Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Russia

Russia Driving Overview

Russia is the largest country in the world, as well as one of the least explored! Book a car rental with Auto Europe today and travel the well-maintained highways and lavish in the picturesque scenery. Being free from the restrictions of public transportation allows you the ability to fit everything into one trip, while never feeling pressed for time.

Car Rental Age Requirements in Russia

To rent a car in Russia you must be at least 21 years old (age restrictions may vary by car category) and have held your license for at least 12 months. A few car classes have a maximum rental age of 70 years old, and drivers who rent a car under the age of 25 may be subject to pay a "young driver surcharge" when renting a car.

Rules of the Road

Driving in Russia is done on the right-hand side of the road and while operating a rental car in Russia, seatbelts are mandatory. All drivers must carry their valid driver's license, registration documents, and insurance documents at all times.

Speed Limits & Gas Stations in Russia  Urban Roads: 37 mph/60kph Open Roads: 55 mph/90kph Highways:62 mph/100kph For visiting drivers who have held their license for less than two years, they must make it a point to never exceed 43 mph. This rule, however, is typically not enforced. Gas Station Availability - Gas stations throughout Russia are typically open from 6am to 10pm, with some stations in major cities and on the highway being open 24 hours a day.

Parking & Tolls in Russia There are several toll roads in the Barnaul and Pskov Regions, the Pechori state border and M4-Don. It is always wise to always have some spare change in your rental car for tolls in Russia. Due to the increase in traffic, local authorities have been introducing harsher methods of dealing with the issue of illegal parking in Moscow. It's not unusual for an incorrectly parked car to be towed away. If you are exploring Moscow, multi-story parking garages are the best option for parking your car rental while in the city.

Car Rental Insurance Information

For car rentals picked up in Moscow or elsewhere in Russia, you may refuse these options in order to use the coverage your credit card or personal insurance policy offers.

Additional Car Rental Insurance Options

You may consider purchasing Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). These coverage options not only give you peace of mind in knowing that your belongings are protected, but will also cover any medical expenses for injuries that happen inside your rental car.

Car Rental Restrictions in Russia

There are a few restrictions on certain types of car rentals in Russia. For instance, rental cars are not allowed to travel on ferries and are not permitted to leave the country.

Restricted Countries

If you are renting a car in Russia you are not able to take your rental car outside of the country under any circumstances.

One-Way Rentals

Domestic one way car rentals and one way van rentals are available with select rental car suppliers. Additional fees may be added when picking up a rental car up in one city and dropping it off in another.