110 mm travel

Suspension travel: Understanding fork length and how it affects your mountain bike

Forks come in varying lengths of suspension travel and stanchion sizes, this is what they mean for your riding

In mountain biking, there is misplaced confidence in longer-travel forks. With your front wheel having to steer and balance traction on those big trail features and steep descents, the logic is often that more suspension travel is better. But is this the case?

To better understand how the suspension travel of the best mountain bike forks influences your riding and what should be best for your trails, you need to understand the relationship between terrain absorption and trail feedback.

Modern mountain bike geometries are designed explicitly around suspension travel. For example, the best XC forks for cross-country mountain bikes are short-travel forks as the trails are relatively smooth and comprise lots of climbing. They need to be light and responsive while still providing a decent range of compression.

As you move through the various types of mountain bikes, fork travel requirements change. The weight, stanchion thickness, and travel all increase to meet the demands of each discipline – and longer forks aren’t superior in every application.

Cross-country: 100-120mm travel, 30-32mm stanchion diameter

Shorter travel forks are generally aimed at cross-country mountain biking , designed to balance performance, lightweight and just enough suspension travel to help smooth out bumpy singletrack. 

Cross-country forks can work with narrower 30-32mm stanchions because the upper tubes aren’t exposed to much leverage. This helps to keep the overall fork weight down.

But why shouldn’t you fit a cross-country mountain bike , recommended for maximum fork travel of 120mm, with a 130mm fork? Isn’t that a great idea? Not really.

Any increase in fork travel will slacken the bike and shorten its reach. Slacker head angles boost confidence in steep descending terrain, but they make a mountain bike less agile at climbing technical singletrack as well as unbalancing the bike by moving the rider's weight backward. It will also raise the bottom bracket which will cause the bike to feel less planted and confident in corners.

For many years 100-120mm forks were designed either as ultralight racing components or cheap beginner bike suspension. That has changed with the popularity of downcountry and there are now 120mm forks that have much stiffer crowns.

Consider the terrain you are riding. A 100- to 120mm lightweight cross-country fork will be ideal if your trails are smooth and flowing. The shorter suspension travel gives a more responsive feel and you’ll enjoy greater trail feedback through the handlebar and grips.

Shorter suspension travel forks also bob less when climbing up steep trails in a standing position. Many short travel forks further support climbing with the addition of a lockout switch.

Trail: 120-150mm travel, 34mm stanchion diameter

The best trail mountain bike market is probably the most competitive category in mountain biking and these bikes are often ridden right up to their design capabilities.

Reasonably efficient climbers and confident descending bikes, the trail machine is a hybrid between cross-country and enduro. And as you would expect, it needs a fork with more travel and stiffness than those 100-120mm options.

There has been significant development with the Fox 34 in recent years. RockShox has reacted too with its latest Pike range, blending 35mm stanchions with low fork weight.

At 150mm of suspension travel, you are probably pushing the limits of what a 34mm stanchion can deal with, especially for aggressive trail riding. The sweet spot for suspension travel and stanchion size for trail bikes would be 130- to 140mm.

Yet again, it is a tale of less being more. If you use a 34mm stanchion fork at the upper reaches of its travel, there might be a higher risk of terrain-induced steering deflection due to flex. Those roots and rocks can ping you offline, despite being sure of your steering inputs.

Too much travel can also dull the feedback of your trail bike. We recommend that a trail fork ideally have 34mm stanchions, at 130-140mm, for a 29er - possibly, up to 150mm, for the smaller 27.5in wheel size.

As fork travel increases with trail bikes, the latitude of responsiveness from your damper becomes more complex. You will see premium trail bike forks offering high- and low-speed compression adjustment, allowing riders to balance full travel benefits on gnarly terrain without having the fork dive too much in high-speed berms. 

Enduro: 150-180mm travel, 35-38mm stanchion diameter

The fork stiffness formula is simple: when adding more suspension travel increase stanchion size.

Single-crown fork design has had to go longer, with the best enduro mountain bikes now ripping down terrain once reserved for downhill rigs. RockShox and Fox introduced 38mm stanchion single-crown forks last year, especially for the riding demands of enduro mountain biking .

Having more travel is great but potentially useless if the fork internals can’t make the best use of it. That 180mm enduro fork is pointless if it blows through its travel or is entirely unresponsive to small-bump impacts.

With 150- to 180mm single-crown forks, you don’t need a lockout control for climbing, but you want to control the multiple channels of compression and rebound. Balancing the increased leverage effect and fork dive under braking in steep terrain is the crucial enabler with long-travel single-crown forks.

As a forks suspension travel lengthens, set-up becomes crucial. This is why you'll find 150- to 180mm enduro single-crown forks with intricate compression and rebound adjusters and dials. These allow riders to make the best of all that travel by configuring the damping circuits and rebound to work across all terrain.

A decade ago, the idea of a 180mm single-crown fork that could provide an adequate compression platform for pedaling uphill was unfathomable. But today’s big-hitting 38mm single-crown forks are hugely adaptable, giving riders all the precise cornering support and cushioning when landing those huge drops or landings.

Downhill: 180-200mm travel, 40mm stanchion diameter

These are the largest forks you can buy with the most suspension travel and a dual-crown design to cushion the rider from the huge, repeated impacts when riding the most technically demanding descents possible.

With the amount of leverage involved at 200mm of travel, and considering how slack the best downhill mountain bikes are, the dual-crown design is crucial. There would be enormous flex issues if you were to produce a single-crown fork at 200mm of travel and ride it down very steep and technical terrain.

Downhill riders are less bothered by weight or climbing efficiency. This frees engineers to focus all their resources on making the stiffest structure containing sophisticated internals and valving.

The speeds that downhill bikes roll over highly technical terrain require exceptional torsional stiffness at the axle to prevent riders from being deflected off-line and crashing. That dual-crown structure increases the stiffness of these long-travel forks, although steering angle is reduced, at very low speeds.

Dual-crown forks are at the complete opposite spectrum of those short-travel,100-120mm forks, with nearly rigid lockout control. Downhill mountain biking is solely about descending, with huge dampers that react intuitively to terrain impacts and help maintain the front tire's contact with the ground when cornering and braking.

• Suspension 101 : Everything you need to know about your mountain bike suspension dials
• How to adjust mountain bike suspension

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect , Lance has written for MBR.com , Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.

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Made for the modern demands of XC - benchmark in stiffness to weight ratio.

• MSRP US$ from $ 979
• Net weight from 1480 g
• from CHF 1031

Product details

Cross country has progressed – the descents are steeper, the climbs more technical and man-made obstacles such as rock gardens, berms and drops set new requirements for rider and machine. The F 232 ONE is engineered to meet those demands. The topology-optimized design sets a new benchmark in stiffness-to-weight ratio. Combined with the XC-optimized LINEAIR spring curve and the three-position INCONTROL damping, the F 232 ONE is ready to chase – whether for a podium or a personal best. The fork is available with a 44 mm or a 51 mm offset, giving the possibility to choose the level of bike maneuverability needed.

232 one platform

Engineered to push the boundaries of XC even further.

We believe in the art of engineering and strive for sophistication in the product development process. Our guiding idea is to constantly push barriers with our inhouse developed technologies.

offset technology

Apt technology, topology technology, incontrol fork technology, lineair fork technology, model finder.

Just a few clicks to find your model. Please use the filter below.

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F 232 ONE 100 mm 29" 51 mm offset remote

• Net weight 1480 g
• Max. System weight MTB 130 kg
• max. system weight EMTB 120 kg
• ASTM classification MTB 3
• ASTM classification eMTB 3
• Rim Diameter 29" / 700C
• Travel [H] 100 mm
• Spring technology LINEAIR / APT
• Damping technology INCONTROL O.D.L.
• Remote Remote
• Stanchion diameter 32 mm
• Installation length [A] 507 mm
• Offset [B] 51 mm
• Max. Tire width mm (E) 73 mm
• Tire diameter max. (C) 750 mm
• Max.Ø (D) at tire width (E) 720 mm
• Brake caliper mounting type[F] Post mount 6"
• Steerer diameter [G] Tapered 1.5 - 1 ⅛ "
• Axle system 15 mm Thru Axle
• Built-in dimension 110 mm Boost
• Fork slider material Magnesium
• Steerer material Aluminum
• Inclusive Mini Fender APT Kit (1 Volume spacer) 2 Brake hose clamps L2 Remote Lever Star nut set black RWS Plug In Rod only

F 232 ONE 100 mm 29" 51 mm offset lever

• Remote Lever
• Inclusive Mini Fender APT Kit (1 Volume spacer) 2 Brake hose clamps Star nut set black RWS Plug In Rod only

F 232 ONE 100 mm 29" 44 mm offset remote

• Offset [B] 44 mm

F 232 ONE 100 mm 29" 44 mm offset lever

F 232 ONE 110 mm 29" 51 mm offset remote

• Net weight 1510 g
• Travel [H] 110 mm
• Installation length [A] 517 mm

F 232 ONE 110 mm 29" 51 mm offset lever

F 232 ONE 110 mm 29" 44 mm offset remote

F 232 ONE 110 mm 29" 44 mm offset lever

F 232 ONE 120 mm 29" 51 mm offset remote

• Travel [H] 120 mm
• Installation length [A] 527 mm

F 232 ONE 120 mm 29" 51 mm offset lever

F 232 ONE 120 mm 29" 44 mm offset remote

F 232 ONE 120 mm 29" 44 mm offset lever

Looking for conversion options, spare parts, manuals or how-to videos? Visit our product support.

Find help and answers for frequently asked questions here.

According to your selection F 232 ONE we found 12 models. Please use the model finder above to narrow down the models. Select the model for which you need product support.

We recommend choosing the offset recommended by the frame manufacturer. You can find a more detailed explanation on our offset technology page.

Our Suspension Setup Guide will help you find the right setting for your suspension fork or shocks. Our How To videos will take you through this step by step. If you have any further questions or would like advice, please contact a dealer . They can help you with your setup.

DT Swiss sells its products exclusively via official dealers, some of which also have online shops. Please contact your dealer . Or contact the distributor for your country – please use the contact form and select your country first, followed by "Product availability" as the subject.

Unfortunately we don't offer discounts; we don't sell directly to private customers. Please contact a dealer . You can find recommended retail prices on our website.

Lukas flückiger

«With the change from a professional mountain bike team to a privateer in the World Cup, there are many details to consider. An important point is the selection of the material partners and in particular the suspension parts. In addition to performance, reliability is my top priority. The F232 ONE offers both at the highest level and optimally supports me in achieving my sporting goals.»

matthias flückiger

«For a technophile mountain bike rider like me, it is not enough to use just any suspension fork. It has to meet all of my requirements. I found the perfect instrument for me in the F232 ONE. It is light, rides precisely and offers perfect performance on any mountain bike course.»

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Check out the new @canyon Lux World Cup Untamed, ready to rock the Cape Epic Race! Everything on this bike is custom. What do you think of the white F 232 ONE & R 232 ONE suspension? 📷: @markusgreber #EngineeringPerformance #MeticulousDevelopment #MTB #Bike #Wheels #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The F 232 ONE, available in 100, 110 and 120 mm travel, is ideal for MTBs with modern geometries. You even have a choice of fork offset: 44 or 51 mm. 📷: @pacecycles #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The advantage of our 232 ONE platform is that its products are available in different configurations. This makes it suitable for modern XC bikes with slightly more aggressive geometries, adapted to the increasingly demanding cross-country trails. 📸: @starlingcycles #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

Here is the Starling Cycles Murmur Downcountry, equipped with the following DT Swiss equipment: F 232 ONE 120 mm fork R 232 ONE 210×55 shock XRC 1501 SPLINE ONE wheelset Making it a hard-charging, big-pedaling, fast and super exciting short-travel 29er. 📸: @starlingcycles #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

Any idea which bike was fitted with these DT Swiss components? Here's a hint: it's a steel frame, hand-built in the UK. #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

@alessandrakeller got to know her new bike during the testing session in Biel, with new colors and details that match her achievements of the last season. 📸: Kifcat / @thoemusmaxon #ambitiouscyclist #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The suspension department as well as the DT Swiss Race Support team were on the scene for the @bixs_performanceraceteam testing last week. Improving the performance of the 232 ONE platform was the target. For more information on these products, please visit our link in bio! 📸: @jcadosch #engineeringperformance #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

In hot and humid conditions, the first XC World Cup of the 2022 season took place last weekend in Petrópolis, Brazil. The 232 ONE platform proved to be a great fit for the track; various rock drops required the suspension to provide resistance while delivering enough sensitivity to maintain grip over wet surfaces. Want to know which suspension components the @thoemusmaxon Team is running? Have a look at our link in bio! 📸: @irmokeizer #engineeringperformance #meticulousdevelopment #ambitiouscyclist #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

While there are various data points that can justify changes in a suspension setup, at the end of a test session, what is most important is how the riders feel. At the end of the test session in Finale Ligure, Italy, the @thoemusmaxon team and the @thoemus_akros_youngstars team agreed on one thing: "A great week of testing and training is coming to an end. Lots of new data and learning with our friends at DT Swiss. Suspension-wise, we are perfectly prepared for the season." 📸: @luca_gisler #engineeringperformance #meticulousdevelopment #ambitiouscyclist #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The goal of test sessions is to find the right setup for each bike and therefore each rider, in order to be ready for the first races of the 2022 season. After many exchanges between the pros, the mechanics, the engineers and the race support, the suspensions were adapted and tested on the demanding tracks of Finale Ligure. 📸: @luca_gisler #engineeringperformance #meticulousdevelopment #ambitiouscyclist #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

Earlier this month, our suspension experts traveled to Finale Ligure in Italy to conduct extensive testing with the @thoemusmaxon team and the @thoemus_akros_youngstars . 📸: @luca_gisler #engineeringperformance #meticulousdevelopment #ambitiouscyclist #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

All forks require regular maintenance to maintain optimal performance. Discover the maintenance intervals as well as videos explaining the exact steps to follow on our website, link in bio. 📸: @irmokeizer #engineeringperformance #meticulousdevelopment #ambitiouscyclist #cycling #mountainbike #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The Cross Country Marathon World Championship circuit was a tough one for the elite riders of the sport, but also demanding for both wheels and suspension. @andreas_seewald_ dominated this extraordinary event and became the new XC Marathon World Champion, riding the 232 ONE suspension platform smoothly from start to finish. 📸: @michalcervenyphoto #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #dreambuild #cycling #mountainbike #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The 232 ONE suspension platform made it to the top of the podium several times during the 2021 season, in wet and dry conditions alike. Often paired with the light and fast XRC 1200 SPLINE wheels, this combo was a favorite for the season. Link in bio to check out the cross-country specific suspension lineup on our website. 📸: @irmokeizer #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #dreambuild #cycling #mountainbike #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

The Thömus Lightrider WC of @rnracingteam rider @mathflueck with a paint job by @maxheideggerag - what do you think about this special design? This bike is a great combination of our F 232 ONE fork and R 232 ONE shock with the carbonized XRC 1200 SPLINE wheels, delivering grip, control and reactivity when needed. 📸: @rnracingteam #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #dreambuild #cycling #mtb #mountainbike #engineeringperformance #ambitiouscyclist #competitiveedge #SRA 📷 @swisscyclingteam / @iamtrackcycling -->

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RockShox SID SL Ultimate Race Day Suspension Fork - 29", 100 mm, 15 x 110 mm, 44 mm Offset, Gloss Blue, C1

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• The lightest, fastest fork of 2020, full stop
• The SID SL Ultimate features a new Charger Race Day damper, with every extra gram machined away, made for premium style plays.32mm chassis focused on light weight for the classic XC bike
• Charger Race Day Damper - Rockshox's lightest production damper with rock-solid lockout
• DebonAir air spring is tuned specific to meet the demands of XC and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence and control
• Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel

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Product Description

STRENGTH TO SEND IT

You’re gonna go fast, and you’re gonna have fun. We’ve re-balanced SID, beefing up its strength to match its speed. It’s the perfect fork for a new generation of more capable XC bikes, keeping riders ready for whatever’s down course.

SID SL Ultimate Race Day Suspension Fork

PERFECTLY BALANCED FOR THE SPEED NEEDS OF XC

Riding SID Ultimate means every detail is considered. An all new chassis, matched with the new Charger Race Day damper is our lightest yet.

PERFECTLY BALANCED FOR SPEED & STRENGTH

NEW DAMPER BUILT FOR SPEED

• Get the speed you need to win and the strength you need to send it.
• Our lightest cartridge damper. Ever. Built with a rock-solid lockout, the new Charger Race Day damper offers pure performance matched with unrivaled efficiency.
• BOTTOMLESS TOKENS Bottomless Tokens allow you to easily customize gas spring performance to best match your riding style and suspension preferences. Adding easy-to-install Bottomless Tokens changes the air spring curve to prevent bottoming out after impact, allowing aggressive riders to ride wilder. The removal of Bottomless Tokens results in a more linear gas spring curve, enhancing suspension feel on certain types of terrain or off-road conditions, and ensuring riders with less front-end aggressiveness benefit from 100% of the fork's travel.
• SAG GRADIENTS indicates the measured slope of the current sag and ride settings, conveniently located on the top tube, so you can always keep track of your riding status. You won't find it anywhere other than RockShox.
• BOOST is a standard wheelset and drivetrain specification that provides an opportunity to improve the frame with shorter chain stays, wider and stiffer suspension pivots, a wider range of chainring options, and larger tires and wider, stiffer wheels.

DEBONAIR Air Spring Technology

is a set of lightweight, height-adjustable air springs designed to have a consistent coil spring-like road feel throughout the entire travel — easily absorbing the tiniest shock, and closely following the undulations of the road.

Everyone loves a good partner who works well together, which is why we have been working with SKF, the world's highest quality seal manufacturer, for over 5 years. Working together to create an ultra-low friction soil sealer that reduces rider fatigue and delivers unrivaled suspension feel, all while keeping dirt and grime out - after all, no one wants dirt to go where it shouldn't.

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FS-RCNS-RL-D1

Recon Silver RL

€301 - €422

Ships after .

Currently out of stock until .

With optimized material concentrated at the brace and seal area, outstanding stiffness and steering precision, axle spec of either 9QR, 15x100mm, or 15x110mm, and available eMTB configured fork options with fender mounting points (OE only), Recon Silver is an all-around performer suited for any MTB or eMTB bike.

• eMTB endorsement options with short and full fender mounts are appropriate for all e-bikes (15x110mm)
• Motion Control™ damping featuring Low Speed Compression adjustment to lockout
• Fast Black finished 32mm steel upper tubes match significant stiffness with a premium look
• 15x110mm versions fit tires up to 2.8" without fenders - use of a full fender will reduce tire clearance

Some variations of this product featured on this page are not available for purchase and are installed on bicycles as complete bikes only. See your dealer for details.

Motion Control

Motion Control damping is seamless, effective, and offers a simple low-speed compression adjustment coupled with a blow-off valve.

BOOST is the standard wheel and drivetrain specification that opens the opportunity for improved frame geometry with shorter chain stays, wider and stiffer suspension pivots, wider range of chainring options, as well as more clearance for bigger tires and wider, stiffer wheels.

Specifications

Installation. Service. Compatibility. Find all the documentation needed to set up, use, and maintain your components in the SRAM Service hub.

TRAILHEAD APP

Suspension set up starts here.

It’s like having a personal tuner in your pocket. RockShox TrailHead App is the starting point to get your suspension dialed in for the perfect ride. Tuning recomendations, upgrade information, and service support all in your hand.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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• Trans-Siberian Express

Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

Trans-Siberian by Imperial Russia Train

Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Great Russia by Train

This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Trans-Sib - four cities

On this great Eurasian journey from West to East you will cover the entire route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting four major cities along the way: Russia's capital Moscow, Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk including incredible Lake Baikal, and finally Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, at the very edge of Russia.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Highlights on the Trans-Sib

This tour is a great choice for seeing the highlights of Russia, Mongolia and China. From Golden-Domed Moscow you will continue on to Irkutsk and visit beautiful Lake Baikal. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert. Finally, you will reach China and visit the magnificent Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Forbidden city.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Monday
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

• Route Vladivostok - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

5 stars - East to West

This tour covers the highlights of the Trans-Siberian Railway - including all 5 major cities along its route. You will admire cultural masterpieces in Beijing, learn about nomadic life in Mongolia, see amazing Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, learn about the fate of the Last Tsar in Yekaterinburg, and visit Russia's energetic capital Moscow.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Thursday.
• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Saturday
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office . Please browse our discount air tickets section to learn more.

Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

Click to learn more about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

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