How to build a route on public transport in Moscow

To understand how to get from and to by public transport in Moscow, indicate the starting and ending points in maps or a transport application, select the “Public Transport” mode and compare the options. The trip may include metro, MCC, MCD, bus, electric bus, tram and walking sections. Before leaving, update your route: due to repairs, closures and time restrictions, the traffic pattern may change.

How to build a route from address to address

1. Open Yandex Maps, «Moscow Transport», 2GIS or another familiar service. Allow access to geolocation or enter your starting point manually.
2. Specify your destination. It is better to enter the full address with house number, a specific station, airport terminal or the name of the desired entrance, and not just the area.
3. Click the route building button and select the “Public Transport” mode. Car and pedestrian options are not suitable for such a trip.
4. If the time setting is available, set the departure or arrival. This is especially important in the early morning, late evening and when traveling to a train or plane.
5. Compare offers by total time, number of transfers, waiting time and walking distance. A route from point A to point B will save five minutes, but may require two extra trips.
6. Open the detailed diagram. Check the route number and direction, stop name, platform, desired metro exit and path after the last stop.
7. Look at the movement intervals. If the bus runs infrequently, a small gain in estimated time can easily turn into being late.
8. Save your trip in the app or take screenshots. This way, instructions on how to get from address to address will remain at hand even if the Internet is weak.

If you need to get directions on public transport in Moscow to a specific organization, check the mark on the map. A shopping center, hospital or business district may have several buildings and entrances located far from each other.

What applications and sites to use

There is no universal service that always shows absolutely all changes faster than others. It is more convenient to have a main application for routes around Moscow and a backup application for checking entrances, stops or controversial transfers.

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The Moscow public transport map is useful for general orientation, but the static diagram does not take into account waiting, crossing repairs or stop relocation. For a real trip, it is better to build a route for the selected time.

How to choose the best option from several

The fastest route on public transport is not always the most convenient. A difference of 5-10 minutes could mean a long walk, waiting for an infrequent bus, or several stairs.

• Total time. Look not only at the number on the card, but also at the time of approaching the stop, waiting and transfer.
• Number of transfers. A direct route is usually more predictable, especially with a suitcase, stroller or small child.
• Walking distance. Consider the weather, sidewalk conditions and the route inside major transit hubs.
• Difficulty of transitions. Transfers between metro lines or to the MCD can take significantly longer than it seems from the diagram.
• Intervals. For a rare land route, check for an alternative in case traffic leaves before you.
• Rush hour. If possible, choose the metro, MCC or MCD instead of the above-ground section along a busy road.
• Arrival time. If you need to be there by a specific time, plan your trip according to the arrival time and add extra reserve.

For a regular trip, it is wise to allow at least 10-15 minutes beyond the forecast. Before a train, intercity bus or an important meeting, it is better to increase the supply. Estimated ground transit times remain a guideline and are affected by traffic, weather and road restrictions.

How to read the route and not go the wrong way

Before each boarding, go through a short checklist:

• On the metro, check not only the line, but also the station towards which you need to go. The following stations are listed on platform signs.
• Look at the recommended output in advance. The exits of one station can lead to different sides of a large street or to different stops.
• At the MCD, check the direction of the final station and make sure you are standing at the right platform.
• At a bus or tram stop, check the route number, direction and name of the nearest next stop.
• Do not rely only on the bus number: the routes meet on opposite sides of the road and go in different directions.
• When transferring, estimate the length of the transition and the exit number. The same name of a transport hub does not mean that the platforms are located nearby.
• Enable exit notification if the app supports it, or monitor the location and announcements in the salon.

The main rule to help you understand the direction of the metro and ground transport is to look at the end point and the list of next stations, and not rely only on the color of the line or route number.

Where to check changes, closures and delays

• Maps and transport applications. Change routes just before leaving and read warnings near lines, stations and stops.
• Unified transport portal of Moscow. Check the official website for news, traffic changes in Moscow and current travel regulations.
• Official resources of Moscow transport and the Moscow metro. Here they publish messages about the closure of metro stations, repairs of sections and temporary schemes.
• Information boards and announcements on site. They will help you notice that a stop has been moved, an exit is closed, or a platform change that has not yet been shown in the maps.

Do not use a route saved several days ago without checking. If a failure occurs, compare at least two workarounds: through a nearby metro line and through another ground transport stop. Sometimes it is faster to walk 10 minutes than to wait for traffic to be restored.

Payment for travel and transfers

Payment for public transport depends on the type of transport, the territory of the trip, the chosen fare and the carrier. You should not remember the cost according to the old instructions: fares and transfer conditions may change.

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If the fare conditions include a transfer, apply the same media to the validator that you started the trip with. For current information on how to pay for travel in Moscow, check the official website of Moscow Transport.

Trips to the Moscow region, distant zones of the MCD and along railway lines may be calculated differently than movements within the city. Before boarding, check the zone, fare and whether a separate ticket is required.

Night, train station, airport, luggage and trip without the Internet

• Night trip. Don't automatically use the daily schedule. Check the actual metro, MCD and night route schedules for the desired date. Please note that after midnight the app may require you to select the next calendar day.
• Railway station. Indicate the name of the station and the desired platform or entrance, if known. Plan your route to the station by public transport with allowance for security checks, wayfinding and passage through the building.
• Airport. Enter a specific airport and terminal. When choosing how to get to the airport from Moscow, compare the train and bus options in terms of time, transfers and the risk of traffic jams.
• Luggage or stroller. Choose fewer transfers and shorter crossings. Look in advance for the route from the metro exit to the terminal, train station or hotel.
• Limited mobility. Check the accessibility of specific stations, elevators, escalators and overpasses using official data. If necessary, check in advance the possibility of escort through city transport services.
• No internet. Save the general view of the route, each transfer, stop names, exit numbers and destination address. Write down your backup route separately.
• The phone is running low. Turn on energy saving, reduce the brightness and do not keep the navigation open all the time. It is useful to have an external battery.

Quick checklist before exiting

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• Public transport mode is selected.
• Departure time, direction and final station have been checked.
• Waiting, walking sections and the duration of transfers are taken into account.
• Added reserve for traffic jams, crossings or security checks.
• Temporary motion changes have been checked.
• The route and important transfers are saved offline.
• There are sufficient funds on the card or other medium for payment.
• The smartphone charge will last until the end of the trip.

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