How to Get Around Russia

Getting in. This has changed substantially. Sanctions have closed much European airspace to Russian carriers and vice versa, so most routes now connect through Istanbul, Dubai, Yerevan, Belgrade or Central Asia. Check what is actually flying before booking.

Visas are required by most nationalities and the process is involved; an electronic visa scheme operates for some countries and passport holders. Requirements change — verify close to travel.

Trains are the classic way to travel. The Sapsan covers Moscow to Saint Petersburg in under four hours; overnight sleepers connect most cities; and the Trans-Siberian runs 9,289 kilometres to Vladivostok in about six days.

Metros. Moscow’s is vast, cheap, fast and architecturally extraordinary — several stations are decorated as palaces. Saint Petersburg’s is among the deepest in the world.

Flights are necessary for Siberia and the far east, where the distances are continental.