How to get to Kazan

Let's head to the homeland of echpochmaks and chak-chak, the capital of Tatarstan — Kazan! If your suitcases and backpacks are already packed, but you don't yet know how to get there (but really want to), this article will be just what you need. 

We'll tell you which transport is best, what you should know, and from which cities it's most convenient to travel.

By plane

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Kazan remains by plane. to the heart of Tatarstan, you can fly in just an hour and a half, — in two hours. 

If flight tickets to Kazan are already purchased, don't forget the basic rules for preparing for a flight: 

• wear comfortable clothes for sitting in one place (this rule applies to any type of transport); 
• take everything you might need during the flight and cannot carry in checked luggage into your hand luggage: power bank, passport, laptop, etc.;
• minimize the number of metal objects on you for a smooth passage through security frames; 
• arrive at the airport at least an hour and a half before departure. 

After arriving at Kazan airport, you still need to get to the city itself. From Terminal 1A, bus № 197 runs daily to Kazan: frequency is 20–30 minutes, travel time is about an hour. There's also an option to take an electric train from the airport itself. Pros: clear schedule and 25 minutes travel time; con: the last electric train departs at 20:30. 

Another option to get to the city is by taxi or car. The journey takes about 20–30 minutes. After 22:00, buses do not run, but this plan remains viable. 

If you are an adventurous traveler, there is an option to choose a hybrid route: first by plane, then by train (or vice versa). Sometimes this option is much more convenient. For example, there are no direct flights to Tatarstan from Novosibirsk, and how to get to Kazan is unclear. A direct train route takes up to a day and a half, while with a transfer to a plane, it's only 20 hours. 

However, the fastest route still remains the option with two flights: the entire journey will take seven hours with a transfer in Moscow. 

By train

For lovers of railway romance, there are also several options. The train journey to Kazan takes from 11 to 13 hours, and — almost a day. Enough time to eat chicken with tomatoes and also make instant noodles. And not get tired of your neighbors in the process. 

Getting ready for the train: 

• be sure to bring food with you: exactly as much as your body needs. Pies at stations and train stations still don't inspire confidence, and food in the dining car kills any attempt to save money on the route; 
• bring something for leisure: a book, crosswords, playing cards, etc.;
• prepare in advance for the absence of internet on the way: download movies and music, charge necessary devices; 
• bring hygiene products for greater comfort. Believe me, sometimes just brushing your teeth feels like being reborn. 

Long-distance trains usually arrive at two stations: Kazan-1 and Kazan-2. From the second, you can walk to the Kazan Kremlin in 20 minutes. From the first, you can get to the center by metro. From "Severny Vokzal" (Northern Station) to "Kremlyovskaya" is just seven minutes. 

We've figured out how to get to Kazan by train; below, we'll look at the next route option. 

By bus

Another way to get to Kazan's attractions is by bus. Previously, for obvious reasons, people traveled by bus much more often. Now, this method is gradually becoming obsolete, as it might seem that travel time takes much longer. 

However, for example, to Kazan by bus, you can get there in just 13 hours. But , it takes almost a day. Buses are now much more comfortable than before. For instance, they now have air conditioning and toilets. 

Of course, you need to check all the conditions offered by the transport company beforehand. Because even now, there are cases when old bus models are used on routes. You definitely don't want to travel 18 hours from Chelyabinsk without air conditioning. All information — from prices to schedules — can be found, for example, on Tutu.Ru.

So, getting ready for a bus trip:

• bring a pillow for your head, ideally an inflatable one so it doesn't take up too much space;
• and, of course, don't forget to bring drinking water.

Kazan has four main bus stations: Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern. From the Central station to the Kremlin, it's best to take a taxi: 12 minutes and about 150 rubles. The Northern bus station is located at the same place as Kazan-1 railway station. You can get to the Kremlin by metro: seven minutes to "Kremlyovskaya" station. 

The Eastern bus station is further away; from there, it's more convenient to get to the center by bus № 63. The journey from "Avtovokzal Vostochny" (Eastern Bus Station) to "Universitet" (University) takes 20 minutes, and from there, it's a 15-minute walk to the Kremlin. From the Southern station to the center by public transport, you can only get with transfers — it's more convenient to take a taxi and be there in 20 minutes.  

By car

One of the options for a comfortable and inexpensive way to get to Kazan is by car. Why comfortable? Because you can stop wherever and whenever you want, sleep in the back seat, and see other cities and attractions along the way.

From the cultural capital, it's a 17-hour drive, — 14–15 hours. But from Yekaterinburg, it's only a 12-hour drive — a small bonus for residents of the Urals. 

Important reminder! 

After four hours of continuous driving, take a break for at least 15 minutes; subsequently, breaks are necessary every two hours. This is done to ensure road safety. 

Getting ready for Kazan by car: 

• bring a paper map of the route. As funny as it may seem, gadgets can break down/run out of battery/lose signal. A map is more reliable;
• stock up on drinking water, but take minimal food: stops along the way will allow you to eat properly, not just snack; 
• check for a first aid kit, buy what's needed before leaving. 

There are many ways to get to Kazan from different parts of Russia. Choose the one that suits you, and hit the road!