west midlands travel diversions

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Travel troubles following Walsall crash

Road users have reported of travel disruptions following a crash.

Heavy travel disruptions have been reported along Birmingham Road, Walsall, following a crash on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident was first at 1.09pm and has led to buses being diverted from the route.

The 51 and X51 have both been diverted from their regular lines of travel, with diversions seeing the buses follow Broadway North and Sutton Road.

National Express West Midlands said: "Due to an collision on Birmingham Road, Walsall.

"51 and X51 will be diverting in both directions via: Broadway North and Sutton Road. Apologies for any inconvenience. Due to a collision on Birmingham Road, Walsall."

Emergency services have been approached for more information.

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Upcoming Bus Service Changes

Changes to west midlands bus on demand.

From 22 December, West Midlands Bus on Demand will no longer be serving Warwickshire. 

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In addition to our yearly bus network reviews, we are constantly working with operators to monitor services and make improvements where we can. To increase the efficiency of the network, bus operators may make minor changes to their services throughout the year. Bus operators must register these changes with us six weeks in advance, but occasionally urgent changes will have less notice. Below is a list of all changes we have been made aware of.  We work to update our online timetables, journey planner, and at-stop information before the change date, however this is not always possible. Please check your journey before you travel to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Some bus routes will change operator.

Nbus is now the only ticket for bus travel and can be used on any operator in the West Midlands.

Changes to service numbers 1 to 10

Moor street queensway metro works.

From   Sunday 7th April until autumn 2024 , there will be changes to bus stops around Birmingham City Centre as Metro extension works begin on Moor Street Queensway.

Routes affected:

• 934 935 936 937 937A

Remember to check your journey regularly  using the  TfWM Journey Planner.

To find out more information, please click here.

6 - Birmingham to Solihull via Shirley

From Saturday 18 th February 2024, this National Express service will be operating on a revised timetable to improve reliability.

View the timetable for the 6 (NX) here.

Changes to service numbers 11 to 25

12x - coventry to university of warwick via kenilworth rd.

From Sunday 17 th March 2024, amendments will be made to the timetable, for this National Express service which will provide extra capacity.

This is to accommodate current passenger flows.

View the timetable for the 12X (NX) here.

14 - Birmingham to Chelmsley Wood

From Sunday 7 th April, this National Express service will be operating a revised timetable.

View the timetable for the 14 (NX) here.

19 - Walsall to Bloxwich via Blakenall Heath

From Sunday 25 th February 2024, the full timetable for this Carolean Coaches service will be re-instated.

•  Monday to Friday – last buses depart from Bloxwich at 18:10 and Walsall at 18:40
• Saturday - last buses depart from Bloxwich at 18:03 and Walsall at 18:35
• Sunday – last buses depart from Bloxwich at 17:30 and Walsall at 18:00

View the timetable for the 19 (Carolean Coaches) here.

Changes to service numbes 26 to 50

25 - dudley to stourbridge.

From Sunday 7th April, this Diamond service will operate on a revised timetable, including increased frequency during peak hours.

This is to improve the reliability of the service.

View the timetable for the 25 (DIA) here.

28 - Small Heath to Great Barr

From Sunday 7 th April 2024, this service will be operating on a revised timetable to improve reliability.

View the timetable for the 28 (NX) here.

35 - Birmingham to Hawkesley via Kings Heath

From Saturday 6 th April 2024, this service will be operating on a revised timetable to improve reliability.

View the timetable for the 35 (NX) here.

49 - West Bromwich to Bearwood

From 7 th April, this National Express service will be operating a revised timetable. 

View the timetable for the 49 (NX) here.

51 - Coventry to Arena Shopping Park via Coundon

From Sunday 7 th April 2024, there will be a change of route on this Stagecoach service.

Heading towards Chapelfields

From Broad Lane buses will now use Broad Lane, Wildcroft Road, Brookside Avenue, and Allesley Old Road to join with the current line of route on Grayswood Avenue. 

Glendower Avenue will no longer be served. 

Heading towards Coventry

Buses will follow the reverse of the above route. 

View the timetable for the 51 (Stagecoach) here.

51 - Coventry to Chapelfields via Earlsdon

From Sunday 7 th 2024, there will be a change of route on this National Express service.

View the timetable for the 51 (NX) here.

Changes to service numbers 51 to 90

54/54a - perry barr to hamstead village.

From 7 th April, these Diamond services will be operating a revised timetable to improve the reliability of the Service.

View the timetable for the 54 (DIA) here.

View the timetable for the 54A (DIA) here.

60 - Arena Park Retail to Uni of Warwick via Willenhall

From Saturday 6 th  April, this National Express service will be operating a revised timetable.

View the timetable for the 60 here.

71 - Sutton Coldfield to Chelmsley Wood via Castle Vale

From Sunday 31 st March 2024, National Express will takeover from Stagecoach and begin operating this service's Sunday timetable.

View the timetable for the 71 (NX) here.

74 - Birmingham to Dudley via West Bromwich

Due to a Dudley Street closure for metro works, from Monday 19 th February 2024, this service will be diverted via Carters Green, Black Country New Road, Dudley Street and Great Bridge Street, to which it will then return to the normal line of route.  

This diversion will be on until Sunday 5th May 2024

From Wednesday 10 th  April to Wednesday 15 th May, this National Express service will be operating on a revised timetable from 8pm to end of service. This is to provide extra provision during the Midland Metro line closure. 

View the timetable for the 74 (NX) here.

76 - Solihull to Northfield

From Sunday 7th April, this National Express service will be operating on a revised timetable to improve reliability.

View the timetable for the 76 (NX) here.

79 - Wolverhampton to Wednesbury via West Bromwich

From Wednesday 10 th April to Wednesday 15 th May, this National Express service will be operating on a revised timetable from 8pm to end of service. This is to provide extra provision during the Midland Metro line closure. 

View the timetable for the 79 here.

82/87 - Birmingham to Bearwood/Dudley via Cape Hill

From Saturday 6 th April 2024, these NX services will be operating on a revised timetable with a change to the AM peak.

View the timetable for the 82 (NX) here.

View the timetable for the 87 (NX) here.

Changes to service numbers 91 to 1000

94/95 - birmingham to chelmsley wood.

From Sunday 7 th April, these National Express services will be operating a revised timetable.

View the timetable for the 94 (NX) here.

View the timetable for the 95 (NX) here.

169 - King's Heath to Solihull via Shirley

From Saturday 6 th  April, this Stagecoach service will be operating on a revised timetable and route to improve reliability.

View the timetable for the 169 here.

703 - Arena Park to University Hospital via Bell Green

From Saturday 6 th  April, this Stagecoach service will be operating on a revised timetable to improve punctuality.

View the timetable for the 703 here.

Changes to service numbers A to Z

A3/a3w - solihull to dorridge via widney manor.

From Monday 8 th April 2024, these Landflight services will undergo some minor route and timetable changes. 

This is to help the service better serve passengers and to address some complaints received.  

View the timetable for the A3 (Landflight) here.

View the timetable for the A3W (Landflight) here.

A9 - Blythe Valley Park to Kingshurst via Solihull, Olton

From Saturday 6 th April, this Stagecoach service will be operating on a revised timetable and route to better serve passengers.

The service is being re-routed in Blythe Valley where it will now serve Central Boulevard.

View the timetable for the A9 here.

How could my travel be affected?

Over a million people will be travelling to the West Midlands to not only enjoy the sporting events, but also to see what else the region has to offer. This means there'll be more people on the roads and using public transport.

Transport for West Midlands and its partners have been planning for the Games from the moment they were awarded to our region. The Games Transport Plan sets out the guiding principles which provides guidance and information on the transport arrangements during the Games for residents, businesses and visitors.

Read the Games Transport Plan here.

During the Games, there'll be temporary road and parking restrictions in place. This means that some of your usual routes might be affected, and you may be diverted. 

To make travelling easier and minimise disruption to your journey before, during and after the Games, it is better to plan ahead.

• The busiest times will be just before and just after events take place - could you plan your travel outside of these times?
• Leave more time for your journey. If you travel, you’ll need more time for your journey to take account of changes and diversions.
• For local journeys, avoid the traffic by walking or cycling.

For the latest travel updates follow @TransportforWM on Twitter. 

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New 12E Sunday Service 26/03/2024 11:31:17

From 8th april 2024.

We are pleased to announce that from w/c 8th April a new Sunday Service will be introduced on Service 12E. (First date of operation will be Sunday 14th April).

New Timetable available here

182 & 183 Service Improvements 04/04/2024 11:00:15

From 15th april 2024.

From 15th April, The 182 & 183 Service will benefit from some great service improvements.

We’ll be introducing additional weekday services, including peak time morning and evening journeys.  

A brand new line of route, will now also include extra services to Barnt Green and Longbridge Rail Stations, making it a great choice for connections with local train services!

New Timetable available  here

RHU Diversion 12/03/2024 13:53:52

11th march 2024.

Due to the road closure on Station Rd at Egham Station for the next four weeks, the RHU will be on diversion. 

In this time, we ask passengers for Egham Station to go to the Church Rd bus stop on the side of the road heading towards the station.

We expect these roadworks to cause significant delay. Please allow extra time for your journey. 

Service 25 Timetable Change 12/03/2024 11:00:26

From 7th april 2024.

There will be a revised timetable in effect on Service 25 from 7th April. The new times have been implemented to improve journey reliability.

New Timetable Available Here

54 & 54A Timetable Changes 18/03/2024 10:58:17

A revised timetable will come into effect on Service 54 & 54A from 7th April to improve journey reliability.

New timetable available here

Service 16A Diversion 07/03/2024 17:13:08

Phase 1 - 7th april - 30th june 2024.

Due to Midland Metro Extension works, Service 16A will be subject to some diversions around Birmingham City Centre.

Service 16A Towards West Bromwich: Normal line of route until Moor Street Queensway, then Left Carrs Lane, bear right Dale End, bear Left Bull Street , Right Corporation Street, Left Old Square then resume normal line of route.

Service 16A Towards City Centre will not be affected and will follow normal line of route.

009 & 322 Services - Change of Operator 07/03/2024 16:19:08

From 14th april 2024.

Diamond Bus will no longer operate services 009 and 322 from 14th April, due to the end of our contract period to provide these services for Derbyshire County Council.

For further information on changes and new operators for these services, please contact Derbyshire County Council: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/public-transport/school-buses/school-buses.aspx

Service 10 & 831 to John Taylor Free School 05/04/2024 14:21:00

From 4th march until end of july 2024.

A new timetable will come into effect from 8th April  until end of July 2024 , due service diversions affecting journeys to and from JTFS on services 10, 10S & 831.  

Service 10S will operate the normal line of route.

Service 10 & 831 towards JTFS, will operate normal line of route until Burton New St, services will then operate via Shobnall Rd, Wellington Rd to Branston Interchange, then normal line of route to JTFS.

Service 10 & 831 towards Burton, will follow the 10S route along Wellington Rd, Then turn right at B&Q island to Burton New St. Services will then resume normal routes to Acorn Inn & Hilton.

Passengers along Burton Rd & Branston Main St should connect with these service at Burton New St by using service X12.

New Timetable and Diversion map available here

Kingsway, Stretford 01/03/2024 16:17:11

29 may 2024 thu 20 jun 2024.

Kingsway, Stretford

29 May to 20 Jun 2024

Until summer 2024, carriageway redesign works will take place on Kingsway, between Chester Road and Barton Road.

The closure will impact traffic on the A56 Chester Road and major events taking place in the nearby area.

Service 1 Diversion 01/03/2024 11:32:49

From 4th march until 28th june 2024.

Derby Road, from Derby Road Island to James Brindley Way will be closed from 04th March until 28th June 2024. During this time Service 1 will be diverted as follows:

Service 1 – Towards Tutbury

Depart Burton via normal route to Derby Turn Island, then Left onto Horninglow Road. Follow to Rolleston Road, then Right onto Rolleston Road, Right onto Bitham Lane, Right onto Britannia Drive, Left onto Bridge Street, then resume normal route towards Tutbury.

Service 1 – Towards Burton  

Follow normal route from Tutbury to Stretton Church, then right onto Main street.

Follow to Britannia Drive, then Right onto Britannia Drive, follow to the end. Left onto Bitham Lane, follow to Rolleston Road, Left onto Rolleston Road, the Left onto Horninglow Road, follow to Derby Turn Island and turn right, resuming normal route to Burton New St.

During this time bus stops along Derby Rd and parts of Princes Way will not be able to be served.

Service 17 Diversion 01/03/2024 11:35:35

Derby Road, from Derby Road Island to James Brindley Way will be closed from 04th March until 28th June 2024. During this time Service 17 will be diverted as follows:

Service 17 – Towards Stretton

Normal route to the Depot, at the T.A Centre on Wharf Road turn left onto Hawkins Lane. At the traffic lights at the end turn right onto Horninglow St, Continue onto Horninglow Road. Turn right onto Rolleston Road, Turn right onto Bitham Lane.

At Stretton Church   Resume Normal route to Claymills

Service 17 – Towards Burton  

After Stretton Church turn right onto Brittania Drive, Turn left onto Bitham Lane,  

Turn left onto Rolleston Road, Turn left onto Horninglow Road, Continue onto Horninglow St, Turn left onto Hawkins Lane, Right onto Wharf Road, Right onto Wetmore Road and resume normal route.  

During this time bus stops at Northside Business Pk and parts of Princes Way will not be able to be served.

Service X12 & 12E Diversion 01/03/2024 10:40:37

From 3rd march until 28th july 2024.

Branston Road at Branston Interchange will be closed in one direction from 3rd March until 26th July 2024. During this time Service X12 & 12E will be diverted as follows:

Service X12 / 12E – Towards Burton

When returning to Burton, service will be unable to turn right onto Main Street at Branston. Service will continue along Wellington Road to Morrisons. At Morrisons Turn Right and continue the full length of Clays Lane, then resume normal route to Burton.

St Saviours Church stop will not be served towards Burton during this time. The closest Bus Stop will be Arnot Rd, Branston.

Service X12 / 12E – Towards Lichfield  

Route is Not affected in this direction, and will proceed to normal route.

710 Diversion Route 23/02/2024 08:06:20

28th february - 14th march 2024.

Due to a road closure on Station Road, Amersham, the 710 will be on a diverted route within Amersham from the 28th February - 14th March 2024. The diversion route will follow as below:

- Hill Avenue

- Chiltern Avenue

- Right at Station Road

- Rectory Hill

- Church Street

Returning to normal line of route.

If there are any changes we will update you as soon as we can. 

N30 Service update 22/02/2024 10:48:04

24th february - 25th february.

Due to the night service on the Piccadilly line not running this weekend, the N30 will be extended to run to Acton, as per the timetable during the week.

This will allow Heathrow airport staff and customers to be able to get to the airport in the early morning.

The fares will remain the same at £2 singles and free for Heathrow Colleagues.

BL1 Bus Timetable Update 2024 01/02/2024 10:52:24

5th january 2024.

We’ve listened to customers on our BL1 service, and we are pleased to introduce a revised timetable from Monday 5 th January 2024 to ensure customers are able to fit with the arrival and departure times of fast South Western Railway London services.

For more information, and to download our timetable in a handy PDF format, click here.

Mill Street, Brierley Hill Road Closure 03/01/2024 13:34:21

From wednesday 3rd january until approx. tuesday 2nd july 2024.

From Wednesday 3rd January, Mill Street will be closed in one direction for highway improvement works. During this time, services 25, 226 & 226A will be diverted. 

25 To Stourbridge and 226/226A To Dudley:

Buses will divert from Mill Street Left via Venture Way, and Right into High Street to rejoin the normal line of route turning Left into Moor St 

25 To Dudley and 226/226A To Merry Hill:

Buses will follow the normal line of route. 

Dudley Bus Station Closure 01/02/2024 14:50:15

From 14th january 2024.

From 14th January Dudley Bus Station will close and all services will be re-routed to new stopping locations in Dudley Town Centre.

A map of the new stopping locations can be found here

You can keep up to date with the developments at Dudley Bus Station at the TfWM website here

555 & 556 Road closure 07/03/2024 10:17:14

8th march 2024 overnight.

For 1 night on the 8th March between 8pm and 6am Church Rd in Ashford will be closed.

The diversion route follows as:

After Ashford Hospital, Left onto London Rd.

Right at roundabout onto Clockhouse Lane.

Returns to normal line of route from Town Tree Road.

• Same route in reverse.

Stops not served:

• Salcombe Rd
• Station Crescent
• War Memorial

This closure for roadworks may cause delays on the services, so please allow extra time for your journey.

For more information go to:  https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/cm/1124/leaflet-church-road-stanwell-6039225_5054a6b148.pdf

Bewdley Bridge - Bus Service Update 04/04/2024 17:19:07

From 19th october 2023 for approx 18 months.

From 19th October the next phase of Bewdley Bridge & flood alleviation works will commence, this is expected to take approx 18 months to complete. Bewdley Bridge will be subject to one-way traffic during this time.

During this period, Bewdley services will be diverted and a revised Temporary Shuttle service will be implemented:

8 Service – Normal line of route between Rifle Range and Hales Park. Service will then serve Bark Hill, then Cleobury Road, Bewdley Bypass, Safari Park Island, then resume normal line of route. Passengers wishing to travel from Load Street to Wribbenhall, Queens Way, Habberley are advised to board the service outside the Retreat Bus Stop in Load Street (not at Tesco) and stay on around the bypass loop.

125 Service – Normal line of route between Stourbridge and Bridgnorth. Return service will operate normal line of route to Dog Lane, Bewdley, will then use Cleobury Road, Bewdley Bypass to Safari Park Island, then resume normal line of route.

296 Service – Normal line of route into Bewdley until Bewdley Bypass, then straight to Safari Park Island,   left and then follow into Load Street. Passengers are advised to board outside the Retreat Bus Stop (not at Tesco). Service will exit Load Street and return via Cleobury Road and Bewdley Bypass.

292 Service – Service will operate normal to Ludlow from Kidderminster, return journey will operate normal line of route between Ludlow and Bewdley Bypass Island and will then use the bypass to Safari Park island then normal line of route.

292S Service – Service will not be able to serve Cleobury Road or Load Street in both directions service will use Bewdley Bypass.

302 Service – Will start service at Catchems End serving Load Street, Hop Pole, Bewdley Bypass then resume normal line of route.

A Temporary Bewdley Shuttle Service will come be in operation during this time .

For further updates, please continue to check diamondbuses.com or our social media pages.

Marlborough Square 19/09/2023 09:54:14

From 25th september 2023.

Due to roadworks Marlborough Square, Coalville will not be able to be served from 25th Sept for approx 8 months.

During this time the 125 service will be diverted as follows:

Towards Leicester Normal Line of Route to Ashby Rd, Memorial Square then continue onto Belvoir St omitting Marlborough Square

A38 slip road closure 28/02/2023 11:32:18

During the A38 slip road closure routes 817/818 will not serve Streethay. Route 819 will replace 817/818 through Streethay, it will run via A38, Cappers Lane, Trent Valley Road, Oak Way (turning circle), Trent Valley Road, St Michael Road to Nether Stowe and Friary Schools.

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FAQs - Free travel pass help & FAQs

What if I have lost or damaged my free travel pass?

As your pass was issued by TfWM please contact Network West Midlands to arrange for a replacement to be sent to you.

Replacement passes can be ordered and paid for over the phone, or at the TfWM Travel Centre located in New Street train station. All replacement passes will be posted first class and should be received within 5 working days. 

Holders of passes issued by other local authorities will need to contact their own issuing authority.

How do I apply for a free travel pass?

For people living within the West Midlands county, which covers Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, your pass will be issued by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM). You can download an application from the Network West Midlands website. 

If you live outside of the West Midlands county, your older person's travel pass will be issued by the authority who administers your local concessionary travel scheme.

• Visit Network West Midlands for the Older persons travel pass application form
• Visit Network West Midlands for the Disabled persons pass application form

Am I eligible for an Older person's travel pass?

You are eligible for an Older person's travel pass if:

• Have reached state pension age
• Live in the West Midlands

A full criteria list can be found on Network West Midlands website .

Am I eligible for a Disabled person's travel pass?

You may be eligible for a Disabled persons travel pass if:

• You have an eligible disability that's expected to last at least 12 months
• You are aged 5 or over

A full criteria list can be found on Network West Midlands website.

How do I use the free travel pass?

It's simple to use your free pass: 

• Remove the pass from your purse or wallet. Your pass will not work when next to a bank card, you'll also want to make sure you don't place any contactless bank cards near the reader to prevent any accidental payments being made taken .
• Place the pass flat onto the reader. You'll only need to do this once when you board the bus. 
• Hold the pass still until you see a green light and hear a beep, this will show that your pass has been accepted.
• Enjoy your free bus travel!

When can I use my free travel pass?

Your pass entitles you to travel between 9:30am and the last service of the day Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

For more information on conditions of use, please visit  Network West Midlands website.  

Can I travel before 9:30am with a free travel pass?

Yes, if you want to travel before 9.30am, you can pay just £1.50 for a single journey. Simply place your free travel pass on the reader and if you want to pay with cash, put £1.50 in the cash chute. If you want to pay by contactless, ask the driver for the £1.50 ticket and place your contactless card/device on the reader when instructed by the driver.

We also have 4 week tickets and monthly subscriptions available if you travel frequently before 9:30am.

Please be ready to show your pass to authorised staff or ticket inspectors if requested at any time during your journey.

Do you offer Ring and Ride door-to-door transport?

Our sister company, Ring and Ride is a door-to-door transport service for anyone who lives in the urban areas of the West Midlands who find it difficult or impossible to use normal public transport.

Customers can use the service for travel for the same purpose they would do on normal public transport such as commuting to and from work, visiting friends, shopping and leisure activities, to visit someone in hospital or for healthcare appointments. Please visit the Ring and Ride website for more information

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Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

A comprehensive overview of where diversion schemes exist, how they work and what we know about their impact

What is drug diversion

“The Checkpoint Diversion Programme in Durham...seems to me a wholly laudable project.” Kit Malthouse, UK Police Minister, 2019

‘Diversion schemes’ are police-led programmes that divert people caught committing minor offences away from the criminal justice system, to other measures instead. Drug offence diversion schemes usually apply to the possession of illegal drugs for personal use, or sometimes to minor supply or cultivation offences. Police offer to divert people to an assessment, and/or targeted support such as drug education, harm reduction or treatment, as an alternative to arresting, prosecuting or formally cautioning them.

Diversion schemes can be pre-arrest, or post-arrest with prosecution dropped if the person complies with any conditions. Some schemes also provide in-depth support to examine and address the root causes of the person’s drug use and related behaviour. Coerced or otherwise forced treatment is both unethical and less effective, so care needs to be taken to encourage and provide routes into engagement with services, while not alienating people from them by use of threats.

Diversion schemes offer a route to support without unnecessary, and often counterproductive, criminalisation.

Benefits of diversion

Evidence from the UK and globally (see below) shows that drug offence diversion schemes can deliver a wide range of benefits to police forces, individuals and society as a whole

• Prevent crime by reducing reoffending
• Reduce costs to police forces

Improve the physical and mental health of those diverted

Improve the social and employment circumstances of those diverted.

• Potentially reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system
• Reduce some drug use

Why not arrest and convict people who use drugs?

As numerous bodies nationally and internationally have concluded, criminalising people who use drugs does not significantly reduce use, but does leave people with a criminal record that undermines their life chances, can increase health harms, and creates obstacles to accessing support services. Criminalisation of people who use drugs can also lead to increased reoffending, across a range of offences, not just drug related ones. It also uses large amounts of police, court and prison resources that could be more effectively deployed.

Support for Diversion

A wide range of key stakeholders back diversion. This includes national ones such as the UK Government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), and international such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and World Health Organization :

“[P]eople found to be in possession of drugs (any) for personal use... should not be processed through the criminal justice system but instead be diverted into drug education / awareness courses...with concomitant assessment for treatment needs.” ACMD, 2011

More recently support has come from the Government commissioned Lammy Review , the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee , and Health and Social Care Committee and Policing Minister Kit Malthouse , among others.

How does diversion work?

Diversion can occur:

Pre-arrest , on the street, with diversion to a pathway leading to a less serious out of court disposal than they would otherwise have received, such as a Community Resolution, or a ‘deferred court summons’ leading to no further action from police if conditions are met

Post-arrest , in which individuals who are likely to be convicted in court have a ‘deferred prosecution’ while they are diverted into either a formal out of court disposal or an informal disposal, with conditions, which if met lead to prosecution being dropped, and no record of the offence taking place is recorded

The key outcome is that opportunities to engage with support and services are created, and that there is no declarable criminal record to blight someone’s life-chances. Police forces across the UK have developed different approaches; Transform has more details of these schemes available on request.

Diversion should not be viewed as a ‘soft option’. Meeting the conditions involved is often more onerous than a fine or warning. However, to maximise benefits, it is particularly important to ensure all diversion schemes reduce contact with the criminal justice system to a minimum, especially for young people. Some forces, including Thames Valley Police, are exploring school diversion schemes in which pupils caught with drugs avoid direct police contact, as this can make a child self-identify as a criminal, and lead to stigmatisation by fellow pupils, with long term negative consequences.

There are also a wide range of youth diversion schemes in place. Youth diversion has been mapped and explored by the Centre for Justice Innovation .

What are ‘Out of court disposals (OOCD) and ‘Community resolutions’?

An OOCD is a method of resolving certain kinds of police investigation for offenders of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour without, as the name suggests, going to court. A driving principle for OOCDs is to reduce re-offending. These include community resolutions (a sanction aimed at diverting offenders away from their offending behaviour, and encouraging them to take responsibility for its outcomes), conditional cautions (a police caution which formally records the offender’s behaviour and imposes conditions they must comply with), simple cautions (a caution with no conditions attached), cannabis or Khat warnings, and penalty notices for disorder. NB The UK Home Office is considering reducing the range of OOCDs. Scotland has a different set of OOCDs.

When is ‘Diversion’ not diversion?

In some places, including Scotland , the term ‘diversion’ is also used post-prosecution in court, for example giving a drug testing and treatment order in place of a custodial sentence. However, this is better described as a sentencing reform, rather than Diversion as it is generally understood, and cannot deliver the full benefits of a well designed pre-court diversion scheme, as the criminal record and its attendant burdens remain.

Proper Diversion schemes are always pre-prosecution (so they are not the same as alternatives to custody or other sentences), whether pre or post arrest.

Read our two-sided briefing online: Police Drug Offence Diversion Schemes

Where is diversion happening, where in the uk are diversion schemes being implemented.

The number of police diversion schemes in England and Wales is growing rapidly. Some are for minor drug possession offences only, while others include minor supply offences.

Diversion schemes run by police forces in England and Wales include Avon & Somerset, Bedfordshire, Cleveland, Devon and Cornwall, Durham, Dyfed-Powys, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, North Wales, Thames Valley, and the West Midlands. The Lord Advocate in Scotland has announced that diversion schemes are being rolled out there. Multiple further schemes are in development, including in Derbyshire and Humberside, with many other forces exploring options.

Rolling diversion out nationally

As Derbyshire PCC Hardyal Dhindsa, the drugs lead for the National Association of Police and Crime Commissioners said :

“Diversion schemes can help reduce harm because you get people into treatment and recovery, as opposed to the criminal justice route … The problem from a police and crime commissioner strategic perspective is that it is ad hoc. In some places it is happening and in others it is not. We need a mechanism by which we understand the good practice and the evidence, and have a framework that enables it to be done consistently right across the country.”

A nationally coordinated approach would reduce ‘postcode lottery’ effects, and encourage maximum take-up of effective diversion for minor drug offences across the UK, even where some flexibility in implementation and programme design is maintained.

An optimized approach is likely to be a nested set of Diversion schemes as part of a wider Out of Court Disposals system, with varying lightness of touch. This would maximise pre-arrest diversion, but include a post-arrest option, tailored to the nature of the offence, and circumstances and needs of the individual. For example, it would be much more efficient and appropriate for a young person caught with a small amount of drugs for the first time to attend a short educational workshop or watch a video, rather than enforcing a 4 month no-reoffending contract, a series of high-resource one-to-one sessions with a specialist navigator, and appointments with drug treatment services.

Diversion Scheme Case studies

Durham Constabulary runs an arrest diversion scheme for a number of low level offences including possession of illegal drugs, and possession with intent to supply / supply of controlled drugs where the quantity is minimal and the offending behaviour is driven by their own drug dependency. This scheme is known as ‘Checkpoint’ and involves deferring and ultimately dropping prosecution, if any required assessment and engagement with drug and other support services is completed, along with other measures e.g. a commitment not to reoffend for a given period. (NB Durham also runs a pre-arrest scheme with direct referral to support called Checkpoint 3D)

Avon and Somerset (A&S) operate a pre-arrest street diversion programme for people caught in possession of any illegal drug, called the ‘Drug Education Programme’ (DEP). It involves deferring a summons to court, with no further action taken if the person attends a drug education programme akin to a speeding awareness course. The scheme was rolled out force-wide in 2019 following a successful pilot, with over 1000 people per year now being processed in this way. A&S has also started a diversion scheme aimed at young people involved in street drug supply, where there has been intergenerational involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) operate a number of pre-arrest street diversion programmes for people caught in possession of any illegal drug. One model has a Community Resolution that does not appear on background checks. This scheme refers people to a voluntary assessment with treatment services which in turn can lead to further referrals to a range of treatment options, one of which is an education course like the DEP, and offers of social, mental health and housing support etc as appropriate. In parallel TVP is rolling out a deferred summons model requiring engagement with an assessment, and a schools diversion scheme. TVP published a detailed description of the pilot and initial outcomes

Preventing crime - Diversion reduces reoffending and crime

The Thames Valley Police (TVP) scheme pilot evaluation showed a 70% reoffending rate (all offences) after 12 months for the control group put through the normal criminal justice route, compared with a 0% (zero) reoffending rate for those diverted

The Checkpoint pilot phase cohort achieved a lower re-arrest rate (30.4% vs 18.3%) and proven reoffending rate (21.9% vs 14.6%) in comparison to a Durham Out of Court Disposal sample. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary says Checkpoint is ‘an exceptional offender management system”

In Bristol Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘Re-offending rates for DEP delegates… also suggest that offending has reduced for those who attended the DEP and the Universal Harm Score for this cohort has seen a step-change reduction. ’

Improvements in police officers’ relationship with people who use drugs in Bristol has also led to better intelligence about activities further up the supply chain.

UK evidence replicates that gathered in other countries, over many years. For example, twenty years ago six Australian states and two territories implemented diversion schemes for personal possession of all drugs. The majority who were referred to these Australian diversion programmes did not reoffend post diversion and, for those who had a previous criminal conviction, a majority recorded a fall in offending behaviour after completing the programme.

More broadly, because drug diversion schemes avoid giving people a criminal record that harms life chances, it reduces the risk they will fall into a life of crime.

‘Even for people who receive non-custodial sentences, including formal cautions, gaining or adding to a criminal record can cause serious damage to life chances. They may lose their current job, and face numerous barriers to moving on including access to colleges and universities, training, employment, housing, personal finance and travel.’ Royal Society for Public Health , 2017

Reduce the resource burden on police forces

The Avon and Somerset DEP scheme significantly reduced police time spent on drug offences. The majority of officers reported that a referral to DEP took less than 30 minutes compared to previous disposal methods taking two to four hours. Officers reported that the reduced burden of diverting drug possession offences to the DEP meant that it freed them up to focus on other tasks.

The Thames Valley Police estimate a possession offence takes 12 hours of police time, versus 20 minutes to divert someone. In their pilot scheme evaluation they concluded that there would be 944 hours of officer time saved: ‘Over the period of the pilot, non-cash savings totalled an estimated £6,744. If the results of the scheme are replicated over an entire year it is estimated the non-cash savings will amount to £26,976. Given this pilot took place in one of the smaller [of 12] Local Police Areas (LPA) it is likely that the non-cash savings would be considerable if implemented across the force.’ So forcewide, this suggests savings in excess of £300,000 pa, even without allowing for several of the Thames Valley LPAs being larger than West Berkshire.

‘It’s [drug diversion scheme] really easy and simple to use. So much quicker than what I would have had to do otherwise…. I would have had to send the drugs off for testing, RUI’d him, it would have been on my screen for 8 weeks. This was really easy. I like it.’ Thames Valley Police Officer

Durham’s Checkpoint scheme is estimated to have a potential saving of £160,000 per year for the force. This calculation is based on two factors: 1) the cost of arrest versus diversion to Checkpoint and 2) the cost saved in terms of the reoffending rates. In relation to factor 1) the cost of arresting and prosecuting 1000 people in a year would be £218,576 to the force whereas diversion to Checkpoint for the same number would be £131,577 – a saving of £86,999. For factor 2) the calculation is based on the percentage who reoffend when processed through arrest and prosecution, an estimated £219,000, compared to the reoffending rates associated with Checkpoint, an estimated £146,000 - a saving of £73,000.

The cost savings of diversion have also been noted in Australian studies . A cost-benefit analysis of the diversion programmes in Australia has found that every AU1$ spent on the schemes results in savings of AU$2.98 in relation to police, hospital, prison and probation costs.

Reducing the resource burden on other areas

The cost to imprison someone including police, court costs etc is estimated at £65k , then £40,8431 p.a. after that. In 2017, 1,017 people in England and Wales were imprisoned for possession offences alone.

The Turning Point diversion scheme (a pilot carried out in the West Midlands - see below) yielded 68% fewer court cases than those cases that were prosecuted in the usual way, with savings of around £1,000 per case, even allowing for the costs of treatment referral etc.

In general, treatment for those who need it is very cost effective, particularly compared to CJS interventions. According to PHE , “ Drug treatment reflects a return on investment of £4 for every £1 invested, which increases to £21 over 10 years. ”

“Criminalising drug users can undermine chances for good health and wellbeing, both in the short and long term.” Royal Society for Public Health

All three schemes mentioned above have increased referrals among people who use drugs to treatment and other health services ( as well as other services).

Participants in Checkpoint reported significantly improved outcomes in relation to: substance misuse; alcohol misuse; and mental health.

Avon and Somerset police have observed similar outcomes to the Checkpoint scheme. The evaluation of the Drug Education Programme highlighted that attendees to the diversion programme have sought additional support for their substance misuse problems, and mental health issues.

Australian diversion schemes have also noted positive impacts on individuals’ physical and mental health. There is also evidence that participation in a diversion scheme can impact on a person’s consumption of controlled drugs. For example, Queensland Police found that people described as regular cannabis users and who had been diverted to the programme decreased from 95 per cent to 74 per cent over six months.

Evidence from other jurisdictions shows that dealing with drug possession as a non-criminal matter can have positive health outcomes and the World Health Organization has supported this approach after reviewing evidence around HIV prevention.

WHO also concluded that criminalisation deters people from seeking help for drug use. According to research by the Royal Society for Public Health , ‘ one in five young people would be put off seeking help due to the stigma of having illegal drugs on their record’. Furthermore, only one in 20 felt confident they would receive the help they would need for illegal drug use, without judgement or stigma.

Participants in Checkpoint also reported improved outcomes in relation to: accommodation; relationships; and finances.

Similarly, research from Australia compared outcomes for individuals who had been criminalised for cannabis possession, to those who had received civil sanctions. Of those criminalised 32% reported a negative impact on employment compared to 2% who were given civil sanctions, for accommodation it was 16% versus 0%.

A more recent Australian study found that when a non-criminal response was applied to possession offences participants found ‘fewer barriers in attaining or retaining employment, less conflict with family, partners and friends, and improved perceptions of legitimacy of the police.

Key resources on diversion

Transform's ' Police Drug Offence Diversion Schemes ' provides a two-side briefing of what diversion is, who backs it, why it is used and where it is used.

' Responding to drug possession - a new framework ', Centre for Justice Innovation (2022)

' Do drug diversion schemes work? ' Thames Valley Police Policing Strategy Unit examines the UK's drug policy, and whether drug diversion schemes used by forces including Thames Valley Police are an effective way to tackle drug possession

‘Drug Education Programme Pilot: Evaluation Report’, Luckwell J., Avon and Somerset Constabulary (2017) - available to police on request

‘ Checkpoint: An Innovative Programme to Navigate People Away from the Cycle of Reoffending: Implementation Phase Evaluation ’ Kevin Weir, Gillian Routledge, Stephanie Kilili, Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, (2019)

‘ Strengthening Youth Diversion ’, Centre for Justice Innovation (2020)

‘ Pre-court diversion for adults: an evidence briefing ’, Centre for Justice Innovation (2019)

'A Multisite Evaluation of Prosecutor-Led Pretrial Diversion: Effects on Conviction, Incarceration, and Recidivism' , Robert C. Davis, Warren A. Reich, Michael Rempel, Melissa Labriola (2021)

Some of the longest established, and best studied drug diversion schemes are in Australia.

‘ A Summary of Diversion Programmes for Drug and Drug-related Offenders in Australia ’, Caitlin Hughes and Alison Ritter, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (2008)

‘ Australian police diversion for cannabis offences: Assessing program outcomes and cost-effectiveness ’, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund Monograph Series No. 66, Shanahan, Marian; Hughes, Caitlin; McSweeney, Tim (2017)

‘ Enhancing the implementation and management of drug diversion strategies in Australian law enforcement agencies: The cases of South Australia Police, Tasmania Police and Victoria Police 2000 – 2005 ’ Kellow, Aynsley et al, (2008)

Developing a diversion scheme

Questions to ask, what principles should a diversion scheme be based on.

Diversion schemes, and guidance to develop them, should be based on the following principles:

Key to the success of diversion is avoiding harming someone’s life chances with a declarable criminal record that can negatively impact on employment, education, and other opportunities, and increase the risk of reoffending.

Avoid harmful net widening or deepening. There is a risk that with access to a new disposal that is less onerous in terms of time and resources, officers will be tempted to increase use of other enforcement tools, for example stop and search, or otherwise draw more vulnerable people into contact with the criminal justice system, ultimately increasing harmful criminalisation.

Ensure failure to complete the diversion scheme does not lead to escalation in penalties beyond those the person would have otherwise faced

Schemes should allow people to pass through them more than once.

Drug dependency is frequently a relapsing condition - this reality should not be punished. People with drug dependency issues often need more than one opportunity before they can engage successfully with support.

Where people are not dependent on drugs, a criminal record is still a counterproductive way to manage drug use, even when people are found in possession more than once

Ensure an effective evaluation framework, based on agreed key indicators and methodologies, is in place from the outset. This should include an equality impact assessment, to monitor and respond to any racial, social, or geographic disparities in who is (or isn’t) diverted, and conditions placed on participants

Develop schemes in partnership with all the agencies involved, and with meaningful input from people who use drugs, to ensure all participants share the aims of the scheme and a vision of how it should be delivered

Keep eligibility criteria broad to avoid unnecessarily low referral numbers, and to ensure people with and without dependency issues are included

Where possible avoid the impact of formal admissions of guilt on eligibility and participation, especially for people from groups which tend to have less trust in the criminal justice system

Ensure the referral process is quick and simple to encourage practitioners to refer people, and not excessively onerous on participants so they are inclined to refuse to join the scheme

Deliver interventions tailored to needs of the individual, avoiding cookie-cutter responses where possible

Avoid excessive interventions which participants may struggle to complete, and coerced treatment (e.g. under threat of sanction for failure to complete, or maintain abstinence) which is both unethical and less effective

How will the scheme operate?

Any diversion scheme should seek to ensure that people caught for low level drug offences are diverted away from the criminal justice system to an appropriate intervention. For example, police forces could adopt a street warning scheme (like the cannabis warning scheme) or a referral to an education programme similar to a speed awareness course, showing them a cannabis awareness film, or referring them for an assessment by a treatment service.

Ideally, street diversion should be adopted rather than an arrest diversion scheme to reduce formal contact with the criminal justice system, on the basis formal contact can result in a higher incidence of ‘re-contact’ with law enforcement. Street diversion also reduces the burden on police resources.

Some considerations for forces:

Who is the scheme for? While the scheme should be for everyone, it is worth considering how it will work bearing in mind age, gender, ethnicity, social and cultural background, past history of drug use and criminal activity, type of offence

What is the budget available? All existing schemes save money, but some require upfront funding, for example, Checkpoint to employ and train ‘navigators’ for clients, or create an App for referrals, fund assessments

Are Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or contracts between services needed? For example, between the provider of the scheme people are being diverted to (youth services, health or education providers) and police, so that there is a shared understanding from the outset

How does the diversion program operate in the broader criminal justice, and health and social care systems? And what institutional dynamics may facilitate or impede effective operation?

How should building support/understanding from police who will deliver the scheme be planned and implemented? This is essential as without it schemes can have very low numbers, wavering support, inappropriate or discriminatory referrals.

Some steps that can assist in building support are:

Having clear guidelines and MoUs

Structured education and training within police about purpose, rationale, and delivery on an ongoing basis e.g. in Australia there is regular training in some police agencies about diversion: “ ‘ One-off’ training will be insufficient ”

Structured implementation e.g. pilot plus sequenced roll-out across a force area

Providing evidence-base or case examples.

How will you ensure adequate services are in place to manage referrals and inter-agency cooperation?

It is important to have a systems approach to:

Preemptively map out expected demands on the system and ensure there are adequate services in place to meet them

Ensure that, from the outset, there are shared understandings and expectations for police and other stakeholders of what is success or failure for a person who is diverted looks like, and how to assess processes and outcomes. For example, does a treatment service (if used) need to report non-compliance back to police?

Which offences are covered, and how is diversion determined?

Diversion should apply to all those who are caught in possession of a controlled drug for personal use regardless of offending history. Consideration may be given to incorporating low level supply offences where the offender is involved in social supply or supply to support their own drug dependency, this is the approach that has been adopted in Durham police force.

Is the scheme just for drug offences (e.g. Bristol DEP), or is it part of a wider diversion scheme e.g. Checkpoint?

Cannabis and/or other drugs? - If the diversion scheme is more onerous than the existing cannabis warning scheme that should be used, with people only diverted if they are caught for a third occasion

Do you include or exclude people with other concurrent offences?

Quantity thresholds - Most diversion schemes differentiate between possession for personal use, and possession with intent to supply. In the UK this is done using existing circumstantial evidence of alleged intent to supply (e.g. large amounts of cash, scales and small drug bags)

Do you include minor supply offences? Durham has expanded its Checkpoint diversion scheme to include people involved in small-time dealing selling to support their own use, on the basis that these people are ”Sad, not bad.” It is also used for people who are sharing amongst peers and not making a profit. It does fall to the investigating officer’s discretion (where category 4 or less) but to help judge eligibility the Sentencing Guidelines are used as an indicator.

Initial action at point of contact/offence

Is the diversion post arrest, or does it avoid arrest altogether? Avoiding arrest is generally preferable as less negative impact on the person concerned, and less police time required.

Confiscation/disposal of drugs - normally standard procedure

Can initial action be done in the field, or does it have to be done at the station?

What is the process for implementing different sanctions/responses?

What is the referral process? For example if the response is to divert people to assessment or treatment, how are the relevant services notified by police rapidly to ensure an appointment is made with minimal delay? e.g. Thames Valley Police use a phone App. One Australian jurisdiction has an online referral system (SupportLink). This was advantageous not just for health reasons, but because police, who were notified when people attended the assessment service, encouraging them to divert more.

What are the different possible actions/sanctions available? What combination is used? And what are the criteria for applying them?

No further action taken after confiscation and informal warning

Community resolutions (no arrest) with Diversion (Thames Valley Police)

Diversion to education course (Bristol involves no arrest). There are various approaches that could be taken in respect of an educational course for example, the provision of this could be online, face to face or telephone (affects costs and outcomes)

Diversion to assessment for treatment (need a discussion around coercion) and/or other service - e.g. housing, healthcare, other council services

Stepped approaches e.g. First offence - no action (or warning). Second offence referral to education programme, and assessment of treatment need

Arrest but deferred or no prosecution with subsequent Diversion - options avoiding arrest are preferable where possible

Fine/other sanction. If using fines – could it be worked off via other means e.g. community service, or can people pay in installments. If not can create problems of net widening, disproportionately impacting young people, those on lower income, unemployed, or homeless

Fine but with penalty waiver if person attends education programme/treatment. Some schemes require attendee to pay for course (e.g. Sussex Druglink course), but this similarly risks inequality of access if poorer people can’t afford to pay

Are there “offences” for non-compliance? If so, what are they? Are they proportionate? The response to non-compliance can be more onerous than for the original offence, so it important to consider this in program design. Will they be actively followed up by police? For example in Australia many jurisdictions say that non-compliance may lead to additional proceedings but this is rarely applied in practice. Under the TVP scheme there is no immediate consequence of failure to engage properly with the scheme, but this will be fed back to police and if caught in possession again, the person may be arrested and not given the diversion option again.

How are actions/sanctions recorded?

How are different actions and sanctions processed, and who by?

While should be no formal criminal record, it is also key to avoid any record of the intervention appearing during external criminal record checks except in exceptional circumstances.

Dealing with repeat offences

Most diversion programs in Australia allow repeat offences - but may differ in requirements and responses for further offences.

The Bristol Drug Education Programme only allows one offence to be eligible for diversion.

TVP scheme concluded one chance was not adequate as many people with drug problems will require more than one engagement with services to help them, so permit people with previous convictions or can divert an individual in several occasions as long as they are engaging

Dealing with youth

There are particular sensitivities around young people, requiring different stakeholder involvement

Must make decisions around whether to treat under 18s, or other young people (including up to what age someone qualifies as young) differently. For example, the Bristol DEP has a separate course for under 18s

If police already have youth caution or “no action” scheme but introduce a drug diversion scheme should the latter operate instead of or in addition to the youth scheme? If it is in addition then it is important to establish clear guidelines, eligibility criteria and flows so you do not end up with the wrong people receiving drug diversions

Diversion for example to an education course, may be used as an alternative to exclusion when young people are caught with illegal drugs

Key things to avoid

Escalation to criminal charges (e.g. for non-payment of fine, failure in treatment, repeat offences, relapse etc) as this is counterproductive and likely to disproportionately impact most vulnerable

Discriminatory application against minority groups and children/young people, or by geography, socio economic status - so an equality impact assessment should be carried out throughout implementation

Harmful net widening or deepening. There is a risk that with a new ‘tool’ in the toolbox that is less onerous in terms of time and resources officers will be tempted for example to increase stop and search, or otherwise pull people into the net who wouldn’t have been

Inadequate evaluation

Coerced/forced treatment which is both unethical and less effective

Breaches of due process rights

Establishing a system that is more onerous than the status quo for any of the participants, including those who must deliver it.

Monitoring and evaluation framework - Outcomes:

Program penetration, numbers diverted compared to numbers eligible for diversion, by demographic. This is important for assessing if there is discriminatory application, with particular groups being over or under diverted

Cost of diversion versus traditional criminal justice response

Costs or benefits accruing outside (e.g. to treatment groups, health, housing service etc) as well as within the criminal justice system

Rates and patterns of re-offending of people diverted, for those diverted who do not comply and comparable offences not diverted

Client knowledge of alcohol and other drug risks and treatment services pre- and post-diversion

Client quality of life measures pre and post diversion incl. mental health, employment etc

Drug use (in particular, high risk drug use) pre- and post-diversion among treatment completers and non completers, and/or comparable people not diverted

Analysis of net-widening and net-deepening both for numbers stopped and searched, and found in possession, but also for numbers being engaged with services as a result

Qualitative survey of attitudes to police pre and post diversion and any related impacts. For example, Bristol police say that due to better relationship with people who use drugs they are receiving better intelligence about the drugs market

Level of knowledge about drug diversion options amongst key stakeholder groups e.g. people who use drugs, police, treatment providers and lawyers

Level of support for drug diversion amongst key stakeholder groups and the public

Consistency of application e.g. within police force, demographically and geographically

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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3 | Streetly - Lichfield  (via Hook Hill & Shenstone)

3A | West Bromwich - Blackheath  (via Oldbury & Stuart Road)

4 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Tyseley, Acocks Green & Olton)

4 | Walsall - Blackheath  (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich & Oldbury)

4 | i54 - Wolverhampton  (via Pendeford & Stafford Road)

4A | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Tyseley, Acocks Green, Gospel Oak & Shirley)

4H | Walsall - Hayley Green  (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Halesowen)

4M | Walsall - Merry Hill  (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

5 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Hall Green, Shirley, Monkspath & Widney Manor)

5 | West Bromwich - Sutton Coldfield  (via Great Barr, Kingstanding & New Oscott)

6 | Walsall - Sutton Coldfield  (via Aldridge, Little Aston & Mere Green)

6 | Wolverhampton - Wobaston  (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford & i54)

6 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Hall Green & Shirley)

6 | Dudley - Stourbridge  (via Russells Hall Hospital, Brierley Hill & Amblecote)

6A | Wolverhampton - Wobaston  (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford, Pendeford Business Park & i54)

7 | Birmingham - Perry Common  (via Newtown, Aston & Witton)

7 | Walsall - Castlefort  (via Aldridge)

7 | Dudley - Wollaston  (via Merry Hill, Pedmore & Stourbridge)

7S | Aldridge School - Walsall  (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

8 | Walsall - Lichfield (via Rushall, Pelsall, Clayhanger, Brownhills & Burntwood)

8 | Wolverhampton - Wollaston Farm  (via Coseley, Dudley, Merry Hill & Stourbridge)

8A | Birmingham Inner Circle (Anticlockwise)  (via Aston Cross, Newtown, Hockley, Jewellery Quarter, Five Ways, Highgate, Small Heath & Saltley)

8C | Birmingham Inner Circle (Clockwise)  (via Saltley, Small Heath, Highgate, Five Ways, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Newtown & Aston Cross)

9 | Walsall - Wolverhampton (via Rushall, Pelsall, Bloxwich, New Invention, Wednesfield & Bentley Bridge)

9 | Birmingham - Stourbridge  (via Bearwood, Quinton & Halesowen)

9A | Shire Oak School - Walsall  (School service - available to the general public)

10 | Walsall - Brownhills  (via Rushall & Shelfield)

10 | Wolverhampton - Perton  (via Compton & Tettenhall Wood)

10A | Wolverhampton - Pattingham  (via Compton, Tettenhall Wood & Perton)

11 | Dudley - Walsall  (via Wednesbury & Powis Avenue)

11 | Wolverhampton - Underhill  (via Fallings Park & The Scotlands)

11A | Birmingham Outer Circle (Anticlockwise via via Erdington, Perry Barr, Bearwood, Harborne, Kings Heath & Acocks Green)

11A | Dudley - Walsall  (via Myvod, Wednesbury & Gospel Oak)

11C | Birmingham Outer Circle (Clockwise via Kings Heath, Cotteridge, Harborne, Perry Barr, Erdington & Acocks Green)

11S | Archbishop Ilsley School - Erdington  (School service - available to the general public)

12 | Dudley - Birmingham  (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

12A | Dudley - Birmingham  (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

13 | Birmingham - Oldbury  (via Bearwood & Langley)

13A | Birmingham - Blackheath  (via Bearwood & Brandhall)

14 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Duddeston, Saltley, Alum Rock, Stechford, Kitts Green & Tile Cross)

14 | Foxyards Estate - Halesowen  (via Dudley, Blackheath & Quinton)

14A | Dudley - Merry Hill  (via Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

15 | Wolverhampton - Merry Hill  (via Spring Hill, Wombourne, Kingswinford & Bromley)

15A | Wolverhampton - Merry Hill (via Spring Hill, Kingswinford & Bromley)

16 | Birmingham - Great Barr  (via Hockley, Handsworth Wood & Hamstead)

16 | Wolverhampton - Stourbridge  (via Penn Road, Wombourne, Swindon, Kingswinford & Wordsley)

17 | Birmingham - Tile Cross  (via Small Heath, Hob Moor Road, Yardley & Garretts Green)

18 | Yardley Wood - Bartley Green  (via Cotteridge & Northfield)

19 | Dudley - Q.E. Hospital  (via Netherton, Old Hill, Halesowen, Worlds End & Harborne)

20 | QE Hospital - Bromsgrove  (via Selly Oak, Northfield, Longbridge & Rubery)

20A | QE Hospital - Cofton Hackett  (via Selly Oak, Northfield, Longbridge & Rednal)

23 | Birmingham - Bartley Green (via Five Ways, Harborne, California & Woodgate)

24 | Birmingham - Woodgate Valley North (via Five Ways, Harborne, Court Oak & Four Dwellings)

24 | Dudley - Merry Hill  (via Springfield, Blackheath, Rowley Regis Hospital, Dudley Wood & Cradley Heath)

25 | Wolverhampton - Pendeford / Pendeford Business Park  (via Goldthorn Park, Bilston, Willenhall, Wednesfield & i54)

27 | Frankley - Yardley Wood  (via Kings Heath, Stirchley, Bournville & Northfield)

28 | Heartlands Hospital - Great Barr  (via Ward End, Castle Bromwich, Erdington, Old Oscott & Perry Beeches)

29 | Walsall - Bloxwich  (via Harden & Blakenall)

31 | Walsall - Mossley  (via Bloxwich)

32 | Walsall - Lower Farm  (via Bloxwich)

32 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Clockwise)  (via Fordhouse Road & Bushbury Lane)

33 | Birmingham - Pheasey  (via Perry Barr & Kingstanding)

33 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Anticlockwise)  (via Bushbury Lane & Fordhouse Road)

34 | Walsall - Bilston  (via Darlaston & Rough Hay)

35 | Walsall - St Francis of Assisi College  (via Rushall)

35 | Birmingham - Hawkesley (via Balsall Heath, Moseley, Kings Heath, Brandwood End & Pool Farm)

36 | Walsall - Alumwell  (via Manor Hospital)

37 | Walsall - Willenhall  (via Darlaston & Lodge Farm)

39 | Walsall - Stowlawn  (via Darlaston, Moxley & Bilston)

40 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury  (via Stone Cross & Friar Park)

41 | Walsall - Willenhall  (via Lodge Farm & New Invention)

42 | West Bromwich - Tipton Queens Road (via Greets Green & Great Bridge)

43 | West Bromwich - Bilston  (via Greets Green, Great Bridge & Princes End)

44 | West Bromwich - Harvills Hawthorn  (via Hill Top)

45 | Birmingham - Longbridge (via Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Kings Norton & West Heath)

47 | Birmingham - Longbridge (via Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Wychall Lane & Turves Green)

47 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury  (via Hateley Heath)

48 | West Bromwich - Q.E. Hospital  (via Londonderry, Bearwood & Harborne)

48A | West Bromwich - Bearwood  (via Warley)

49 | West Bromwich - Bearwood  (via Langley, Causeway Green & Brandhall)

49 | Solihull - Rubery, Great Park  (via Shirley, Maypole, Kings Norton, West Heath & Longbridge)

50 | Birmingham - Druids Heath  (via Highgate, Moseley, Kings Heath & Maypole)

51 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Great Barr & Perry Barr)

52 | Birmingham - Perry Beeches (via Lozells & Perry Barr)

54 | West Bromwich - Worlds End (via Europa Village, Smethwick, Cape Hill & Brandhall)

54A | West Bromwich - Worlds End  (via Europa Village, Smethwick, Cape Hill & Brandhall)

59 | Wolverhampton - Ashmore Park (via New Cross Hospital & Wednesfield)

60 | Birmingham - Cranes Park (via Small Heath, Yardley & Sheldon)

61 | Birmingham - Frankley (via Selly Oak & Northfield)

61 | Wolverhampton - Goldthorn Park (via Blakenhall)

62 | Wolverhampton - Compton (via Dunstall, Whitmore Reans & Tettenhall)

62A | Wolverhampton - Compton (via Dunstall, Whitmore Reans & Tettenhall)

63 | Birmingham - Frankley (via Selly Oak & Northfield, Longbridge & Rubery)

64 | Nechells - Peddimore, Minworth (via Erdington, The Fort, Bromford & Castle Vale)

65 | Birmingham - Perry Common (via Aston & Short Heath)

66 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Nechells, Star City, Erdington & Boldmere)

67 | Birmingham - Castle Vale (via Aston & Tyburn Road)

68 | Birmingham - Peddimore, Minworth (via Lichfield Road, Tyburn Road & Kingsbury Road)

69 | Walsall - Wolverhampton (via New Cross Hospital, Wood End, New Invention & Beechdale)

70 | Walsall - Bloxwich (via Sainsbury's Beechdale & Dudley`s Fields)

70A | Walsall - Beechdale  

71 | Chelmsley Wood - Sutton Coldfield (via Kingshurst, Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale, Minworth & Walmley)

72 | Chelmsley Wood - Solihull (via Marston Green, Tile Cross, Garretts Green & Sheldon)

73 | Heartlands Hospital - Solihull (via Yardley & Sheldon)

73S | Lode Heath School - Yardley (School service - available to the general public)

74 | Birmingham - Dudley (via Handsworth, West Bromwich & Great Bridge)

76 | Solihull - Northfield (via Shirley, Yardley Wood, Kings Heath, Q.E. Hospital & Weoley Castle)

77 | Walsall - Erdington  (via Streetly, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield and Asda Minworth) 

77A | Walsall - Erdington (via Streetly, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield and Asda Minworth) 

77B | New Oscott - Bishop Walsh School (via Sutton Coldfield, Fairfax & John Willmott Schools & Falcon Lodge) 

77S | John Willmott School - Streetly (via New Oscott and Sutton Coldfield)

78 | Sutton Coldfield - Streetly  (via Four Oaks & Mere Green)

78A | Sutton Coldfield - Kingstanding  (via Good Hope Hospital, Mere Green & Streetly)

79 | Wolverhampton - West Bromwich (via Bilston, Darlaston & Wednesbury)

79A | West Bromwich - Wednesbury Parkway (via Wednesbury)

80 | Birmingham - West Bromwich  (via Ladywood, Cape Hill & Smethwick)

82 | Birmingham - Bearwood (via City Hospital & Cape Hill)

82 | Wolverhampton - Dudley (via Moseley, Bilston, Coseley & Wrens Nest)

87 | Birmingham - Dudley (via City Hospital, Smethwick, Oldbury & Tividale)

89 | Bearwood - West Bromwich (via Cape Hill, Londonderry, Smethwick & Kenrick Park)

94 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Saltley, Washwood Heath, Ward End, Castle Bromwich & Smiths Wood)

95 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Saltley, Washwood Heath, Ward End, Hodge Hill, Shard End & Kingshurst)

96 | Kingstanding - Chelmsley Wood  (via Perry Common, Erdington, The Fort & Castle Bromwich)

97 | Birmingham - Chelmsley Wood (via Bordesley Green, Heartlands Hospital & Meadway)

100 | Cardinal Griffin Catholic College  (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

101 | Birmingham - Handsworth, The Leveretts (via Jewellery Quarter & Winson Green)

126 | Dudley - Birmingham (via Causeway Green & Bearwood)

159 | Walsall Garage - St Francis of Assisi School (School service - available to the general public)

529 | Wolverhampton - Walsall (via Willenhall)

530 | Wolverhampton - Rocket Pool (via Rough Hills & Bilston)

701 | Leamore - St Thomas More School (School service - available to the general public)

703 | New Invention Fletcher Road - St Thomas More School (School service - available to the general public)

705 | Gillity Village - Barr Beacon School (School service - available to the general public)

710 | Codsall High School - Perton (School service - not available to the general public)

711 | Wolverhampton - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

713 | Wolverhampton - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

714 | Upper Penn - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

751 | Bilston (Hickman Road) - Smestow Academy  (School service - available to the general public)

763 | Wolverhampton - St Regis Church of England Academy  (School service - available to the general public)

784 | Pendeford - St Regis Church of England Academy  (School service - available to the general public)

788 | Walsall - Barr Beacon School (School service - available to the general public)

793 | Bushbury, Wood Lane - Compton Park Schools  (School service - available to the general public)

794 | Stafford Road, Three Tuns - Compton Park School (School service - available to the general public)

813 | Kingsbury Road John Willmott and Fairfax Schools   (School service - available to the general public)

814 | Marsh Hill - John Willmott and Fairfax Schools  (School service - available to the general public)

815 | Sutton Coldfield to Aston Station (School service - available to the general public)

822 | Birmingham - King Edward VI Five Ways School (School service - available to the general public)

829 | Birmingham - St. Paul's RC Girls School (School service - available to the general public)

855 | Bishop Walsh School - Sutton Coldfield (School service - available to the general public)

863 | Yardley Wood Garage - Light Hall School  (School service - available to the general public)

877 | Yardley - St Peters RC School (School service - available to the general public)

878 | St Thomas Aquinas School - Frankley   (School service - available to the general public)

881 | Walsall - Barr Beacon School (School service - available to the general public)

889 | Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst - Yardley (School service - available to the general public)

891 | Coleshill School - Yardley (School service - available to the general public)

907 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Perry Barr, College Road, New Oscott & Boldmere)

907A | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Aston, Perry Barr, College Road, New Oscott & Boldmere)

934 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding & Pheasey)

935 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding & Streetly)

936 | Birmingham - Brownhills (via Perry Barr Kingstanding, Pheasey, Aldridge & Walsall Wood)

937 | Birmingham - Brownhills  (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding, Streetly, Aldridge & Walsall Wood)

937A | Birmingham - Brownhills (via Perry Barr, Kingstanding, Streetly, Aldridge & Walsall Wood)

997 | Birmingham - Walsall (via Perry Barr, Old Oscott, Streetly, Aldridge & Rushall)

X1 | Birmingham - Coventry (via Yardley, Sheldon, Birmingham International Airport, NEC & Meriden)

X2 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Yardley & Sheldon)

X3 | Birmingham - Lichfield (via Aston Expressway, Erdington, Sutton Coldfield, Mere Green & Hill Hook

X4 | Birmingham - Falcon Lodge (via Aston Expressway, Erdington, Sutton Coldfield & Good Hope Hospital)

X5 | Birmingham - Roughley (via Aston Expressway, Erdington, Sutton Coldfield & Mere Green)

X8 | Wolverhampton - Birmingham (via Coseley, Dudley, Blackheath & Bearwood)

X10 | Gornal Wood - Birmingham (via Russells Hall Hospital, Merry Hill, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & Bearwood)

X12 | Birmingham - Solihull (via Bromford Estate, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham International Airport & NEC)

X13 | Birmingham City Centre - Chelmsley Wood (via Bromford Estate, Castle Bromwich, Water Orton & Coleshill)

X14 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Good Hope Hospital, Falcon Lodge, Walmley & Aston Expressway)

X15 | Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield (via Erdington, Walmley & Reddicap Heath)

X21 | Birmingham - Bartley Green (via Birmingham University, Selly Oak & Weoley Castle)

X22 | Birmingham - Bartley Green  (via Birmingham University, California, Woodgate & Kitwell)

X51 | Birmingham - Cannock (via Great Barr, Walsall & Bloxwich)

X64 | Birmingham - Peddimore, Minworth (via Erdington, The Fort & Castle Vale)

FD | Birmingham - Fort Dunlop (via Star City)

SFA1 | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College - Wilnecote (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

SFA2 | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College - Wilnecote  (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

1 | Dudley - Tettenhall Wood   (via Sedgley & Wolverhampton)

2 | Warstones - Bushbury Hill   (via Penn Fields, Wolverhampton & Fallings Park)

2 | Wrens Nest - Merry Hill   (via Brierley Hill, Russells Hospital and Dudley)

3 | West Bromwich - Merry Hill   (via Oldbury, Portway, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

3 | Fordhouses - Castlecroft   (via Stafford Road, Wolverhampton & Merridale Road)

3 | Streetly - Lichfield   (via Hook Hill & Shenstone)

4 | Walsall - Blackheath   (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich & Oldbury)

4 | i54 - Wolverhampton   (via Pendeford & Stafford Road)

4H | Walsall - Hayley Green   (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Halesowen)

4M | Walsall - Merry Hill   (via Stone Cross, West Bromwich, Oldbury, Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

5 | West Bromwich - Sutton Coldfield   (via Great Barr, Kingstanding & New Oscott)

5 | Wolverhampton - Codsall   (via Whitmore Reans & Bilbrook)

6 | Walsall - Sutton Coldfield   (via Aldridge, Little Aston & Mere Green)

6 | Wolverhampton - Wobaston   (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford & i54)

6 | Dudley - Stourbridge   (via Russells Hall Hospital, Brierley Hill & Amblecote)

6A | Wolverhampton - Wobaston   (via Whitmore Reans, Aldersley, Pendeford, Pendeford Business Park & i54)

7 | Birmingham - Perry Common   (via Newtown, Aston & Witton)

7 | Dudley - Wollaston   (via Merry Hill, Pedmore & Stourbridge)

7S | Aldridge School - Walsall   (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

8 | Wolverhampton - Wollaston Farm   (via Coseley, Dudley, Merry Hill & Stourbridge)

8A | Birmingham Inner Circle (Anticlockwise ) (via Aston Cross, Newtown, Hockley, Jewellery Quarter, Five Ways, Highgate, Small Heath & Saltley)

8C | Birmingham Inner Circle (Clockwise)   (via Saltley, Small Heath, Highgate, Five Ways, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Newtown & Aston Cross)

9 |   Birmingham - Stourbridge   (via Bearwood, Quinton & Halesowen)

9A | Shire Oak School - Walsall   (School service - available to the general public)

10 | Walsall - Brownhills   (via Rushall & Shelfield)

10 | Wolverhampton - Perton   (via Compton & Tettenhall Wood)

10A | Wolverhampton - Pattingham   (via Compton, Tettenhall Wood & Perton)

11 | Dudley - Walsall   (via Wednesbury & Powis Avenue)

11 | Wolverhampton - Underhill   (via Fallings Park & The Scotlands)

11A | Birmingham Outer Circle (Anticlockwise via via Erdington, Perry Barr, Bearwood, Harborne, Kings Heath & Acocks Green )

11A | Dudley - Walsall   (via Myvod, Wednesbury & Gospel Oak)

11S | Archbishop Ilsley School - Erdington   (School service - available to the general public)

12 | Dudley - Birmingham   (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

12A | Dudley - Birmingham   (via Oldbury, Langley & Bearwood)

13 | Birmingham - Oldbury   (via Bearwood & Langley)

13A | Birmingham - Blackheath   (via Bearwood & Brandhall)

14 | Foxyards Estate - Halesowen   (via Dudley, Blackheath & Quinton)

14A | Dudley - Merry Hill   (via Blackheath & Cradley Heath)

15 | Wolverhampton - Merry Hill   (via Spring Hill, Wombourne, Kingswinford & Bromley)

16 | Birmingham - Great Barr   (via Hockley, Handsworth Wood & Hamstead)

16 | Wolverhampton - Stourbridge   (via Penn Road, Wombourne, Swindon, Kingswinford & Wordsley)

17 | Birmingham - Tile Cross   ( via Small Heath, Hob Moor Road, Yardley & Garretts Green )

18 | Yardley Wood - Bartley Green   (via Cotteridge & Northfield)

19 | Dudley - Q.E. Hospital   (via Netherton, Old Hill, Halesowen, Worlds End & Harborne)

20 | QE Hospital - Bromsgrove   (via Selly Oak, Northfield, Longbridge & Rubery)

24 | Dudley - Merry Hill   (via Springfield, Blackheath, Rowley Regis Hospital, Dudley Wood & Cradley Heath)

25 | Wolverhampton - Pendeford / Pendeford Business Park   (via Goldthorn Park, Bilston, Willenhall, Wednesfield & i54)

27 | Frankley - Yardley Wood   (via Kings Heath, Stirchley, Bournville & Northfield )

28 | Heartlands Hospital - Great Barr   (via Ward End, Castle Bromwich, Erdington, Old Oscott & Perry Beeches)

29 | Walsall - Bloxwich   (via Harden & Blakenall)

31 | Walsall - Mossley   (via Bloxwich)

32 | Walsall - Lower Farm   (via Bloxwich)

32 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Clockwise)   (via Fordhouse Road & Bushbury Lane)

33 | Birmingham - Pheasey   (via Perry Barr & Kingstanding)

33 | Wolverhampton - Northwood Park (Anticlockwise)   (via Bushbury Lane & Fordhouse Road)

34 | Walsall - Bilston   (via Darlaston & Rough Hay)

35 | Walsall - St Francis of Assisi College   (via Rushall)

36 | Walsall - Alumwell   (via Manor Hospital)

37 | Walsall - Willenhall   (via Darlaston & Lodge Farm)

39 | Walsall - Stowlawn   (via Darlaston, Moxley & Bilston)

40 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury   (via Stone Cross & Friar Park)

41 | Walsall - Willenhall   (via Lodge Farm & New Invention)

43 | West Bromwich - Bilston   (via Greets Green, Great Bridge & Princes End)

44 | West Bromwich - Harvills Hawthorn   (via Hill Top)

47 | West Bromwich - Wednesbury   (via Hateley Heath)

48 | West Bromwich - Q.E. Hospital   (via Londonderry, Bearwood & Harborne)

48A | West Bromwich - Bearwood   (via Warley)

49 | West Bromwich - Bearwood   (via Langley, Causeway Green & Brandhall)

49 | Solihull - Rubery, Great Park   (via Shirley, Maypole, Kings Norton, West Heath & Longbridge)

68 | Birmingham - Peddimore,   Minworth (via Lichfield Road, Tyburn Road & Kingsbury Road)

77 | Walsall - Erdington   (via Streetly, New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield and Asda Minworth) 

77B | New Oscott - Bishop Walsh School (via Sutton Coldfield, Fairfax & John Willmott Schools & Falcon Lodge)

78 | Sutton Coldfield - Streetly   (via Four Oaks & Mere Green)

96 | Kingstanding - Chelmsley Wood   ( via Perry Common, Erdington, The Fort & Castle Bromwich )

100 |  Cardinal Griffin Catholic College   (School service - Not currently available to the general public)

763 | Wolverhampton - St Regis Church of England Academy   (School service - available to the general public)

793 | Bushbury, Wood Lane - Compton Park Schools   (School service - available to the general public)

813 | Kingsbury Road John Willmott and Fairfax Schools     (School service - available to the general public)

814 | Marsh Hill - John Willmott and Fairfax Schools   (School service - available to the general public)

X22 | Birmingham - Bartley Green  (via Birmingham University, California, Woodgate & Kitwell )

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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