I am traveling to Moscow next August.

Any recommendations for reliable Airport transfer service that we can reserve in advance ?

Any city guide car service ?

The answer might depend on which Moscow airport you are arriving at - SVO or DME. Domodedovo has some suggestions on its web site:
http://www.domodedovo.ru/en/main/getting/

I am sure using the search function on this thread with the terms "taxi" or "transfer" will provide other users experience of being picked up at Sheremetyevo.

Transfer from SVO:
1. Ignore the taxi mafia at arrival
2. Buy a coupon at the taxi counter (1300 roubles to anywhere downtown)
Or have someone call you a regular taxi from the city (1000 roubles to anywhere downtown)

Transfer from SVO:
1. Ignore the taxi mafia at arrival
2. Buy a coupon at the taxi counter (1300 roubles to anywhere downtown)
Or have someone call you a regular taxi from the city (1000 roubles to anywgere downtown)

For #3, taxi services that I have used, or that others have recommended:
http://www.autotaxi.ru/
http://www.nyt.ru
http://www.taxi956.ru/
As stated by apoivre, all are around RR1000 for meeting at the airport.

For DME, the train to Paveletsky Vokzal is highly recommended, if you do not have much luggage/are sufficiently familiar with Russia not to be concerned by arriving into a Russian train station.

[Edited to add]
From SVO2, the only public transport option I have tried is an express bus (don't recall the number, but the fare was RR17) to Rechnoy Vokzal metro station, and then metro onwards. It was actually very efficient, particularly for the grand total of RR32 ($1.20), and took only about 15 minutes longer than a taxi to my destination.

One can also take a train to/from Savelovsky Vokzal to Lobnya station and then a free bus from there. It seems a bit indirect, but is undoubtedly more cost-efficient than a taxi, though it also takes about 90 min each way. The schedule is at http://www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru/?act=part&pid=2.

I do not know of any hotels in central Moscow that have airport shuttles, but the ones I have stayed all have hotel cars available to take you places or pick you up, so this may be one option you may want to explore if you are staying in a hotel...The Park Hyatt has at least one Mercedes for this and while it is expensive it was also very convenient and was always on time and the driver was very professional...So it might be worth checking with your hotel to see if they have cars available to meet you at the airport.

Excellent point about the train from DME to the city. I really enjoy the train ride into the city. You can drink on the train which can be nice depending on how long you've be in a plane or where you are going up arrival. It is because of the train that my wife and I usually try and arrive at DME. Also, if you were to end up staying at the Swissotel the train/metro station mentioned in the previous post is extremely close to the Swissotel. Just a short walk or real quick cab ride from the station.

David

I can recommend this transfer service: http://www.gotoru.com/

I use them regularly for several years and like the fact that they don't have any extra charges (e.g. for parking at the airport.)

I can recommend this transfer service: http://www.gotoru.com/

I use them regularly for several years and like the fact that they don't have any extra charges (e.g. for parking at the airport.)

Paulmoscow

Thanks for the info. I used them this past week and they were great, both from and to SVO.

Has anyone taken a Taxi from Rechnoy Vokzal metro station to SVO2 and how much does it normally cost ? thx.

Has anyone taken a Taxi from Rechnoy Vokzal metro station to SVO2 and how much does it normally cost ? thx.

At least R500-600 if you're seriously lucky (and speak Russian) - there's a taxi mafia there waiting to take you to the airport. If you're in that part of Moscow, you'd better take any cab passing down Leningradsky Shosse at Voykovskaya metro station. If you're in downtown Moscow, take the train

At least R500-600 if you're seriously lucky (and speak Russian) - there's a taxi mafia there waiting to take you to the airport. If you're in that part of Moscow, you'd better take any cab passing down Leningradsky Shosse at Voykovskaya metro station. If you're in downtown Moscow, take the train

You can also take Marshutka #45 from RV to SVO2. Very cheap. Room for one carry on in your lap but not much more. Actually, you can get more in there if you really push.

At least R500-600 if you're seriously lucky (and speak Russian) - there's a taxi mafia there waiting to take you to the airport. If you're in that part of Moscow, you'd better take any cab passing down Leningradsky Shosse at Voykovskaya metro station. If you're in downtown Moscow, take the train

Thanks, that's what I thought. I guess they are as bad as the taxi mafia at SVO2. As mentioned, the #45 minibus to SVO2 for R30 will do fine. I was just inquiring in case of an emergency.

Just received the following advisory concerning new rules for the contents (especially liquids) of hand luggage for travel in the EU. Is SVO2 still abolishing any liquids with carry on luggage on outbound flights to the US or other countries ? or have they made some modifications to this rule and allowing 100ml containers in a transparent plastic bag ?

New EU-legislation for hand baggage at all airports in the European Union

Effective November 6, 2006, new rules for the contents of hand baggage will apply for all airline passengers throughout the European Union (EU). Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements. This applies for all passengers departing from or catching connecting flights at airports within the European Union.

The new rules apply for liquids such as water and other drinks, but also extend to gels, pastes, lotions, and the contents of aerosols. This includes toiletries such as toothpaste, shaving cream, hair gel, lip gloss, facial creams, mascara and liquid lip balms.

These are the rules for liquids in your hand luggage:

You can only bring on liquids and gels in containers of no more than 100 millilitres.
These containers must be carried in a transparent plastic bag.
There is a limit of one transparent plastic bag per person.
The volume of the transparent plastic bag may not be greater than 1 litre.
The transparent plastic bag must be re-sealable.
You may bring a suitable plastic bag from home. During the introductory period, free transparent plastic bags will also be given out at all concerned airports.

There are two exceptions to the above rules:

baby food needed during the flight;
medicines needed during the flight.
Purchases in duty free at the airport:

If your trip includes a transfer in a European Union country (including French overseas territories), the retailer must place your purchases in a bag. This will be sealed and must remain so until the end of your trip. This bag must be accompanied by a proof of purchase that will be checked when you transfer at the screening inspection point.
In Paris, if you are transferring between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, you are authorized to carry these duty free articles in the cabin of the following flight only if you retain your bag sealed, accompanied by the corresponding proof of purchase.
If your purchase occurred in an airport located outside the European Union, and you are transferring to a European Union country, you will not be authorized to carry your purchases onto your next flight. They will be taken away from you.
Onboard purchases:

If your purchase occurred onboard an aircraft belonging to a European airline departing from an airport located outside a European Union country, it will be accepted when you transfer in a European Union country, as long as it is placed in a sealed bag accompanied by the proof of onboard purchase.

Separate presentation of contents

When passing through security control, you will be required to present all liquids separately. The transparent plastic bag should accommodate all containers and be easily sealable. You are also required to separately present your coat, jacket and larger electrical equipment, such as laptops, when passing through security control.

Just received the following advisory concerning new rules for the contents (especially liquids) of hand luggage for travel in the EU. Is SVO2 still abolishing any liquids with carry on luggage on outbound flights to the US or other countries ? or have they made some modifications to this rule and allowing 100ml containers in a transparent plastic bag ?

According to this article (http://www.kommersant.com/p719410/r_530/air_flight_restrictions/) in today's Kommersant, it's business as usual

Has anyone used the car service from www.waytorussia.net?

Has anyone used the car service from www.waytorussia.net?

I had a colleague use them last year for a group of 12 people. He was very impressed.

I can recommend this transfer service: http://www.gotoru.com/

I use them regularly for several years and like the fact that they don't have any extra charges (e.g. for parking at the airport.)

I used them and even if not cheap, 1350 RUB, I was totally satisfied by the level of service. It was my first time in Moscow so I really needed to be guided step by step to the hotel. For the way back to SVO1, I used the underground and the minibus (48/1), 57 RUB all in all, less than 2 EURO and I enjoyed to travel like a local, it took a long time, a lot longer but I judged an experience worth to be done.

I used them and even if not cheap, 1350 RUB

In case anyone forgets to prebook transportation from SVO, there are "official" taxis now. Don't try to negotiate with the drivers, just pay at the booth in the arrivals hall. It's R1300 to anywhere in Moscow.

Any suggestions as to where to prebook transportation that is less expensive than 1300RUB? I'm hesitant about trying the bus to the train as I speak no Russian. I've been to SVO before, though.

Using the bus to the train is pretty straightforward, though. Wait by the huge posters with the timetable, the bus pulls in (these are white busses somewhat smaller than an ordinary bus but bigger than a minivan), you board by the front door, and give R15 to the driver. The first stop willl be SVO1, the second one will be the terminus, directly in front of the railway station. Just follow everyone else - R60 for the ticket, swipe it at the turnstile and board the train. Next stop is Moscow.

As to taxis, I normally call them up once I'm at the airport but that requires a cell phone and an ability to speak Russian (some of the operators might have English speakers answering the phone, though). If they have a car nearby, they'll send it to SVO and the driver will call me back to asl me where I want hime to pick him up. The company I normally use is +7 495 500 05 00 (but onlly because I can get some points with them and convert these later to SU miles). They charge something like R950. Search this board, there was a link to a taxi company that is cheaper ($30 I believe) and has an English-language website where you can book the transfer.

In case anyone forgets to prebook transportation from SVO, there are "official" taxis now. Don't try to negotiate with the drivers, just pay at the booth in the arrivals hall. It's R1300 to anywhere in Moscow.This is incorrect. It's R1300 for areas north of the central ring, R1500 for areas adjacent to and within the central ring and more (I didn't see how much, I'd guess R1700 or so) for areas to the south of the central
ring. There is a map on the wall at the booth. The service is not inexpensive, but it is fast, reliable, and hassle free. I used it just the other day.

Using the bus to the train is pretty straightforward, though. Wait by the huge posters with the timetable, the bus pulls in (these are white busses somewhat smaller than an ordinary bus but bigger than a minivan), you board by the front door, and give R15 to the driver. The first stop willl be SVO1, the second one will be the terminus, directly in front of the railway station. Just follow everyone else - R60 for the ticket, swipe it at the turnstile and board the train. Next stop is Moscow.

As to taxis, I normally call them up once I'm at the airport but that requires a cell phone and an ability to speak Russian (some of the operators might have English speakers answering the phone, though). If they have a car nearby, they'll send it to SVO and the driver will call me back to asl me where I want hime to pick him up. The company I normally use is +7 495 500 05 00 (but onlly because I can get some points with them and convert these later to SU miles). They charge something like R950. Search this board, there was a link to a taxi company that is cheaper ($30 I believe) and has an English-language website where you can book the transfer.

I'm so tempted to spring for the public transportation option on my upcoming trip. Traveling solo, I am less than enthusiastic about shelling out $95 for the round-trip transfer. In virtually every other city, I'd roll with public transportation without a second thought, but here I am hesitant to do so because I don't speak a lick of Russian and I can't read their darn cyrillic letters.

So thanks for the clear directions on how to make this happen. I hope it is as easy and painless as you suggest. Going from SVO-2 to the Holiday Inn Sokolniki, will the bus + subway be fairly easy? Does the bus have any luggage storage space (I'll probably have a single carry-on bag which I could, in a pinch, hold on my lap)? Will I have any difficulty recognizing the Sokolniki metro station for the very first time without comprehending written Russian? And any cautionary notes about taking public transportation on the return?

In virtually every other city, I'd roll with public transportation without a second thought, but here I am hesitant to do so because I don't speak a lick of Russian and I can't read their darn cyrillic letters.

Read your comment over a few times, and spring for the transfers. Money is money, but in four years of working with travelers to Russia and the former Soviet Union, everyone who took public transportation after the long flight has regretted the decision (not due to safety but because of comfort and convenience).

I would concur. I would also suggest you learn the Cyrillic alphabet. It's really quite easy and you will soon be able to read all of the signs.

I decided to spring for the pre-booked taxi based on the sound advice in this forum. Glad I did so.

I used www.gotoru.com/ (http://www.gotoru.com/) and would highly recommend them to others. ^ They charged 2100 Rubles for my round-trip transfer (applying the "two-way transfer discount (http://www.go-to.ru/en/catalog/discounts.php)"), which as far as I can tell, was the best price of any taxi service with a website. The driver was waiting for me, as promised, when I cleared immigration and customs with a prominent sign with my name on it. On my way to the city, I rode in an older and well-worn Mercedes. On the way back, I was in a fairly new Kia. I changed my return flight and accordingly, the time of the return transfer pickup, and I had no problem finding an English-speaking operator on the telephone line; moreover, Go-To.Ru dispatched the driver and vehicle in a timely manner based on the change.

I also made an effort to learn a few key words and phrases in Russian. In doing so, I found two websites that were helpful in providing audio files to assist with pronunciation: WayToRussia (http://www.waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/Russian.html) and Listen2Russian (http://listen2russian.com/menu/). I also relied upon the brand new 2007 edition of the DK Eyewitness Travel guide to Moscow (http://www.amazon.com/Moscow-Eyewitness-Travel-Guides-Publishing/dp/075662438X/ref=sr_1_1/103-0140982-5058205?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183740150&sr=1-1), and it was excellent. It had great pictures, a good metro map, and very helpful English-Russian (Cyrillic) street translations and maps.

I had no problems lining up my visa on my own and was glad that I saved the money it would have cost me to rely on a commercial visa service. I think the instructions on the Russian Embassy's website (http://www.russianembassy.org/CONSULAT/TOUR-VIS.HTM) for American visitors are pretty good and my documents were returned to me in a timely fashion. For the visitor with a hotel already lined up (and, ergo, the ability to obtain the required invitation from the hotel) and not in need of expedited visa processing, I would recommend self-preparation of the visa application, rather than paying for the assistance of a commercial service.

Sheremetyevo-2 was the absolute cluster**** that was expected. But Aeroflot's economy class product on the Airbus 320 from SVO-AMS exceeded expectations, and I actually preferred it to KLM's competing economy class product that I experienced in the other direction. Had I chosen between the two airlines' respective business class products, I would have preferred SU by an even healthier margin.

I used them to get from SVO to the northern boat terminal for a river cruise. I'm very pleased. Most importantly, they responded to all my emails and really gave me confidence that the arrangements were in order. And MostMost importantly, even though I managed to spend forever in the passport control free for all, the driver was waiting at the exit and got me to my boat.

Expensive - $50 for the ride which is to a spot much closer to the airport than the city center - but for a nervous first timer, it was perfect. And the cruise line wanted $50 per person for a bus transfer.