Navigating Moscow’s vast metro area to reach major expo venues like Expocentre, Crocus Expo, and VDNH can be challenging for first-time visitors. With heavy traffic, complex public transport, and language barriers, choosing the right transportation method is crucial for arriving on time.
This guide breaks down the best ways to reach Moscow’s expo centers, including costs, travel times, and insider hacks.
1. Moscow’s Major Expo Centers & Locations
| Expo Center | Location | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Expocentre | Krasnaya Presnya (Central) | Automechanika |
| Crocus Expo | Myakinino (Northwest) | MosBuild, MITT, CPhI Russia |
| VDNH | Ostankinsky (Northeast) | Metal-Expo, Golden Autumn |
| Gostiny Dvor | City Center | Russian Fashion Week |
2. Best Transportation Options Compared
🚕 Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Best for Convenience)
- Apps: Yandex Go (cheaper than Uber), Citymobil
- Cost Examples:
- Sheremetyevo Airport → Crocus Expo: ~₽1,500 ($17)
- City Center → Expocentre: ~₽600 ($7)
- Pros: 24/7 availability, English app options
- Cons: Traffic jams during rush hour (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM)
Pro Tip: Book taxis in advance during major events—wait times spike.
🚇 Metro + Walking (Best for Budget Travelers)
- Key Stations:
- Expocentre: Vystavochnaya (Blue Line) – 3-min walk
- Crocus Expo: Myakinino (Blue Line) – Directly connected
- VDNH: VDNH (Orange Line) – 5-min walk
- Cost: ₽65 ($0.70) per ride
- Pros: Fastest option in rush hours
- Cons: Crowded, limited English signage
Insider Hack: Use Google Maps offline or Yandex Metro for navigation.
🚌 Expo Shuttles (Best for Event Days)
- Many trade shows offer free shuttles from:
- Major hotels (e.g., Radisson Collection)
- Key metro stations (e.g., Paveletskaya for Expocentre)
- Check the event website for schedules.
🚗 Car Rental (Only for Experienced Drivers)
- Warning: Moscow traffic is intense, parking is expensive (~₽500/hour near venues).
- Better Alternative: Rent a driver-included car via Wheely app.
3. Airport-to-Expo Routes
✈️ From Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Crocus Expo
- Fastest Option: Aeroexpress train to Belorusskaya → Metro to Myakinino (50 mins, ₽500).
- Easiest Option: Yandex Taxi (40 mins, ~₽1,500).
✈️ From Domodedovo (DME) to Expocentre
- Best Route: Aeroexpress to Paveletskaya → Metro to Vystavochnaya (1 hour, ₽550).
4. Must-Know Tips for Smooth Travel
✔ Write your destination in Russian (for taxi drivers):
- “Мне нужно в Экспоцентр, пожалуйста” (Expocentre)
- “Крокус Экспо, вход №3” (Crocus Expo, Gate 3)
✔ Avoid rush hour travel (metro at 8 AM is packed).
✔ Carry cash (some taxis/older drivers don’t accept cards).
✔ Download offline maps (Yandex Maps works best in Russia).
5. Estimated Travel Times
| Route | Taxi | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Red Square → Expocentre | 25 mins | 15 mins |
| Expocentre → Crocus Expo | 40 mins | 50 mins |
| Sheremetyevo → VDNH | 50 mins | 70 mins |
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming Uber works (use Yandex Go instead).
❌ Relying on English signs (metro announcements are in Russian).
❌ Waiting until the last minute (expo-day traffic is brutal).
Final Checklist
✅ Yandex Go/Citymobil apps installed
✅ Expo center address saved in Russian
✅ Metro card (Troika) topped up
✅ Offline maps downloaded
Which transport option will you use?