Quick Facts
- Opened
- 15 May 1935
- Operator
- Moscow Metropolitan (GUP)
- Stations
- 250
- Lines
- 15
- Daily riders
- ~9.0 million
- Network
- 460 km
- Fare
- Flat ₽57 per trip (any distance)
- Payment
- Troika card, Face Pay, contactless
The Moscow Metro is one of the world's most beautiful and historically significant metro systems. Opened on 15 May 1935, it operates 250 stations across 15 lines and 460 km of track, making it one of the longest metro networks in the world.
The metro is operated by Moscow Metropolitan (GUP Moskovsky Metropoliten) and is fully integrated with the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), Moscow Central Diameters (MCD), monorail, and tram services under the unified Troika card system. The system carries approximately 9 million passengers daily, making it one of the busiest in the world.
Moscow's metro is world-famous for its stunning station architecture. Built under Stalin as "palaces for the people," many stations are decorated with marble, mosaics, chandeliers, and bronze sculptures. Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya, and Mayakovskaya are considered among the most beautiful metro stations in the world. The deep-level stations also serve as civil defence shelters.
The fare system uses a single flat fare regardless of journey length — one trip costs ₽57 (approximately €0.60). The Troika card is the standard payment method: a rechargeable contactless card costing ₽50 (refundable) that gives the flat per-trip fare. Day passes and unlimited monthly passes are also available. The Unified Social Card is used by Moscow residents for subsidised travel.
Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) is connected by the Aeroexpress rail link from Belorussky station, and the new Line 11 (Big Circle Line/Bolshaya Koltsevaya) has improved cross-city travel dramatically since its completion in 2023.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Troika card (rechargeable) · Face Pay (biometric) · Contactless bank card · Single-trip paper ticket · QR code ticket (Mosmetro app).
💡 The Troika card (₽50 deposit, refundable) gives the flat ₽57 fare per trip — far cheaper than single-trip paper tickets (₽75). The card also works on all MCC, MCD, trams, buses, and the monorail.
Peak hours: Flat fare regardless of time — ₽57 per trip at any hour on all metro lines — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Moscow Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Moscow Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Troika card (rechargeable), Face Pay (biometric), Contactless bank card, Single-trip paper ticket, QR code ticket (Mosmetro app).
💡 The Troika card (₽50 deposit, refundable) gives the flat ₽57 fare per trip — far cheaper than single-trip paper tickets (₽75). The card also works on all MCC, MCD, trams, buses, and the monorail.
| Journey | Off-Peak (RUB) | Peak (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip (Troika card) | ₽57 | ₽57 |
| Single trip (paper ticket) | ₽75 | ₽75 |
| Day pass (unlimited) | ₽265 | ₽265 |
| 3-day pass (unlimited) | ₽570 | ₽570 |
| 30-day pass (unlimited) | ₽2,990 | ₽2,990 |
| 60-trip ticket (Troika) | ₽2,670 | ₽2,670 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Troika card?
The Troika card (₽50 deposit, refundable) is Moscow's standard rechargeable contactless transit card. Load money and pay ₽57 per metro trip. It works on all metro lines, Moscow Central Circle (MCC), Central Diameters (MCD), buses, trams, and the monorail. Buy at any metro ticket window or machine.
What is Face Pay on the Moscow Metro?
Moscow Metro launched Face Pay in 2021 — the world's first metro-wide biometric payment. Register your face via the Mosmetro app, link a Troika or bank card, and simply look at the camera to enter. The ₽57 Troika fare applies. Completely optional; standard cards work as usual.
How do I get from Sheremetyevo Airport to Moscow?
Take the Aeroexpress train from Sheremetyevo Terminal D to Belorussky station — 35 minutes, ₽650. From Belorusskaya station connect to Lines 2 or 5. Alternatively, the MCD (Moscow Central Diameters) D1 now connects SVO to the city with metro interchange at Savelyovsky station.
Which stations are the most beautiful?
Komsomolskaya (Line 5) — baroque chandeliers and mosaics; Kievskaya — Soviet murals; Novoslobodskaya — stained glass panels; Mayakovskaya — Stalin-era Art Deco with dome mosaics; Ploschad Revolyutsii — 76 bronze sculptures. The entire Line 5 (Circle) is a showcase of Soviet architecture.
Does the Moscow Metro run all night?
No — Moscow Metro closes around 01:00 and reopens around 05:30. Night buses (N-routes) cover key corridors overnight. The MCC (Line 14) runs until slightly later. There is no 24-hour service on the metro itself.
Is the Moscow Metro tourist-friendly in 2026?
Station signs are in Cyrillic and Latin (transliterated) script. Metro maps in English are available at information booths. The Mosmetro app has an English interface with route planner. Ticket machines have an English option.
What is the Big Circle Line (BKL)?
Line 11, the Big Circle Line (Bolshaya Koltsevaya Liniya), completed in 2023. With 31 stations and 70 km, it's the world's longest circular metro line. It connects all radial lines without needing to go through the centre — significantly reducing overcrowding and journey times across the city.
Can I use contactless bank cards on the Moscow Metro?
Yes — Mir, Visa, and Mastercard contactless bank cards work at metro turnstiles. Tap your card to pay ₽57. Note that in 2026 some foreign Visa/Mastercard may have limited functionality in Russia depending on issuer. Troika card is the most reliable option for visitors.
Source: Moscow Metropolitan (Moskovsky Metropoliten) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.