Russian Travel Phrases: Essential Phrases for Your Trip

Planning a trip to Russia or a Russian-speaking country? These Russian travel phrases will help you get by at the airport, hotel, restaurant, and on the street. You don't need to be fluent—knowing key phrases for travel in Russian makes a huge difference. This guide covers the essential Russian phrases for tourists with pronunciation and practical examples.

If you're new to the language, start with our Russian alphabet and essential Russian keywords. For a full roadmap, see the complete guide to learning Russian.

Basic Russian Travel Phrases: Greetings and Politeness

• Здравствуйте (ZDRAST-vuy-tye) — Hello (formal)
• Привет (pree-VYET) — Hi (informal)
• Спасибо (spa-SEE-ba) — Thank you
• Пожалуйста (pa-ZHAL-sta) — Please / You're welcome
• Извините (eez-vee-NEE-tye) — Excuse me / Sorry
• Да (da) — Yes
• Нет (nyet) — No
• До свидания (da svee-DA-nee-ya) — Goodbye

Russian Phrases for Directions and Getting Around

• Где...? (gdye) — Where is...?
• Где туалет? (gdye too-a-LYET) — Where is the bathroom?
• Где вокзал / метро? — Where is the station / metro?
• Как пройти к...? (kak pra-y-TEE k...) — How do I get to...?
• Налево (na-LYE-va) — Left
• Направо (na-PRA-va) — Right
• Прямо (PRYA-ma) — Straight ahead
• Билет (bee-LYET) — Ticket

Russian Phrases for Hotels and Accommodation

• У меня есть бронь (oo mye-NYA yest bron') — I have a reservation
• Один номер на одну ночь — One room for one night
• Сколько стоит? (SKOL-ka STO-eet) — How much does it cost?
• Ключ, пожалуйста — Key, please
• Где лифт? — Where is the elevator?
• Wi-Fi пароль? — Wi-Fi password?

Russian Phrases for Restaurants and Food

• Меню, пожалуйста (mye-NOO pa-ZHAL-sta) — Menu, please
• Счёт, пожалуйста (schyot pa-ZHAL-sta) — The check, please
• Вода (va-DA) — Water
• Чай / Кофе (chay / KO-fye) — Tea / Coffee
• Я вегетарианец / вегетарианка — I'm vegetarian (m/f)
• Вкусно! (VKUS-na) — Delicious!

Russian Phrases for Shopping

• Сколько это стоит? (SKOL-ka E-ta STO-eet) — How much does this cost?
• Слишком дорого (SLEESH-kam DO-ra-ga) — Too expensive
• Я только смотрю — I'm just looking
• Можно примерить? — Can I try it on?
• Наличные / Карта — Cash / Card

Emergency and Help Phrases in Russian

• Помогите! (pa-ma-GEE-tye) — Help!
• Вызовите врача / полицию — Call a doctor / the police
• Я не понимаю (ya nye pa-nee-MA-yoo) — I don't understand
• Вы говорите по-английски? — Do you speak English?
• Где больница? — Where is the hospital?

Ready to learn more Russian for travel? Join BeFluent and practice with native speakers before your trip!