Way to Russia Talk Lounge

csubo78 · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject: Riga to Moscow by car

Has anyone travelled from Riga to Moscow by car recently? I'm hoping to do this if I can find a car company which will allow me to take their vehicle into Russia (does anybody know one?).

I've read the article on this site on driving into Russia, but this appears to relate to bringing your own car as opposed to hiring. However some of the information obviously still applies and is very useful.

Does anyone know how long it will realistically take to do this drive? the ViaMichelin website has it coming it at about 12 hours. How long can I expect to wait at the Latvia/Russia border? Any tips for getting processed as quickly as possible here? Is there a best time of day to try?

I'm a UK citizen with UK license and International Driving Permit, if that makes any difference...

thanks!

danbrew · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 4:26 am Post subject:

I would be shocked if *any* european car hire firm permitted you to take their car into Russia.

csubo78 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

Thanks danbrew, but it looks like it might be ok. Actually I sent emails yesterday to about 10 car hire firms in Riga, and most came back saying it was impossible. However 2 have replied saying it is possible, and have asked for all my details so they can work out a price. Obviously I'll be paying extra for insurance to cover driving in Russia, but it looks promising at this stage.

I'll post details of which companies came good with a quote later on. I'm expecting to hear back from them today...

In the meantime, it'd be great to hear from anyone who has crossed the border from Latvia to Russia. What's the longest I'd be likely to have to wait? Do they have separate lanes for cars and lorries? (I believe lorries often have to wait a lot longer as customs have to process their cargo)

thanks!

csubo78 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 6:43 pm Post subject:

I'm sorted now - seats on a flight just came up with Aeroflot, so i'm flying instead!

In case it is of use to other people, the 2 companies who said they'd let me take their hire car into Russia are Thrifty (rix@thrifty.lv) and Transporent (rent@transporent.lv) - both based at Riga airport.

I didn't get as far as getting a firm quote of Transporent, but here is what I was offered by Thrifty (note - they said no at first, and only came up with this when i asked them extra nicely):

--------
Dear Mark,

We apologise for delay with responding.
I spoke with our head manager and we decide:
Car hire charge for 2 days Toyota Corolla (include all taxes) - 46Ls/Day = 92Ls Super insurance for Baltics states, EU and Russia - 15Ls/Day = 30 Ls Power of attorney for crossing Russian border = 50Ls Fee for additional mileage ( Normal in rate include 350km/day) you will drive aprx 1700km - 100 Ls.

Total for this travelling you must to pay 272Ls/386euro.
We not it is very expensive but no one company in Latvia not provide this service.
Please advice about you final decision.

With best regards,

Thrifty Team

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Hope this helps someone. See you in Moscow!

DITTRICH · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject:

I crossed the border at Zilupe and from there a nice drive on reasonably quiet single lane carriageway to Moscow. Be careful with all your documents including IDP, Registration Document, Doverenost and so on. Make sure you have ALL the information. Look on the website for travelling to Russia by car. I did a detailed post last year on this border crossing.
http://www.waytorussia.net/TalkLounge/viewtopic.php?t=9199
Read all the way down.
Les