travel clock digital

The 10 Best Travel Alarm Clocks of 2024

Wake up and enjoy your trip

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Being on vacation should be relaxing, but we all know that prepping for a trip can be stressful. A reliable travel alarm clock removes one of the biggest worries—missing your flight—and gives you the freedom to switch off your phone and still get up on time for tours and transfers throughout your trip. Travel alarm clocks vary considerably in features and looks, ranging from basic folding clocks to digital smart clocks and quirky analog ones with a vintage aesthetic.

Standard features to look out for include lightness, reliability, and the option to run off a battery (making them ready for action wherever your adventures take you).

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, travelwey digital travel alarm clock.

Protective cover

On/off switch neutralizes buttons in transit

One-year free replacement guarantee

Limited features

Batteries not included

If you like simplicity, you’ll love Travelwey’s digital travel alarm clock. Revised to accommodate user requests for a no-frills product that prioritizes functionality and ease of use, the clock lacks many of the extra features of others on this list. It doesn’t have a temperature gauge, date function, or radio integration, but it does keep time beautifully, with a large display and an effective snooze alarm. 

It’s one of the most affordable and best-reviewed travel alarm clocks out there, with several clever design elements, including forward-facing buttons, an on-demand light that illuminates the screen for five seconds, and a folding cover that doubles as a handy stand. For many, one of the best features is the on/off button, which prevents other buttons from being pressed in transit but maintains time for when it’s switched back on. Choose yours in black or white. 

Dimensions: 2.7 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches | Weight: 3 ounces | Power Source: Two AA batteries | Display Style: Digital

Best Budget

Sharp digital alarm clock.

A low price point

Ascending alarm for gentler waking

Backlight with auto-off

Very basic features

No protective cover for display

Another travel alarm clock that functions as a simple, easy-to-use timekeeper and alarm (and not much more), this offering from Sharp is one of the most cost-effective options on the market. It receives excellent user reviews, with satisfied customers praising its compact size and large, clearly legible LCD display. The clock’s tactile soft rubber case is a unique selling point, providing durability and style in one attractive package. 

The alarm increases in volume as time passes, giving you the chance to wake up gently and switch it off before it becomes aggressively loud. You can do so using the large, easily accessible buttons on top of the clock. The snooze button doubles as an on-demand backlight, illuminating the display with blue light for five seconds whenever you wish to read the time in the middle of the night. The fact that the light is not on permanently helps to save battery life.

Dimensions: 4 x 1.7 x 2.3 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Power Source: Two AAA batteries | Display Style: Digital

Best for Heavy Sleepers

Screaming meanie 220 alarm clock and timer.

Tested for toughness

Three volume options

Pocket-sized design

Requires setting the alarm every day

Your fellow travelers may hate you

The Screaming Meanie 220 alarm clock is the answer for those who have hearing deficiencies or routinely sleep hard. There are three loudness settings to choose from—70, 90, or 120 decibels. The highest is equivalent to a chainsaw at close range and is guaranteed to cut through even the loudest ambient noise. There’s no chance of turning it off in your sleep and rolling over again, either—you need two hands to disable it. 

You can set an alarm time or use the countdown timer to set a specific number of hours and minutes until you need to get up. There’s even a clip on the back of the clock for attaching it to your backpack while in transit. Designed to fit in a pocket and subjected to a 30-foot drop test, the Screaming Meanie provides ultimate compactness and durability. It comes with clear instructions, in black, green, or blue.

Dimensions: 6 x 2.5 x 1 inches | Weight: 5.9 ounces | Power Source: One 9-volt battery | Display Style: Digital

Best with Temperature Gauge

Peakeep smart night light digital alarm clock.

Easy to operate

Choose between standard or military time

Available in five attractive colors

Not as light as some other options on this list

This travel alarm clock from Peakeep comes with an indoor temperature gauge—handy for knowing whether to open a window or adjust the AC before climbing into bed. It’s compatible with a temperature range of 15.8 to 122 degrees F and can display information in Celsius, too. Similarly, you can choose to read the time using the 12- or 24-hour clock—either way, the HD LCD display is easy to see from across the room. 

At night, a built-in ambient light sensor switches the backlight on automatically. You can adjust the brightness or turn it off entirely if you prefer to sleep in absolute darkness. When the alarm goes off, it emits a series of beeps that increase in frequency for 90 seconds. Hit the snooze button on top of the hard plastic frame for another eight minutes of sleep. The clock comes in five colors, including stylish shades of pastel blue, mint, and pink. 

Dimensions: 5.25 x 2 x 3 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Power Source: Three AAA batteries  | Display Style: Digital

Best Analog

Marathon mini non-ticking analog alarm clock.

Established brand

Quiet time keeping

Smart backlight

Backlight can't be dimmed

Heavier than other clocks on this list

Analog fans will love the tried-and-tested reliability of this miniature-sized alarm from the respected clockmaker Marathon. It features a classic aesthetic, accurate quartz movement, and a continuously sweeping second hand designed to be entirely silent—a godsend for those who hate being kept awake by the incessant ticking of many traditional clocks. The alarm is easy to set, with on/off and snooze buttons conveniently placed on top of the hard plastic frame.

This alarm clock features an ambient light sensor and automatically emits a soft glow when placed in a dark room, making the display easy to read at all hours; however, the brightness of the backlight cannot be adjusted, only switched off. Choose from various color options, including a blue case with a white dial, a white case with a white dial, or a black case with a black or white dial. Batteries come with all models.  

Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.9 inches | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Power Source: Two AA batteries | Display Style: Analog

iLuv Smart Shaker 3

Lots of customizable options

Long lasting

Only offers silent alarm

Doesn't display the time

The disc-shaped iLuv Smart Shaker 3 represents the newest generation of travel alarm clocks. It pairs with your smartphone via an easy-to-use app to schedule multiple alarms for different times and days at the press of a button. LED indicators on the shaker notify you of its battery life and any incoming calls, messages, or social media events on your phone. And, since it stores all settings internally, it works even when your phone is off. 

Unlike the other alarms on this list, this is not an audio alarm. Instead, the disc wakes you by vibrating underneath your pillow. You can choose one of five vibration strengths, depending on how deeply you sleep, and wake up without disturbing your sleeping partner. The alarm clock comes with a USB charging cable that requires mains power; however, it claims to last 14 days on a single charge. 

Dimensions: 1.7 x 5.3 x 6.9 inches | Weight: 9.9 ounces | Power Source: Mains | Display Style: N/A

Best Radio Alarm

Bejamy fm radio alarm clock.

Large snooze button on top of clock

Adjustable brightness

Power cable is short

For some of us, loud beeping is the worst thing to wake up to in the morning. Enter radio alarm clocks. Start the day right with music or your favorite radio DJ. This model from Bejamy has a radio auto search to quickly scan through FM stations and a telescoping antenna for better signal and portability. It's compact and lightweight—great for travel or placing around the house wherever you need it.

A large LED face is easy to read and there's an option for red or blue numbers. Below the display are several buttons to set alarms and choose between a 12- or 24-hour reading. This radio is powered via batteries or a DC power adapter and has a USB input for charging other devices. And don't worry about waking up for an important flight or meeting; you can also choose a "wake up to buzzer" alarm.

Dimensions: 4.7 x 1.5 x 3.8 inches | Weight: 10 ounces | Power Source: Three AAA battery | Display Style: Digital

Best Pocket-Sized

Peakeep battery travel alarm clock with snooze and light.

Small, palm-sized clock

Progressive and effective alarm

Difficult to read from across the room

Can only be set 12 hours in advance

Probably the tiniest travel alarm clock on the market, this pocket-sized offering from PEAKEEP measures just 2.25 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches and weighs only two ounces—perfect for those who like to travel light. It features a quartz-movement analog display with a silent-sweeping second hand for a quiet night’s sleep. Need to read the time? Press the manual backlight button on the front of the clock to illuminate the dial. 

The ascending alarm features a series of beeps that get faster and louder in four stages until you hit the snooze button or tap the large on/off switch. The latter rests on top of the clock for easy access. This battery-powered and stylish little clock comes in three colors—black, white, and aquamarine. Easy to find wherever your travels take you, the battery should last for over six months.

Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches | Weight: 2 ounces | Power Source: One AA battery | Display Style: Analog

Best Atomic

Sharper image atomic travel alarm clock.

Options for customization

Optional auto nightlight

Easy-to-read acrylic face

Relatively expensive

The atomic clock only works in the U.S.

This Sharper Image travel alarm clock uses common radio waves to sync with the U.S. Atomic Clock and is ideal for business travelers who frequently move about the country. Select one of four time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific), and rest assured that the time will always be 100% updated and accurate. The clock even switches automatically to Daylight Savings Time. The clock can be set manually when you travel outside these four time zones. 

Its clear display shows the time (in 12- or 24-hour format), date, day of the week, indoor temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit), and alarm status. The backlight comes on automatically when it gets dark; you can disable this function and simply press the snooze button to activate the light on demand. The alarm beeps for 60 seconds, while the snooze function triggers a crescendo alarm that sounds five times at five-minute intervals. 

Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.75 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Power Source: Two AA batteries | Display Style: Digital

Pilife Mini Vintage Alarm Clock

Retro design in a wide choice of colors

Manual backlight

Non-ticking

Challenging to set alarm for precise times

Can't be snoozed

Pilife’s stainless steel mini alarm clock adds a touch of retro glamor to your hotel room, hostel, or vacation rental. Inspired by vintage bedside clocks, it features a circular analog display with 3D numbers, little chrome feet, and a pair of top-mounted alarm bells. You can also choose from various on-trend colors, including pastel blue, pink, purple, and mint or keep it classic with black or white. 

In addition to looking the part, the clock is ideally sized for travel at just three inches in diameter. It features accurate quartz movement, a silent-sweeping second hand, and a backlight that can be activated at the press of a button. The alarm sound itself is extra-loud and therefore ideal for heavy sleepers. However, there’s no snooze button—which could be a pro or a con, depending on your perspective. 

Dimensions: 3.3 x 1.5 x 4.7 inches | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Power Source: One AA battery | Display Style: Analog

For a travel alarm clock with all the bells and whistles, we like the Sharper Image Atomic Travel Alarm Clock . But for those who want to keep it simple, the affordable and reliable Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock is our top pick.

What to Look For in Travel Alarm Clocks

Portability.

By definition, portability is the top priority for a travel alarm clock. It should fit easily into your carry-on luggage , purse, or backpack pocket, and it should not add much weight. The most portable travel alarm clocks are usually those that fold flat; however, miniature versions of regular alarm clocks can be just as convenient.

Just how portable you need your alarm clock to be depends on the type of traveling you do. A backpacker on a round-the-world adventure, for example, is likely to need something much lighter than a business traveler on an overnight road trip.

Travel alarm clocks come with a wide variety of features, from radios and temperature gauges to the ability to integrate with your smartphone for Bluetooth notifications. If you’re a heavy sleeper, an extra-loud alarm bell might be the game changer you need; if you have a partner who doesn’t like to wake up when you do, a vibrating alarm could be helpful. Those who travel primarily within the U.S. may appreciate the superior accuracy of an atomic clock, while others may prefer the pared-back simplicity of an alarm clock with a backlight, a snooze button, and not much more.

There is a travel alarm clock for every budget, with options on this list alone ranging in price from just over $10 to almost eight times that much. All of them fulfill the most basic function, i.e., to wake you up on time for your sightseeing tour, meeting, or flight departure . How much you choose to spend after that depends on the extra features you want and how vital particular aesthetics or brand names are to you. Often, checking past customer reviews is a more reliable way of guaranteeing a good product than simply paying for the most expensive version. A quality travel alarm clock can easily cost under $20.

Although there’s nothing to stop you from traveling with a regular alarm clock or using your travel alarm clock back home, the main difference between the two is size. Travel alarm clocks are typically designed with portability and lightness in mind and are either compact or foldable or both.

The best travel alarm clocks are also extra-durable and battery-powered (circumventing any issues with different socket types or voltages at your destination).

Mains-powered alarm clocks are fine if you mainly travel domestically—but if you often go abroad, a battery-powered option is the better choice. That way, you don’t have to worry about packing an adapter or converter to enable compatibility with foreign plug sockets and voltages. If you find yourself without access to a plug point (in an airport terminal, for example, or on a camping adventure), your trusty alarm clock will still be able to wake you up on schedule.

You can, of course. But many seasoned travelers prefer the reliability of a battery-powered travel alarm clock that will work even when your phone has died (because you forgot to bring an adaptor, perhaps, or because you simply don’t have access to electricity while in transit). Some like to use an alarm clock as a backup for their phone ahead of that all-important flight, while others use one so that they can switch off their phone and truly relax while on vacation.

Jessica Macdonald is a seasoned traveler, having visited more than 50 countries across six continents, often with the help of a travel alarm clock. For this article, she researched more than 20 of the best products currently on the market, comparing them for price, features, and user reviews. To be considered, alarm clocks had to be battery-powered (or at least have battery backup). Size and weight were carefully considered, and preference was given to those marketed explicitly as “travel” or “compact” versions.

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The 10 Best Travel Alarm Clocks [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

765 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider with Travel Alarm Clocks

1. a simple alarm clock to get the job done, 2. gives you all the info you need, 3. a clock that fits anywhere, 4. an analog clock for light sleepers, 5. a stress-free autoset option, 6. sleek and stylish travel clock, 7. perfect option for night owls, 8. a compact and budget-friendly clock, 9. durable and user-friendly option, 10. an alarm clock that won’t startle you, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

It can be easy to fall out of your routine when you’re away from home. However, whether you’re traveling for fun or for business, making sure you wake up in a timely fashion is essential.

Packing a travel alarm clock on your trips can help ensure you always know what time it is. That way, you can stay on schedule without worrying about a dead phone battery or incorrectly synced time.

A travel alarm clock should be easy to use and guarantee that you’ll be able to wake up at your desired time. However, there are some different factors you should consider if you plan to purchase a travel alarm clock.

Volume and Alarm

The type of alarm a clock has is the first thing you should consider before you purchase one.

A heavy sleeper will want an alarm clock with loud or adjustable volume. A light sleeper, instead, should ensure their clock doesn’t emit a ticking sound that could disturb their rest.

Some alarm clocks have different sound settings regarding the type of alarm you can choose. For example, if a loud beeping might startle you, you’ll likely want to look for an option that uses a different noise.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of an alarm clock can affect how easy it is to travel with. If you tend to pack light or try to reduce the weight in your bag or backpack, you’ll want to find a compact clock that won’t take up much room.

However, lighter and smaller clocks often have fewer features which is another thing to consider. Larger clocks may have a screen that’s easier to see, but they’ll add extra weight or may take up more room in your luggage.

The material a clock is made out of might also be something you should consider before you purchase one. Many travel clocks are made out of plastic, however, the thickness and feel can differ between them.

If you have tactile issues, you might also want to look at clock options to suit your specific needs. For example, a rubberized clock might be easier to grip.

Bottom Line: You should also look at the difference in materials between any buttons and the rest of the clock if that might affect how you use it.

Power Source

The power source an alarm clock needs to work is another important thing you should consider, particularly depending on the type of travel you usually do.

Most travel alarm clocks are battery-powered. This is a universal option for all types of travel, however, it does mean you have to purchase new batteries.

Alarm clocks that are rechargeable are another viable option, as are clocks that use electricity. These options, however, might not work for international travel or if access to a suitable power source isn’t guaranteed (for example, camping trips).

While an alarm clock that stays in one place typically doesn’t have to withstand much wear and tear, the same can’t be said for travel clocks.

You’ll want to make sure your travel clock is made in a way that it won’t crack or chip easily. If you plan to take your clock camping, you might also want to look at water-resistant and dust-resistant options.

You’ll want to make sure your travel clock can withstand being banged around in transit without risking short circuits or malfunctions when you use it.

The 10 Best Travel Alarm Clocks

Travel alarm clocks aren’t all made the same, and it can be hard to decide which one will best fit the type of traveler you are.

To help you figure out what you should look for, we’ve compiled this list of the best travel alarm clocks on the market, including the pros and cons you should consider.

Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock

If what you’re looking for in a travel alarm clock is simplicity, the Travelwey is for you. This clock was designed for people who never use the other features that more advanced models offer.

Though the clock comes with a user manual, it’s intuitive to use , so even if you lose the instructions, you shouldn’t have trouble setting the alarm.

Thanks to its small size and how lightweight it is, the clock can fit in most backpacks, carry-on bags, or checked luggage, so it’s suitable for any travel.

It also only needs 2 AAA batteries, so it’s also extremely low-maintenance. Due to its simple screen display, the batteries don’t have to be changed often.

What We Like:

• It’s easy to use

What We Don’t Like:

• The alarm volume isn’t adjustable

MARATHON Travel Alarm Clock

If you’re someone who wants to make sure they’re prepared for the day from the moment they wake up, this Marathon model is a great travel clock for you.

This clock not only gives you the time but also displays the metric and imperial temperature , ensuring you know how to dress for the day.

The clock also comes with a calendar setting that shows the date, month, and day of the week, so you can keep on top of your schedule. This is particularly useful for people who travel a lot and can get confused or disoriented when they move between different time zones.

• It can display temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit
• The small screen can be cluttered with information

KWANWA Alarm Clock

The KWANWA alarm clock is perfect for people who want an option that can fit anywhere. Unlike a lot of travel clocks, this model doesn’t look particularly different from a standard digital alarm you’d find on anyone’s side table.

The numbers are displayed with red LED lights, which aren’t too harsh on the eyes in dim lighting. However, you can also adjust the brightness to suit your personal preferences, so even people with light sensitivities won’t suffer any eye strain.

The clock is easy to figure out and fairly intuitive, allowing you to choose the snooze setting and whether you prefer a 12- or 24-hour clock display.

• It can be used at home or while traveling
• It can be difficult to hang if that’s preferred

Marathon CL030053BL Classic Silent Sweep Alarm Clock

Analog clocks are preferred by some, but they can make rest difficult for light sleepers. The Marathon Classic doesn’t have that problem.

This travel clock was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. There’s no constant ticking sound as time goes by, so you don’t have to worry about any noise from your clock until it’s time for the alarm to go off.

This model also takes care of the analog problem of telling time in the dark. It has a built-in auto-glow that will allow you to easily read the time, even in the middle of the night.

The clock is also compact and fashionably vintage-looking, making it a fun decor piece you can take with you.

• Whisper quiet
• Less budget-friendly

SHARP Digital Alarm with AccuSet

Sharp’s AccuSet alarm is perfect for people who don’t want to constantly worry if they set their clock right.

Traveling can be stressful if it involves changing time zones. If your electronics don’t automatically adjust, it can be a hassle figuring out what time to set your clock to. Having an alarm clock that automatically sets itself to the correct time can be a huge convenience.

This alarm has the added bonus of being equipped with 2 power sources . It can run electrically, which is great if you’re traveling within an area that uses the same power outlets. However, it can also run on battery power, making it perfect for international travel.

• It adjusts automatically to the timezone
• Display can glitch

Betus Digital Travel Alarm Clock

If a lack of style is a potential deal-breaker for you, then you don’t have to worry about the Betus travel clock.

It might be a compact alarm that has a stand that doubles as a travel cover, but it’s still been designed to be sleek and fashionable. It’s smooth and comes in silver or black, so it will fit any decor seamlessly.

Despite its size, the clock also has a surprisingly large display for the time, date, and temperature . With a quick glance, you can find out most things you need to know about your day. It comes with a battery already installed, so you can start using it right away.

• It has a 1-year warranty
• Runs on less-common batteries

MARATHON Atomic Travel Alarm Clock

Marathon’s Atomic alarm clock model is made with night owls in mind. Its display automatically switches to a “night mode” setting during the night hours, so it won’t cause eye strain. However, if you prefer to decide when the light turns on or off, you can also set it manually.

The clock is also designed to automatically adjust if it’s within a 6-timezone span in North America.

Though European times would have to be manually set, you can adjust the clock’s language to 4 other options other than English , so it’s still a perfect choice for users around the world. The ideal travel perk of this clock, however, is that it weighs less than half a pound.

• Atomic setting
• Not as sturdy as other options

MARATHON Foldable Compact Travel Alarm Clock

A lot of travel clocks can be costly, and sometimes you just want something that gives you the information you need at a budget-friendly price.

Marathon’s foldable clock is a sturdy option that should last years. It’s easy to use with clearly labeled buttons and switches that are intuitive to follow.

The clock is less than 3 by 8 inches in size, making it small and portable . However, the display is still large enough to clearly see the time.

Though the clock is battery-powered, it doesn’t take much power to use — many people have claimed they’ve gone years before the battery needs to be changed. When the batteries do have to be changed, only 2 AAAs are needed.

• It’s simple to operate
• Light is only button-operated

SHARP Digital Alarm Clock

The Sharp digital alarm is a good option for you if you want an alarm clock that should stand up to a little rough-housing.

Unlike many options on the market, this model has a rubberized finish which helps protect it from cracking or breaking if knocked over or bumped around in a suitcase.

The rubber feel also makes the alarm easy to grip and use, making it a good choice for people who have mobility issues or who worry about accidentally dropping it.

The alarm is also a “crescendo” sound that gradually gets louder, which should protect against you being startled upon waking up, making for a more pleasant experience.

• Easy to feel for the buttons in the dark
• Blue light can be irritating

Braun Classic Analog Alarm Clock

If you hate the loud racket that comes with most alarm clocks, this Braun model might be the right choice for you.

Rather than a startling alarm, it wakes you up with a beeping sound that gets more frequent as more time passes without a reaction.

Though it’s an analog clock, you don’t have to worry about being kept awake or annoyed by ticking sounds. It’s been specifically designed to be quiet enough not to bother you or anyone else nearby.

When in low-lighting, you can also set the clock to have a back-lit glow, so you’ll always be able to tell the time.

• Perfect for any occasion and location
• Only has a 5-minute snooze interval

A travel alarm clock should help ensure you wake up at your desired time while on a trip. However, the specific characteristics that make your perfect alarm clock will vary depending on your needs.

You may want an alarm clock that also tells you the current temperature, or you might need a sturdy clock you can throw in your bag without worry.

Hopefully, our list has helped you narrow down your choices, so you can pick the right clock for your travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a travel clock.

A travel clock isn’t fundamentally different from a traditional alarm clock. Typically, they’re compact enough to easily fit into a suitcase. They’re often simple in design and tend to be battery-powered. That way, they can be used internationally or on trips where you may not have access to electricity.

Are travel alarm clocks worth it?

Travel alarm clocks can be worth it, depending on your travel needs. If you intend to use your phone often, thus causing the battery to drain, having a separate clock can help ensure you don’t miss an alarm.

What makes a good travel clock?

A good travel clock should be small and lightweight enough to not be cumbersome to travel with. It should also be durable enough to withstand being moved around and jostled. A good travel clock should also be easy to use and have an alarm that will actually wake you up.

Should I use a travel alarm clock?

You should use a travel alarm clock if you have to or want to stick to a strict time schedule while you’re away from home. However, if you’re traveling in a group, it’s best to ensure that everyone with you agrees to having an alarm set to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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You’ve got big plans on your next trip and don’t want to sleep in and miss them. So, we asked TFG readers to share their picks for the best travel alarm clock and this is what they said.

Best Travel Alarm Clock

Written By: Tae Haahrr

Table Of Contents

You’ve got big plans that you don’t want to miss—an excursion, walking tour, sunset boat ride—whatever it is that you’re excited about, you definitely don’t want to sleep through. So, you’ll need a portable clock.

There are a ton of travelers that like to use their smartphone as an alarm clock while they travel but considering the negative implications of using that little blue light emitting device right by your bed, we’d like to offer a few alternative ideas.

There may even be the occasional time you return home so exhausted that you forget to charge your phone before bedtime. Trust us, you don’t want this to keep you from missing your flight. Guilty—it’s happened!

If you’re looking for a travel clock that you can cart along to London , Bangkok , and Sydney , then here are our readers top picks:

Best Digital Travel Alarm Clocks

Travelway Digital Travel Clock

Travelway Digital Travel Alarm Clock

This Travelwey is a no-nonsense device. It tells you the time and wakes you up when you tell it to.

No bells and whistles, this clock can fold into an easy-to-pack size. It’s powered by two AAA batteries and easily switches on and off to save battery life while it’s not in use.

One TFG reader shares that a must-have for her is a “very inexpensive fold-up clock.” She also recommends bringing a few extra batteries for it!

If you’re looking for a travel clock that’s simple and easy to use, then this might be the one for you.

Noise-cancelling headphones can work wonders when it comes to blocking out the noise caused by snoring!

Marathon NightOwl

Marathon Battery-Operated Alarm Clock

The Marathon NightOwl is a great choice because of its small size and ability to conveniently fold up into a flat, packable form.

This alarm clock has the ability to switch between six time zones and five different languages. It has an automatic backlight and is battery operated (no international plugs to deal with). Plus, not only does it display time but also the date and temperature.

One TFG reader who uses the Marathon travel alarm clock says, “It’s pretty good and even when I’m not traveling I use it. The screen is nice and dim, so if you wake up in the middle of the night you can see what time it is without being blinded! You do have to set it outside at like two or five so the atomic clock sets, but after that you’re good.”

If you’re looking for something small with some extra bells and whistles, then this travel clock is for you.

Travelon Clock

Travelon Travel Alarm Clock 

Travelon is one of our favorite travel brands, from bags and purses to gadgets, they make some pretty awesome stuff. So, it’s no surprise that they have the Travelon Travel  Clock .

If you’re looking for a travel alarm clocks with temperature, Travelon has you covered. Not only does this travel clock tell the time, but it also tracks the date and temperature. It also has a backlight and a fold-down leg to help it stand up.

The Travelon is one of the best battery alarm clock choices and a great grab-and-go pick. Just fold up the stand, pack it in your bag and jump on the plane.

Check out our Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag review here !

Best Analog Travel Alarm Clocks

Peakeep Ultra Small

Peakeep Analog Pocket Alarm Clock

This cute little Peakeep Ultra Small analog alarm clock really can fit in your pocket, making it a superb choice for travel.

It’s easy to see in the middle of the night with the manual backlight button, not difficult to set, and its battery operated (just needs one AA battery). Plus, it’s super compact—only 2 ¼ inches by 2 ¼ inches.

If you’re looking for something small and simple, then this could be the right alarm clock to pack.

PiLife Vintage Alarm Clock

PiLife Travel Alarm Clock Wind Up

While these classic-style models are typically used as decorative alarm clocks, this mini vintage clock by PiLife is perfect for travel.

Why is it perfect for traveling, you ask? Because it’s mini—only 3 inches tall! It’s pretty and colorful and there are six colors to choose from. Also, even though this is a wind up device, it has none of that annoying ticking!

If you want a truly old-school experience, this adorable clock might be the perfect travel companion for you!

A travel alarm clock is one of the hostel essentials mentioned in this backpacking checklist !

Best Watch Travel Alarm Clock

LETSCOM Fitness Tracker Watch

LETSCOM Fitness Watch and Alarm

At $30, this LETSCOM Fitness Tracker Watch is the (significantly) less expensive version of those fancy smart watches. And it works great!

The reason why it’s such a cool watch for travel is that instead of the loud, rude wake up from a traditional alarm, this uses soft increasing vibrations to gently wake you up. You can program the alarm from a phone app, but put away your phone at night and wake up without being tempted to add to your screen time.

This watch probably isn’t a great alarm clock option for heavy sleepers, however, if you’re a light to medium sleeper it’s the lovely, non-intrusive way to wake up.

Timex Ironman Classic 30 Mid-Size Watch

Timex Travel Alarm Clock Watch

Using a watch as an alarm while you’re traveling is a smart idea because it’s right there . Travel watches tend to be less obtrusive instead of a loud heartstopping alarm when it’s time to get up.

Fit for travel, the Timex clock watch is waterproof at less than 100 feet below water as long as you aren’t diving. And there are 14 different awesome colors to choose from that will fit your unique style.

Using a Smartphone

When it comes down to it, using your smartphone as an alarm clock isn’t the best idea. The glow of the screen can be a sure-fire way that you don’t get the best sleep, and having it at your bedside could encourage you to use it before bed!

That said, some of us are most comfortable using our phone as an alarm clock while we travel. It’s reliable, timely, and has the proper sound to rouse some of us heavier sleepers. If that sounds like you, TFG readers have a few tips to share about how to make the most out of your smartphone alarm clock.

MoKo Phone / Tablet Stand

MoKo Smartphone Stand

For those of you that would prefer to use your smartphone as your alarm clock while you travel, one TFG reader suggests using the MoKo Phone/Tablet Stand to rest your phone on at night.

This stand is really multi-purpose, useable for your tablet if you want to catch a flick or read a book during your downtime. Sometimes the most comfortable way to do that is propped up next to you with a stand!

iHandy Alarm Clock Pro App

The iHandy Alarm Clock Pro App essentially turns your Apple device into a full-screen alarm clock. One TFG reader uses this in combination with a long power cord and the smartphone stand because  it’s “less to keep track of.”

There are a number of customizable features such as picking your own theme, choosing music on your phone to wake up to, fall asleep listening to your favorite music, podcast or audiobook, and it even has a flashlight function.

Keep reading to find out the smartphone camera accessories that will help you take a pic like a pro!

Travel Alarm Clock Product Comparison Chart

What’s the best travel alarm clock to use.

The best travel alarm clock really depends on your personal preferences, especially if you’re a heavy sleeper.

If you’re looking for an alarm clock for travel, you’ll want one that’s small, light, battery operated, and packable. But mostly, you’ll want one that works best for you.

And if you’re a heavy sleeper that has trouble waking up, try an alarm clock that gets louder the longer it rings.

Are there any benefits to using a smartphone?

You’ve probably read an article somewhere on the internet about it, but smartphones do not make good alarm clocks.

The blue light they emit clutters your brain. Instead of winding down and getting ready for sleep, if you’re sitting in your bed tapping on your phone then your brain is actually waking up and scrambling.

This brain confusion can result in having a poor sleep by making you sleepless or interrupting your sleep more often.

Oh, and this blue light also comes from your tablet, laptop and desktop screen. The general rule of thumb is to stay off your electronic devices for 20 minutes prior to heading to bed. So consider a small alarm clocks battery operated device and sleep better!

Compass Rose Travel Adapter

Using a Travel Adapter

Charging your device in other countries can be a challenge if you don’t have the correct wall plug, but the Compass Rose Travel Adapter was made exactly for that.

This bright and memorable adapter is red, so you won’t forget it. In addition, if you’re sharing your room with other travelers, you may be limited to charging space.

Always travel with an adapter like this one, which allows you to charge up to three devices at once.

Watch the video above or read this post to learn about the differences between travel adapters, converters, and voltage!

What is your favorite travel alarm clock? Share your thoughts below!

For more ideas on travel gadgets, please read:

• What are the Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Tavel?
• Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel
• Stop Tangled Electronic Cables with these Travel Cord Organizer Options
• Best Travel Kettle Will Help You Start Your Day Right

Hope you liked these travel alarm clock options. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

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BC08 Braun Digital Travel Alarm Clock - Black

Winner of a Red Dot Design Award for 2020. Braun’s minimalist, clean aesthetic was built around the brand ethos ‘less but better’. With all elements designed to prioritise ease-of-use for the... Read More

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Winner of a Red Dot Design Award for 2020. Braun’s minimalist, clean aesthetic was built around the brand ethos ‘less but better’. With all elements designed to prioritise ease-of-use for the user, the BC08 alarm clock range is a remarkable example of Braun's timeless Bauhaus-tradition design. It’s an alarm clock. Nothing more. Nothing less. Winner of a Red Dot Design Award for 2020. The BC08 is a move on from the classic BNC008 digital travel clock, the improved functions and product features a direct response to customer feedback and experience.

The BC08 features a crescendo beep alarm, snooze and backlight function and LCD with 12-hour and 24-hour setting options, all of which improve the functionality of this clock. The lightweight and compact design (W5.8cm x H5.8cm x D2.0cm) makes the BC08 the perfect travel clock. A design that reflects Braun principles of consistency, simplicity and clarity of design.

• Crescendo beep alarm
• Touch snooze function
• Backlight function (Reverse LCD display)
• 12/24 hour display

Specifications Height:   57.5mm Width:   57.5mm Depth:   20mm Movement:   Quartz Battery Type:   AAA Includes:   Clock, instruction manual & 2 year warranty

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For additional delivery information please visit our Delivery page

Over the past 60 years, Braun has become an institution in the design community and a frequent reference point in the education of each new generation of creatives. That recognition also extends to the world’s most renowned design awards. Having received a total of 18 awards in the past 5 years, these are a key indication that Braun watches & clocks are continuing that longstanding legacy.

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Bc08 braun digital travel alarm clock - white, bc02x braun classic analogue travel alarm clock - white & black, bc02x braun classic analogue travel alarm clock - white, bc02x braun classic analogue travel alarm clock - black & white, bc02x braun classic analogue travel alarm clock - black.

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The 7 Very Best Alarm Clocks

In this article

• Best overall
• Best sunrise
• Best smart display
• Best smart speaker
• Best analog

As convenient as it might be to use your phone as an alarm clock, standalone alarm clocks come with all kinds of features that can make waking up — or even going to sleep — a little less painful. Some have lights that simulate a gentle sunrise, while others can play bedtime stories or relaxing nature sounds to help you drift off. There are models that charge your phone overnight without taking up an extra spot on your power strip and still others with accompanying apps that let you choose from dozens of alarm sounds (just like your phone!) or sync to smart lights. A few even double as Bluetooth speakers .

The best-known newer brands in the space are Hatch and Loftie, with their feature-packed models, but you’ll still find a wide range of options from legacy electronics-makers Sharp and Braun. To find the best alarm clocks, I tested eight models by setting each atop my nightstand and dresser for at least a couple nights, trying each feature and taking notes on how effective each was at waking me up. I also spoke with Strategist writers about their favorites.

What we’re looking for

Alarm clocks can be either digital or analog, meaning they’ll either display the digits of the actual time or they’ll have a clock face with hands indicating the time. Digital clocks may be easier for some people to read at a glance (especially first thing in the morning), but analog clocks may be less distracting for someone trying to fall asleep.

Adjustable brightness

Displays with adjustable brightness allow you to see the time during the day but prevent the light from keeping you up at night when it’s time for bed.

Multiple alarms

Whether you prefer to set several alarms as an insurance measure, or want to share a clock with someone who wakes up at a different time than you, a clock with the ability to set multiple alarms will make things significantly easier.

Extra features

Some clocks have adjustable lights that simulate sunrise to help you wake up, or speakers that can play soothing sounds or guided meditations to help you get ready for bed. Others, like Amazon’s Echo Dot and Google’s Nest Hub, plug into other services to expand their capabilities and let you control other devices and services with your voice.

Sound options

Some people prefer to be roused with gentle tones, while others need a piercing siren to get them out of bed. I made sure to include both types on this list, as well as models with multiple sound options.

Best alarm clock overall

Clock type: Digital | Adjustable brightness: Yes | Multiple alarms: Yes | Extra features: None | Sound options: None

For a basic alarm clock, Sharp’s AccuSet Jumbo impressed me with its thoughtful design, big display, and low price. You can adjust the brightness to three levels, and even the lowest setting can be seen in a well-lit room, but is still faint enough to not be disruptive at night. You can only set two alarms on this one, but it’s easy to do so, and changing them doesn’t take more than a minute or two.

You won’t be able to change the mildly sharp beeping of the alarm, but the sound works well without sounding too unpleasant first thing in the morning. On the back of this alarm, there’s a USB-A port you can use for charging your phone overnight. In 30 minutes, I was able to charge my iPhone 15 Pro Max from 54 percent up to 72 percent, which isn’t quite as much as you would get with fast charging, but that rate for overnight charging is fine.

You won’t get any of the features (like ambient noise, sunrise light, etc.) that come with smart clocks like the Loftie and Hatch Restore 2, but its simple setup and easy-to-see display make it an affordable and convenient option that had no trouble waking me up during my testing.

Best (less-expensive) alarm clock

Clock type: Digital | Adjustable brightness: Yes | Multiple alarms: No | Smart features: None | Sound options: One

DreamSky’s barebones model is quick to set up and shows the time in an easy-to-read, large display; it also shows the time of your next scheduled alarm.

Strategist editor Hilary Reid says she bought hers to reduce her overall screen time and that it’s been helpful in that pursuit. She likes that the clock’s numbers are big and easy to read — they’re significantly larger than the numbers on the Sharp AccuSet — but aren’t so vivid that they’ll keep you awake. “The numbers are orange, which I find to be less shockingly bright than red or blue numbers, and they are fully dimmable so I can keep them very low when I sleep and then turn them up to their brightest setting in the morning,” she says.

Unlike the other alarm clocks we recommend, this one uses two AAA batteries to store the time and settings on the clock in case of an outage, though you can’t power the clock on batteries alone. Like the Sharp, there’s a built-in USB-A port you can use to charge your phone overnight.  It only comes with one beeping alarm, while the other clocks we recommend have multiple, so you’ll have to be okay with the beeps it emits. Reid says it’s not horrible, but not particularly pleasant, either.

Best smart alarm clock

Clock type: Digital | Adjustable brightness: Yes | Multiple alarms: Yes | Smart features: App-controlled, ambient noise, sunrise light, guided meditations | Sound options: 14

I ended up using the Loftie far longer than the allotted testing time, thanks to how successful it was at waking me up. It combines a classic, understated LCD alarm clock lozenge-shaped design with a subtle light that can simulate a sunrise to ease you into the day. The light glows just enough to grab your attention as you wake up; it’s gentle, and adds a warm touch to the room, both in sunrise mode and when turned on manually from the buttons on the top. Using the app, you can have it light up and play a nice tune to let you know it’s time to wind down and get ready for bed, and another when it’s time to actually get in bed.

The Loftie’s display shows both the current time and, in much smaller, dimmer numerals, the time of the next alarm. It’ll also tell you when Bluetooth (which you can use to stream stuff from your phone or tablet) is enabled. The display is smaller than on other alarm clocks like the Sharp and Hatch, but I still didn’t have any trouble seeing it from across the room while in bed. The top of the Loftie has four buttons: snooze, two arrow buttons for navigating the menu, and the main button for selection or play/pause.

There are 14 alarm sounds to choose from, including jungle animals chirping alongside a flute and gentle, repetitive strikes of a gong. If you have a Loftie+ membership ($5/month, with a trial month for free), you can also play relaxing music to fall asleep to, listen to guided meditations, and get horoscope readings. They’re all nice add-ons, and I did find they helped my anxious mind wind down before dozing off, but the Loftie has plenty to offer without the subscription. You also don’t need to pay the subscription to use the Loftie like a Bluetooth speaker to stream podcasts or playlists from your phone. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth setting disables itself after a period of inactivity, so you’ll have to turn it back on from the device whenever you want to use it.

The accompanying app is surprisingly feature-packed for an alarm-clock app. You can add multiple alarms, each with different sounds from Loftie’s library, and adjust the brightness of the clock’s bottom light via an adjustable slider. You can also choose from 14 alarm sounds, all of which have pleasant tones, though if you need a sharper, more attention-grabbing sound to get you out of bed, these options probably won’t work. The app also supports multiple clocks, so you can control several devices from one phone.

The company also sells a Wi-Fi connected lamp , which is my new favorite lamp after a week of testing. It pairs with the clock to coordinate wakeup routines, like dimming your light before bed or using a soft light to help wake you up. Every time it lit up along with my alarm, I felt like I was waking up in a room pulled straight out of the brightly colored yet softly lit future of Spike Jonze’s Her . At $250, it’s rather expensive, and you can only control it from within Loftie’s app, but the light does look great. Rather than using a bulb, the entire base of the lamp lights up, and you can set it to one of over 30 color options, including solid colors and gradients. All of the color options are relaxing, never too intense, and can work for anything from providing some light for reading or just helping you wake up in the morning.

Best sunrise alarm clock

While I like the Loftie’s design, the Hatch Restore 2 is the one I wanted to keep on my nightstand after I tested it. I prefer its more subtle look and I like its sunrise light more — though the Loftie Lamp gives that model an edge if you’re willing to splurge on it. The Restore 2’s light has a softer glow thanks to the fabric surrounding it and compared to the effect created by Loftie’s transparent casing. Unlike the Loftie’s single-color light, the Hatch has 18 possible colors, and they can all be changed from within the app. My room doesn’t get much light in the mornings, and the Hatch’s vibrant but not overbearing light serves as a gentle nudge to help wake me up.

Like the Loftie, the Restore 2 has 14 built-in alarm sounds to choose from; I prefer the soothing chords of “Joyful Morning.” You can even play white noise to fall asleep to. Unlike with the Loftie, some of these ambient tracks are available for free, though others are available only with a subscription ($5/month). That subscription also unlocks guided meditations and fun things like the series “i’ll scroll 4 u,” where a host narrates what they’re doing on their phone in every episode; it’s sort of like a podcast version of someone’s hushed internal monologue. In one episode they comment on the question prompts their Hinge suggestions have on their profiles, and in another the narrator talks us through their hunt for a new couch on Facebook Marketplace. On its own, the Restore 2 offers more than enough to help make sleep a little easier, but I’ll admit, I’ve enjoyed trying out some of Hatch’s subscription content, so it’s worth checking out at least for the free trial.

Atop the Restore 2 are two buttons: one for activating your morning routine, and one for your evening routine. The morning button is convex, while the evening button is concave, making it easy to distinguish them by feel alone. The buttons are easier to differentiate this way than on the Sharp, but the Loftie’s different-size buttons are even easier to tell apart. The front of the clock also has four touch controls, though there are no icons to show where they are: Tapping on the top or bottom of the display toggles the light’s brightness, while tapping the left or right side adjusts the volume of the speaker.

Strategist writer Arielle Avila has been using the Restore 2 for about four months, and says it’s totally replaced her phone as an alarm. “It’s the only thing that can get me fully up when it’s still dark out because of the sunrise option,” she says. “I set mine to gradually brighten 30 minutes prior to my actual alarm, which is a morning bird sound — it’s calming but really effective.”

Avila also notes that only one person can control the Restore 2, so setting multiple alarms for multiple people isn’t convenient. You can also mute the alarm using a switch on the side, but it’s not easy to flip when you’re half-awake, which may disturb your bedmate if they wake up later than you.

Best smart display alarm clock

Clock type: Digital | Adjustable brightness: Yes | Multiple alarms: Yes | Smart features: App-controlled, ambient noise, third-party app integration, smart home controls | Sound options: 20

I used to watch TV before bed, but since removing mine from my room last year, I’ve started relying on a tablet version of Google’s Nest Hub as a mini-TV , and it works well as an alarm I can control completely hands free. The Nest Hub, which I’ve had in my home for over a year, has a large display — basically a tablet —that can show everything from the weather to whatever playlist you have on its built-in speaker. At night, the display will automatically dim when you’re going to bed. The Hub can run multiple timers, and even show two onscreen at the same time. It also makes a pretty great digital picture frame .

Google Assistant is built right into the Nest Hub, which means that in addition to controlling all your on-device timers, alarms, and Google queries, you can also sync it to third-party smart home gear and services like Spotify or Netflix (I have mine set up to control my home alarm system and robot vacuum ). All that’s done from Google’s Assistant app, but once you’ve done it for one Hub, it’ll be good to go with future devices as well.

Like nearly everything else you can do on the Nest Hub, you can set alarms with your voice, though you’ll have to use the touch screen to change the alarm wakeup sounds. There are 20 sounds to choose from, and they’re broken down into four categories (natural, light, medium, heavy), based on their tone and theme. They’re all nice to hear in the morning — I like the music-based ones — and I like that the options are broken down into their tones, rather than elements like the forest or ocean.

Since it’s meant to play music and videos too, the Nest Hub has a better speaker than the Loftie: It’s louder and clearer. You can sync it with your Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music account to stream your favorite playlists or albums directly from the display, or even have it play a YouTube or Netflix video before bed. It doesn’t work as a Bluetooth speaker like the Loftie, but since the streaming functionality is all built in and doesn’t shut down on its own, it’s far more convenient.

Best smart speaker alarm clock

Clock type: Digital | Adjustable brightness: No | Multiple alarms: Yes | Smart features: App-controlled, ambient noise, guided meditations, third-party app integration, smart home controls | Sound options: 24

Of Amazon’s Alexa-integrated speakers, Amazon’s Echo Dot is my favorite. It’s small enough to fit on a nightstand without taking up a ton of space, and its smart-speaker capabilities are just as good as those on the Google Nest Hub. It also has an LED ring at the bottom that lights up when an alarm is going off, but the light itself is not as pleasant as the Hatch or Loftie. To turn the alarm off, you can say, “Alexa, stop” or tap the top, which is far easier than having to reach for a specific button, as you would with the Hatch and Loftie.

Like the Nest Hub, there’s a smart assistant built into the Echo Dot, though of course it’s Alexa instead of Google’s Assistant. You can connect it to just as many smart home devices and third-party services. Its display will only show the time (no indicators to tell you whether an alarm is active or not), but the numbers are easy to read. The sound is quite good for the speaker’s size (it’s about the size of a softball), and works for playing music, podcasts, and audiobooks, all without having to use your phone. It doesn’t produce sound with the same clarity as the Nest Hub, but it’s also significantly smaller.

The Echo Dot’s most frustrating issue is found within its alarm settings: There are ads and cross-promotions involved. In addition to standard alarm tones with nature sounds or chimes, there are branded ones like “Sharknado: Tara Reid” and “Blake Shelton: Day’s Work.” If that’s your jam, fine, but I’d imagine a lot of people wouldn’t enjoy waking up to Tara Reid shouting, “Get up now! There’s a Sharknado coming! Stay away from the windows and stick with me if you want to live, this is not my first time.” That said, the alarms that aren’t associated with a brand or celebrity sound pretty good and were on par with the alarms found in my iPhone’s Sleep section (and better than the standard alarms in the Clock app).

Best analog alarm clock

Clock type: Analog | Adjustable brightness: No | Multiple alarms: No | Smart features: None | Sound options: 1

For those who prefer an analog clock, Braun’s can’t be beat. The BC22 is modeled on the brand’s discontinued AB 2, which was designed in 1984 by Dieter Rams. Rams’ clock designs are considered classics for a reason and have many fans.

Unlike every other clock we recommend, this one’s battery powered, though you’ll probably only have to replace it once per year at most. It only has one alarm and one alarm tone, which increases in volume until you shut it off. The quartz movement should be quiet enough that the ticking won’t keep you from dozing off.

You set the alarm manually on the back of the clock. On the right side of the Braun is a switch to disable the alarm. The clock’s face has a soft orange backlight that allows you to see it at night but won’t keep you awake, and the hands of the clock have illuminated tips for better visibility in the dark. Below the clock, there’s a green light that indicates when an alarm is active, which allows you to confirm at a glance whether you’ve set one or not.

Our experts

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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?

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Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

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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