Ordering a Taxi in Russia
How to get to your destination safely and easily with Yandex Go, Gett and others.
How to get to your destination safely and easily with Yandex Go, Gett and others.
Taxis are the preferred mode of transportation in Russia for both locals and tourists alike. With the right apps, ordering is easy, safe, and affordable. We'll show you which apps you need and how to use them.
These apps are available in Russia and offer reliable service at fair prices.
The most popular taxi app in Russia. Available in English, German and Russian. Comprehensive network in all major cities.
Alternative app with good service. Slightly fewer vehicles than Yandex, but often popular with business customers.
Local provider with good prices. Mainly available in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Easy to use.
Download the "Yandex Go" app from the App Store or Google Play. The app is free and available in English.
Open the app and register with your phone number. You'll receive a verification code via SMS. Your international number works without issues.
Enter your current location (often auto-detected) and your destination. The app shows you the estimated travel time and price.
Choose between Economy (cheapest), Comfort (more space) or Business (Premium). For most trips, Economy class is perfectly sufficient.
Tap "Order" and wait for a driver to accept your request. You'll see the driver's name, license plate, and estimated arrival time.
Select your payment method before the ride. Cash is always possible, but you can also save cards in the app (UnionPay often works).
Before getting in, compare the license plate in the app with the one on the vehicle. This ensures you're getting in the right taxi.
Use the "Share trip" feature in the app. This allows friends or family to track your location in real time.
For trips to/from the airport, there are often fixed prices. Check this in the app before ordering – this way you avoid surprises.
Yandex Go shows driver ratings. Whenever possible, choose drivers with good ratings for a more pleasant experience.
Avoid taking a taxi from the street. Always use the apps – they offer price certainty and driver tracking.
Taxis in Russia are significantly cheaper compared to Western Europe. A ride within the city often costs only 3–8 EUR. Yandex Go shows the price before ordering.
The Yandex Go app is available in English. However, most drivers only speak Russian. Have your destination address ready in Russian or show it on your phone.
During rush hours (7–10 AM and 5–8 PM), prices may increase. Plan for more time or choose an earlier pickup time.
For rides with children, you can book child seats in the app (Comfort+ class). Include this information when ordering.