Getting Around Tomsk: An Overview
Tomsk has no metro or subway system, so visitors rely on a mix of surface transport: buses, trolleybuses, trams, marshrutkas (fixed-route minibuses), and taxis. The good news for a visitor is that the historic centre is compact enough to explore largely on foot, and the public transport network fills in the gaps for reaching residential districts, the train station, and the airport.
Walking
Most of the city centre is within walking distance, and the historic core and the Tom River embankment are particularly pedestrian-friendly. Guided walking tours are offered by local operators, and you can also explore independently with a map or guidebook. For anything outside the centre, though, you will want to use public transport or a taxi.
Trams and Trolleybuses
Tomsk operates both trams and trolleybuses. The tram network is limited and connects central areas with residential districts, while trolleybuses run on specific routes, largely in the city centre. Both are cheap and well suited to sightseeing. Fares are paid to the conductor or driver, mostly in cash, so carry small rouble denominations with you.
Buses and Marshrutkas
Buses and marshrutkas carry the majority of inner-city and suburban passengers. The bus network is extensive and covers most parts of the city, while marshrutkas are widespread, often faster, and may deviate slightly from their route to drop passengers closer to where they want to get off. To board a marshrutka, signal the driver and call out your destination.
Practical points for using public transport:
- Fares are paid to the conductor or driver, mostly in cash; keep small rouble notes handy.
- Most transport runs from around 06:00 until 22:00–23:00, with more frequent service at peak hours.
- Route maps and real-time information are available through Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
- Novo-Sobornaya Square and Lenin Square are major transfer points.
- Accessibility is limited on older vehicles, though newer accessible models are being introduced gradually. Taxis are a more suitable option if you have mobility needs.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing provide point-to-point transport and are useful for longer distances or late-night travel. Yandex.Taxi is the dominant ride-sharing service in Tomsk and across Russia, and its app is available in English; Uber operates through the Yandex.Taxi platform in Russia. Licensed taxis are yellow or white with a checkerboard pattern.
Tips for taking a taxi:
- Street hailing is possible, but booking through an app or by phone is safer. If you do hail a taxi on the street, confirm the fare before setting off.
- Before entering, confirm that the driver and vehicle match the information in the app.
- Fares vary by distance and time of day. Cash is commonly accepted; ride-hailing apps allow in-app card payment.
- Taxi dispatchers and drivers generally do not speak English, so learn a few key phrases.
- If you are heading to the airport or bus station, book in advance in case of long waits.
- At the train and bus stations, use Yandex.Taxi or designated taxi stands, and avoid individuals directly offering rides.
Getting from Bogashevo Airport into the City
Tomsk is served by Bogashevo Airport (TOF), which handles both domestic and international flights. The airport lies southeast of the city centre, near the village of Bogashevo. Bus #118 runs between the airport and the city centre and is the cheapest option. Taxis are available outside the airport; use Yandex.Taxi or pre-book to avoid inflated airport prices.
Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) is an alternative gateway. It sits in Ob Town near Novosibirsk, and at least five direct buses run daily between OVB and Tomsk bus station.
Trains and Intercity Connections
Tomsk is a small railway centre on a branch line of the Trans-Siberian Railway. The main Trans-Siberian line bypasses the city to the south, and access to it is via the town of Tayga; a regional rail line links Tomsk with Tayga. The city has two railway stations, with Tomsky I serving as the main station. Trains link Tomsk to destinations including Moscow, Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Anapa, Asino, Bely Yar, Novokuznetsk, Sochi, and Tayga.
For arrivals from Novosibirsk, buses are the most convenient option, with frequent daily departures; tickets can be purchased online.
Other Options
Car rental is available in Tomsk through local and international agencies, and cars can also be picked up at the airports. Renting is best suited to trips outside the city and is recommended only in the warmer, frost-free summer months given the severity of Siberian winters. Requirements typically include a valid national driving licence and an International Driving Permit, plus a passport and credit card for the deposit; minimum age is usually 21 or 23, with a surcharge for younger drivers. Book online in advance and inspect the vehicle for damage. Paid parking is becoming common in central areas.
Bicycle rentals are available seasonally, though cycling infrastructure is still developing and main roads can be challenging. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common. There are no hop-on hop-off tourist buses, but local agencies offer organised group bus tours with pre-booking, and seasonal river boat tours on the Tom River run in summer for sightseeing.