Paying for public transport in Moscow is straightforward once you know your options. The city’s buses and trams are well-integrated with the metro system, and the payment methods are similar, making it easy for both locals and tourists to navigate the city. Here’s everything you need to know about how to pay for buses and trams in Moscow.
1. The Troika Card: The Most Convenient Option
The Troika card is the best and most convenient way to pay for buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the Moscow Metro. This contactless smart card is used widely across the city’s public transport system and offers discounted fares compared to buying single tickets.
How to Use the Troika Card:
- Purchase: You can get a Troika card at any metro station, top-up kiosk, or newsstand. The card costs about 50 rubles.
- Loading the card: After purchasing the card, you can load it with money for future travel. You can add money at metro stations, kiosks, or online. The card can hold up to 3,000 rubles.
- Payment: When entering a bus, tram, or trolleybus, simply tap your Troika card on the card reader located near the door when you board the vehicle.
- Multiple Rides: With the Troika card, the cost per ride is lower than buying a single ticket, and you can use it for multiple trips across different types of transport.
Advantages of the Troika Card:
- Discounted fares compared to single tickets.
- Ease of use: Simply tap the card to enter and exit, without needing to buy a new ticket each time.
- Multi-purpose: It works on buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the Moscow Metro.
2. Single-Trip Ticket
For occasional travelers who don’t want to commit to a Troika card, you can still buy single-trip tickets for buses and trams. These tickets are available for one ride only, and you will need to buy a new ticket if you plan to take another trip.
How to Buy a Single-Trip Ticket:
- In buses and trams: You can purchase a single-trip ticket from the driver directly when you board the vehicle. The price is typically 55 rubles for a one-way journey.
- Payment: You can pay in cash when you board the vehicle. However, note that it’s easier to use small change, as the driver may not always have the ability to give back large amounts of change.
- Validity: The ticket is valid for one journey on the bus or tram. You can switch between buses or trams during your journey without purchasing an additional ticket.
Price:
- The cost of a single-trip ticket for buses, trams, and trolleybuses is approximately 55 rubles.
3. Contactless Payment with Mobile Apps
Moscow’s transport system has become increasingly digitally integrated, and you can now use mobile apps to pay for your bus and tram rides. The Moscow Transport app allows passengers to pay via contactless payment with their smartphones.
How to Pay Using the Moscow Transport App:
- Download the app: Install the Moscow Transport app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android).
- Register: Set up an account and link your bank card or other payment methods in the app.
- Payment: Once set up, simply tap your smartphone on the card reader when you board the bus or tram.
- Convenience: The app allows for a seamless payment process, and it tracks your balance and travel history.
Advantages:
- No need for physical cards.
- Track your payments easily.
- Seamless integration with other forms of public transport, like the Metro.
4. Traveling with Cash
While digital payments are becoming more popular, you can still pay in cash when using buses and trams in Moscow, although this method is less common than using the Troika card or the Moscow Transport app.
How to Pay with Cash:
- Bus and tram drivers will accept cash payments when you board the vehicle. The cost of a single trip is typically 55 rubles.
- Exact change: It’s recommended to have small denominations of rubles, as the driver may not always have enough change for larger bills.
- No change for return: Drivers may not give you change, so it’s best to carry exact change.
5. How to Use Tickets on Marshrutkas (Shared Minivans)
Marshrutkas are shared minivans that run on fixed routes throughout Moscow. They are a popular alternative to buses and trams, especially for getting to areas not covered by the Metro.
How to Pay on a Marshrutka:
- Payment: Similar to buses and trams, you pay cash directly to the driver when you board. The fare is usually around 55 rubles, but it can vary slightly depending on the route.
- Use the Troika card: Some marshrutkas are equipped with Troika card readers, so you can use your Troika card to pay for your journey, just like on buses and trams.
- Exact change: It’s best to pay in small denominations since the driver may not have change for large bills.
Note: Marshrutkas do not issue tickets, so you’ll need to rely on the payment methods mentioned above.
6. Discounts and Special Fares
Moscow offers discounted fares for certain groups of people, including children, seniors, and students.
Who Gets a Discount:
- Children under 7 years old: Travel is free.
- Children 7-18 years old: Receive a 50% discount on the fare.
- Senior citizens (60 and older): In most cases, seniors receive discounted fares or free travel, depending on their age and residency status.
- Students: Full-time students may also qualify for discounts with a student ID.
Free Transfers:
If you use the Troika card, transfers between metro stations, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are free within 90 minutes of your first trip. You can switch between these transport modes without paying for a new ticket, making it much more convenient for tourists who plan to explore the city.
Conclusion
Moscow’s public transport system, including buses and trams, is efficient, affordable, and convenient, and there are several ways to pay for your journey. For tourists, the Troika card is the most convenient option, offering discounted fares and easy travel across all types of transport. Alternatively, you can pay with a single-trip ticket or use your smartphone with the Moscow Transport app for contactless payment. Whether you’re hopping on a bus or taking a tram, Moscow’s public transport system is easy to navigate once you know how to pay.
