Transportation

There are many options for getting around in Russia, including air, ground, water, and underground transportation.

Moscow and St. Petersburg have fast, efficient, and inexpensive Metro (subway) systems that allow the traveler to move quickly throughout the city and avoid the crush of vehicle traffic on the streets above.

Cruise ships on Russia 's larger rivers offer an unforgettable glimpse into village life. St. Petersburg has numerous sightseeing tour boats that move through an extensive canal system, and high-speed hydrofoil boats that carry tourists to Peter the Great's summer palace at Peterhof.

Most larger cities have electric trams and buses for inner-city travel, as well as taxi-buses and licensed taxis. In addition there are always private vehicle owners available who will take passengers, for a fee that is negotiated before getting into the car. This option is best avoided by foreigners unless accompanied by a Russian who is experienced in using this mode of travel. It can be dangerous.

Russia has an extensive rail network that connects with all parts of the former Soviet Union . There are slower trains for local travel that stop at every station, and there are fast express trains for longer trips that make fewer stops. Sleeping compartments supplied with bed linens are available on overnight trains.

Highway buses are available for travel to smaller cities and towns. These usually do not run on a fixed time schedule, but instead depart whenever they are full. A person does not buy a ticket for this bus. Instead the driver will collect the fare in cash from each passenger just before leaving.

There are domestic airlines for flights inside Russia and the CIS states.