The metro is not only the fastest way to travel in big cities, but also a complex transport system with its own rules. Many passengers mistakenly think that any personal vehicle or cargo can be transported on the subway as long as it fits in the carriage. In fact, there are strict restrictions that are regulated Rules for the carriage of passengers and baggage (Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 112 of 2021). And yet, few people know that they themselves metro trains are different: from Soviet “E”-series to modern Moscow-2026 with autopilot.
In this article we will look at two key questions: what kind of transport runs through the metro tunnels (types of trains, their technical features) and what personal vehicles can be transported in carriages (bicycles, scooters, strollers, loads). You will also learn about fines for violating the rules, the nuances of traveling with children and animals, and why in some cities (for example, Petersburg metro) there are more stringent restrictions than in Moscow.
There is no point in arguing that the metro is an “underground car park”: it has its own laws. But knowledge of these laws will help you avoid conflicts with transport security officers and save time. For example, did you know that in Moscow metro from 2023 it was allowed to transport electric scooters - but only when folded and outside peak hours? Or that train series 81-775/776/777 "Moscow" equipped with a system CBTC (wireless communication for traffic control), which allows you to reduce the interval between trains to 90 seconds?
Below is a detailed guide with tables, warnings and life hacks for passengers.
1. What trains run in the metro: types and technical features
Russian metro systems operate more than 15 train series, which differ in year of manufacture, speed characteristics and level of comfort. The main types can be divided into three groups:
- 🚇 Soviet series (E, Eat, Hedgehog, D) - produced from the 1960s to the 1990s. They are characterized by a high noise level, lack of air conditioning and metal seats. In Moscow they are actively being written off, but in the regions (for example, in Nizhny Novgorod or Samara) they are still in use.
- 🚄 Post-Soviet modifications (81-717/714, 81-553/554/555) - more modern, with plastic trim and partial sound insulation. In St. Petersburg this is the main fleet, and in Moscow they are gradually being replaced with new models.
- 🤖 Modern trains (series Moscow, Neva, Ladoga) - with LED lighting, USB ports, climate control systems and even automatic control without a driver (as on the M15 line in Moscow).
The most common models in 2026:
| Train series | Years of manufacture | Max. speed (km/h) | Features | Cities of operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81-717/714 | 1976–2020 | 90 | Classic Soviet metro, “hard” seats, high noise level | Moscow, St. Petersburg, Minsk, Kyiv |
| 81-760/761 "Oka" | 2013–2022 | 100 | The first trains with air conditioning, LED lighting, USB sockets | Moscow, Kazan, Sochi |
| 81-775/776/777 "Moscow" | 2017–2026 | 110 | System CBTC, autopilot, silent engines, Wi-Fi |
Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod (planned) |
| 81-556/557/558 "Neva" | 2019–2026 | 95 | Adapted for St. Petersburg: moisture-resistant materials, enhanced ventilation | St. Petersburg |
Interesting fact: in Moscow metro trains will be tested from 2023 Moscow-2026 with fully automated control (without driver). So far they operate only on the M15 line (Nekrasovskaya), but by 2026 it is planned to transfer 3 more lines to autopilot. In St. Petersburg, they refuse such a system due to the difficult terrain and frequent flooding.
You can also meet in the subway official transport: railcars for track repairs, laboratory cars for checking alarms and even fire trains (there are 4 of them in Moscow, based at the Varshavskaya station).
2. Is it possible to carry a bicycle on the metro: rules for 2026
Bicycles are one of the most controversial categories. B Moscow metro The following rules apply (according to Order of the Department of Transport No. 214-PR of 2023):
- 🚲 Allowed folding bikes only (wheels ≤ 20 inches) when folded. They can be carried free of charge at any time.
- 🚴 Bicycles with wheels >20 inches can be transported only in carriages without passengers (in agreement with the station duty officer) or in special cases (size no more than 150×100×50 cm).
- 🕒 During peak hours (7:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00) bicycle transportation prohibited, even folding ones.
- 💰 For violating the rules - a fine 1,000–2,500 rubles (Article 11.17 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
B Petersburg metro the rules are stricter: bicycles are only allowed in last car and only during off-peak hours. At the same time, employees have the right to refuse transportation if the carriage is full. And in Kazan and Yekaterinburg Bicycles can be transported free of charge, but only in designated areas of the platform.
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Attention! If you are carrying a bicycle in a case, but it exceeds the dimensions of 150x100x50 cm, it may be regarded as bulky cargo - and will be required to pay for transportation as baggage (from 150 rubles depending on weight).
Life hack: in Moscow, at some stations (for example, "Textilshchiki", "Vodny Stadion") there is bike parking with video surveillance, where you can leave a bike for 50–100 rubles a day. It's cheaper than paying a fine or dragging your bike through a turnstile.
Is the bike folded (if wheels >20 inches)|
Does the travel time fall during peak hours?
Is there a case (if required)|
Do you know where the permitted areas for bicycles are on the train-->
3. Scooters, hoverboards and unicycles: what is allowed and what is not
C electric scooters and other means of personal mobility (SIM), the situation is even more complicated. In 2026, the following rules apply in Moscow:
- 🛴 Mechanical scooters (without motor) are allowed folded without time restrictions.
- ⚡ Electric scooters can be carried only when switched off and in a case (if power >250 W). During peak hours - prohibited.
- 🤸 Hoverboards and unicycles are equivalent to electric scooters. They can only be carried in hand luggage (do not ride on the platform!).
- 🚫 Segways and electric bicycles power >500 W to transport prohibited — they are classified as mopeds that require a license.
Electric scooters in St. Petersburg completely prohibited in the metro from 2022 due to several incidents of lithium battery fires. In the Kazan metro, on the contrary, it is allowed to carry SIM cards without covers, but only if they do not exceed the dimensions of 120x70x40 cm.
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Attention! If your electric scooter has a removable battery, it must be removed and carried separately (in a backpack). Metro employees have the right to demand demonstration that the battery is disconnected.
Tip: if you often travel with a scooter, choose a model with quick release wheels (for example, Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro). This will allow you to fold it to a minimum size and avoid problems at the turnstiles.
4. Strollers, wheelchairs and large luggage
With strollers and wheelchairs, the rules are more flexible, but there are some nuances:
- 👶 Baby strollers are allowed at any time, but during peak hours employees may ask you to wait for 1-2 trains if the cars are crowded.
- ♿ Wheelchairs are carried free of charge. On new trains (series Moscow) special zones with clamps are provided for them.
- 📦 Oversized luggage (bags >80×50×30 cm) is paid as an additional ticket (150–300 rubles depending on the city).
- 🎿 Skis, snowboards, musical instruments can be carried in covers, but only outside peak hours.
B Moscow metro from 2023 the rule applies: if your luggage takes up the space of a second passenger (for example, a large box or suitcase), you are obliged to buy additional ticket. Controllers actively monitor this at stations with high passenger traffic (for example, Komsomolskaya, Vokzalnaya).
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Attention! Strollers and wheelchairs must be carried on escalators only accompanied by a metro employee. Independent descent/ascent is prohibited due to the risk of capsizing.
Life hack: if you are carrying a heavy load, use elevators for people with limited mobility — they are available at most stations in Moscow and St. Petersburg. A map of their locations can be found in the appendix. "Metro Russia".
What happens if you don't pay for your baggage?
If the controller finds that your baggage exceeds the norm and is not paid for, you will be issued a fine 1,000 rubles (Article 11.18 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). In Moscow, starting from 2026, the Troika card may also be blocked for 30 days for repeated violation.
5. Animals in the metro: rules for transporting dogs, cats and exotic pets
It’s not easy with animals in the subway either. Basic rules:
- 🐕 Dogs muzzled and on a leash are allowed. Small dogs (up to 20 kg) can be transported in a carrier.
- 🐱 Cats and rodents - only in closed containers (carriers). Open cages are prohibited.
- 🦜 Birds (parrots, canaries) are allowed in cages, but only if they do not make loud noises.
- 🚫 Exotic animals (snakes, spiders, reptiles) are prohibited from being transported without special permission.
B St. Petersburg an additional rule applies: dogs weighing >15 kg can be transported only in the last carriage. In Moscow there is no such restriction, but during rush hours employees may ask you to leave with a large dog at the next station.
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Attention! If your pet gets the carriage dirty (for example, the dog wets the floor), you will have to pay cleaning — from 500 to 2,000 rubles (depending on the degree of contamination).
Advice: if you are bringing an animal for the first time, choose off-peak hours (from 10:00 to 16:00) - this way there will be less people and stress for the pet.
6. Fines and controversial situations: how to avoid conflicts
Violation of the rules for transporting transport and luggage in the metro is punishable by Art. 11.17 and 11.18 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Amounts of fines in 2026:
| Violation | Fine (rub) | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying a bicycle/scooter during rush hours | 1 000–1 500 | They may not let you into the station |
| Oversized luggage free of charge | 1 000–2 000 | Blockade of Troika card for 30 days (Moscow) |
| Electric scooter with the motor turned on | 2 000–2 500 | Confiscation of the scooter until the violation is eliminated |
| Animal without muzzle/carrying | 500–1 000 | — |
A common problem: passengers argue with controllers, citing “ignorance of the rules.” However Ignorance is no excuse from responsibility (Article 1.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). If you have been issued a fine, you can appeal it within 10 days via the website State services or in court.
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Attention! Operating in Moscow since 2026 mobile control groups at stations with high passenger traffic (for example, Okhotny Ryad, Kurskaya). They record violations on video and issue fines based on photographs. Therefore, even if you were allowed through at the entrance, this does not guarantee the absence of sanctions.
Life hack: if you are stopped for carrying luggage, ask the controller to show you fine decision - it must have a printed base (usually a printout from an automatic system). Without a document, the fine can be challenged.
The main rule: if you are in doubt whether you can carry an item, check with the station duty officer BEFORE going through the turnstile. After passing, claims will not be accepted!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transport in the metro
🚇 Is it possible to ride a scooter on the metro platform?
No, it's prohibited Rules for using the metro (clause 4.7). For riding a scooter on a platform or escalator, you can be fined 1,000–2,000 rubles. Allowed only drive the scooter nearby (when switched off).
🎒 Is a backpack considered oversized luggage?
A backpack is not considered large if its dimensions do not exceed 80×50×30 cm. However, if he occupies the seat of a second passenger (for example, you put him on a seat), the controller may require you to pay for carriage as baggage.
🐕 Is it possible to transport a guide dog without a muzzle?
Yes, guide dogs are exempt from the muzzle requirement, but must be in a special blanket with identification marks. This rule is enshrined in Federal Law No. 181-FZ on social protection of disabled people.
🚲 Why can’t you transport bicycles in St. Petersburg during rush hours?
The St. Petersburg metro has narrower platforms and cars than those in Moscow. During peak hours, transporting bicycles creates fire danger (closes evacuation routes) and interferes with passenger flow. The exception is folding bicycles with covers.
📦 Is it possible to transport furniture on the subway?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice it is almost impossible. Furniture belongs to large cargo, and its transportation must be agreed with the metro administration in advance. In most cases, you will be refused due to the risk of damage to the carriages.