travel tubes kmart

The low-cost Kmart accessories that'll make your next trip way easier

While holidays are fun, the actual act of travelling can be... a lot.

From packing your suitcase to surviving an uncomfortable flight, it's never really a fun time.

Thankfully, there are some products that frequent flyers swear by for getting through travel.

Scroll through to see the best products from Kmart that you need on your next trip.

Inflatable pillow

When this travel pillow went viral on social media in 2023 , people went wild for it. It may look silly, but it guarantees you a comfy sleep in your plane seat without leaning on the passenger next to you.

Buy it for $18.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes turn your suitcase from a jumbled mess into a neat and orderly space with zero stress.

Get a set of three for $9.

For the ultimate in organisation, Kmart has a seven-piece packing set, including dedicated bags for your shoes, accessories, skincare and electronics.

The seven-piece set is $15.

Digital travel scales

There's no need to worry about whether your bag is over the weight restrictions, with these digital scales that can weigh up to 50kg.

They're small enough to put in your suitcase, so you can make sure that all your holiday shopping didn't push your bag weight over the edge.

Get the scales for $9.

Compression bags

Overpackers definitely need these bags in their lives. Just pack it full of clothes, seal, and roll up - no vacuum needed. 

They come in multiple sizes, but a four-pack of extra-large bags is $10.

Travel jewellery case

Leave the days of tangled necklaces and lost earrings in the past. Keep everything safe and secure in this petite case, which can be tucked into your suitcase.

Get it for $9.

Unless you want a dead phone battery for your whole trip, you'll need to pack at least one adaptor.

Kmart has them for every region, with lists of where each can be used.

This one is $6.

Travel Tech Organiser Case

If you're the kind to just throw phone chargers and Kindle cables into your suitcase willy nilly, then tear it apart at your destination looking for them, perhaps you need a handy organisation case.

Get one for $10.

Camp shower

Going on a camping trip? Travellers swear by this 20-litre shower , which can be left out in the sun to warm up.

Get it for $10.

In-Flight Phone Mount

If you find yourself on a flight without a seatback TV, you'll need one of these.

It fits every smartphone, and clips onto the seat in front of you, making it easy to watch anything hands-free.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Organizers + Accessories

The 7 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We love space-saving packing cubes for long and short trips, and these are the best out there.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Look for sets that include multiple sizes

• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Packing cubes are hands down one of the best travel hacks out there. Whether you’re a meticulous list-maker or planning procrastinator, investing in a set of packing cubes is a game changer for staying organized and saving space without having to put in too much effort. 

At Travel + Leisure , we take our travel hacks seriously so we put 23 sets of regular and compression packing cubes to the test both in our New York City lab and out during real travels to find the best ones on the market. We understand that everyone has unique preferences so we also found picks for travelers embarking on long trips, outdoor adventurers, and minimalist packers looking for one just a few cubes to do the trick.

Best Overall

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The lightweight cubes easily compress clothing down to save space in a suitcase. 

They repel some water but are not waterproof. 

We love the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes thanks to their impressive space-saving ability. During six months of tests, we found these cubes to be monumentally helpful when it comes to consolidating and organizing clothing items between the different-sized cubes. The compression cubes help you get more items packed than a regular version of a packing cube and the sturdy zippers make compressing the packed cubes easy, leading us to believe that these cubes will last over time with the durable zippers and stitchwork. 

Although the nylon material isn’t waterproof, we splashed a little water on the outside and found that the material repels some water (but the clothing should remain dry with the extra protection of a suitcase, too). Plus, the handles on the top of each cube make it easy to grab the bags for packing and unpacking, and we love that the set includes an extra-large, large, medium, and small bag for variety.

The Details: 3 or 4 bags included | 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), and 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small) | Ripstop nylon

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes

 Amazon

• Design 4 /5
• Quality 4 /5

The set includes four cubes and a laundry bag. 

The mesh tops aren’t waterproof or resistant.

Whether you’re traveling with family or heading on a solo trip , these Shacke packing cubes are a steal of a deal. The set includes extra-large, large, medium, and small packing cubes, as well as a laundry bag for dirty clothes. Designed for up to 14 days of traveling, we found that the cubes lived up to their promise of providing plenty of space for a variety of types of clothing like pants, toiletries, shirts, and jackets. The cubes easily fit in the carry-on suitcase we used and with the various sizes, you can customize how many cubes you want to pack depending on the type of suitcase you have. 

While the cubes likely won’t prevent water from seeping through due to the mesh tops, you can easily see what you packed inside so you won’t have to unpack everything to find a piece of clothing. During our tests, we felt the durable nylon material and zippers would hold up well with prolonged use, and you can't beat the price for the full set either. 

The Details: 5 bags included | 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches (extra large), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 3.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), and 20.5 x 15.75 inches (laundry bag) | Nylon

Best for Long Trips

Veken packing cubes with laundry and shoe bag.

The set includes four packing cubes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag. 

These have to be hand-washed and air-dried. 

If you’re traveling internationally or taking an extended vacation, consider picking up a set of these Veken packing cubes from Amazon. The four packing cubes are thoughtfully designed with a clear strip on the top so travelers can easily see what they packed, and there are small graphics printed onto each cube recommending what type of clothing item could be stored inside. This set also includes a shoe bag and a laundry bag so you can keep your items separated and organized. We like that there are several different sizes so you don't have small items moving around in a cube that's too big or trying to cram a larger sweatshirt into something too small.

We think these nylon and polyester packing cubes are made to last with a thick fabric exterior and sturdy zippers and stitchwork. After six months of use, there is no sign of wear and the zippers are holding up well. Although we found the cubes to be slightly heavier than others we tested so keep that in mind if you’re an overpacker or striving to stay under the standard 50-pound limit for checked luggage. 

The Details: 6 bags included | 17.5 x 12.15 x 4 (extra large), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 3.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 16.96 x 9.06 x 4.72 (shoe bag), and 20 x 14 inches (laundry bag) | Nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polyester 

Best for Camping

Rei co-op expandable packing cube set.

The tent-like material is lightweight and has a rugged look.

The mesh top doesn’t feel as durable as we hoped and these bags lose their shape when fully packed.

Outdoor enthusiasts should consider REI Co-op’s lightweight packing cubes for upcoming camping trips. The set of two comes with large and medium packing cubes that remain at the standard three-inch height or they can be expanded another three inches to double the capacity. After six months of regularly using the packing cubes, we found that all seams and zippers held up extremely well, even after packing heavy winter clothing.

In testing, the tent-like nylon proved to be water-resistant as advertised, however, the top of the cubes are made of a breathable mesh that doesn’t repel water and felt a little less sturdy than the nylon portion. Though the mesh top isn’t ideal for waterproofness, we like how easy it is to see what we packed through the little mesh holes. Plus, the lightweight materials are ideal for campers or backpackers looking to stay organized without sacrificing weight. 

The Details: 2 bags included | 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) and 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium) | Ripstop nylon and polyester

Best Sustainable

Peak design packing cubes.

Peak Design

Peak Design uses 100 percent recycled materials to make the cubes.

The easy access zippers were finicky to use.

San Francisco-based Peak Design is known for its slew of sustainable outdoor gear made with carbon neutral and recycled materials, including expandable packing cubes. We tried the small- and medium-sized cubes and found them to be spacious, well-built, and resistant to water after splashing a bit on the exterior. After regularly using the cubes for six months, we loved the capacity of the medium cube and found the smaller option to be good for packing undergarments or even toiletries. We especially love that the cubes are made from 100 percent recycled nylon that is solution-dyed to prevent excessive water use following the brand’s carbon-neutral footprint and each bag expands to fit even more items.

The cubes can compress down to a height of 3.1 inches, but we discovered they function best as an expandable packing cube that can increase in size, rather than a compression cube that is designed to heavily consolidate clothes. Additionally, the cubes feature an “easy access” zipper so travelers can reach inside the bag without opening the whole thing, but we think this feature is unnecessary to use due to the zipper getting snagged. 

The Details: 1 bag included | Various sizes | Ripstop nylon

Best Personalized

Paravel packing cube quad.

• Design 4.5 /5

The cubes can be monogrammed with up to three letters for an additional $25. 

The large cube is so big it takes up most of the space of a carry-on bag.

Indulge your love for matching with this set of personalized packing cubes from Paravel. Although it costs an extra $25, you can get up to three letters embroidered onto the set of four packing cubes with 11 color options. If you're shopping for a stylish, functional personalized travel gift , this is a wonderful option. The set comes with one large, one medium, and two small-sized packing cubes that can hold an impressive amount of clothing and still fit in most carry-on bags. These cubes are great for any type of traveler, but especially for those looking for water-resistant cubes for checked bags that will be handled outside in different weather conditions. After six months of use, we found that these cubes provide exceptional organization with room to pack bulkier items in the larger bags and toiletries or undergarments between the two smaller cubes.

As a bonus, these cubes won't take up much space in between trips. They're easy to store and stack right inside one another. The size variety is also convenient for different types of trips and we love having the option to use one, two, three, or all four bags in a checked bag if needed.

The Details: 4 bags included | 18 x 3.75 x 12 inches (large), 12.75 x 3.75 x 10 inches (medium), and 8.2 x. 3.75 x 6.25 inches (small) | Nylon

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-piece Set

There are 14 designs to choose from including groovy blue, retro sunset, and cheetah prints. 

The set might be better suited for frequent fliers.

If you travel often and are looking to invest in a splurge-worthy set of packing cubes, you can’t go wrong with these from Calpak. We love the unique design options with 14 colors and patterns to choose from including classics like solid pink and gold marble, or limited-edition prints like a wavy retro sunset and groovy blue picks. The set includes one large, one medium, and two small cubes, as well as a water-resistant envelope for cosmetics.

After six months of using these packing cubes during international trips, we found that all the bags were spacious enough to fit a variety of clothing options for organized and efficient packing. We love the diversity of sizes to hold things like undergarments as well as shoes if needed. We also love the option to bring a folded large cube to keep dirty clothes separate. The polyester material feels well-made and built to last, and the zippers zipped without any issues which helps justify the higher price point for this set. And, if you’re traveling with your family, we think the set would be great for separating and organizing clothing for several travelers thanks to the removable identification tags where you can write what clothing went into each cube. 

The Details: 5 bags included | 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large), 15 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small), and 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope) | Polyester

Other Packing Cubes We Liked

There were several sets of packing cubes we highlighted below that almost made our list of best packing cubes, but they fell short during testing due some minor flaws we noticed. 

Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes : This set of compression packing cubes is great for budget-friendly travelers but our top pick is also a compression set that had a better overall performance in testing. 

Lean Travel Premium Compression Packing Cubes : The set of three cubes is made with thick polyester that still feels lightweight, but besides that, there weren’t any standout features compared to our other top performers. 

Briggs & Riley Packing Cubes : These cubes were spacious and water-resistant, but for $59, we expected a higher performance to match the price for three standard packing cubes.

We evaluated 23 sets of both compression and regular packing cubes in our New York City lab and based our testing on traits like capacity, design, quality, and value. First, we unpackaged the sets of packing cubes and examined the quality of the bags by twisting and pulling them to check the stitchwork and using the zippers to see if they snagged or glided smoothly. After packing the cubes with a variety of clothing items like pants, jackets, undergarments, and shirts, we placed the cubes in a carry-on suitcase to see how well they fit in a piece of luggage. Our top contenders for capacity and design provided plenty of space for a range of clothing items with useful and thoughtful features that made packing easier and more organized.

For compression-specific packing cubes, we paid close attention to how much space the packing cube saved once we zipped the compression zippers. For all cubes, we splashed a bit of water on the exterior and felt the inside to see if any of the packed contents were damp. After testing each set of cubes in our lab, we sent them home to be tested during real travels around the world for six months. We regularly collected insights on durability, functionality, and overall quality during this period to ensure each cube continued to impress.

Tips for Buying Packing Cubes

Compare compression versus regular packing cubes.

Compression packing cubes are designed to condense clothing by using the compression zipper to pack down the clothes in order to save space in a suitcase. Regular packing cubes are mainly for organizing clothes efficiently rather than consolidating clothing to make more room in a piece of luggage. Compression packing cubes can usually be expanded or compressed which gives travelers the best of both worlds.

One of the best parts about packing cubes is staying organized on the go with little effort. To help you keep like items together, consider buying a set of multiple packing cubes with different sizes. That way, you can know without opening the case what cube holds your pants, your shirts, your undergarments, and more. The various size options also let you mix and match the cubes to fit whatever luggage you're bringing from weekender duffles to large checked bags.

Flexible fabrics like nylon or polyester are best for packing cubes as they'll allow you to pack the most items. These materials also tend to be water-resistant, keeping your items extra safe throughout your travels.

When it comes to saving space, experts say you can fold your clothes or roll them — it ultimately doesn’t matter. The most important thing is maximizing your space, and packing cubes are great for doing just that. Besides saving space, packing cubes can help you stay organized before and during your trip making them a must-have travel organizer .

For travelers who usually use checked luggage, consider purchasing a set with five or six cubes included so you can maximize space in each suitcase. And, if you’re a carry-on-only type of traveler, one or two packing cubes in small or medium sizes could be better suited for your needs, and you won’t have to worry about storing a large set either. Backpackers or campers should consider getting just one or two compression or regular cubes that can fit in a backpack or weekender bag for lighter packing .

Depending on the size of your packing cubes and luggage, the bags can be placed in either compartment of a suitcase or duffel bag. As always, you'll want to do your best to evenly distribute the heavy packing cubes so the bag doesn't become top or bottom-heavy. Ideally, the rectangle shape of your cubes should make it easy to take up every inch of space in a suitcase.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is an associate commerce editor at Travel + Leisure , covering all of the best travel products from luggage to footwear. A recently converted compression packing cube user, Anna didn't know what she was missing out on until investing in multiple sets of packing cubes. She put together this list of the best packing cubes based on the results from the packing cube test we conducted in our New York City lab.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

• My Favourites

Big W takes on Kmart with $25 packing cubes ‘the best ever’

It’s the suitcase accessory travellers are raving about — and it’s now available for cheap as Big W battles Kmart for holiday-makers’ dollars.

Big thing that could soon be missing on your flight

Reason for Qantas app ‘privacy breach’

Singapore Airlines just launched a new route to Europe, I was first onboard

Kmart’s been clocking up some serious kudos among travellers in recent years, with its $49 suitcases and $9 packing cubes among packing gear that’s gained a cult following.

These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article.  Learn more

But now Big W has brought out the big guns to fight back in the battle for travellers’ dollars.

The discount retailer’s newly expanded travel range includes new accessories from the highly-reviewed Globite brand, including packing cubes.

The budget retailer is selling the cubes for $25 for a three-pack — cheaper than the $29.95 they retail for via other suppliers or direct from Globite.

And while that’s still more than three times the price of Kmart’s packing cubes, some travellers swear the extra investment is worth it.

THE $49 KMART CARRY-ON FREQUENT FLYER SWEARS BY

THE $9 KMART KNOCK-OFF EVERY TRAVELLER NEEDS

GET IN LINE: $40 ALDI SUITCASE YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

Among glowing reviews posted on the Globite website, the cubes are described as “the best ever”.

“I have bought other packing items and none compare for the quality, great sizing options and ease of packing and durability,” one customer wrote.

“Priceless,” posted another. “I don’t know how I could have coped living out of a suitcase for six weeks without these treasures.”

By comparison, a recent review of Kmart’s $9 packing cubes describes them as “not as robust as the other brands, and I can’t vouch for their longevity on a round-the-world trip, but for $9, they’ll separate your jocks from your jumpers”.

PACKING CUBES REVIEWED: HOW THE $9 KMART ONES COMPARE

Other Globite items Big W has added to its range include a $10 waterproof phone case, $15 travel pillow, $20 travel wallet and $25 foldable tote bag.

Also new to Big W is a 60cm hard-shell Regent Street suitcase , priced at $80.

Big W’s expansion of its travel range to compete with rival Kmart follows a similar attempt to challenge Kmart’s dominance on the homewares front last year, and Aldi’s success with its travel themed Special Buys sales .

For more travel news and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter .

THIS $2 SUITCASE HACK HAS TRAVELLERS HOOKED

SUITCASE SECRETS: THIS TIP CHANGED MY LIFE

THE $3 KMART ITEM THAT WILL SAVE YOUR TRIP

Removing the ability to recline your seat is the latest step in "airlines degrading their economy class products," according to aviation experts.

Qantas has revealed the likely reason behind the error which saw customers receiving other people’s details instead of their own.

Jetting over to Europe just got easier, as Singapore Airlines launches direct flights to Brussels, for the first time in more than 20 years. 

Airlines all do same thing after rival’s big fall

Not long after Bonza announced it had gone into voluntary administration, three of the country’s biggest carriers all did the same thing.

Local news:

7NEWS in your inbox: Sign up here for newsletters

Kmart shoppers go wild over $18 product that will change the way you travel long-haul flights.

Must-have travel product sending shoppers wild

Travellers are obsessing over an $18 product from Kmart that takes long-haul flights to the next level.

Shoppers believe they have found the perfect travel pillow for getting much-needed sleep on those often-difficult journeys.

The retailer’s inflatable front pillow may look “awkward” - but many customers raved they were able to sleep “comfortably” in their seats by leaning forward.

The pillow features a unique design with air vents to travellers to “naturally” lean forward, offering better support to the head and neck.

One shopper gave the pillow a five-star rating - but jokingly noted: “I am prepared to be laughed at”.

“Yes it is awkward looking but actually it’s really comfortable and perfect for long plane rides. Blows up very easy and also easy to deflate. A little tough to get back into the carry bag is my only complaint,” she said.

Another said she found the pillow “very comfy”.

“While I did still get minimal sleep, I think that was more me rather than the pillow. So many different ways to sleep on it which I loved and only takes a couple of breaths to inflate. Packs down probably smaller or similar to a basic travel pillow with the nice little bag. Can’t complain, it did a very good job,” she said.

While one shared: “Purchased for a long flight. Very easy to inflate and deflate. Lightweight, folds flat. Used for part of the flight and was able to sleep.”

The product comes just weeks after Jess Ricci , a digital creator from Melbourne , shared rave reviews about a “wrap around” neck pillow.

“If you’re planning on catching a long haul flight, this $10 Kmart find is a MUST,” she captioned the post.

“This $10 Kmart travel product will change your life. No, it’s not a weird neck brace - it’s the wrap-around neck pillow.

“There’s a structured centre to support your neck upright and then a scarf-like wrap that you whip around and secure in place.

“It’s not the cutest but believe me when I say it’ll give you the best in-flight sleep you have ever had.”

Ricci believed the budget accessory is a dupe of the $80 Trtl travel neck pillow.

“I LOVE my Trtl, but the Kmart one is a much more affordable option,” she said.

7NEWS.com.au received no monetary benefit from this content.

For more engaging lifestyle content, visit 7Life on Facebook .

The Kmart item is a dupe of a very popular $30 item.

Free Same Day Pick up Order by 12pm, pick up after 4pm.

Globite Silicone Travel Bottles 100mL

You could collect 17 points

Product Features:

• Easy to squeeze with non drip lid
• Complies with airline safety standards for carrying liquids on board
• Holds 100mL each

Free Shipping When You Buy 4 or More Tubes

Tube - the travel pillow you stuff with clothes.

A winning combination of functionality, versatility, and convenience for travelers everywhere. The revolutionary Tube travel pillow is more than just a pillow. It’s a practical solution that saves you money! 

• Extra storage without added baggage fees (holds three day's worth of clothes)
• Attaches to duffels, totes, briefcases, and backpacks
• Delivers customized neck or lumbar support

Join The Tubular Family

• Verified Tube Traveler
• Verified Tube Traveller

So Many Reasons Why More Than 50,000 Happy Customers Rely on the Tube

Rely on the, flies through security – no questions asked.

Breeze past security checks hassle-free. As the Tube is designed to be a travel pillow!

It’s Roomy and Holds More Than You Think

More space than you’d believe, packing convenience is taken to a whole new level.

Customized Neck and Back Support

Since you pack it yourself, you determine whether it is firm or soft.

Belts Around Your Waist and Sling It Over Your Shoulder

Secure fit, hands-free and the perfect fit for your personal comfort.

Packs In Its Own Pocket

Compact, smart, and ready to go wherever you do – no extra bags needed.

Easily Attaches to Personal Items and Carry-Ons

A travel essential that sticks with you, keeping your comfort in check.

It’s Versatubular! Perfect For All Occasions

For city and outdoor adventures, the Tube is perfect for hiking, biking, sightseeing and more…

So, What Makes The Tube Special?

Eliminate excess baggage fees, versatubular, from city escapes to outdoor adventures, the tube's got your back, always, peace of mind, it's especially handy when you reach your destination, but your luggage takes a detour, 2 in 1 design, works as a comfy pillow, and provides lumbar or neck support, when you stuff it with clothes, travel lighter & save more money, just zip, clip & go., easy to carry/use, lumber & neck support, comfortable travel pillow, no extra luggage fee when travelling, vesartile to all occasions, travelling, hiking, riding etc., vesartile to all occasions., provide extra luggage, packs in its own pocket, travel pillow, tubular travel pillow & pillow case, $ 49.95, $ 70.00.

• Additional storage with no baggage fees (fits up to 3 days worth of clothes)
• Slim, nimble and easy to use
• Exceptional neck and lumbar support

Roomy & Comfy

Hold up to 3 days worth of clothes and enjoy the comfort and support when wrapped around your neck

Light Weight & Versatile

Extremely lightweight and there are a million ways to use your Tube – travel, hiking, dance classes & etc

Premium Quality & Durable

It’s simple, we use the best material to produce high quality products that stand the test of time

Innovative Design

Slim, nimble and easy to use! The Tube is designed for all kinds of occasions

Don’t just take our word for it...

“This held 4 shirts, 2 long sleeves, 1 yoga pant, 6 socks, and 1 no underwire bra. Super helpful for my trip to Germany. I love that this also can fold into itself and zip up for easy storage.”

Jennifer Gates

“This not only made a comfortable and adjustable neck pillow, it provided increased packing space/weight. It worked perfectly for an international trip! Definitely recommend!!”

“I purchased this for a trip overseas – 9 hours on a plane. It allowed me to carry on extra “luggage” and was a very comfortable pillow. I was also able to hang it from the tray table to use as a foot rest.”

Shannon Caris

“Best Travel Pillow EVER!!!!!!!!.”

Upgrade Your Travel Game. Buy Your Tube Today!

Experience Comfort, Convenience, and Extra Storage Space. All at Once

And while you’re at it, get one for a friend!

Founder’s Story

In 2009, Tubular Travel was born from a fantastic partnership between Paul and Donna Cooper Mellion, then husband and wife. Paul’s job required extensive global travel, faced a common woe: his luggage lagged behind.

Seeking to pack better, he turned to Donna, his clever wife. A gifted seamstress, Donna had an idea – she’d craft a special case, like a sleeping bag’s cozy home, to fit his jacket. She created 5 – 6 prototypes prior to arriving at the current product design.

And Voila! The rest is history…

• Tube Accessories
• Refer & earn
• Business Inquiries
• How it works

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases.

By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.

© 2024 Tubular Travel. All rights reserved.

Designed By Arlie Media

• Privacy Policy

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

• Articles   >

The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.