Moscow as the megapolis with more than 10 million population has a perfectly developed public transport network. There are 5 airports (two of them are international) and 8 railway stations in the city. The fastest way to get anywhere within the city is using of the public transport: buses, trolleybuses, trams and metro. The necessary things to know are: the price for one ride in any type of public transport, the main routes and stops and the working hours of all means of the municipal ground transport.
AIRPORTS
Moscow has five major passenger airports, two of which are international: Sheremetyevo-2 and Domodedovo. Both of the airports are situated in the suburbs, about 30-45 min of driving far away from the city center. Although you can reach the airport by public transport, arranging a transfer from the airport to the booked hotel is a better decision.
TRAIN STATIONS
Moscow has eight major train stations, where trains from St. Petersburg and Helsinki, Siberia, Central Asia, Southern Russia, Eastern Europe and the Baltic States arrive.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Buses, trolleybuses, and trams are the main public transport of Moscow. The price for one ride is 13 rubles regardless of the number of stops. There is also a possibility to buy a pass for several rides and different types of public transport. Municipal ground transport (bus, trolleybus, tram) functions from 6.00 a.m. till midnight (intervals — 5-10 min.)
You can also use fixed-route express buses and taxis. The price for one ride is from 12 to 20 roubles regardless of the number of stops. Note that stops are making upon requests. In taxi the fare is normally charged by counter but very often the fare is fixed by a previous agreement. At nighttime taxis are more expensive, usually for about 50%.
Metro is considered to be the fastest means of public transport within the city. It consists of 11 lines and more than 150 stations. One ride coasts 15 rubles regardless of the number of stops. Magnetic cards for different number of stops are available at the cashier at every metro station.
Metro functions from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (interval 3-5 min).
Beware of rush-hours (9 — 10:30 a.m. and 5 — 7:30 p.m.)
To avoid pickpocketing and secure your papers, camera, videocamera and personal belongings, do not bring them in your pockets when traveling by public transport.