Tag Archives: russia

4-Day Russia Itinerary With Cost Breakdown | From My Turkey-Russia Solo Trip

By Dan Forteza

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Russia, the largest country in the world, occupies one-tenth of all the land on earth. Thus for many travelers, it’s often difficult to decide where to start and where to go for such huge countries like Russia.

But no worries, to help you with your Russia itinerary, I’ll be sharing the list of places I’ve visited during my 4-day stay in Russia. I will also include the breakdown of cost during my trip for your reference.

Although I have only visited Moscow and St. Petersburg, starting off your journey in either of these two megacities will for sure bring the best of Russia in you!

NOTE: I stayed for 3 days in Turkey before flying to Russia. If you want to know the places I’ve visited in Turkey, here is my 3-day itinerary in Turkey with cost breakdown.

Skyscrapers at downtown Moscow
Skyscrapers at downtown Moscow | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article.

NOTE: For Philippine Passport holders, visiting Russia requires a visa. If you are just on your way to getting your Russian visa, read my blog on how to get your Russian Tourist Visa HERE.

Route Details with Costs

  • Manila (MNL) to Dubai (DXB) via Cebu Pacific – 6,499 PHP
  • Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (SAW) via Pegasus – 8,904 PHP
  • Istanbul (SAW) to Moscow (DME) via Pegasus – 6,072 PHP
  • Moscow to St. Petersburg via Russian Rail – 3,530 PHP
  • St Petersburg (LED) to Moscow (SVO) via Aeroflot – 4,084 PHP
  • Moscow (SVO) to Dubai (DXB) via Aeroflot – 10,914 PHP
  • Dubai (DXB) to Manila (MNL) via Cebu Pacific – 2,160 PHP
Dubai Airport
Passengers waiting for their flights at Dubai International Airport | Dantravels.org

NOTE: Philippine Passport holders transferring at Dubai International Airport (DXB) do not need a UAE visa as long as they remain within the airside transit area.

RUSSIA 🇷🇺

Language: Russian
Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 52 PHP = 62.8 RUB
Preferred Transportation: Subway / Trains
Time Zone: GMT +3

It was a 3-hour flight from Istanbul to Moscow. I arrived at Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) at around 3:30 PM. Russia was the 16th country I’ve visited.

TIP: Buying a local SIM card is highly recommended even for short stays. Google Maps and internet access are lifesavers while traveling.

Saint Basil Cathedral
Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square | Dantravels.org

MY 4D/3N RUSSIA ITINERARY with COST BREAKDOWN

DAY 1 Photo Gallery

Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)
Aerotrain going to downtown Moscow
Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square
Pancake, Soup, Russian tea at Teremok

DAY 1 RUSSIA ITINERARY

  • Transport from Airport to Hostel using Aeroexpress Train and Metro.
  • Check in at Hostels Rus – Avtozavodskaya.
  • Tour around Red Square.
  • Visit Saint Basil Cathedral, Kremlin, Lenin Mausoleum, and GUM.
  • Walk around Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge.

TIP: Buy a 3-day unlimited metro pass. It is worth it if you plan to move around Moscow often.

DAY 1 EXPENSES

  • SIM Card (MegaFon) – 1,000 RUB
  • Aeroexpress Train – 500 RUB
  • Metro Subway – 55 RUB
  • Food at Teremok – 220 RUB
  • 3-day unlimited metro pass – 415 RUB
  • Pancake, soup, tea – 190 RUB

DAY 1 TOTAL: 2380 RUB = 38 USD = 1970 PHP

DAY 2 Photo Gallery

The GUM
At VDNKh with Valeriy
2018 FIFA Stadium from Sparrow Hills
The Church of the Ascension
Tsaritsyno Palace & Museum-Reserve

DAY 2 RUSSIA ITINERARY

  • Return to Red Square early morning.
  • Visit GUM shopping center.
  • Climb Sparrow Hills.
  • Explore VDNKh amusement park.
  • Visit Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve.
  • Explore Tsaritsyno Palace & Museum-Reserve.
  • See the Ruined Tower.

DAY 2 EXPENSES

  • Ice cream – 100 RUB
  • McDonald’s meal – 261 RUB
  • Chinese Restaurant food – 330 RUB

DAY 2 TOTAL: 691 RUB = 11 USD = 572 PHP

DAY 3 Photo Gallery

Leningradsky Railway Station
Moscow Business District
Inside the train bound to St. Petersburg

DAY 3 RUSSIA ITINERARY

  • Morning rest at the hostel.
  • Visit Moscow business district.
  • Take the night train to St. Petersburg.

NOTE: Night trains have bunk beds and are comfortable enough for sleeping.

DAY 3 EXPENSES

  • KFC Meal – 199 RUB
  • Bread – 50 RUB
  • Fanta – 50 RUB
  • Chicken with rice – 330 RUB
  • Toilet fee – 50 RUB
  • KFC burgers – 216 RUB

DAY 3 TOTAL: 895 RUB = 14.25 USD = 741 PHP

DAY 4 Photo Gallery

Hermitage Museum
Palace Square
St Isaac Cathedral
Church of the Spilled Blood
Peterhof Complex

DAY 4 RUSSIA ITINERARY

  • Arrive in St. Petersburg.
  • Visit Admiralteyskaya Station.
  • Walk around downtown St. Petersburg.
  • Visit Hermitage Museum and Palace Square.
  • See Kazan Cathedral and St Isaac Cathedral.
  • Visit Peter and Paul Fortress.
  • See Cruiser Aurora.
  • Explore Peterhof Grand Palaces.

DAY 4 EXPENSES

  • Metro Subway – 45 RUB
  • KFC Meal – 283 RUB
  • Toilet Fee – 40 RUB
  • Bus Fare – 80 RUB
  • Airport Snacks – 158 RUB
  • Souvenirs – 70 RUB

DAY 4 TOTAL: 1,416 RUB = 62.6 USD = 3,265 PHP

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Booking.com – Great for hotels and hostels with free cancellation options.
  • Airbnb – Great for cozy rooms and apartments.
  • Trip.com – Useful for cheap flight bookings.
  • Russian Railway – Book train tickets in advance.
  • Viator – Find guided tours and travel experiences.

Book on Booking.com

Find Cheap Flights

Explore Tours

Final Thoughts

Russia is definitely an adventure of its own. The people I met were incredibly helpful and accommodating, making my Russia itinerary unforgettable.

I hope this guide helps you create your own Russia itinerary. Spasiba!