tahquamenon riverboat tours

Tahquamenon Falls Train and Riverboat Tours since 1927

Phone: 1-888-778-7246.

The Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tour Business is for sale!

Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours finished it's 96th season and the Stewarts will be heading into well deserved retirement after 42 years. Are you interested in owning and operating one of the most iconic businesses in the Upper Peninsula? Contact us for more information about this unique opportunity.

Train and Riverboat Tour to the Tahquamenon Falls

This 6 1/2 hour wilderness tour starts with a 35 minute narrow gauge train ride, followed by a 2 hour, narrated riverboat cruise.  

After reaching the rapids above the falls, the riverboat docks for one hour and fifteen minutes, allowing for a 5/8 mile nature hike to our private view of the upper Tahquamenon Falls.

After the stopover, the riverboat and train retrace their route back to Soo Junction. The nature hike includes stairs and is not handicap accessible.

The 2023 tour season has ended, and the owner/operators are retiring. As they look to sell the business, a 2024 season remains uncertain. Check back in the early spring for updates.

About The Riverboat Hiawatha

The Hiawatha offers two decks, with enclosed seating, open air seating and restrooms. During the cruise, the captain provides narration on points of interest including: logging and Native American history, and the Tahquamenon River's plant and animal life.

The riverboat features a bar and grill onboard. Our grill serves hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, ham & cheese, chicken sandwiches, sloppy joes, nachos, vegetarian burgers and grilled cheese. We have homemade chili after Labor Day.

We also have snacks, chips, and beverages including beer, wine and wine coolers. All sandwiches are between $4.50 and $8.00, tax included. Purchases made on the riverboat's bar and grill are cash only.

Toonerville Trolley Train and Boat Tours

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Toonerville Trolley Train and Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours & The Famous Toonerville Trolley

Toll free: 888-77-train, open seasonally.

Tour #2 – 1 3/4 hour wilderness train ride. Open July 1 through August 22, and Labor Day weekend. Ride the longest 24 inch gauge railroad in the United States! Family owned and operated for over 82 years.

Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm Closed Sunday

7195 County Road 381

888-77-TRAIN

http://www.trainandboattours.com/

[email protected]

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Ride the Toonerville Trolley and Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat

July 29th, 2022.

One of the premier destinations in the Upper Peninsula is the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls between Newberry and Paradise. Many people drive to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the thundering Upper Falls, the largest waterfalls in Michigan, and to play and paddle around the tranquil Lower Falls. But there is another way to see the beautiful wilderness and Tahquamenon River in Tahquamenon Country — take the Famous Toonerville Trolley and Tahquamenon Riverboat Tour to the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. This one-of-a-kind, guided tour will show you just how wildly beautiful and historically significant this area is. So, come aboard! 

A brief history of the Tahquamenon Falls trolley and boat tours  

The Tahquamenon Falls Famous Toonerville Trolley and Riverboat Tour was started in 1927 by partners Joe Beach and Robert Hunter. Beach was a conservation officer on the Tahquamenon River and often got requests from people who wanted to ride along on his daily river patrol that went from north of Newberry to the rapids a half-mile above the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. It was a 14-hour round trip. Once at the rapids, you could then hike through the virgin forest to view the falls. At that time, there was no other way to reach the falls.

Joe envisioned a tour to the Upper Falls, but he needed a way to shorten the trip and to have access to a wider and deeper section of the river to navigate a larger boat. He partnered with Robert Hunter, a lumberman who had a rail line running from Soo Junction to the Tahquamenon River. The rail was a standard-size track, and they fitted a Model T truck with train wheels and a cart. Joe and Robert could carry 30 passengers across the rail to the river where they boarded the “Betty B” for the 21-mile cruise to the rapids above the falls.

The partners soon needed a way to carry more passengers on the popular tour. The partners bought a 24-inch gauge track, a locomotive and four flat cars, and in 1933, converted the track. This rail line is the longest of its kind in the country and one of the oldest. The company is still family-owned and operated by Robert Hunter’s great-grandson, Captain Kris Stewart and his family.

Quick facts about the Tahquamenon Falls Famous Toonerville Trolley Wilderness Train and Riverboat Tour

Overview of the tahquamenon falls train and riverboat tour.

The tour includes both a 35-minute train ride through the Tahquamenon Country wilderness followed by a 2-hour Tahquamenon River cruise. The riverboat docks for 1-1/4 hours to allow for a ⅝-mile nature hike to view the Upper Tahquamenon Falls from the tour company’s private viewing area. The riverboat and train will retrace their route back to the boarding area, 2 hours by boat and then 35 minutes by train. 

Tahquamenon Falls train and riverboat tour hours and dates

The total time is 6-½ hours, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on select days from mid-June to the beginning of October. Please arrive 30 minutes before the train departs to allow time to get your tickets and find a seat. 

Board the Famous Toonerville Trolley Wilderness Train in Soo Junction

The address is 7195 County Road 381 (Soo Junction Road) Soo Junction, MI 49868 (or 49000). It is one hour from the Mackinac Bridge, 15 miles east of Newberry and just two minutes off Highway M-28 at mile marker #246. Look for the big black and yellow sign on the corner of M-28 and County Road 381.

Food and drinks are available on the riverboat, cash only 

The riverboat has a cash-only bar and grill onboard. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, ham and cheese or chicken sandwiches, sloppy joes, nachos, vegetarian burgers, peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese sandwiches. After Labor Day, the crew serves homemade riverboat chili. There are also snacks, chips and beverages including beer, wine and wine coolers. 

ADA-accessible restrooms are available

You will have access to a restroom at the Soo Junction train depot, on the riverboat and at the Tahquamenon Upper Falls viewing area. There is no restroom on the Toonerville Trolley Wilderness Train. 

The tour, however, is only partially ADA-accessible

• The crew on the train and riverboat can assist passengers onto and off the boat in a manual wheelchair up to 175 pounds. They cannot accommodate scooters or power wheelchairs. 
• The hiking trail to Tahquamenon Falls is not ADA-accessible. 
• Passengers that cannot hike the trail are welcome to stay the 1-¼ hours on the riverboat during the stopover. They will not, however, be able to see the Upper Falls from the boat.

Tips before you take the Tahquamenon Falls train and boat tour

What to wear:  In the warmer summer months, bring a jacket or sweatshirt as mornings can be cool. Walking shoes, tennis shoes or hiking boots are the best footwear for any season. In the cooler months, wear long pants and several layers. Gloves are advisable, too. You can even bring blankets. 

When traveling with young children:  6-½ hours can be long for children so please bring books or toys, blankets and a diaper bag. Child carriers and strollers are also welcome onboard. 

Other things you can bring:  Backpacks, bags, camera, binoculars and a small cooler that fits under your seat. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED; you may purchase them from the grill/concession stand. 

Well-behaved pets are welcome. There is a list of rules on the tour company’s site, but mainly keep your pet on a six-foot or shorter leash and in an adult’s control at all times. Please bring a water dish for your pet, too. 

Watch for wildlife along the way

While there is a variety of wildlife in Tahquamenon Country, including bear and whitetail deer, several factors determine whether you will see them: the air temperature, weather and their whims. During the hottest part of the summer or later in the fall, you are less likely to see the larger wild animals.

Reservations and cost of Tahquamenon Falls Toonerville trolley and riverboat tour tickets

The tour company recommends making online reservations. The train and riverboat tour only handles 180 passengers, and during summer and fall-color-tour season, the once-a-day trips fill fast. The company accepts VISA, Mastercard and Discover cards for ticket purchases only. Sorry, no personal checks. You may also purchase tickets at the Soo Junction train depot gift shop. 

Ticket Prices

Check current adult, senior and children ticket prices .

Plan your Tahquamenon Falls Famous Toonerville Trolley Wilderness Train and Riverboat Tour now!

Visit the Tahquamenon Falls Train & Riverboat Tour website or Facebook for complete details and updates to make it easier to plan your trip. The Stewart Family welcomes visitors of all ages to make memories that last for generations. If we can be of any assistance, contact us at Tahquamenon Country: (906) 287-1962 or email, [email protected] .

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Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours

Review Highlights

“ The two hour boat ride to the falls also provided amazing scenery. ” in 2 reviews

“ This is a wonderful tour, by train through swamps and forests, and then by riverboat to the forest leading to the falls. ” in 2 reviews

“ We were lucky enough to see some wildlife, including a bear , but in defense of this business the animals are WILD. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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7195 County Rd 381

Soo Junction, MI 49868

Serving Soo Junction Area

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Narrow Gauge Train Rides and Scenic Riverboat Tours to Tahquamenon Falls …

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Visited the lower falls and took the walk all the way around. What a beautiful place. Serene and gorgeous. The only thing that was annoying was the fact that people do not obey the "don't go on the other side of the fence" rule. People were walking on the rocks in front of the falls, ruining a lot of good photo opportunities. Not to mention small children, including infants, being taken on the slippery rocks and fast moving water. It was quite concerning to see such foolish people. If something were to happen, they should be arrested for putting children in such a terrible situation.

See all photos from Kris S. for Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours

This is a wonderful tour, by train through swamps and forests, and then by riverboat to the forest leading to the falls. Along the way we saw diverse varieties of trees and many birds, including 2 majestic eagles. The only caveat we have is that the tour was described as a "moderate walk" of about 5/8 mile. But it seemed more like 5 to 8 miles, because it was on a picturesque dirt path, mostly uphill and nearly every step was dangerous because of the many tree roots in your path. As I said, we still loved it, but those who are challenged by walking uphill on perilous paths, should consider whether or not they are up to such a journey. Don't let this put you off. Even if you don't make the hike to the falls, the train ride and riverboat offer an adventure in nature that you'll remember. It would be nice if they would advertise it as a "more than "moderate walk

Very nice relaxing day trip. Starting out you take a 40 minute trolly rain ride back to the river where you board the boat. I must say the trolly ride was a little long and somewhat uncomfortable. The boat ride is two hours to the upper falls. The captain does a great job of giving information on the area, the river, trees and others. When you get to the Upper Falls, allow one hour and fifteen minutes to hike to the falls area. The view of the falls is somewhat limited. All in all it was a nice trip.

I'm a bit unsure how this has such good reviews. My family of 5 bought tickets for this a few weeks in advance. We thought it would be a great experience, given the great reviews on Yelp and Google. I was a bit hesitant being on a train and boat ride for 6 hours out of my day on the last day of our trip, but I learned to suck it up. All I wanted to do was see the falls. If you want to hike and see the upper and lower falls, this tour is not for you. If you have an issue walking down steep steps, this tour is not for you. If you have trouble sitting for long periods of time, this tour is not for you. If you like looking at trees and more trees and some water, this for you. 45 minute train ride through trees. 2 hour boat ride. 20 minute walk to falls. You only get about 20 minutes at the falls then turn around and do it all again. If you want to spend more time at the falls, I recommend driving to the state park and making a day of it. The scenery on the train and boat was beautiful. However, spending 6 hours on the boat and train was a bit too much for my family and I. I can't imagine how it would be for a family with your children. I'd recommend bringing your own food and drinks, even some card games to keep everyone entertained. They do sell some burgers, sandwiches, and nachos on hand if you do get hungry on the journey. This is a family run business and I can tell they take good pride in their work, which I appreciate. It just wasn't for us.

The Toonerville Trolley and Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tour to the falls was a beautiful and relaxing way to spend our day. First, the approximately 35 minute train ride through forest and bog habitat yielded cranes, eagles, and numerous other birds (not lucky enough to see a bear...). The two hour boat ride to the falls also provided amazing scenery. We had burgers from their on-board grill and were pleasantly surprised. They allowed approximately one hour 15 minutes to hike to the falls; this allowed us plenty of time to hike to both the upper and lower (much prettier) view of the upper falls. The return boat and train rides were also enjoyable. The captain's commentary was spot-on the entire boat trip; we learned so many fun and interesting things. We would do this tour again in a heartbeat.

Everything was as advertised. That should get a five star but... if you are expecting a fast train, fast boat and best view of falls, you won't get it. If you want slow and ok view, this is for you. Again, no disrespect. It was what they said it would be. Many passengers were bemoaning the extent of the adventure and couldn't wait to get back to parking lot. The Captain had endless commentary about the river, wildlife and history of the area, which was awesome.

We took the train & riverboat tour. Both were awesome! The staff is friendly & informative. Train ride gets a little rough at times, but is ok. The riverboat was our favorite! The captain is wonderful! He's chock full of info about the river & surroundings. What a pleasant boat ride! You see turtles & birds & points of interest. We stayed on the boat while others went to see the falls. Which is an option & you can enjoy the scenery. A+ activity in our opinion!!

Wonderful experience with this attraction. The captain was like a encyclopedia, so much information on everything that you came across on your tour. The boat and all the facilities were very well maintained, and clean. My wife and I took my parents for an anniversary gift, could not have been more pleased.

We took the Toonerville Trolley tour only, not the river boat tour. It was a beautiful ride. We saw a juvenile and an adult eagle, sandhill cranes, ravens, and a bear. They throw food out to attract the bears and we were a lucky group. You have a stop halfway and get off so they can turn the train/trolley around. There is a bathroom, concessions, and kids activities. It's also a pretty spot to take pictures of the river. My suggestion is that when you reload the trolley you sit on the opposite side from the one you were on prior to the stop. They only actually move the engine train, not the parts that hold the seating. So whatever side you sit on in the first part of the ride will remain on that same side. On the way to the stop we had guide per say that was up front where we were. It was really nice because she talked about the area and helped point out the wildlife. They also gave out a pamphlet of different trees that are marked throughout the ride and she gave a heads up as we went along. The gift shop was neat and there was a picnic area we used before our ride. They have porta potties at the gift shop that were the nicest ones I've EVER been in. I was very impressed. They had sinks with running water for washing hands too. I'm going to add some remarks in reference to another review on here. It is true that they line your cars up in rows, which means that you may have to wait a few minutes to leave. It took us all but 5 minutes to back out and pull around to leave. I think, for the most part, people are going to be considerate of this and not spend too much time holding each other up. We were lucky enough to see some wildlife, including a bear, but in defense of this business the animals are WILD. They are not taking pictures of bears at Oswald's and lying to people to scam them. We talked at length with a lady in the gift shop about the bears that live within the area. There is even a stand along the tracks for a local photographer that comes and takes pictures of the bears every year to document their growth. It is scenery like we had already seen while driving through the UP, but it was nice to sit back and allow someone else to take us on a tour through the thick of it up close. Again, we only did the Toonerville Trolley tour. I do recommend it if you get the chance.

See all photos from Angela R. for Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours

We had such a great time. Beautiful scenery, unbelievably educational. Super hospitality. Chris was top knotch. Completely understated was the food on this trip, one of the best burgers we have ever had! The chef was hilarious, the fabulous woman taking orders was awesome. The beer we purchased on the trip was served by an incredibly funny and great young man! The woman we purchased the tickets from was also funny and very hospitable. Great job! Extremely well spent day, we are very appreciative of all the hard work that everyone puts into this. Great job!

5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours & Toonerville Trolley

7195 Co Rd 381, Michigan 49868 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Public Restrooms

“providing an interesting and educational wilderness experience”

Offering a combination narrow gauge train ride (longest 24 inch gauge train line in the country) and a riverboat cruse to the upper Tahquamenon Falls. See wildlife in it's natural habitat. Enjoy the Captains commentary throughout the river cruse. Hike the nature trail through the virgin forest to our private viewing area at the falls. The riverboat lunch counter serves our delicious hand made burgers and other delightful fare along the way. Also the riverboat bar serves beer, wine, & coolers and other cold beverages and snacks. Restrooms onboard.

Reviewed by JudiAlgerBurgess

Not expensive ! $47 for 6 hour train & boat. $15 for train only and less for kids.

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Tahquamenon Falls Boat & Train Tours

Pine Bluff: The UP's Premier Four Season Resort

OTHER THINGS TO DO

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• Tahquamenon Falls

The Tahquamenon Falls River Boat and Trains tours provide an interesting and educational wilderness experience to their passengers. Enjoy a 6 1/2 hour Train and Riverboat Tour to the Upper Tahquamenon Falls or a 1 3/4 hour wilderness train ride. They have been family-owned and operated since 1927. Just 30 min from Pine Bluff Resort.

Contact us 7195 County Road 381 Soo Junction, MI 49000 Phone(888) 778-7246 Toll-Free: (906) 876-2311 [email protected]

After A Hike To Michigan's Tahquamenon Falls, Board The Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat For A Memorable Adventure

Christina Arrascaeta

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Appreciate Michigan’s great outdoors as never before with a Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tour. Combine a train ride, hiking, and a riverboat to tour one of the state’s most sought-after natural attractions – the Tahquamenon Falls ! So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to embark on an amazing adventure through the Michigan wilderness.

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With a train ride through the natural wilderness, a hike to stunning waterfalls, and a riverboat ride showcasing Michigan’s Tahquamenon River, you are sure to feel you’ve made the right choice by booking a tour with Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours . Nowhere else can you take a jam-packed journey that is as relaxing as it is fun!

Have you traveled down the Tahquamenon River in Michigan? Be sure to comment below to let us know how best to see the Tahquamenon Falls up close!

If you’re looking for more epic hiking options in Michigan, then look no further than these easy yet satisfying hikes in the state !

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Historic Tahquamenon riverboat tours may shutter, seeking new owners for 97th season

• Updated: Aug. 15, 2023, 12:54 p.m. |
• Published: Aug. 15, 2023, 10:36 a.m.

The Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours has given tours of Michigan's largest waterfall for 96 seasons. | Photo courtesy of Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours

• Emily Bingham | [email protected]

SOO JUNCTION, MICH. -- For nearly a century, the Toonerville Trolley and Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours have been transporting visitors through the magical northwoods for a unique experience centered around Michigan’s roaring Tahquamenon Falls.

This season, the operation’s 96th, may be its last.

The fourth-generation owners of the beloved tour company are ready for retirement, and in 2022 they listed the business for sale in the hopes of finding someone to shepherd it to its centennial and beyond. If no one comes forward, they say, the last scheduled run of the season on Oct. 7 could be their final run ever.

Co-owner Dixie Stewart, whose husband is the great-grandson of one of the company’s founding partners, says this news has been met with dismay from the tours’ passengers, many of whom have been returning with their families for decades.

“It’s a daily occurrence on trip days that passengers will come in and they’ve been there before: They’re celebrating something, they were there on their honeymoon 50 years ago, they brought their kids and now they’re bringing their grandkids,” Stewart says. “I had a lady yesterday on the boat who had a 20-year-old brochure that she’d been keeping, and she wanted all the people on the crew to sign it.”

The original Toonerville Trolley was a Ford Model T and trailer that had been kitted out with train tires. The Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours and Toonerville Trolley are for sale, and may close up shop at the end of this year after nearly a century of operations if a buyer is not found. | Photo courtesy Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours

The tours date back to the 1920′s when Joe Beach, a local conservation officer, began getting visitor requests to join him on his patrols along the Tahquamenon River. At the time there was no easy access to reach the river’s Upper Falls — the largest waterfall in Michigan, stretching 200 feet across with a drop of nearly 50 feet — and so Beach’s daily river runs, despite being a grueling 14 hours long, became known as a way to get a rare and thrilling glimpse of this natural wonder.

After officially launching his river tour business in 1927, Beach leased a stretch of nearby narrow-gauge railroad tracks, originally used by a lumberman named Robert Hunter, to create a passenger shortcut to the river. A Model T truck and trailer retrofitted with train wheels became the first Toonerville Trolley; a 30-passenger vessel named the Betty B was the original riverboat. Beach and Hunter became business partners, and by 1938 their trips had grown so popular that a new boat was built, with a dance floor, jukebox and room for 400 people.

Over the years, the business expanded and contracted along with the economy and tourism trends, but the visitor experience remained largely unchanged, which may explain why it holds such nostalgia. Each trip still starts with a ride on a quaint train trolley to a private dock, where passengers board a riverboat for a peaceful float down the Tahquamenon River to a viewing platform for a unique perspective of the Tahquamenon’s stunning Upper Falls.

Visitors’ love for the tours endured even after the state opened Tahquamenon Falls State Park in 1947, which eventually cleared the way for an easy walk right up to the falls.

“We kept on doing it because it was an alternative way of seeing the falls that most people enjoy: You know, to kick back and relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife and nature,” Stewart says.

As one of several vessels used by Toonerville Trolley and Tahquamenon Riverboat tours over the years, the 400-passenger Tahquamenon ferried visitors to see the river's Upper Falls from 1937 through 1963. The boat had a jukebox and a dance floor, and was the largest vessel to ever float the Tahquamenon River, according to the company. | Photo courtesy Tahquamenon Riverboat Tours

Today on the Toonerville Trolley website, alongside navigation tabs to booking details, tour schedules and fare prices, a link cheerfully says, “Buy Us!” The starting sale price is $500,000, which includes the business and its equipment, though the owners are open to offers from serious buyers, Stewart says. A low-cost lease for the land will be negotiated with the sale.

If a buyer isn’t found, Stewart says the company will likely sell off its equipment before closing up shop for good.

“We’re still keeping our fingers crossed,” she says. “We would absolutely love to be able to sell it and have it continue. But we’re at the point, age-wise and everything, that this is just getting to be too much. We’re not able to get the kind of help we need in order to be able to continue. So we really don’t have a whole lot of choice but to close the door.”

For more information, visit www.trainandboattours.com .

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

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Moscow Metro

About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

See you in Moscow!

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• Owner: Moscow Guide & Driver
• Date: June 3, 2012 06:12:00 am EDT
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• Tags: Russia , Moscow Metro , Komsomolskaya , Moscow Highlights , escalators , Moscow Famous Landmarks , underground palace , Moscow

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At Bell Tower of St. Basil’s Cathedral

My Dear Clients from USA, Jan and David Chapman, near bell tower of the most famous Moscow and Russia landmark, the cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat, well known from 19th century as St. Basil’s cathedral. The cathedral was built on Red Square in 1555-1561 under order from the first Russian Czar, Ivan the Terrible, with the blessing of metropolitan Macarius in honor of the Russian conquest of Kazan Khanate in 1552.

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