International rail connections exist between Russia and other nearby countries. Russian railways provide services in: Austria, China, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, North Korea, and Poland.
Tourists can take a cheap bus from Riga, in Latvia, to St. Petersburg. It takes about 11 hours to arrive.
Tourists are able to fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg from most major airports. Getting to other Russian cities is not always as easy; however, tourists can usually fly to Moscow and from there take a connecting flight.
Taking the train in Russia is generally a good experience. Despite geography and notorious winters, 98% of Russian trains arrive within five minutes of the scheduled time.
There is no set system of fares for bus transportation in Russia. Some cities have a uniform fare, regardless of mode; others have bus-specific pricing or even route-specific pricing. Payment methods also vary.
Conventional taxis are widespread in Russian cities. Some taxi drivers may ask people to share the cab with additional passengers; if tourists do not wish to share the cab they are to just refuse the request politely and firmly.
marshrutki typically have specific routes and route numbers but are run by private companies. In cities like Moscow or Rostov-on-Don, marshrutki became part of the public transportation network and subject to regulations. Marshrutka services vary wildly across Russia, in some areas, marshrutki only stops at bus stops and there’s little difference between a public bus or a marshrutka.
Russia has endless options, ranging from communist-era block hotels with little to no ambience to gorgeous luxury properties.Many people elect to stay in hotels at least for a few nights at the start of their trip to help them ease into a new location.
Bed and breakfasts in Russia are an interesting and affordable option, offering a fantastic way to meet the locals and to become immersed in their culture. Some are as simple as a room in someone’s home, while others are small hotels that include breakfast.
Renting an apartment in Russia is another good opportunity to get a taste of local culture. But for first-time visitors, it’s imperative to ask plenty of questions prior to rental.
Renting a dacha is a more unique option for tourists. Renting a modern-day dacha can be tricky, as many listings are only in Russian and most owners are looking for long-term renters, not just guests for a few days.
Russian hostels offer bargain rates as well as a chance to meet fellow travelers from all over the world. Some have great locations and were once the living place for famous Russians.