A Word on Prices

Like everything else here fares are constantly increasing and depend a lot on how much you look like you can afford. In official taxis when they use the meter, the distance travelled is shown to which a multiplier is applied to determine the fare. In other cars you'll just need to make an offer that seems reasonable, or let the driver make one of his own. By the meter, rides within the center cost the ruble equivalent of two to three dollars and rides across town up to six, though from foreigners the asking price is usually higher. Night fares (especially in the panicked half hour before the bridges go up) also tend to be higher. While much will depend upon the strength of your Russian, a short 10-15 minute taxi ride in the city center in a car hailed on the street generally runs from 30 rubles to 90 rubles ($1-$3), though a bit more late at night. Best to agree on fares up front.