We are going from Moscow to Kaliningrad by car! We explain how to get there, what documents are needed to go through border control and where it is better to refuel on the way!
You can fly from Moscow to Kaliningrad in 2 hours by plane, but the airport is located outside the city - you still have to travel 30 km by taxi or bus. Some travel from the capital to the city of amber by train. Only 21 hours on the way - and the goal is achieved. However, many families prefer to travel by their own car.
What you need to know to make a trip by car from Moscow to Kaliningrad a pleasure, give you unforgettable emotions and new impressions? The distance of 1280 km is easily covered by an experienced driver, if you think over the route in advance, stops for lunch and overnight, and paperwork.
Route Moscow - Kaliningrad
For those who go on a trip by car from Moscow to Kaliningrad for the first time, two routes are offered:
- Moscow - Velikiye Luki - Daugavpils - Kaliningrad.
- Moscow - Minsk - Vilnius - Kaliningrad.
All details about both routes are available on the RuDorogi.ru route building site.
The first route is chosen by few. We have to pass through the territory of Lithuania and Latvia with the passage of border checkpoints. The second route remains the most popular, therefore it will be considered in this article.
From the capital it is necessary drive west... This is the European highway E30 (M1). The road is brisk, there is a lot of transport, but it's easy to drive because the roads are multi-lane. On the way, you come across small towns, villages and large centers. The roadside service is well developed, so there will be no problems with overnight stays and meals.
Tourists usually make their first stop at Smolensk... The distance from the capital to this city is about 390 km. It usually takes 5-6 hours to overcome it, if you do not make stops. If you calculate the time of departure from the capital and leave early in the morning, upon arrival there will be time for an excursion around Smolensk. If you move closer to lunchtime, you will be able to get to Smolensk in the evening, have dinner and settle for the night.
Next, you have to overcome the segment Smolensk — Minsk (about 335 km). Having entered the territory of the Republic of Belarus, in good weather, it is allowed to move at a speed of 120 km / h. Here the travel time will take a little less than the previous day. If you wish, you can stop by on the way to one of the Belarusian cities to eat, take a walk and see the sights. Tolochin is located approximately in the middle of the way.
The segment begins Minsk — Vilnius... From the Belarusian capital, travelers head to Lithuania along the M6 highway, following to the junction located outside the village of Sharai (58 km). Then you have to move to the Stone Log through Ashmyany, and then to Vilnius.
The total distance is short - about 180 km, but it is difficult to calculate the travel time in advance. It directly depends on the speed of customs clearance.
From Vilnius before Kaliningrad on the highway you will have to cover a distance of about 390 km. First you need to go to Marijampolė, then to Kybartai, where the checkpoint to Russia is located. After passing the border, it remains to drive about 150 km.
Customs clearance
Moving by car from Moscow to Kaliningrad, you will have to cross 2 countries: Belarus and Lithuania... At the entrance to each there are existing or conditional border points.
There are no customs officers at the exit from Russia, but you can meet the transport inspection. She controls the movement of heavy trucks. Cars are stopped very rarely, and in the event of a stop, problems do not arise. Documents are checked quickly, no marks are put in the passport. Occasionally they can look into the interior and trunk. There are no queues, so it will be possible to move on quickly.
On leaving Belarus, travelers head to the border checkpoint Stone Log... There are often long queues here. Usually the border crossing takes 1-3 hours. On holidays, it may increase.
Leaving Lithuania for the Kaliningrad region, you will have to go through customs inspection Kybartai... Some go around this place, moving through Sovetsk, there are much less queues. There is another option - travel along the Curonian Spit, but there you will have to cross part of the way by ferry.
What documents are needed to travel by car from Moscow to Kaliningrad
When planning a trip from Moscow to Kaliningrad by private car, you need to prepare all the documents in advance:
- international passport... Report to every family member who is in the car. Without a Schengen visa, they will not be allowed to enter Lithuania. You can get a "Simplified Transit Document", which is issued at the embassy, but it allows you to stay in the country for no more than 24 hours.
- Car documents (usually only SRTS, but you can take PTS as well).
- Green map... For convenience, you can immediately purchase a Green Card (insurance) through the "All Countries" system. It is accepted in Belarus and Lithuania. Insurance certificates are issued at or near the border. The cost is from 1000 rubles for 15 days.
- Driver's license (rights).
Important points
Considering that there are different states on the way from Moscow to Kaliningrad, you will have to comply with their laws. A few tips will help you avoid fines and make your journey safe and comfortable.
- The vehicle must have a reflective vest. If it is absent, it is prohibited to leave the passenger compartment in the event of a breakdown on the territory of the European Union.
- Carefully study the road signs of other countries before traveling. For example, in Lithuania it is allowed to turn right at a traffic light if there is a corresponding sign with an arrow, if the driver has conceded to everyone, although the red light is on.
- In Lithuania, it is prohibited to drive vehicles with tinted front side windows.
- In Europe, they are fined for the presence of a radar detector in a car, on which speed cameras are applied.
- In Lithuanian settlements, the speed is limited - 50 km / h, in Belarus - 60 - km / h.
A little about refueling
Approaching Belarus, many drivers try to fill up a full tank in order to save money. The situation has changed, which is proved by the figures given in the table (actual as of February 2019). The cost of fuel is approximate; it differs slightly at different filling points.
| Type of fuel | Prices in RB | Prices in Russia |
| AI-92 | 35,31 | 42,66 |
| AI-95 | 37,68 | 46,2 |
| AI-98 | 40,95 | 47,2 |
| Diesel | 38,28 | 47 |
But in Europe, gasoline is much more expensive than in Belarus. Leaving the country, you must fill the tank full. You can add another 10 liters to the canister so as not to use gas stations in Lithuania.
The trip Moscow - Kaliningrad is a fascinating journey for which you need to thoroughly prepare. If you plan the route in advance, you will be able to get there without any problems and come back, bringing with you not only souvenirs bought in different cities, but also a good mood, a lot of impressions and great photos.
