Transportation

1. Air

The Sheremetevo-2 Airport located 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the city center and the Domodedovo Airport located 40 kilometer (24 miles) south of the city center handle flights to and from places outside the former Soviet Union. A large number of daily international flights by numerous airlines serve at both airports. Other Moscow airports serve flights to and from places within Russia and the other ex-Soviet states.

Taxis and buses are available at all airports and can be used for traveling to your hotel or accommodation within the city.

2. Bus

A large network of buses runs to a number of towns and cities within about 700 kilometers (435miles) of Moscow. Buses are comfortable but a bit slower and less frequent than trains.

Within the city, buses use fixed routes and schedules. When the bus approaches the bus stop, say ‘Stop!' or more politely ‘Ostano`vite po`zhaluista' (stop please).

The minibus shuttle, Marshrutka have the same number of buses and trolleys on fixed routes and schedules.

3. Car

Cars are widely used for traveling within the city limits. Most car drivers offer a lift at a certain price. You can also rent a car from different car rental services in Moscow. For renting a car, you should be at least 18 years (Avis) or 25 years (Hertz) and above, and have a passport and a valid driving license for two years along with a credit card (Visa, American Express, Europay, Diners Club). Avis offers the cheapest foreign cars. They offer a Fiat Punto for $38 if you take it for more than 3 days. Be sure to take insurance as well. The Russian operator Eleks-Polus offers cheaper Russian cars at the rate of $25 to $30 per day.

Following are some of the car rental services at Moscow with contact information:

AVIS Rent-a-Car Moscow

Address: Sheremetyevo II Airport.

Phone: +7 (095) 578-7179, Fax: 578-7179.

AVIS Rent-a-Car Moscow

Address: Gallery Actor Business Center. Tverskaya Ul., #2. Entrance.3, 6th floor. Area: Tverskaya, metro Pushkinskaya (violet), Tverskaya (green). Phone: +7 (095) 937-9434, Fax: 937-9433

BUDGET Rent-a-Car Moscow

Address: Volgogradsky Prospekt, #43, building 1.

Phone: +7 (095) 737-0407. Fax: 737-0406

HERTZ Rent-a-Car Moscow

Address: Chernyakhovskogo Ul., #4.

Phone: +7 (095) 937-3274. Fax: 956-1621

4. Train

Moscow has an extensive network of underground trains at nine major train stations that connect almost every locality within the city. Magnetic cards are used at the stations. Moscow is connected with most parts of Russia, most former Soviet states, numerous countries in Eastern and Western Europe, and China and Mongolia by rail links.

5. Ship

A large number of cruise ships and boats operate in summer between the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Cruise ships are also available to travel from Moscow to Astrakhan on the Volga delta near the Caspian Sea to the south.

6. Taxi

Moscow has fleets of taxicabs roaming throughout the city. You will see several of them at commercial centers and crowded areas. They are usually yellow in color with a typical chess sign on top. Taxis can be flagged on city roads by sticking out your hand or can be called to the hotel itself. Taxis can also be hired using Internet booking facilities. Majority of the taxis are metered.

G. Facts and Figures

- Passport/Visa Requirements: While visiting Moscow be sure to carry a valid passport and a tourist visa. A Russian tourist visa can be issued for not longer than one month. Visas are available at the Russian Consulate. All male citizens between the age of 16 and 45 are required to fill out a supplement (form 95) to the standard application form. While entering the country supple the border checkpoint officials with the tourist confirmation, voucher from the hotel or the travel agency and a return ticket. Also prove that you have sufficient funds for your stay.

- Population: 8,528,000

- Language: Russian

- Predominant Religions: Islam, Christianity

- Time Zone: GMT/UTC +3. Daylight saving time starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

- Voltage Requirements: 220V 50HzHz. European plug with two circular metal pins.

- Telephone Codes: Country code - +7; Area code - 495