An Overview of Getting Around Kemerovo
Kemerovo is a large industrial city in the Kuznetsk Basin, spread across five districts and sitting at the confluence of the Iskitimka and Tom Rivers. For a visitor, the practical reality is simple: there is no metro, and getting around relies on a mix of buses, trolleybuses, trams, route taxis, and road taxis. The city center is compact enough to explore on foot, but the wider urban area is stretched out, so you will almost certainly use public transport or a taxi for at least part of your stay.
Public Transport: Buses, Trolleybuses and Trams
The backbone of the network is the bus. Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover the widest range of routes, including suburban services that reach outlying areas. Trolleybuses supplement buses in certain parts of the city, while the tram network is more limited and mainly serves industrial and residential districts rather than acting as a general sightseeing tool. There is no metro system in Kemerovo.
Route taxis (marshrutkas) are also a major part of how the city moves, running alongside the conventional bus routes. They are fixed-route vehicles rather than on-demand taxis, so you board, pay, and ride along a set course.
- Route maps: Look for them at bus stops, though they are often only in Russian. Electronic maps such as Yandex Maps and 2GIS are far more useful for planning and for real-time tracking.
- Fares: A flat fare is charged per trip. Paying cash to the conductor or driver is common, and contactless payment with Russian bank cards (Mir) or UnionPay is increasingly accepted.
- Hours: Service typically runs from around early morning until late evening. Frequency varies by route and time of day, so plan around peak periods if you are on a schedule.
- Accessibility: Nearly all vehicles are not fully accessible for wheelchair users, though some newer buses have lower floors. Infrastructure for mobility needs is generally limited, so travelers with accessibility requirements should plan ahead.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Official taxis display roof signs and company branding. Ride-hailing apps are generally considered safer and more trustworthy because trips are tracked and pricing is clearer. Yandex Go (also known as Yandex Taxi) is the dominant ride-sharing service in the city, and booking through it is the recommended approach at the airport and railway station, where clear pricing matters most.
- Payment: You can pay the driver in cash or through the app using a Russian bank card or UnionPay.
- Street taxis: These are less regulated. If you flag one down rather than using an app, agree on the price before you set off.
- Cost: A short city ride is inexpensive by international standards, with longer trips costing more depending on distance.
Walking and Cycling
Parts of Kemerovo are genuinely walkable. Sovetov Prospekt, the central avenue lined with shops and cafes, is the natural place to stroll, as is Pobedy Park (Victory Park) with its paths and monuments, and the Tom River embankment. The city center generally has historical buildings and is manageable on foot.
Beyond those areas, distances grow and walking becomes less practical. There are few dedicated cycle paths, so cyclists typically share the road or the sidewalk, and a helmet is advisable. Organized English-language walking tours are not readily available, so most visitors explore independently. As with any city, take general caution in poorly lit areas at night.
Arriving by Air
Kemerovo International Airport (KEJ) is named after the cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, a native of the Kuzbass region, and sits close to the city. It handles flights from Moscow, Vladivostok, and other destinations, plus charters from places such as Bangkok, Sanya, and Hurghada.
For getting into the city, two bus routes serve the airport: 101 and 126. Bus 101 runs between the airport and the railway station, making it a convenient option if you are continuing your journey by train or staying near the station. Booking a Yandex Go taxi on arrival is the other straightforward choice, especially if you have luggage or are arriving at an awkward hour.
Arriving by Train
Kemerovo has its own railway station and is linked to western Russia by a branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Direct trains connect the city with Moscow, Tashtagol, and Novosibirsk, among other places. If you arrive by rail, the station is also the point where airport bus 101 connects, which makes onward transfers relatively simple.
Other Options and Practical Notes
Car rental is possible but comes with paperwork: a minimum age requirement, a valid national license, an International Driving Permit, and a passport, plus a credit card for the deposit. It is worth checking in advance whether Russian card or cash deposit options are available. Driving is on the right, and winter ice and snow make driving genuinely difficult, with potholes and uneven surfaces common and rural roads sometimes poorly lit. Russia enforces a zero-tolerance alcohol policy while driving.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon for tourists, and official bicycle sharing is limited, though some local shops may rent bikes. There are no tuk-tuks, jeepneys, cable cars, or funiculars in Kemerovo. Seasonal pleasure boat excursions on the Tom River may be available for leisure, but they are not part of the regular transport network.
Overall accessibility is limited, so travelers with mobility needs may require advance planning and private transport arrangements to get around comfortably.