passenger travel spangdahlem

Opening Hours Monday–Friday 0800-1500 Weekends, Family Days & US Holidays Closed 3rd Wednesday Every Month Closed

123 Anystreet Ln Anytown, AS 78222

+496565616554

Military Personnel

The Military Personnel Flight manages base relocations, personnel reliability program, DEROS, duty status, reenlistments, promotions, retirements, outbound assignments, evaluations, classifications, adverse actions, awards and decorations, passports, ID cards, DEERS updates, command sponsorship, leave policy and processing and special duty applications.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Important updates, information on how to schedule an appointment:.

Customer Support/ID Cards:

• To make an on-line ID card appointment, simply click this link  https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/#/  and search for “Spangdahlem” under the ID Card Office Locator & Appointments section.
• To renew a dependent ID card, please fill out the Application to Renew Dependent ID Card and then follow the Online ID Card Renewal process instructions.
• CAC Renewals/New CAC- Appointment recommended, Walk-ins Thursdays only
• Pin Resets/Unblock- Walk-In
• Dependent ID- Appointment or online renewal
• DEERS Updates- Walk-In
• 1172 Requests- Walk-In or e-mail the org-box

Career Development:

Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) Entitlement updates:

• Career Development, TMO and Finance now require all documentation to process COT leave orders 30 days in advance of the start of the first day of COT leave.
• This is in an effort to avoid misuse of government funding due to frequent changes in reservations
• The Career Development section will accept the Passenger Travel Request (PTR) document rather than the flight itinerary to expedite this process

Customer Support

What We Offer

• Initial issue and renewal of Common Access Card (CAC)
• Dependent ID Cards
• Retirement ID
• Resets of PINs and blocked CACs
• DD 1172 print-outs
• DEERS enrollment
• SGLI updates
• Martial status updates
• Command Sponsorship (initiate with your CSS)

Helpful Links

• ID card appointment, simply click this link  https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/#/
• Required Documents for ID Cards:  https://www.52fss.com/document-manager/military-personnel/id-cards
• Org Box:  [email protected]

Passport Office

Tourist for Adults (First and Renewal)

Tourist Passports for Minors (First and Renewal)

Official/Diplomatic/No Fee Passports

Out-processing (vMPF) for PCS, Separation, or Retirement

Visa Application Assistance for PCS

Important Notices

When requesting a passport appointment, please let us know what type of passport(s) are needed, as well as how many applicants need an appointment.

The current wait times for receiving your passports after applying are below:

Tourist Passports: 4 – 6 weeks

No-Fee/ S.I.P /Official/Diplomatic Passports: 6 – 8 weeks

Consular Report of Birth Abroad: 6 – 8 weeks

To be cleared from virtual out-processing please send us a copy of your PCS, Retirement, or Separation orders to this org box. For any other inquiries or concerns, please e-mail us at  [email protected]  or call us at DSN 452-4448.

Passport Documents and Helpful Links

• Documents Library
• Org Box:  [email protected]
• Passport Application Online Wizard
• Passport Status Checker
• CRBA-MyTravel Gov

Force Management

• Evaluations
• Awards/Decorations
• Orders Amendments
• Classifications (G-Series, SDAP, Adverse Actions)
• MilPDS/PRADA updates

Email: [email protected]

• myEval:  https://afbpapdevpreimpl.sandbox.experience.crmforce.mil/USAFCommunity/s/usaf-evaluation-management

Career Development

• Outbound Assignments
• Officer/Enlisted Promotions
• DEROS Management
• Retirements/Separations
• Student Dependent Travel Orders
• Erly Return of Dependents (initiated with your First Sergeant)

Please visit your CSS to initiate the following items:

• Reenlistments/Extensions

Documents, Forms & Templates

For any inquiries for Assignments, Separation, Retirement please email 52 FSS/FSMPD Career Development

• Org Box – [email protected]

For any inquiries for Promotions, Extensions, Reenlistments and DEROS Management please email 52 FSS/FSPD Retentions

• Org Box – [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist Passports

Tourist passports for both minors and adults (used for leisure travel) Dependents overseas are highly encouraged to have both tourist and no-fee passports. No-fee passports are not to be used for leisure travel; they are for official travel only (to be used with PCS or TDY orders). No-fee passports with Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) are normally required for dependents to PCS out of commercial ports.

Tourist Passport and other fees are as follows:

• Tourist Passport – Adult (Age 16 and older; first or replacement passport if lost/mutilated) $165
• Tourist Passport – Adult (Renewal) $130
• Tourist Passport – Minors (under age 16 and first passport renewal) $135

Read More  Tourist Adult Renewal/Name Change (DS-82). Read More  Tourist Initial (DS-11).

Minor Passport Applications

When applying for my child’s passport, do both parents need to be present?

Yes, both parents need to be present when applying for passports for children 15 years of age and younger.

If one parent/guardian cannot go with the child to apply for the passport, they can give permission by completing Form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent.” You must submit the completed form with the child’s passport application. The parent that cannot go with the child must:

• Sign and date Form DS-3053 in the presence of a certified notary public
• Submit a photocopy of the front and back side of the ID that they present to the notary public with Form DS-3053
• The legal office on base can notarize the DS-3053

Is it acceptable for my child’s eyes to be closed in his/her photo?

It is acceptable if an infant’s eyes, particularly a newborn’s, are not, or are not entirely, open. **All other children must have their eyes open and looking straight ahead towards the camera.

Consulate Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

When ready to apply for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) online, visit the MyTravelGov website. The new eCRBA process allows U.S. citizen parents to complete an online CRBA application, upload all required documents, and submit payment prior to scheduling an appointment for acceptance of the original documents at our office. Any passport applications for the newborn can also be processed during this appointment.

NOTE: We highly encourage parents to apply for a tourist and no-fee passport for their newborn, who must be command sponsored and enrolled in DEERS to apply for a no-fee passport. Also, both parents and the baby must be present during the appointment. The $100 fee for the eCRBA will be paid for online after you complete your application. The $135 fee for a tourist passport must be paid for during your appointment at our office.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad Online Fee  $100

Please be advised Passport Agents are unable to answer the phone if they are conducting an interview. If you call our Passport office at DSN: 452-4448 and do not get an answer, please feel free to email our org box at  [email protected] .

Baby Passports and birth certificate applications (Consular Reports of Birth Abroad) are by appointment only. Please send us an email ( [email protected] ) to receive the checklist on “How to register your newborn”. Upon completion of required documents, we ask that members stop by our office for a review before scheduling an appointment.

No Fee, Diplomatic & Official Passports

No-Fee and Official passports (for official travel on orders only)

Diplomatic passports (documentation from the customer is required)

Who is eligible for an Official or Diplomatic passport?

22 CFR §51.3 states that an official passport is issued to an official or direct hire employee of the U.S. government traveling abroad to carry out official duties. A Diplomatic passport is issued to a Foreign Service Officer or to a person having diplomatic status or comparable status because he or she is traveling abroad to carry out diplomatic duties on behalf of the U.S. government.

May I use my Official or Diplomatic passport for personal travel?

For personal travel, you must use a tourist passport.

Can I have an Official and Diplomatic passport at the same time?

No, you may not hold an official and a diplomatic passport at the same time. If you require another type of special issuance passport for a particular job or assignment, you may be asked to turn in your valid Official or Diplomatic passport to be filed at the Special Issuance Agency.

Please contact your UDM (deployments) or the Passport Office for more details.

What are the SOFA status benefits and responsibilities?

SOFA is defined as a treaty that sets out the terms under which the members of the force and the civilian component of a foreign NATO-member state are allowed to operate in another NATO state. The SOFA certificate identifies the bearer as a person who is entitled to unrestricted entry and exit from Germany and to benefits, privileges, and protections under the NATO SOFA and the German Supplementary Agreement. These benefits include the exemption from having to register your presence with the German authorities and paying German income tax. You can also purchase certain goods tax-free to include vehicles. The SOFA treaty gives us many benefits, but it also means that we have certain responsibilities. Individuals are responsible for learning and obeying German laws, carrying an official ID card issued by the sending state, registering vehicles with USAREUR, and having a SOFA certificate in their passport to prove their entitlement to live and travel within Germany.

Who is entitled to a SOFA certificate?

In order to be eligible, you must belong to one of the following categories: U.S. DoD civilians or DoD-sponsored contractors and their family members as well as military dependents accompanying the force. Certain foreign nationals from NATO-sending states employed by the armed forces are also eligible. Local national (German) or foreign employees from countries that are not members of NATO are not entitled to SOFA status.

What documents do I need to receive a SOFA certificate?

Command-sponsored family members and stateside-hire civilians should receive a SOFA stamp in their no-fee passport before arriving in Germany. The documentation needed for U.S. Forces members to obtain SOFA certificates for their foreign national or non-command-sponsored dependents includes their PCS or TDY orders assigning them to Germany and their dependents’ passports and ID cards. For local hire civilians, contractors, and their family members, an AE Form 600-77A is required from their servicing personnel office or sponsoring agency. In addition, the dependents’ passports and valid ID cards are also required. All family members must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). If dependents do not possess a valid ID card (i.e. children under the age of 10), the sponsor will need to provide a DD Form 1172-2 as verification that the dependents are enrolled in DEERS.

If dependents do not possess a valid ID card (i.e. children under the age of 10), the sponsor will need to provide a DD Form 1172-2 as verification that the dependents are enrolled in DEERS. If you need a SOFA card, please read more below. Read more

Social Security Number Applications

How Can I Apply for a Social Security Number?

To apply for a social security number, complete the SS-5-FS (Application for a Social Security Card) and send along with required documents/certified copies to the Frankfurt Consulate.

Consulate Frankfurt Attn:

SSA/FBU Giessener Str. 30

60435 Frankfurt am Main

For more instruction, please click here.

SSN Application

If you have any questions and to request certified copies, contact the passport office at DSN 452-4448.

Mailing your Social Security Number Application

To avoid delays and increase security for return of your documents, we recommend you send applications and certified copies via any registered carrier of your choosing that can provide a tracking number. Please note that mail sent through the Post Office on base may not be tracked.

You are responsible for keeping records of your tracking number.

We do not provide a receipt status or an interim status on submitted applications for a social security number.

SSN Cards are mailed from Social Security headquarters in the U.S. and not the Federal Benefits Unit.

Checking the Status of Your SSN Number Application

Request via e-mail:  [email protected]

Request by telephone: 069-90-555-1100

Mon, Tues, Thurs 0900-1100

Provide name and date of birth. Leave contact info such as your e-mail and telephone number.

Installation Personnel Readiness

I am tasked to deploy and lost my identification tags. what do i do.

Contact your Unit Deployment Manager (UDM) and provide them with the following information:

• Religious Preference

Your UDM will submit the request to the IPR office on your behalf.

I'm tasked to deploy; when will I receive my orders?

When and how can i schedule my final out for my deployment, i've just returned from my deployment, but it is not reflecting on my vmpf. what documents are required to update my vmpf.

Send an email to  [email protected]  with a copy of your CED orders and your paid travel voucher. 

How are we doing?

Share your feedback about this facility through the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) Website.

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Spangdahlem Air Base Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT)

Mon-Fri 0900-1700

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Spangdahlem AB

[email protected]

• Billeting : 49-6565-956500 (Bldg 520) is approx 2.5 miles from the terminal (approx 17 minutes by base shuttle and approx 10 euros (as of: Jun 14) via taxi. The "Club" is next door to billeting and there's a Popeye's Chicken across the road at the gas station. There is WiFi connectivity in the lobby of Bldg 520, in the conference room, and the business center (if you have a room key.) Internet connectivity is available in the rooms via Ethernet cable. If you don't have a cable, the front desk may be able to provide one for your use. There is a fax and printer in the business center room
• Off-Base Lodging: See AMCGRAM or the Lodging Fact Sheet
• Long-Term Parking is available in the terminal's longterm parking area ( located down the hill from the passenger terminal - directions will be available at the terminal) .  Y ou will recieve a long-term parking pass (place in your windshield) good for up to 30 days after being selected for your flight .  For durations over 30 days you need to use the Security Forces (Ph: 06565-61-7843, Bldg 127, Rm 214) long term lot, which is located on the other side of the base. Yuor vehicle must have current registration and it must remain current for as long as you leave your vehicle in their lot. (As of: Nov 2014)
• Terminal Web Page The AMC passenger terminal is about 2.5 miles from the main lodging (Building 520)
• Terminal Hours: See AMCGRAM
• Terminal Dining: Small snack bar with a nice sandwich menu (they also make up the box lunches for the flights). Reasonably priced.
• Lockers: No
• Internet/WiFi: WiFi
• Base Dining Facility: Retirees allowed (as of Mar 09). The dining facility is located between the shuttle stop for the theater and the chapel (it is right next to the base library) it is hard to find on the base map(s) provided.
• Spangdahlem AB is central western Germany east of the town of Bitburg.
• Base Map  (includes Bitburg)
• CONUS via large cargo aircraft to McGuire AFB, NJ; Dover AFB, DE; Charleston AFB, SC; and McChord AFB, WA (as of Jan 15).
• On-Base Shuttle: No longer available (as of August 2013)
• Off-Base Shuttle: DSN 452-7684 or Comm 06565-61-7684. Known as "Lodging Shuttle" or "Services Shuttle" (run by Services Squadron). See "Local Expert Advice" (below) and Services Shuttle Flyer and Reservation Form for more info (Single trip cost still $40 ($75 Family) as of Feb 14)
• Rental Car (In Terminal): Hertz office closed the end of Nov 09. Enterprise doesn't rent to retirees (and possibly non-Europe AD on leave as well).
• Rental Car (Off Base): Europcar in Bitburg +49 (06561) 946445 (call for address and opening hours); The Spangdahlem Shuttle Bus to the front gate of the Bitburg Housing area is no longer operating (Spring 2012) so a taxi (about 30 Euro) may be needed between Spangdahlem and the Bitburg Euro Car office.
• Taxi/Shuttle: See AMCGRAM for info. As of June 2012, Faber Taxi (06565-95-1010) is the only taxi in the Spangdahlem area that can get on base. Taxi fare from Lodging (Bldg 520) to the terminal is about 10 euros per trip (As of Jan 14)
• Local Rail: See "How Do I?" section below
•   Off-Base Shuttle: Services (Lodging) Shuttle.  The cost for a single person is $40 (as of Feb 14) to Ramstein, Hahn, or Luxemburg Airport. Two or more in the same family is only $75. It is $75 to Frankfurt Airport or Dusseldorf Airport for a single. It is $150 for 2 or more in the same family. For a family of 4 getting off a plane and wanting to get to Ramstein, that is quite cheap. For the solo spat, it is reasonable. The printed information suggests you need 24 hour notice with 72 hour notice prior to a Sunday, Monday, or holiday reservation but, depending on resources, they may be more user friendly than the printed info implies. There are no fixed routes and times and they usually make about 4 runs a day anyway and there is a good chance that you can just jump on one of those. They said there are several runs to places at about 5am to catch planes. You go where you want and when you want. The ride to Hahn was 45 minutes and was just in time for my flight.
• Spangdahlem has no simple exit transportation. The train is about a 25 Euro taxi (see Ground Transportation section above) ride away and then a 25-30 Euro ticket to Ramstein. There are local buses but the stops are outside the 'old' front gate and the timing is difficult to discover.
• How do I travel between Spangdahlem AB and the local area using ground transportation? (Current as of Jun 08)
• You can use the shuttle (see Local Expert Advice above) run by Spang Services to travel to Hahn, Ramstein, Luxembourg (airport only), and Frankfurt Intl. Rates for Hahn, RMS and Lux: 1 way per person $40, Round trip 1 person $75. 1 way 2 or more $75, round trip 2 or more $125. Rates to Frank Intl are: 1 way pp $75, RT 1 per $125, 1 way 2 or more $150, RT 2 or more $225. The gentleman at their office, which is located in the AF Inn (Bldg 520) said they drop you off at the terminal at Ramstein but will take you to lodging at Ramstein at your request.
• Kids charged at full rates and pets at $15 a pop in approved kennels.
• MAXIMUM of 2 pieces of luggage p/p plus 1 carry on.
• Reservations/Details call Mon-Fri 1000-1600 DSN 452/Comm. 06565617684 E-mail: [email protected]
• How do I travel between Spangdahlem AB and a local train station? (As of: Mar 09)
• Speicher is the closest rail access to Spangdahlem AB. From Building 520 (billeting) to the Speicher train station a taxi with 3 people cost 21.30 € and takes about 15 minutes (billeting front desk has taxi phone numbers).
• The Speicher Bahnhof(station) is small and usually has no station attendant but there is an auto-ticket machine. If the machine isn't working then you may be able to purchase tickets on the train from the "controller" (conductor who resides in the front of the train).
• To get to Ramstein AB via train you'll have to go through and change trains at the station at Trier (which is about a 65€ taxi ride from Spangdahlem). Trier is a larger station with full services including a really neat snack bar.
• If there are two or more traveling consider the German Rail's (Deutsche Bahn) regional " Länder-Ticket " (valid from 0900 one day to 0300 the next) which is a "state" or regional rail ticket for a group of up to 5 persons.
• To travel to Ramstein you'll change trains in Trier and Saarbucken and the trip takes about 3 1/2 hours (compared with about an hour and fifteen minutes by the Spangdahlem off-base shuttle (for $75).

Please help keep this information current for your fellow travelers and send any updates or corrections to [email protected]

• Spandahlem AB's Main Website

Passenger Terminal

Long-term parking, key landmark (rental car (base exchange)), typical flight destinations, ground transportation, local expert advice, "how do i...", additional resources, how to provide updates to this page.

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Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections .

One of the final rules announced Wednesday requires airlines to show the full price of travel before passengers pay for their tickets. The other will force airlines to provide prompt cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly changed.

"Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement announcing the new rules.

Taking on junk fees is popular. But can it win Biden more voters?

Surprise junk fees have become a large and growing source of revenue for airlines in recent years, according to the DOT.

"Today's announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches," Buttigieg said.

The airline industry is unlikely to welcome the new rules. At a hearing on the proposed fee rule in March 2023, an industry lobbying group representing American, Delta and United said it would be too difficult for airlines to disclose their charges more clearly.

"The amount of unwanted and unneeded information forced upon passengers" by the new policy would only cause "confusion and frustration," warned Doug Mullen, the deputy general counsel at Airlines for America . "Very few, if any, need or want this information, and especially when they are initially trying to understand schedule and fare options."

But the DOT insists its new rule will give consumers the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel.

Transportation Department cracks down on airline 'junk fees'

"I believe this is to the benefit of the sector as a whole," Buttigieg said in an interview with NPR's Morning Edition , because passengers will have "more confidence in the aviation sector."

The new rules require airlines to disclose all baggage, change, and cancellation fees, and to share that information with third-party booking sites and travel agents.

The regulation also prohibits bait-and-switch tactics, the DOT says, that disguise the true cost of flights by advertising a low base fare that does not include all mandatory fees.

"This is really about making sure that we create a better experience for passengers, and a stronger aviation sector in the United States," Buttigieg said in the NPR interview.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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