Metro and Bus Ticket Prices in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Traveling around Russia's capital cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, can be efficient but comes with varied pricing options for transportation.

Regular Ticket Prices

In both cities, regular tickets for the metro are priced at 55 RUB and for city buses, the fare is typically 40–45 RUB. It's essential to note that these prices can be subject to change and local economic factors.

Travel Cards for Discounts

To save money, consider purchasing a travel card, which offers significant discounts. In St. Petersburg, the Podorozhnik card slashes the metro cost to 36 RUB. In Moscow, the Troika card provides an even greater discount at 36 RUB for any form of public transport, with an additional 19 RUB if the means of transportation changes within the 90-minute limit.

Payment Methods and Limits

Metro and bus travel in Moscow is seamlessly integrated via the Troika transportation card. This card can be purchased and loaded with funds at metro stations. A single trip on the Troika card costs approximately 52 RUB, which is roughly equivalent to a little less than US $1. The card's pricing structure is designed to save commuters money: the first trip is charged at 36 RUB, the second at 16 RUB, and subsequent trips are free for 90 minutes.

For those unfamiliar with the system, there is an option to pre-buyp packages. You can buy 60 "trips" for about 26 RUB each, though this might not be the best deal as there is often a simpler, more cost-effective option.

Weekly and Monthly Tickets

For those who need to travel frequently, buying a weekly or monthly ticket can be a good choice. These offer even more savings over multiple rides.

Edni Card for Multiple Trips

In Moscow, the Edni Card is especially useful. It offers 20 rides for around 650-700 RUB. In St. Petersburg, you can also use the Podorozhnik 1-day card, but it is recommended to use the cards more flexibly and according to your travel needs to save the most.

Key Takeaways:

Regular metro ticket costs 55 RUB. Regular city bus ticket costs 40–45 RUB. Podorozhnik card in St. Petersburg offers a 36 RUB metro fare. Troika card in Moscow provides a 36 RUB for any form of public transport within 90 minutes. Consider purchasing a travel card for significant discounts.

These variations in ticket pricing and card options make planning your trip budget-friendly. Taking the time to understand the available options can save you money and simplify your journey.