clear zip bags for travel

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Clarity Pouch Small

• Clarity Pouch Small Black - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Small Dove Grey - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Small Hot Pink - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Small Ivory - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Small Natural - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Small Petal - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Small Toffee - Nylon - Small Regular price $45.00 Regular price Sale price $45.00 Unit price /  per 

Clarity Pouch Medium

• Clarity Pouch Medium Black - Nylon - Medium Regular price $48.00 Regular price Sale price $48.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Medium Dove Grey - Nylon - Medium Regular price $48.00 Regular price Sale price $48.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Medium Natural - Nylon - Medium Regular price $48.00 Regular price Sale price $48.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Medium Toffee - Nylon - Medium Regular price $48.00 Regular price Sale price $48.00 Unit price /  per 

Clarity Pouch Large

• Clarity Pouch Large Black - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Large Dove Grey - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Large Hot Pink - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Large Sold out Ivory - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Large Natural - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Large Petal - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 
• Clarity Pouch Large Toffee - Nylon - Large Regular price $50.00 Regular price Sale price $50.00 Unit price /  per 

Vanity Pouch Set

• Vanity Pouch Set Black - Leather Regular price $125.00 Regular price Sale price $125.00 Unit price /  per 
• Vanity Pouch Set Chalk - Leather Regular price $125.00 Regular price Sale price $125.00 Unit price /  per 

Privacy Multi-Tasking Pouch Set

• Privacy Multi-Tasking Pouch Set Black - Nylon Regular price $98.00 Regular price Sale price $98.00 Unit price /  per 
• Privacy Multi-Tasking Pouch Set Blush - Nylon Regular price $98.00 Regular price Sale price $98.00 Unit price /  per 
• Privacy Multi-Tasking Pouch Set Hot Pink - Nylon Regular price $98.00 Regular price Sale price $98.00 Unit price /  per 
• Privacy Multi-Tasking Pouch Set Toffee - Nylon Regular price $98.00 Regular price Sale price $98.00 Unit price /  per 
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5 clear toiletry bags for travel that are TSA compliant

Thanks to being a TSA PreCheck member for nearly a decade, I can't recall the last time a TSA agent asked me to remove my toiletry bag from my carry-on when passing through security. Not having to deal with rummaging through luggage to remove your toiletries (along with electronics) is just one of the many perks of TSA PreCheck, the expedited security program.

But unfortunately, PreCheck benefits do not extend internationally. In my experience, certain airports abroad, including London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) , are much stricter in enforcing the universal quart-sized toiletry bag rule. In fact, the last time I flew from Heathrow, a security agent actually made me empty my entire quart-sized bag, which admittedly had several of the mini-sized products from the hotel I had stayed at sticking out. (In my defense, the products in question were Le Labo from the London Edition in the West End.)

Even so, I stood there and watched him put every last item back into the two plastic bags he supplied. Although I was slightly irritated during this process, it was a good reminder to travel with a compliant toiletry bag and to not let the opportunity for free La Labo result in trying to cram nine bottles into your bag at the last minute.

When traveling in Europe, for example, passengers are restricted to a one-liter transparent plastic bag for their liquids, aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, creams, gels, etc., per the European Union . Domestically, you must put your liquids in a quart-sized bag (approximately 7 x 8 inches in size, though TSA does not specify measurement requirements), with each product less than 3.4 ounces, per the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Even if you are traveling abroad, all travelers departing from the U.S. must adhere to the quart-sized bag rule, which is why we've compiled this guide with some of our favorite clear TSA-compliant toiletry bags.

TPG's favorite carry-on toiletry bags

Clear Toiletry Bag, Bagsmart 3 Pack , $11.99 at Amazon

Since we love a deal here at TPG, let's start with one of the cheapest options on this list. Thanks to Bagsmart, you can purchase a three-pack of bags measuring 7.5 x 5.9 x 2.2 inches for just under $12.

"Bagsmart bags are inexpensive and have held up to my frequent use," says TPG family travel writer Tarah Chieffi, who also uses them abroad. "They are great for international travel when you often still have to remove your liquids from your luggage and put them through separately. And they come in a lot of fun colors so you can match them to your luggage."

Stasher Quart Bag, $19.99 at Stasher

Another budget-friendly option comes to us from Stasher, which I can personally attest to as having high-quality yet affordable products — I've used the brand's Pocket Bag ($7.99) to hold my headphones when traveling. Thanks to the brand's range of reusable bags which meet any size needs, it has at least two options for TSA-friendly toiletry bags, such as the signature Quart Bag, measuring 8.75 x 7.5 inches.

"I started using them as my go-to toiletry bag because they're super durable, washable, see-through (so easy to find what you need inside) and they have a little stretch, which is great when you need to cram in just one or two extra things," TPG global features managing editor Melanie Lieberman told me.

She also likes the brand's stand-up bags, such as the Stand-Up Mini Bag ($17.99, 5.5 x 7.5 inches), whose flat bottoms allow the bags to stand up on their own, a feature that is hard to find.

The Clear Pouch Set , $45 at Away

Away is known for its ubiquitous hardshell suitcases, including its top-rated carry-on, my personal favorite. Beyond suitcases, the brand has expanded into travel accessories, including its Clear Pouch Set, which in true Away style, features two TSA-approved bags, one large and one small, that are also spill-proof.

With a leather-like trim, these bags have a folded bottom that expands for extra room but still packs flat. The small one measures 7.3" x 0.8" x 4.3" inches with a 0.3 liter capacity, making it suitable for your liquids, while the larger one, at 8.66" x 0.8" x 5.3" inches with a 0.5 liter capacity, also meets TSA size requirements.

Plus, these bags fit seamlessly into the corresponding Away Toiletry Bag ( small and large versions are available online for $55 and $75, respectively) and — like all Away products — you can try this bag combo for free for 100 days and return at no cost if you are not satisfied. But based on my experience with Away products, you won't want to return it.

Small Clear Cosmetics Case , $75 at Cal Pak

If you are concerned about see-through aesthetics yet still want to be able to carry on your liquids (which to be honest, I can relate to), consider the Mini Clear Cosmetics Case from Cal Pak for $75. At 8 x 4 x 6 inches, it still weighs less than a pound despite being more substantial than the other bags on this list.

"The Calpak Clear Cosmetic Case is large enough to hold all of your toiletries, but still small enough to fit in your luggage," says Tarah. "The separate compartments help you stay organized and because it's clear, it's easy to find what you are looking for."

With a range of classic colors (mauve, stone, caramel and black) and limited editions like the dragonfruit one currently available, this bag is sure to meet your style needs. It has a lay-flat carrying handle, a water-resistant lining and features two zippered compartments to effectively organize your items. And, it's covered by a one-year limited warranty.

If you ultimately need more space and decide to check a bag, Cal Pak also has a larger version of the Clear Cosmetics Case for $95.

Bottom line

Each of these toiletry bag options is TSA-compliant to meet the agency's 3-1-1 liquid rule and quart-size bag requirements, so you shouldn't have any issues using any of them, even if you are not a PreCheck member and have to remove it from your carry-on to go through TSA security.

Although you could technically use a plastic Ziploc quart bag, it's 2022, and we simply cannot be out there using single-use plastic every time we travel.

Remember that these are TPG's top choices for carry-on bags — TSA size requirements do not apply to checked bags. Be sure to stay tuned for our guide to the best larger toiletry bags.

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The 10 Best Clear Travel Makeup Bags of 2024

Almost all of our picks are 3-1-1 TSA-compliant.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• 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

Hitting the road soon? A toiletry bag is an on-the-go essential, and if you’re flying with a carry-on only, you may be left scrambling with a quart-sized plastic one that can tear before you even reach your destination. When vetting the best clear makeup bags, we took into account features such as durability, function, style, and cost. Whether you travel a little or a lot, the best clear makeup and toiletry bags will be able to fit most, if not all, of your bathroom and makeup essentials and withstand the wear and tear that travel can impart.

The EzPacking Store’s TSA-approved 3-1-1 Travel Toiletry Bag came in as our best overall since it’s durable, spacious enough to fit ten 3.4-ounce containers, and takes the guesswork out of choosing the right-sized bag. Looking for something with reusable containers included? Maybe you’d rather have something a bit more stylish, or sturdy enough to survive weekly trips? We’ve got you covered with our top picks. Here are the best clear travel makeup bags to buy to keep your liquids, creams, and pastes in one place on the go.

Best Overall

Ezpacking store travel toiletry bag.

It’s TSA-compliant and big enough to fit up to ten travel-size containers. 

It’s just one main compartment with no organization options.

This spacious TSA-approved travel makeup bag takes the guesswork out of choosing liquids that will pass through the security screening point. We appreciate the fact that it has enough room to fit up to ten 3.4-ounce travel containers, so you don’t have to make sacrifices to bring the basics with you. It’s clear on five out of six sides, making it easy to find what you’re looking for without too much fishing. While we wonder if we might like the bag better if it had a clamshell design so we’d have two compartments to work with, the zip-around top lid does allow you to take advantage of as much available depth as possible. 

A bottom nylon panel, matching nylon trim lining, and a double-stitched carrying handle are available in 11 bright and bold colors for a pop of personality. Both the nylon and the clear plastic PVC window panels are splash-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about wiping down your shower toiletries before plopping them in the bag. For the price, durability, and color choices, this clear travel makeup bag is a great value.

The Details: PVC plastic, nylon | 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches

Best Budget

Sephora reusable bag.

It’s sturdy with soft, flexible sides and can be reused several times.

Going through security can be a gamble since the bag isn’t 100 percent clear.

If you’re inclined to just shove your toiletries into a plastic zipper-sealed quart bag to get through security, consider this Sephora travel pouch a worthwhile upgrade. Five bucks will give you a simple, soft, and sturdy pouch to securely store your basic travel-size toiletries or makeup, and you can feel good about saving landfills from single-use plastics since the pouch can be reused over and over. We like that the material is thick but not rigid and that you never have to worry if it’s closed all the way since it has a zipper closure with easy pull tabs. Plus, it’s leak-resistant and can safely hold glass cosmetic jars without concern. One drawback is that it may not get the green light from all security agents because the repeated Sephora text technically stops it from being completely clear. 

The Details: 7.5 x 8.25 inches

Best Customizable

Stoney clover lane travel pouch.

Stoney Clover Lane

It’s a fun way to make your makeup bag your own.

Being overly creative can get costly. 

Want a travel makeup bag that is definitively a little more you than the rest? Stoney Clover Lane’s Travel Pouch offers a gaggle of customization options by mixing, matching, and placing your choice of patches on the side of its standard clear, zippered makeup pouch. Choose from colorful numbers, letters, and seemingly endless patches of cartoon characters, sports teams, and shapes. (Hint: Use the search bar to save time.) Fair warning: customization can get pricey. Prices start at $38 with 14 color options for bag trim, plus a $15 blanket fee for customization and extra cost for each patch. But that’s a small price to pay for a one-of-a-kind makeup bag. Customize at your own risk — security may not appreciate your flare for design as much as the rest of us. 

The Details: Nylon, vinyl, metal | 4.5 x 7.75 x 2 inches

Best Hanging

Tanto hanging toiletry bag.

You can detach a small section to pack in your carry-on.

The main portion of the bag must be packed in checked luggage. 

If you’re the type of traveler that brings everything but the kitchen sink, this four-compartment clear makeup and toiletry bag is a godsend. The two main middle compartments are big enough to fit large items such as styling sprays, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or full-sized makeup brushes. The top and bottom are two smaller zippered sleeves that are perfect for packing less bulky items like face masks, hair ties, travel makeup brushes, travel-sized containers, or makeup palettes. Because of the size of the main compartments, you’ll need to pack this in your checked luggage when flying, but you can detach the smaller bottom compartment to use as your clear TSA-approved liquids bag. 

The Details: PVC plastic, metal hook | 10.24 x 2.36 x 12.2 inches

Mark And Graham Clear Travel Cosmetic Case

Mark And Graham

It has a sophisticated design and is made with quality materials.

There are only two trim colors to choose from. 

The Mark & Graham Clear Travel Cosmetics Case is a go-to luxury travel makeup bag for travelers who can’t (or won’t) part with their big-bottle toiletries. You’ll get a whopping six inches of depth and 10 inches of length with this bag. We love how the trim only runs across the top and bottom but not the sides, a look that differentiates this bag from so many others that have trim tracing each corner. It’s spendy, but it’s big and made with upgraded materials like thick and durable TPU plastic windows and classy vegan leather trim. You also have the option to add one to three letters of vinyl decal personalization on the side for a flat charge of $12.50. Unfortunately, it’s only available in camel and navy — and the big size falls into the must-check category. 

The Details: TPU plastic, vegan leather | 10 x 6 x 5.5 inches

Morfone Store Travel Bottles Set

It’s a 15-piece set that covers all the essentials. 

The spray bottle tips are known to clog or be faulty.

This travel bottle set is so complete, it makes us feel like we’ve been putting up with less than we deserve for too long. This 25-piece set comes with four soft silicone squeeze bottles in two sizes, two spray bottles, and four screw-top containers in two sizes that can be used for gels, creams, or pills. You’ll also get a mini funnel, two small spoons to help transfer your products into the containers, and a small cleaning brush. Plus, everything fits easily into a TSA-approved clear plastic carrying case. We love that the bottles all come in black-and-white doubles, so it’s easy to keep track of what’s in which container (or to split the set between two people and still know whose is whose instantly). Sometimes, the spray bottles can get clogged, so definitely test them out before filling them with any product. 

The Details: BPA, food-grade silicone; plastic | 6.38 x 5.71 x 2.05 inches

Best with Handles

Wedama tsa approved toiletry bags 2 pack.

It comes with a TSA-compliant bag and a larger bag that can hold regular-sized toiletries. 

The PVC plastic windows can smudge quickly and may require frequent cleaning. 

We like the Wedama TSA-approved Toiletry Bag 2-pack because the handles have extra leeway, making them easy to grip and hold onto. You can even use the handles to hang them. This set comes with two bags: a larger bag big enough to fit most standard, regular-sized toiletry bottles and makeup brushes, and a smaller bag that complies with the TSA 3-1–1 rules for liquids. You’ll have to pack the larger bag in your checked luggage, but the smaller one is fine to go with you through security (just make sure the containers inside follow TSA guidelines, too). Plastic PVC windows on the top and bottom easily allow you to find what you need, but they also smudge easily and need to be wiped down. 

The Details: PVC plastic, waterproof fabric | 7.8 x 2.4 x 5.9 inches for medium, 10.8 x 3.6 x 7.6 inches for large

Best Splurge

Calpak small clear cosmetics case.

The design details really make it stand out.

Loading it up via the U-shaped interior zippers can feel a little weird at first. 

This Calpak Mini Clear Cosmetics Case is spendy, but if you’ve got the budget or travel frequently, it’s not likely to disappoint. It’s a TSA-compliant size with two zippered compartments separated in a clamshell design. Fully clear side front and back panels make it easy to spot what you need right away, even if the bag is closed. It’s the small details that make this bag stand out, as does the variety of colors to choose from. We also like the design pop created by the lines of the interior U-shaped loading compartment and how the faux leather accents and trim paired with polished gold metal hardware work to elevate the look. At this price point, we are a little disappointed with the use of PVC plastic windows and plastic zippers. 

The Details: Faux leather, PVC plastic | 8 x 4 x 6 inches

Best Durable

Aveniee makeup bag for women.

Reinforced sides and upgraded materials make this boxy makeup bag more resilient against the wear and tear of travel. 

It’s only available in black, pink, and cream. 

This simple but strong travel makeup bag swaps out flimsier materials for more durable upgrades like PU leather trim, thick vinyl windows, and heavy-duty metal zippers. It’s a top-loading design with a zip-around closure and features a stitched carry handle on one end. We like that the dual-sided large windows make it easy to locate whatever we’re looking for and that the large size is still TSA-compliant while being deep enough to fit standard travel-size containers without feeling overstuffed. The bag’s materials are waterproof, giving us peace of mind against accidental spills or splashes. Plus, keeping it clean is as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth. We’d love to see this bag available in additional colors or even patterned designs. 

The Details: PU leather, vinyl | 9 x 6.5 x 3 inches

Best Organization

Diyoohomy clear makeup bag double layer.

It’s a versatile two-compartment bag with strap organization that is still TSA-compliant. 

You have to put a little more thought into how you’ll utilize the specific components. 

Finding a clear TSA-compliant makeup bag that also has decent organization features can be tough — things get bulky quickly and run the risk of exceeding TSA limits. Luckily, the Diyoohohmy Double Layer Makeup Bag checks all the boxes, if at a basic level. Instead of a two-sided clamshell design, this bag features two main compartments with zip-around top lids. The main compartment is approximately three inches deep and can hold multiple travel-size bottles and jars, shaving products, or a collection of makeup. Flip it over for access to a shallow side with built-in straps for holding makeup brushes, toothbrushes, razors, or similar items. This design won’t complement everyone’s needs, but it’s a nice option to have. 

The Details: PVC plastic, metal, PU leather | 6.3 x 9 x 3.5 inches

Tips for Buying Clear Travel Makeup Bags

Prioritize durability.

In an effort to save money and lower plastic waste, choose a clear travel makeup case that can be used again and again. If you travel frequently, you’ll also want to make sure you grab a bag that won’t easily tear, rip, or bust at the seams — or your clothes could pay the price.

Pick the right size for your needs

When it comes to packing, space is a hot commodity. Before you purchase your clear travel makeup bag, take a look at what you’re aiming to put inside of it. If you can get away with a smaller bag, why not take up less space? If it looks like you’ll have too many items, think about what you can pack in your checked luggage or see if you can break up the items amongst several different carry-on bags in your party.

Consider organization

It’s harder to find clear travel makeup bags with built-in organization. Many clear makeup bags have a top lid or pouch design with only one compartment or a split clamshell design with two compartments. Take a minute to take stock of what you’re hoping to pack inside your travel makeup bag. Are you going to want to separate any items or containers? Do you mind fishing for smaller items inside of a large, single compartment? Remember to keep the TSA rules in mind as you search — make sure the bag is the right size and is truly see-through. 

A typical quart-sized bag measures 7 inches by 8 inches. 

Any makeup or toiletry items that have the potential to leak should be placed into a clear travel bag when flying. This includes (but is not limited to) lotions, shampoo, conditioner, foundation, facial serum, toner, and usually gels, creams, and pastes. Remember to keep these in containers that hold no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.

We don’t recommend using any clear makeup bags larger than a quart when traveling. While you may get away with it at some airports, others are very strict (we’re looking at you, England). You don’t want to get held up on either side of your travels for something easily avoidable; it’s not worth the risk. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure?

For this story, T+L contributor and frequent traveler Katherine Alex Beaven completed hours of research on clear travel makeup bags, keeping key features such as size, shape, quality of materials, and overall design top of mind. 

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Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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