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HomeRoad TripsEuropeEast EuropeRussiaGolden Ring
Susdal Church

Golden Ring Road Trip

Moscow - Vladimir - Suzdal - Kostroma - Yaroslavl - Rostov - Sergiyev Posad

Expect on your itinerary

Historical sites Historical sites
Culture Culture
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Golden Ring Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages7 km868 h/stage1.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Golden Ring Road Trip in Russia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 720EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,098EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 638EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,220EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,760EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,080EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 990EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,779EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,859EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,350EUR drive & more 238EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 856EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,206EUR
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Golden Ring Road Trip Itinerary

The Golden Ring Road Trip is a great way to explore the historic cities and towns of Russia. Starting in Moscow, the 868km route takes you through Vladimir, Kostroma, and Rostov before returning to Moscow. It's recommended to take 6 days to complete the journey, and the best time of the year to drive is during the summer months. Along the route, you can explore a range of historical sites and monuments, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The road conditions are generally good, so you can enjoy the journey with ease. This road trip is suitable for every driver and can be managed on a fair budget, making it an excellent way to experience the beauty and culture of Russia. With a high level of experience and memories guaranteed, the Golden Ring Road Trip is sure to be an unforgettable journey!
number of days 6 number of days
route length 868 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Moscow

Distance 868 km Driving time 11.8 h Pace: fast 260.3 kWh Airports DME , SVO , VKO
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Moscow is the perfect starting point for a Golden Ring Road Trip. This Russian capital is full of culture and history and is home to some of the most remarkable sights in the world. From the iconic Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral to the breathtaking Moscow Kremlin and the awe-inspiring Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow is a must-see for everyone. The city also boasts a great selection of art galleries, museums, and theatres. When traveling to Moscow, the closest international airport is Sheremetyevo International Airport (IATA: SVO). Car rental services are available at the airport, allowing visitors to explore Moscow and the Golden Ring Road Trip at their own pace. No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing some of the city's most iconic attractions. Take a stroll around the Red Square, the symbol of the Russian state, and take in the grandeur of the Kremlin. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the world's most renowned theatres and offers a truly unforgettable experience. Another must-see is the Moscow Metro stations, some of which are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. For those looking to explore beyond the city limits, the Golden Ring Road Trip provides a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the Russian countryside. From historical villages and monasteries to breathtaking landscapes, the Golden Ring Road Trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Moscow is the perfect starting point for a Golden Ring Road Trip and offers a great selection of attractions and experiences. With its wealth of culture and history, Moscow is sure to be a memorable destination.

1 Moscow - Vladimir

Distance 252 km Driving time 3.1 h Pace: fast 75.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Moscow to Vladimir and discover the beauty of the Russian countryside! The 252 km drive will take you less than 3 hours, so you can easily fit in a few interesting stops along the way. Start your journey by visiting the iconic Moscow Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most beautiful fortresses in the world. Then, continue your journey to Vladimir, where you can explore the ancient city and its many historical monuments. Visit the 12th century Golden Gate, the majestic Cathedral of the Assumption and the Monument to Prince Vladimir, the city’s patron saint. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Church of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Nerl River too! There are plenty of other attractions and activities to explore, so make sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your road trip for more information.

2 Vladimir - Suzdal

Distance 38 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: modest 9.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an incredible road trip from Vladimir to Suzdal! This scenic route is only 38km long and takes less than an hour to drive, so you can explore all the attractions along the way. As you drive, admire the stunning views of the Russian countryside and keep an eye out for historical sites like the UNESCO Heritage sites of the White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal. Enjoy a leisurely drive as you take in the sights and sounds of the Russian countryside. If you’re looking for a unique experience, take a detour to the Golden Ring of Russia. This ancient ring of cities is a must-see for any traveler. From Vladimir to Suzdal, you’ll find a variety of churches, monasteries, and other historical sites to explore. Make sure to check out the ancient churches of the Suzdal Kremlin, the beautiful Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius, and the famous St. Nicholas Cathedral. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. With so much to explore and experience, you’re sure to have a memorable journey from Vladimir to Suzdal!

3 Suzdal - Ivanovo - Kostroma

Distance 185 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: fast 55.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Start your adventure by taking a road trip from Suzdal to Kostroma, a 185km journey that will take you less than three hours. Get ready to explore some of the most interesting sites in Russia, including UNESCO Heritage sites. As you make your way from Suzdal, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Russian countryside and take a moment to appreciate the historical sites along the way. In Ivanovo, take a stroll through the city center and marvel at the 19th century architecture. Before you reach Kostroma, make sure to stop at the Ipatiev Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you arrive in Kostroma, explore the city’s many churches and monuments, as well as its incredible views of the Volga River. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Kostroma - Yaroslavl

Distance 82 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: modest 21.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Kostroma to Yaroslavl, a journey of 82km that will take you less than two hours. This is one of the most beautiful routes in Russia, with plenty of historical sites and stunning scenery. On your way, make sure to visit the Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, a UNESCO Heritage Site, which was founded in the 12th century. Take a stroll around the wooden houses of the Kostroma Historical and Architectural Museum Reserve, and admire the stunning churches of the Ipatievsky Monastery. In Yaroslavl, you can explore the majestic Assumption Cathedral, or take a boat trip on the Volga River. Make sure to visit the Yaroslavl Art Museum and the State Museum of Russian Political History. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the itinerary of this stage.

5 Yaroslavl - Rostov

Distance 58 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 17.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road interesting  historic site
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Yaroslavl to Rostov? This 58km journey will take you less than one hour, so you can explore as much as possible. Start your journey in Yaroslavl and make sure to visit the magnificent Church of Elijah the Prophet, which is a great example of Russian Baroque architecture. Then, drive through the beautiful countryside and enjoy the stunning views. Once you reach Rostov, you can explore the Rostov Kremlin, the oldest part of the city, and the beautiful Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way, make sure to take some time to admire the scenery, visit historical sites, and enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside. When you reach Rostov, make sure to check out the Rostov Kremlin, the oldest part of the city, and the beautiful Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. This Yaroslavl to Rostov road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

6 Rostov - Sergiyev Posad

Distance 147 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 44.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you looking for an exciting road trip to explore the beauty of Russia? Then look no further! Starting from Rostov, the 147 km journey to Sergiyev Posad should take you no more than two hours. Enjoy the scenic road and take in the stunning views of the Russian countryside. Make sure to check out the Rostov Kremlin, a World Heritage Site, and the Great Uspensky Cathedral. On your way to Sergiyev Posad, you will also see the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, one of the most important Russian monasteries. It is a great place to take some memorable photos. For those who want to explore the city’s history, there is the History Museum of Sergiyev Posad, which is a must-see. Don’t forget to check out the many churches, including the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin and the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. For more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

7 Sergiyev Posad - Moscow

Distance 104 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 31.3 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip to explore the wonders of Sergiyev Posad and Moscow! This stage of the journey is a mere 104km and can be completed in less than two hours. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the region. Start your exploration in Sergiyev Posad, home to the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can also explore the Assumption Cathedral and the Church of the Deposition of the Robe. Then, continue on to Moscow and take in the sights of the Kremlin, the Red Square, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Make sure to explore some of the city's other attractions such as the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Bolshoi Theatre. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the wonders of Sergiyev Posad and Moscow!

  Moscow

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Moscow, the final destination of the "Golden Ring Road Trip", is a fascinating city filled with culture and history. Located in the heart of Russia, Moscow is the country’s largest city and the center of its politics and culture. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Bolshoi Theatre. When visiting Moscow, be sure to explore the Kremlin and Red Square, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Kremlin is a large complex of buildings that have served as the seat of Russian power for centuries, and Red Square is a vast open area with a long history of parades and public events. The city is also home to several parks, museums, and galleries. The Tretyakov Gallery houses a large collection of Russian fine art, while the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts has works from all over the world. Gorky Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, while the State Darwin Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Russian science. Moscow has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Music lovers should check out the Bolshoi Theatre, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. When traveling to Moscow by car, the best route is the M7 highway, which connects the city to several other cities in the country. The closest international airport is Sheremetyevo International Airport (IATA: SVO), which is located about 25 kilometers from the city center.

Golden Ring Road Trip at a glance

No doubt our itinerary will become a superb inspiration for your future travels.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse tourist attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Russia, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of things to be mindful of to ensure safety. Considering car rental or camper hire? These will surely become useulf during your holiday adventure.
In Russia, there are a number of road regulations to be bore in mind while on a trip. When moving around Russia in a car, it is best to avoid spirits at all. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is extremely low and is only 0.35‰. Inside the cities, the maximum speed is 60km/h. Around rural areas, holidayers can travel at at speeds up to 90km/h. Avoid driving faster than the permissible speed of 110km/h when travelling on motorways. In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. Of course, depending on the budget option that you aim for, the amount of money that you have to pay for your trip expenses will vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
In the cheapest option, you have to spend the maximum of 113 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 8 stages across Russia. Economy accommodation options may cost holidayers approximately 319 EUR. Travellers who want to benefit from this option will spend around 288 EUR on restaurants and food. If your aim is also the cheapest car rental offer, you will pay approximately 378 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from more or less 720 EUR to more or less 1,098 EUR.
Travellers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 150 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs can amount up to about 638 EUR. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is more or less 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 540 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 1,760 EUR for holidayers who would like to try car rental and 1,220 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. The whole estimated cost of the tour in this versions of services is 2,859 EUR with car rental and 1,220 EUR without a rental vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium hire car should expect a cost of approximately 1,080 EUR. In the top standard version of the trip, you will pay around 213 EUR for gasoline. Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay approximately 990 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 576 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our trip will also become interesting for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements. When it comes to this means of transport, you will pay up to roughly 1,350 EUR. Holidayers will spend roughly 238 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Tourists who will go for camper rental should expect to pay around 330 EUR for accommodation and about 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above details in a straightforward way.
The best travel opportunity when visiting the part of Russia showed in our Golden Ring Road Trip is between May and September. If you like Golden Ring Road Trip, there are plenty of intriguing road adventures on our website. We hope that the great versatility of trips will surely meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

Facts for safer driving in Russia

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.35
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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