Driving in Russia
Photo: Tvkosone, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Driving in Russia can be an alternative for adventurous people who want to see the countryside or travel in their own pace around the biggest country in the world. Nevertheless, in much of Russia, driving conditions are remarkably different from western countries.
UnderstandAs Russia spans three regions of the world (that is, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and East Asia), and is the largest country in the world, since 1991 (with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the creation of a modern…
RoadsThe most important roads in Russia are designated federal highways; these include major roads raying out from Moscow (designated with 'М') and roads that are part of the European or Asian international road networks.
BringThese are things you should bring if driving your own car to Russia:
Get inIn addition, see Russia#Get in for visa procedures.
Traffic rulesIn built up areas the speed limit is 60 km/h, on highways 90 km/h and controlled-access highways 110 km/h. However in Russia you cannot be legally fined for speeding under 20 km/h.
FuelFuel prices are at around €0.60/liter for both gasoline and diesel – comparable to the USA, and considerably lower than in Europe in general.
ParkingWhen parking, don't leave valuables visible. When parking overnight, it's good to use guarded parking lots, just to be on the safe side. You can often find those at hotels or near hotels.
Road signsRoad signs in Russia are pretty much the same as the ones you would see in western Europe.
Stay safeDriving a car in winter conditions may be a real challenge without proper training and experience. The golden rule for driving on snow, ice and slush: don't rush.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Driving in Russia" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tvkosone, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons