Where do Russians go by bus?
On February 24, the Federal Air Transport Agency closed eleven airports in southern Russia — Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Gelendzhik, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, Simferopol and Elista. The agency extended this ban fifteen times, with validity now through May 31. Travelers in these areas have usable options by rail or road, while airports in the southern region, including Sochi, Mineralnye Vody and Stavropol, remained open.
Since air travel was restricted, travel services such as Tutu.ru observed a notable rise in demand for bus transport. “We are seeing the strongest demand for tickets from southern routes toward Krasnodar, Simferopol, Rostov-on-Don, Anapa, Novorossiysk, Sevastopol, Sochi, Yalta, Gelendzhik and Astrakhan. The top routes lead by a wide margin, according to Sergei Nikolaev, deputy general manager at Tutu.ru,” reported Gazeta.ru.
Sergei Nikolaev noted that the Moscow-to-Simferopol flight has become one of the most popular itineraries. By late May, most tickets were sold out; tickets remained available for June, but purchasing the day before departure could be difficult.
Estimations for May and June place a bus trip at roughly 2,500 rubles, while the rail fare runs about four times higher. Tickets from Moscow to Rostov-on-Don or Taganrog typically cost around 1,700 rubles, with Krasnodar at about 2,600 rubles.
“With the temporary suspension of airport operations, particularly to the south, a rise in bus travel from Moscow and St. Petersburg is anticipated, with additional flows from Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod and other cities,” Nikolaev added.
Ilya Umansky, vice-president of the Union of Tour Operators of Russia, explained to socialbites.ca that bus tours often function as a primary hub for travel from Sochi through Gelendzhik and Tuapse to nearby villages. Crimea ranks as the second most popular region. “This refers to the eastern coast around Feodosia rather than the western coast, which tends to take longer to reach,” he noted.
At the same time, the Russian Association of Tour Operators has not yet observed a sharp spike in bus transport demand, nor any clear indicators of a surge resulting from halted air travel. The emphasis remains on consumer behavior and the availability of alternative transport modes.
Who chooses the sea by bus?
The bus is frequently the least expensive option, appealing to travelers looking to save on transport costs. Sergei Nikolaev observed that fares can remain stable even on travel day, since dynamic pricing has not yet become common in this segment.
“Tourists opt for bus tours because expenses can be restrained, and many are reluctant to switch to trains or planes when budgets are tight,” Umansky commented. “Those who fly usually do not switch to bus travel.”
He noted that most bus travelers are residents of southern cities and central Russia, with fewer travelers from Moscow. “This is a steady audience that tends to plan around available transport options,” stated the Russian Association of Tour Operators. “This product maintains viability because affordable alternatives exist.”
Travelers attracted to bus routes tend to seek resorts with reasonable lodging; they typically choose more affordable accommodations rather than 4- or 5-star hotels.
Which buses serve the southern Russia destinations?
“People are price-conscious, and the bus remains the most economical option, though it can be risky and uncomfortable,” said Alexander Kotov, head of the Interregional Professional Drivers Union, speaking to socialbites.ca. He pointed out that drivers often work long shifts, sometimes without proper rest, and issues like poor road conditions and aging fleets complicate trips. If a mechanical problem arises mid-route, replacements are not always readily available, and travelers may endure extended waits in extreme weather.
Industry voices described the overall state of the bus fleet as challenging. A Krasnodar tour operator, Altair, mentioned aging vehicles and a prevalence of privately owned drivers who operate outside formal channels. Some drivers use misleading signages or questionable licenses to attract passengers.
Experts from the Higher School of Economics emphasize that informal transport will diminish as consumer standards rise. Irregular service is viewed as unacceptable in more developed markets, though it continues in this context until consumer expectations shift. Regulatory bodies like Rostransnadzor monitor irregular services and enforce penalties when violations are found.
There is no official tally of illegal passenger ships in the country, but Altair estimates a significant share of the market falls into this category.
One operator described the licensing complexities: owning a fleet requires compliance with inspections and documentation, which makes illicit operations unattractive for legitimate businesses and dangerous for passengers.
Is there potential to expand legal bus travel to the south?
Sergey Shpilko, president of the Russian Tourism Industry Association, suggested that bus capacity could grow if demand exists. He noted a downturn in foreign tourist excursions, but emphasized that the quality of the fleet will matter most and that larger passenger loads could be achieved.
Today, carriers operate several comfortable buses with features such as air conditioning, restrooms, lounge areas and multimedia systems. Yet, according to Sergey Nikolaev, current demand may still surpass what the fleet can supply.
While there are enough buses for existing regular routes, launching new routes requires time. He cautioned that creating a new path from scratch can take between three and six months, underscoring the logistical challenges facing operators.