Public Transport

    By far the easiest and most pleasant way to get around the city is on the metro system (tel: (095) 943 5001/52; website: www.metro.ru). Moscow's metro is the largest in the world, and features some stunningly decorated stations that are almost palatial , entrances are marked by a large red 'M', not to be confused with McDonalds. The system is extremely efficient and good value - a single magnet card, which replaced the tokens (talony), costs Rb4. A magnet card, valid for five journeys or more, costs from Rb15. The system is based on the Circle Line, which links to the major rail stations. A further nine lines connect to this and cross through the city centre. Stations often have multiple names - one for each line that intersects there.  Metro Map

There is also an extensive network of buses, trolleybuses and trams, but these can be crowded and unpleasant during rush hour although at other times can be an interesting way of sightseeing. Tickets (bilyet) should be purchased in advance at metro stations or kiosks (ten for Rb20), but can also be bought directly from the driver (ten for Rb25). Tickets should be punched in the machine on the wall of the bus. Spot fines are levied if travellers do not have a punched ticket. All forms of transport operate 0530-0030, although some bus and tram routes may stop earlier.

Passes for the metro cost Rb120 per month. Unified City Transport Passes cost Rb240 per month, valid on buses and trams as well.

Taxis
Although there are official taxis and private taxis, it is still common practice for private cars to stop and offer a ride when flagged down. Obviously, fares must be negotiated, and this is best done before entering the car. The official taxis are yellow cars with a 'T', which have chequered emblems on the door and a sealed meter and printed fare table inside; a green light indicates availability. Drivers may negotiate a flat fare rather than a metered fare; this should be settled before commencing on the journey. Tipping is not expected. It is usually possible to hire a taxi by the hour, if desired. There is a central number for radio taxis (tel: (095) 927 0000). Visitors should never share a taxi with a stranger.

There are also marshrutki (route-taxis), which are minibuses that follow a set route and guarantee riders a seat. They can be caught near metro entrances or by flagging one down at a bus stop. They run 0800-2200 and are more expensive than standard buses.

Limousines
There are numerous limousine services in Moscow, including Limousine-Taxi (tel: (095) 292 2010 or 960 2020, ext 1202), City Limousine (tel: (095) 248 5233) and Limousine-Service (tel: (095) 257 4000). Hire costs about US$105 for 24 hours.

Driving in the City
Moscow's road system is based on a series of concentric rings, connected by arterial roads that radiate from the centre. The innermost, the Garden Ring Road, follows a path similar to the metro's Circle Line. The outermost is the Moscow Ring Road motorway. Traffic accidents, many of them caused by drink driving, are becoming increasingly prevalent; night driving is not recommended.

During the last few years, traffic has increased significantly while improvements to the infrastructure have lagged behind, making driving difficult, especially in the centre. Rush hours are 0700-0930 and 1630-1900. With the added hassle of over-zealous traffic police, difficult-to-find parking and Cyrillic-only road signs, many western visitors find it easier (and often cheaper) to hire a car with a driver. It is advisable to use a guarded parking lot (platnaya stoyanka) as theft is common - many of the larger hotels offer this facility to non-guests and other parking lots can be found in the vicinity. The average rate is about 70p per hour.

Car Hire
Car hire can be expensive in Moscow, and large fees may be charged for airport transfer. Many of the independent firms hire cars, but only with a driver. International firms represented in Moscow are Budget, Volgogradsky prospekt 43 (tel: (095) 737 0407), and National, Bolchaya Kommunistichie 1/5 (tel: (095) 298 6146). Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have one year's driving experience. A small car costs approximately £50 per day, including insurance, VAT and unlimited mileage and should be booked in advance.