4-berth compartments
- SV (1st class): 2-berth compartments
Metro & Public Transport 
- Moscow & St. Petersburg have world-famous metro systems. Metro rides: $0.80 (₽60) Moscow Metro stations are tourist attractions themselves—don’t miss them!
Taxis & Ride-Sharing 
- Use Yandex Go or CityMobil apps instead of hailing cabs. Short rides: $3–$10 Tip: English-speaking drivers are rare—use the app’s chat translate feature!
Long-Distance Buses & Marshrutkas (Minibuses) 
- Budget option between towns/cities. Example: Moscow → Vladimir: $10–$15 Cash only, expect basic conditions.
Best Ways to Travel for Popular Destinations
Metro is fast and efficient.
Walking tours of Red Square, Kremlin, and Arbat Street. Budget: $60–$150/day
Metro + walking + boat tours (Neva River). Explore Hermitage Museum, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Budget: $50–$130/day
Lake Baikal (Irkutsk)
Trans-Siberian or domestic flight + bus to Listvyanka or Olkhon Island. Trekking, ice skating (winter), and boat tours (summer). Budget: $50–$120/day
Kazan & the Golden Ring Cities (Suzdal, Vladimir, Yaroslavl)
Trains or buses from Moscow. Historical tours, Orthodox monasteries, and local cuisine.
Budget & Travel Costs in Russia
| Type of Traveler | Daily Budget (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | $40–$60 (₽4,000) |
| Mid-Range | $70–$150 (₽7,000–₽15,000) |
| Luxury | $200+ (₽20,000+) |
Accommodation
- Hostels: $10–$25
- Budget hotels: $30–$60
- Mid-range: $60–$120
- Luxury: $150–$300+ Airbnb is common in Moscow & St. Petersburg.
Food & Drink
- Cafeteria-style (Stolovaya) meal: $5–$10
- Mid-range restaurant: $15–$30
- Fine dining: $50+
- Local beer: $2–$4 Try Borscht, Pelmeni, and Blini!
Attractions & Tours
- Kremlin entry: $15
- Hermitage Museum: $10
- Bolshoi Theatre tickets: $30–$100
- Trans-Siberian tour packages: $1,000+ (depending on stops)
Best Time to Visit Russia
Winter (December–February)
- Magical for snow, ice festivals, and winter sports!
- Temperatures: -5°C to -30°C (bundle up!)
- Best for: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia (Lake Baikal ice trekking).
Spring (March–May)
- City parks come alive!
- Fewer tourists, mild weather.
Summer (June–August)
- Best weather, White Nights in St. Petersburg
- Festivals, lake cruises
- Most touristy and pricey time.
Autumn (September–October)
- Golden leaves, cooler temps
- Great for cultural visits and photography.
Travel Tips for Russia
Language: Russian is the official language. Few people speak English outside big cities. Use Google Translate or Yandex Translate apps. Currency: Russian Ruble (₽) Payment: Credit cards accepted in most places, but cash is necessary in small towns. Safety: Russia is generally safe in tourist areas, but watch your belongings on public transport. Power Plugs: Type C & F, 220V SIM Cards: MTS, Beeline, MegaFon—cheap data plans ($5–$10 for 10GB+). Cultural Etiquette:
- Don’t smile at strangers (not common!)
- Always remove shoes indoors
- Bring a small gift if visiting someone’s home.
Sample 10-Day Russia Itinerary
Day 1-4: Moscow (Red Square, Kremlin, Metro tour) Day 5-7: St. Petersburg (Hermitage, boat cruise, Peterhof) Day 8-10: Golden Ring (Suzdal & Vladimir) or Lake Baikal (via Irkutsk)
Fun Facts About Russia
- Russia spans 11 time zones!
- Home to the deepest lake in the world: Lake Baikal
- Moscow’s Metro stations look like underground palaces!
- Russia has over 1,100 cities to explore.
How to Save This Guide as a PDF
- Copy this guide into Google Docs or Microsoft Word
- Click File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf)
- Done! Your Russia Travel Guide PDF is ready!
Want help building a custom Trans-Siberian itinerary or a city-specific travel plan for Moscow or St. Petersburg? Let me know! 
Absolutely! Here’s a detailed FAQ for Traveling in Russia . It’s packed with practical tips, prices, and what you really need to know. Feel free to copy it and save it as a PDF, or let me know if you want me to make a custom one!
How to Travel in Russia: FAQ
Getting to Russia
Do I need a visa to visit Russia?
Yes, most travelers need a visa, unless you’re from one of the few visa-exempt countries (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, South Korea).
- Tourist visa: Valid for up to 30 days
- E-visa (for select countries): Available for St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, and Far East regions Requirements: Invitation letter (from a hotel or tour operator), visa application, and travel insurance. Cost: $50–$150 depending on your country and type of visa.
Processing time: 5–20 business days.
Getting Around Russia
What’s the best way to travel between cities?
- Trains: Affordable and iconic (Russian Railways).
- Moscow → St. Petersburg (Sapsan high-speed): 4 hours, $30–$80
- Trans-Siberian Railway: 7+ days, $500–$1,500 depending on stops & class
- Domestic flights: Essential for longer routes (Moscow → Vladivostok).
- Prices: $50–$200 one-way with Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, or Ural Airlines
Is it safe to drive in Russia?
Yes, but challenging!
- Roads in cities are fine, but signage is mostly in Russian.
- Traffic can be hectic in Moscow & St. Petersburg. Tip: Use Yandex Navigator for GPS, and stick to city driving.
Public Transport
Is public transportation good in Russia?
Excellent in big cities!
- Moscow & St. Petersburg Metros: Fast, reliable, and cheap.
- Fare: ₽60 ($0.80) per ride
- Buses, trams, trolleys: ₽40–₽60 ($0.50–$0.80) Pro tip: Moscow’s metro doubles as an art gallery—check out the stunning station designs.
Money & Costs
What currency does Russia use?
- Russian Ruble (₽)
$1 USD = ~₽90 (check current rates!)
Is Russia expensive to visit?
It’s cheaper than Western Europe, but costs vary:
- Budget: $40–$60/day
- Mid-range: $80–$150/day
- Luxury: $200+/day Museums are affordable! Hermitage: $10; Kremlin ticket: $15.
Do I need cash or cards?
- Both! Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in cities.
- Bring cash for small towns, markets, or public transport. Withdraw rubles from bank ATMs, not stand-alone machines.
Accommodation
Where should I stay in Russia?
- Hostels: $10–$25 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $50–$120
- Luxury hotels: $200+ Airbnb is common in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan.
Best Time to Visit Russia
When is the best time to go?
- Summer (June–August): Warm, great for sightseeing, White Nights in St. Petersburg
- Winter (December–February): Magical snow, ice skating, but cold!
- Spring/Autumn: Fewer tourists, mild weather Nazaré’s giant waves are best in November–February.
Safety & Health
Is Russia safe for tourists?
Generally safe, especially in major cities.
- Be cautious of pickpockets in busy areas (metro, markets).
- Avoid protests and political gatherings. Emergency number: 112
Can I drink the tap water?
No.
- Always drink bottled or filtered water.
- Ice in restaurants is generally safe.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes! It’s mandatory for a visa and recommended for emergencies. Prices: $20–$50 for 30 days (basic coverage).
Language
Do people speak English in Russia?
- In Moscow & St. Petersburg, yes (hotels, restaurants, tourist areas).
- In rural areas, rarely—learn some basic Russian phrases or use Google Translate. Signs are mostly in Cyrillic—download offline maps!
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Should I get a SIM card?
Yes!
- Operators: MTS, Beeline, MegaFon
- Cost: $5–$10 for 10GB+ data Coverage is great in cities, patchy in remote areas.
Shopping & Souvenirs
What are popular souvenirs from Russia?
- Matryoshka dolls
- Fabergé-style eggs
- Amber jewelry
- Soviet memorabilia
- Russian vodka Bargain at Izmailovsky Market in Moscow!
Food & Drinks
What food should I try in Russia?
- Borscht: Beet soup
- Pelmeni: Dumplings
- Blini: Russian pancakes
- Shashlik: Grilled meat skewers Kvass (fermented bread drink) and Medovukha (honey mead) are must-tries!
How much is food in Russia?
- Cafeteria (Stolovaya): $5–$10
- Mid-range restaurant: $15–$30
- High-end: $50+ Tips: 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
Emergency Contacts
- Police/Fire/Ambulance: 112
- Tourist Police: Available in major cities Carry a copy of your passport/visa at all times (law requirement).
Quick Tips Recap
Download Yandex Maps & Google Translate Carry cash and small ruble notes Dress warmly in winter—temps can drop below -20°C! Don’t lose your migration card (given on entry) Respect local customs and avoid political discussions
Final Thoughts
Russia is a huge, historic, and diverse destination. From the Golden Onion Domes of Moscow to the romantic canals of St. Petersburg, and from Siberian adventures to volcanoes in Kamchatka, there’s so much to explore!
Need help with a custom Russia itinerary or Trans-Siberian train tips? Let me know!
