Exploring Moscow by Electric River Boats
See Moscow's soul — from the water, not the sidewalk
Seeing Moscow from the water reveals historic landmarks and scenic views you miss on land. The city now runs regular public routes on modern electric vessels named after small Moscow rivers: Sinichka, Serebryanka, Businka and others. The fleet includes 31 boats, and there are 24 piers along the routes. The electric boats run daily from 7:00 to 23:00 on a regular timetable, offering a practical and picturesque way to navigate the capital.
First Route: Kievsky – Fili Park
The pier near Kievsky railway station is a traditional starting point for river trips. This route is ideal for those who want to observe how Moscow’s historic centre gradually gives way to modern architecture and then to greener, more natural surroundings. It is arguably one of the most picturesque ways to approach Moscow City. The electric boat travels towards the north-west.
Through large panoramic windows, passengers can enjoy sweeping views of the capital’s architecture. Opposite the Kievsky Pier stands the distinctive concave building of the House of Architects on Rostovskaya Embankment. Along the way, visitors will also see the iconic Radisson Collection Hotel — the last of Moscow’s seven Stalinist skyscrapers to be completed — as well as the House of the Government of the Russian Federation. The route also offers impressive views of the city’s grand embankments, lined with striking architecture.
The route passes Krasnaya Presnya Park. If you disembark at piers such as Krasnopresnensky Park or City-Central, you can explore Moscow City, the capital’s modern business district. From here, it is also easy to transfer to other forms of transport, including Delovoy Tsentr metro station or the Moscow Central Circle Moscow City station.
The electric river boat then passes under the Bagration Bridge, opened in 1997 to mark Moscow’s 850th anniversary. If you get off at the City-Bagration pier, you can continue your walk along Kutuzovsky Avenue.
The electric river boat completes this route near the Fili Park Pier.
Second Route: ZIL – Pechatniki
This route in the south-east of the city is perfect for those who prefer calm, greenery, and a quieter atmosphere.
The electric river boat passes Nagatinsky Zaton and Bobrovy Island, both peaceful green areas. On the riverbank, you can see the recently restored building of the Southern River Terminal. If you disembark at the Zaton Novinki pier, you can walk to Dream Island Amusement Park.
The ZIL pier is an excellent starting point for a walk around the new district of the same name. Here, visitors can stroll through Tyufeleva Grove or visit the ZILARTMuseum, which opened at the end of 2025 and houses a private collection of contemporary art.
From the ZIL pier, you can either continue your river journey along another route to the Novospassky Pier or walk to the ZIL metro or Moscow Central Circle station.
Third Route: Novospassky – ZIL
The third river route, Novospassky – ZIL, was launched on 20 June 2025. It connects four districts of the city: Danilovsky, Tagansky, Yuzhnoportovy, and Zamoskvorechye. The route is especially appealing to those interested in history.
The electric boat passes red-brick factory buildings that once formed part of large industrial complexes along Novodanilovskaya and Derbenevskaya embankments — a highlight for anyone interested in industrial architecture.
From the Avtozavodsky Bridge pier, it is about a 20-minute walk to the Danilov Monastery. From the Torpedo pier, you can reach the remaining towers of the Simonov Monastery.
The route then continues past Krutitsky Court, one of Moscow’s most charming architectural ensembles dating back to the 17th century. To visit it, you can disembark at the final stop — the Novospassky pier.
From here, it is easy to reach Proletarskaya or Paveletskaya metro stations.
Practical Information
Electric boats are fully integrated into Moscow’s public transport system. You can pay for your journey in whichever way is most convenient: with your Troika card (including a virtual one), by bank card, via the Faster Payments System (SBP), or using biometric payment.
Holders of unlimited Yediny travel passes for 30, 90, or 365 days can use river transport at no extra cost, as the fare is already included in the pass.
Electric boats operate as part of the city’s public transport network, so you can board and get off at any pier along the route.
It is easy to incorporate an electric river boat ride into a broader city tour, as most piers are located within a 10–15 minute walk of metro stations or other transport connections.