How to avoid Moscow traffic jams
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Moscow traffic can be a real problem, especially if you aren’t coming from a big city. Think twice before you rent a car in Moscow because most of the chances you’ll be losing time instead of gaining it!
There are many causes of Moscow traffic jams, but the biggest one is probably the faulty road system that Moscow inherited from the older times. I’ve already written an article on the issue, so there's no use exploring it again. However, you should know that car is not the best means of transport in our city.
It’s OK if you didn’t know that. In US, for example, personal car remains the most popular type of ride, and some towns don’t even have any public transport system. The same applies to many other Western cities – but Moscow is different.
I'd say that Moscow's got one of the best public transport systems in the world. Sure, it can be outdated and clunky – but overall it’s extremely useful when you have to travel in and out of the city. By the way, I’m not blaming Western countries for not having good public transit systems. There, a car has always been something usual, like a TV or a vacuum-cleaner.
In Russia, however, very few could afford to have a vehicle, so the government had to give people something in return. In fact, most of Russian cities would simply not be able to sustain themselves otherwise!
Back then, the traffic wasn’t a problem at all – we simply didn’t know what the traffic jams were. Today, however, with clogged roads and hours spent in vain, more and more Moscow drivers begin using the good old public transport again.
Want to join our ranks? Fine, but let's first see what options lie before you.
Moscow metro comes first. This is the ultimate response to Moscow's current traffic problems. Around ten million people use it every single day – could you imagine that?
I can’t say it’s the most comfortable means of transport in the world. Unfortunately, Moscow metro is quite outdated and noisy. Plus, if you get down there during a rush hour – you’re going to be squeezed. Very useful when you’re on a diet, eh? 
However, despite all the annoyances – this is your best chance to make it to all the Moscow sights on time. You won’t have to get stuck in traffic and you won’t have to look for a parking in Moscow downtown. In short, Moscow subway saves you a one big mess!
The new hall of Kurskaya metro station
(by SergeyRod)
Think for yourself – if you’re staying at, say, Cosmos hotel and wish to see the Kremlin and its surroundings from the car windows, you risk hitting a terrible Moscow traffic jam on your way – and losing lots of precious time. However, if you just get down to “VDNH” metro station – the whole trip will take you no more than 20 minutes!
That’s especially important when you’re someone who likes to get up early to use the day to the fullest. No way will you be able to achieve that if you’re travelling around by car, because as soon as you leave the parking, you’re going to hit the morning traffic wave and get to your destination only after a couple of hours.
To be honest, it can even be more than a couple of hours! I remember who I was stuck on my way home for about 4 hours for no apparent reason. Do you really want to risk that?
Don’t be squeamish over travelling in Moscow subway. Yeah, it gets annoying sometimes – and there aren’t plenty of seats around, but the advantages clearly outweigh the problems!
By the way, Moscow metro is by itself a tourist destination! Quite a lot of stations look like full scale museums, with mosaics, statues and beautiful ornaments. It’s very easy to pass them by, with all that noise and crowds, but try to pay attention – and you’ll see how many interesting things are hidden there!
And did you know about another reason why Moscow metro was built? Sure, the city is huge – and people couldn’t afford cars, but did you notice how deep the central stations lie? That’s not accidental, because the subway was meant to become a massive fallout shelter in case of World War 3.
In fact, these plans haven’t gone anywhere, and I’d bet all the machinery is kept in perfect order – just in case! So you see, there’s another great reason to use Moscow metro – you’ll be safe as probably nowhere else. Now isn’t that inspiring?? 
In addition to subway, there’s also a network of trams. Sure, they’re much more affected by traffic than metro trains, but overall they’re much more reliable then buses. You see, the tram ways usually don't intersect with roads, so the you'll be kissing the Moscow traffic jams goodbye!
So long, suckers!
(by Stas Kulesh)
However, I wouldn’t advise to use trams for going long distance because you’re still risking to get stuck. Instead, try to combine it with Moscow metro so that you'll make the most of your trip underground and then board the tram for the rest of the way.
There’s one more kind of Moscow transport, and that’s service taxis. You’ve probably spotted these white and yellow minivans, travelling between bus stops? Yep, that’s them!
Service taxis are slightly more expensive then buses, but they’re also much faster. Sometimes they’re even too fast – but still nothing beats them in terms of convenience.
Again, the best way is to a supplement your Moscow metro rides with them. Unlike trams, Moscow service taxis are truly everywhere, and they especially “love” the exits from the subway. Once you've done with the metro – just get yourself above the ground and watch for those guys, there will be plenty!
Finally, there’s the most conventional transport of them all – buses. I wouldn’t advise to use them, because they are slow, get constantly stuck, break down – and are usually full of people. Let’s say you should use the bus only if there’s no other choice!
Ahh, but I almost forgot about the Moscow monorail, which goes between “VDNH” and “Timiriazevskaya” metro stations. It’s quite convenient, because these two subway lines don’t cross, and you had to use the ring line to pass between them.
Alas, the monorail project is not being developed any more. A pity, because it’s both convenient and lets you enjoy the view of Moscow rather than endless cables on tunnel walls!
As you see, there are plenty of ways to avoid Moscow traffic jams. Use whatever Moscow has got to offer – and you will make the most out of your trip!
…and that by the way, it doesn’t only apply to transport!
Related posts:
- Moscow Roads Structure - The Secrets Of Roads In Moscow
- Moscow driving - some tips regarding driving in Moscow!
- GIBDD - the Moscow Road Police Force
- Moscow traffic jams - how to deal with traffic in Moscow.
- Moscow transport
- Moscow traffic survival guide
