The Moscow Metro is one of the easiest parts of visiting the city — fast, clean, and it covers almost everywhere you’ll want to go.
The one thing to get right before you arrive is payment, since it doesn’t work the way it would in most European cities.
The Troika card is what you want
The Troika card is a reusable smart card that covers the metro, buses, trams and the Moscow Central Circle, at a small discount over single-ride tickets. Buy one at any station ticket window or machine for a small refundable deposit, then top it up with cash.
This is the part worth knowing in advance: foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay, do not work at Moscow Metro machines or turnstiles. Top up with rubles in cash, or with a Mir-network card if you have one.
Single tickets, if you’d rather not get a card
Single and multi-ride paper tickets are still available at station windows for cash, if you’re only making a handful of trips and don’t want to bother with a card. For anything beyond a day or two in the city, the Troika card works out cheaper and is far more convenient.
A few stations worth riding for their own sake
Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii are among the most striking stations on the network, each decorated in a completely different style from the Soviet era. Komsomolskaya features a soaring Baroque-style ceiling and grand mosaics; Mayakovskaya is art deco with a futuristic ceiling; Ploshchad Revolyutsii is known for its bronze statues.
Operating hours
Trains run from roughly 5:30am until around 1am, with frequent service (every 2–5 minutes) during the day and less frequent late-night trains. That’s a wide enough window for nearly any itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for the Moscow Metro with a foreign card or Apple Pay?
No. Foreign-issued Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay do not work on the metro. Use cash to buy or top up a Troika card, or a Mir-network card if you have one.
What is a Troika card?
A reusable smart card covering the metro, buses, trams and the Moscow Central Circle at a discount over single tickets. Buy it at any station for a small refundable deposit and top up with cash.
Anastasia is a Moscow-based travel blog writer who brings a local’s insight to one of the world’s most fascinating and misunderstood cities. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Anastasia shares an authentic, on-the-ground perspective on what it’s really like to explore the city beyond the postcards.
Her writing focuses on tourism in Moscow, practical guides for first-time visitors, and hidden corners that most travelers miss. In addition, Anastasia writes extensively about expat life in Moscow, covering everyday realities such as housing, transportation, cultural differences, and settling into life in the Russian capital.
As a solo traveler in her own city, she also documents Moscow through the lens of independence and curiosity — from navigating the metro alone at night to discovering cafés, museums, and neighborhoods that feel welcoming for solo visitors. Her work blends local knowledge with honest personal experience, helping travelers and expats alike feel more confident, informed, and inspired when discovering Moscow on their own terms.