How to use the Troika card on the Moscow Metro — buying, loading, fares, Face Pay, and tourist tips for 2026.
How to Get the Troika Card
Buy at any Moscow Metro ticket window or vending machine. ₽50 deposit (refundable), then load credit. Also available at some convenience stores. Ticket machines have an English interface.
Troika Card Benefits
- Flat ₽57 fare per trip on all metro lines — no distance charge.
- Works on Metro, MCC (Line 14), MCD trains, trams, buses, and the monorail.
- Day passes and multi-day unlimited passes loadable onto the same card.
- Refundable ₽50 deposit when returned at a ticket window.
- No need to queue for a ticket every journey — just tap and go.
Fare Reference (RUB)
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 |
Peak hours: Flat fare regardless of time — ₽57 per trip at any hour on all metro lines.
Troika Card vs Single-Journey Ticket
| Troika Card | Single-Journey Token / Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare benefit | Flat ₽57 fare per trip on all metro lines — no distance charge. | Standard full fare |
| Queue time | Tap and go — no queue | Buy at machine each time |
| Initial cost | 50 deposit | Journey cost only |
| Works on all lines | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best for | Anyone staying 2+ days | Single one-off journey |
Tips for Using the Troika Card
- Always tap in AND tap out at every fare gate — tapping out is required to correctly calculate the fare.
- Keep the card topped up before travel to avoid holding up queues at entry gates.
- The Troika Card works for the airport connection — see the airport guide.
- If you lose the card, contact Moscow Metropolitan (Moskovsky Metropoliten) — some systems allow balance transfer to a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Troika card for buses and trams too?
Yes — the Troika card works on all Moscow public transport: metro, MCC, MCD commuter trains, Mosgortrans buses, trams, and the monorail. One card for the whole city.
How do I top up the Troika card?
At any metro ticket machine (cash and card), ticket windows, Sberbank ATMs, online via the Troika website or Mosmetro app, and at selected convenience stores. Top-up reflects in 15–30 minutes for online methods.
Is the Troika card refundable?
The ₽50 card deposit is refundable at metro ticket windows. Unused card balance is also refundable at windows. There is no time limit on the card — you can keep it for future visits.
What is the difference between Troika and a day pass?
Troika (pay-per-trip) at ₽57/trip is best if you take fewer than 5 trips per day. A Day Pass (₽265, unlimited trips) breaks even after 5 trips and is better value for tourists doing a lot of sightseeing. A 3-day pass (₽570) is excellent for a weekend visit.
See also: Moscow Metro ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Moscow Metro guide
Source: Moscow Metropolitan (Moskovsky Metropoliten). Fares and card terms subject to change — verify before travel.