No, the Moscow Metro is not free for the general public, though it remains one of the most affordable and efficient subway systems in the world. As of early 2026, a single trip costs approximately 75 to 90 Rubles (roughly $0.80–$1.00), depending on whether you use a "Troika" card, a bank card, or "FacePay" (biometric payment). However, tourists can effectively make it "free" by purchasing the Moscow Tourist Card, which offers unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trams for a set duration (e.g., 24, 72, or 120 hours). For residents, certain social groups—such as students, pensioners, and veterans—receive significant discounts or entirely free travel as part of the city's social welfare programs. The system is famous for its "underground palaces," where a single fare allows you to ride as long as you like and transfer between lines without exiting the turnstiles, making it an incredible value for both transportation and sightseeing among some of the world's most beautiful station architectures.