Getting Around & Directions

One of the biggest challenges travelers face in Russia is simply getting from one place to another. While major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have excellent public transportation, signs aren't always in English, and not everyone speaks it.

The good news? You don't need to be fluent in Russian. Just a handful of essential phrases will help you find the metro, ask for directions, and communicate with confidence.

Let's learn today's 10 survival phrases.

1. "Where is...?"

Где...? (Gde...?)

This is probably the most useful question you'll ask during your trip.

Add the place you're looking for after где.

Examples:

• Где метро? (Gde metro?) — Where is the metro?

• Где музей? (Gde muzey?) — Where is the museum?

• Где банк? (Gde bank?) — Where is the bank?

• Где аптека? (Gde apteka?) — Where is the pharmacy?

You'll use this phrase dozens of times.

2. "Where is the metro?"

Где метро? (Gde metro?)

Russia's metro systems are among the best in the world. Whether you're in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or another large city, this phrase can save you time.

Locals will usually point you in the right direction—even if they don't speak English.

3. "Where is the toilet?"

Где туалет? (Gde tualet?)

An absolute travel essential.

You'll hear туалет (tualet) almost everywhere—in cafés, restaurants, museums, shopping centers, and train stations.

Don't be shy about asking!

4. "Is it far?"

Это далеко? (Eto daleko?)

You've finally found someone willing to help, but now you need to know whether you should walk or find transportation.

Ask:

Это далеко?

If they answer:

• Нет. (Nyet.) — No.

• Близко. (Blizko.) — It's close.

  
  

...you're probably within walking distance.

5. "Left"

Налево (Nalevo)

When someone gives directions, you'll often hear this word.

Example:

Налево, потом прямо.

"Left, then straight."

6. "Right"

Направо (Napravo)

The opposite of налево.

Example:

Направо после светофора.

"Turn right after the traffic light."

7. "Straight ahead"

Прямо (Pryamo)

Another word you'll hear constantly.

Examples:

• Идите прямо. (Idite pryamo.) — Go straight.

• Прямо и направо. (Pryamo i napravo.) — Straight and then right.

When asking for directions, expect to hear прямо a lot.

8. "Stop here, please."

Остановите здесь, пожалуйста. (Ostanovite zdes', pozhaluysta.)

Perfect for taxis or buses.

If you're taking a taxi and recognize your destination, say:

Остановите здесь, пожалуйста.

It's polite and very useful.

9. "Do you speak English?"

Вы говорите по-английски? (Vy govorite po-angliyski?)

This should usually be your first question if you need help.

Many younger Russians know at least some English, especially in larger cities.

If the answer is "no," don't worry. A smile, gestures, and the Russian phrases you're learning can still go a long way.

10. "I don't understand."

Я не понимаю. (Ya ne ponimayu.)

Sometimes people answer too quickly.

Instead of pretending you understood, simply say:

Я не понимаю.

Most people will repeat themselves more slowly or try another way to explain.

Bonus Phrase: "Speak slower, please."

Говорите медленнее, пожалуйста. (Govorite medlennee, pozhaluysta.)

This phrase can completely change a conversation.

Native speakers naturally speak fast. Asking them to slow down makes it much easier to catch familiar words.

Most people are happy to help if they know you're learning Russian.

Practice Challenge

Imagine you're standing outside a train station in Moscow.

Can you ask:

• Where is the metro?

• Is it far?

• Do you speak English?

• I don't understand.

• Speak slower, please.

Practicing these phrases aloud before your trip will make them much easier to remember when you actually need them.

Today's Survival Vocabulary

Final Tip

Learning just ten practical phrases can make traveling in Russia far less stressful. You don't need perfect grammar or a large vocabulary—just the confidence to use what you know. Russians generally appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language, even if it's only a few words. Every phrase you learn is one more step toward a smoother, more enjoyable journey.