How to Navigate the Moscow Metro
1. Finding the Entrance
Moscow Metro stations are located near most of the city’s iconic landmarks and are marked by a red “M,” the first letter of the Russian word for metro: Метро. Spotting the red “M” means you’ve found a station.
2. Buying Tickets
After entering the station, you can purchase tickets at manned counters or ticket machines. You’ll receive a red magnetic card.
The Moscow Metro uses a flat fare system:
• Single ride: 55 RUB
• Two rides: 110 RUB
• 60 rides: 1,900 RUB (shareable among multiple people).
3. Entering the Station
Swipe your card at the turnstile to enter. Note that you only need to swipe when entering; no swipe is required when exiting. If using a multi-ride card, the display will show the remaining rides. Remember, each person must swipe their own card to enter.
4. Riding the Metro
After passing the turnstiles, you’ll take an escalator down to the platform. Moscow Metro stations are known for their depth, with the average Circle Line station about 40 meters underground. The deepest stations include:
• Taganskaya (Circle Line): 53 meters
• Park Pobedy (Line 3): 84 meters, the deepest in the system.
Escalator Etiquette:
• Stand on the right to leave the left side open for those in a rush.
Finding Your Train:
• Look up at the overhead signs on the platform to confirm your direction.
• As most signs are in Russian, use the MosMetro app to cross-reference station names in Russian and your language.
Example:
If you’re at Park Kultury station heading to Belorusskaya, the next station in the direction you need is Kievskaya (Киевская in Russian). Use the app to verify. The signs also display both Russian and English station names.
Tips for Reading Station Names:
• Focus on the first three and last three letters of the name if the full spelling seems daunting.
On the Train:
• Station announcements are made in Russian and English.
• Some lines have LED maps indicating the current and upcoming stations.
• If unsure about the announcements, count the number of stations to your destination beforehand.
5. Transfers
If transferring to another line, follow the arrows on overhead signs or the floor. Moscow Metro transfers are all within the station, so there’s no need to exit and re-enter.
Note on Station Names:
Some transfer stations have different names on different lines. For example:
• Tverskaya (Line 2) connects to Pushkinskaya (Line 7) and Chekhovskaya (Line 9). Keep this in mind to avoid confusion.
6. Exiting the Station
Follow the lit signs above or on the walls to find the correct exit.
Travel Tips
1. Operating Hours:
The metro operates daily from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM the next day.
2. Train Frequency:
Trains arrive every 1-2 minutes during peak hours, so there’s no need to rush. Double-check your direction before boarding to avoid mistakes.
3. Useful App:
Download the MosMetro app to navigate the metro and confirm station names.
Photography Tips
1. Many stations have dim lighting, so a camera with a tripod is recommended for better photos.
2. The metro is very busy, especially during rush hours. For photos without crowds, visit early in the morning.
3. Focus on the Circle Line (Line 5) if time is limited—it features the most iconic stations.
4. Plan your route in advance; one metro ticket allows unlimited transfers, so you can visit all desired stations on a single trip.
5. Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.
Enjoy your journey through Moscow’s stunning underground art galleries!