Taxis & Rideshare in Moscow - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxis and Rideshare in Moscow Moscow offers extensive taxi and rideshare services that have largely replaced traditional street-hailing methods. The dominant rideshare platform is **Yandex.Taxi** (which merged with Uber's Russian operations), providing app-based booking with upfront pricing, driver ratings, and multiple vehicle categories from economy to premium. Download the Yandex.Go app before arrival, as it requires a Russian phone number for registration—consider getting a local SIM card at the airport. The app interface is available in English, and you can pay by card or cash. Official taxi services also operate through apps like Citymobil and Gett, offering similar functionality with transparent pricing and tracked routes for safety. For traditional taxis, look for vehicles with official taxi markings and roof lights—avoid unmarked cars offering rides, particularly at tourist areas and transport hubs. Legitimate taxi stands operate at major hotels, train stations, and airports, though booking through an app generally provides better service and accountability. Rideshare apps are ideal for most situations: they're convenient for navigating the city without knowing Russian, provide automatic address input, and offer various comfort levels from shared rides to business-class vehicles. Traditional taxis work well if you prefer arranging transport through your hotel concierge or need immediate pickup at authorized stands. For current rates and to book your ride, check the live booking options below or download the Yandex.Go app directly.

{'tip': 'Use official taxi apps like Yandex Taxi or Uber rather than hailing cabs on the street to ensure transparent metering and driver accountability. App-based services provide trip tracking and driver information for added security.'}

{'tip': 'If using a street taxi, insist the driver uses the meter or agree on the fare before starting your journey. Legitimate taxis in Moscow should have official markings and a taxi light on the roof.'}

{'tip': 'Solo travelers should share their trip details with someone and sit in the back seat. Avoid taxis without clear company identification or proper licensing.'}

{'tip': 'Keep your belongings secure and visible, and verify the driver matches the app profile before entering. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you have the right to exit the vehicle safely.'}

Unlicensed 'Gypsy' Cabs: Unofficial drivers approach travelers at airports and stations offering rides at inflated prices. Avoid by only using official taxi stands, licensed yellow cabs with meters, or pre-booking through reputable apps like Yandex Taxi or Uber.

Meter Manipulation: Some drivers claim broken meters or refuse to use them, then demand excessive fares at destination. Avoid by insisting the meter runs from the start, agreeing on approximate fare beforehand, or using app-based services with fixed pricing.

Scenic Route Scam: Drivers take unnecessarily long routes to inflate meter charges, especially targeting tourists unfamiliar with Moscow. Avoid by using GPS navigation on your phone to monitor the route, or use app-based services that show the planned route upfront.