Transport
Metro
The Moscow metro is efficient, fast and easy to use, although there are few signs in English and very few stations are wheelchair accessible.
All metro lines have their own colour. The ring line intersects all radial lines. Metro entrances are marked with a large red letter 'M'.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Basic rules for using the metro safely:
- On escalators: stand on the right side, pass on the left side holding the handrail; stand behind the protective strip, never lean against motionless parts. Never sit or place objects on the stairs of escalators, run along them or walk on an idle escalator.
- On platforms: stand away from the platform edge until the train stops completely, and after it stops completely, clear the space at the car doors to let passengers depart. Never descend onto the metro tracks or put items on them.
- In cars: do not lean against car doors, or open them while moving, allow passengers to enter and exit the train. Do not use the 'passenger – metro driver' intercom system unless necessary. Never place luggage on seats.
Students are eligible for discounted travel passes. Please contact International Students Office for more information on how to obtain such a card.
Many stations in the city centre now have English information signs, stations in residential areas do not. However, every station has a a red and blue INFO/SOS (ИНФО/СОС) pillar in the centre of the platform. There is a metro map in two languages. Maps inside the carriages also have information in English.
There are no waste bins in the metro for security reasons. So if you take wrapped food into the metro prepare to hold the wrapper until you leave. There won't be a good place to throw it away on the trains or in the stations.
For further information, please visit Moscow metro website (unfortunately, available only in Russian). Information about transport fares is available here. You can also calculate approximate travelling time using the Yandex.Metro app available for IOS and Android). See also: architecture photos featuring the whole Moscow Metro network.
Ground Public Transport
Moscow’s public ground transportation includes buses, trolley buses, and trams. You can purchase tickets from drivers or in booths near the stops. Passes are also available for purchase in metro stations. It is highly recommended not to purchase the passes from the drivers as you will have to pay much more in this case. Public transport operates from 5.30 a.m. until 1 a.m. There are a few night routes.
Bus stops are marked by yellow plates marked with 'A' signs, trolley stops – by white plates with 'T', and tram stops – with white plates 'Tp'.
For further information (including fares), please visit the page. Yandex.Transport app can help you navigate the city using the public transport.
Taxi
We highly recommend that you use official registered taxi services. While there are illegal taxis in Moscow that offer a cheaper alternative, we strongly advise against using them or hitchhiking. It might be unsafe. Note that if you plan to get reimbursement from the HSE for taxi services, only official taxis provide receipts that will allow it. Here are some registered taxi services that have English-speaking operators and drivers:
Let the operator know that you will be needing a receipt for the Accounting department if you wish to be reimbursed.
Uber is also now available in Moscow. Other aggregator services include Yandex.Taxi and Gett.
Other Reliable Taxi Services
'Taxi Zvezda'. Tel. 8 (495) 777 22 35