Getting around Belarus is straightforward in the cities and manageable between them. The infrastructure is well-maintained and public transport is cheap.
Trains
The national rail network is reliable and comfortable. Trains connect Minsk with all major cities — Brest, Vitebsk, Grodno (Hrodna), Gomel, and Mogilev — and intercity journeys are inexpensive. Minsk Central Station is well-organised; tickets can be bought at the station or online. The overnight train between Minsk and Brest is a pleasant way to cover the distance.
Buses
Long-distance buses fill in gaps the train network misses. They're cheaper than trains and often faster on shorter routes. Minsk has several bus terminals; the Central Bus Station (Tsentralny) handles most intercity routes. Local minibuses (marshrutkas) run between towns and villages not served by trains.
Metro and city transport
Minsk has a two-line Metro that is clean, fast, and easy to navigate. Carriages are quiet and polished — it's one of the nicer Metros in the former Soviet space. Buses, trolleybuses, and trams fill out the city network. Validate your ticket immediately after boarding to avoid fines.
Taxis
Taxis are metered in Belarus by law. Use the meter — if a driver refuses to turn it on, get out. Ride-hailing apps (Yandex.Taxi dominates) are widely used in Minsk and other cities and take the guesswork out of fares. Private drivers offering rides are common and generally cheap, but always agree on the price before getting in.
Car rental
Cars can be rented in Minsk. Roads between major cities are decent. Driving in rural areas requires more patience, and petrol stations are less frequent outside urban areas. Speed limits and traffic laws are enforced seriously.
Cycling
Minsk has a growing cycling infrastructure, including bike lanes on some main streets and a public bike-share scheme. Outside Minsk, cycling on intercity routes is possible but requires planning; traffic can be unpredictable.