Russia travel guide
Russia Tourism | Russia Guide
You're Going to Love Russia
Russia is the home of diverse culture and historical heritage and its size is just a great excuse to return and explore more.
What to do in Russia
1. Visit the Red Valley
The Red Valley is one of the best spots in Russia to snowboard and ski.
2. Hit the Sights in Moscow
Visit the Red Square, Moscow's most famous tourist attraction and landmark.
3. Visit St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, don't skip a tour of the famous Hermitage museum.
4. Discover Russian Nature
Travel to the east side of the country to explore the Stolby Nature Reserve.
5. Watch World-Renowned Bolshoi Ballet
Attend a ballet performance at the iconic Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.
When to visit Russia
If you want to see Russia covered in snow, the best time to travel is between November and April. It's the low season, but prices around New Year's tend to increase.
For travelers who prefer the warm weather, plan your trip in June for the White Nights event in St. Petersburg.
How to Get to Russia
Entry Requirements
Nationals from most countries in the world need a visa to enter Russia. The process is often bureaucratic, so start applying for the visa at least one month before your trip. Tourist visas are usually valid for up to one month.
Plane
Most international flights to Russia land at one of the three airports in Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo) or the Pulkovo International Airport in St. Petersburg.
Train
It's possible to enter Russia by train from most of the neighboring countries. Double check if there are special visa conditions for your nationality when crossing the border from one of them.
Car
Russia is equipped with well-maintained roads and highways in urban areas. To drive, you need car registration and insurance papers, your driver's license, and your valid passport and visa.
It's best to cross the border in Latvia, Estonia, Finland, or Lithuania.
Bus
There are regular buses to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kaliningrad from Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), Helsinki (Finland), Warsaw and Gdansk (Poland), and Klaipeda and Vilnius (Lithuania).
Boat
In the summer, there are frequent ferry routes to St. Petersburg from Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden), and Tallinn (Estonia).
Popular airports in Russia
Popular airlines serving Russia
Where to stay in Russia
Chain hotels are the most common type of accommodation you'll find in Russia. In large touristic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, it's becoming more common to find budget-friendly hostels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Russia
Most booked hotels in Russia
How to Get Around Russia
Public Transportation
Moscow and St. Petersburg have an excellent subway network, but most cities are served by an efficient system of trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
On average, a bus or tram ticket can cost approximately 15-50 RUB (0.25-0.80 USD) per person.
Trains
Getting around by train is one of the most popular and comfortable options. Almost all cities and towns are connected by an efficient railroad with trains that usually run on time.
Long-distance trains are for trips of four hours or longer. For smaller distances, you can take a commuter train.
Bus
Long-distance buses are usually used to reach areas not served by regular trains. An extra fee may be charged if you're traveling with luggage.
Car
Renting a car, with or without a driver, is less of a hassle than bringing your car unless you're traveling for a long time in Russia. You'll need your local driver's license, an International Driving Permit, insurance, car registration papers, and a declaration for customs stating that you won't leave your car behind when leaving the country.
Plane
The rule of thumb to decide to travel by plane within Russia is to check how long it takes to reach that destination by train. If it involves more than an overnight trip, than catching a domestic flight might be a better option. Most flights depart from Moscow.
The Cost of Living in Russia
Eating out can average between approximately 500 RUB (8 USD) for a cheap meal and 1,000 RUB (16 USD) for a more expensive one. Bus and subway tickets cost around 15-50 RUB (0.25-0.80 USD). A week's worth of groceries costs around 600 RUB (9.50 USD). Both credit and debit cards are accepted and ATMs are commonly found.