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The Guide to Chase’s Travel Portal

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Table of Contents

Who can use Chase's travel portal?

How to use chase's travel portal, other things you can do in chase's portal, chase travel contact options, chase's travel portal can be lucrative.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are among the most useful rewards you can earn. When it comes time to redeem them, you will be directed to Chase's travel portal. This is where you can book flights, hotels and rental cars with points, redeem them for merchandise and gift cards, or transfer points to other programs.

Should you redeem points to pay for a trip instead of using cash or transfer them to a loyalty program partner to get better value? You'll need to do a little homework to find the right answer as each situation is different.

Chase points are the currency you earn when using cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® . They are superior in many ways to other point currencies because  you earn more than one penny in value  per point with these two cards. For example, when redeeming through Chase's travel portal, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will net you 1.5 cents in value per point and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will net you 1.25 cents in value per point. When you transfer to a partner, your per-point-value may be even greater.

With the travel portal, you can redeem points to pay for an entire trip or you can use a mix of points and cash to cover a travel booking. You can also pay all in cash, earning 5 to 10 points per $1 spent, depending on the card you have. Using points for travel is the most valuable way to extract value from Chase Ultimate Rewards® for most people.

It's an efficient website, but some irritants snag even savvy travelers. Let's dig into Chase's travel portal's good and bad. You'll find that it is mostly good, if not great.

Chase cards vary in earning and redemption benefits so you will want to pay attention to which one you use, especially if you have more than one card. The most valuable cards earn Ultimate Rewards® points, but some Chase cards, like the United℠ Explorer Card , earn miles or points in that co-branded program (in this example, United MileagePlus miles ).

Let’s review the cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®, with the most rewarding cards first. Keep in mind that if you have more than one of these cards, you can move points between Chase Ultimate Rewards® accounts to redeem them from an account that delivers more cents per point in value.

These cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® and provide access to Chase's travel portal:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

Chase Freedom Flex® .

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card .

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card .

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card.

There is an important perk to remember if you have multiple cards. Since the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers 1.5 cents in value per point and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer 1.25 cents in value, it is best to redeem points from these accounts rather than any other Chase card.

If you have one of those two premium cards and another Chase card (like Chase Freedom Unlimited® , for example), you can move your Ultimate Rewards® points from the Chase Freedom Unlimited® account to a premium card’s account (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card).

This strategy allows you to unlock half a cent more in value in seconds. It’s one of the best benefits of Ultimate Rewards® when you have a premium card and one of its no-fee cards.

Want to earn a bunch of points quickly to make a redemption? The sign-up bonuses on these cards can rake in extra points if you meet the terms and conditions.

on Chase's website

• 5 points per $1 on travel booked through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

• 2 points per $1 on other travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

Point value in Chase's travel portal: 1.25 cents apiece.

• 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

Point value in Chase's travel portal: 1.5 cents apiece.

• In the first year, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 4.5% cash back on drugstores and restaurants, and 3% on all other purchases on up to $20,000 in spending.

• After that, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% cash back at drugstores and restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Point value in Chase's travel portal: 1 cent apiece.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Here’s a primer on what you can and cannot do with Ultimate Rewards® points.

Log in to your account, then navigate to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® tab on the right of the screen. If you have more than one card that earns this currency, you can see each balance and select the account from which you want to redeem points.

Once you select the card, you’ll be taken to a homepage that shows the points you have earned and how you can redeem them. We recommend sticking to travel redemptions rather than using points for merchandise as the value diminishes significantly with the latter.

Select the "Travel" tab at the top of the screen. From here, you can decide whether to transfer points to a partner or redeem them as cash for a trip.

One of the best perks of using this travel portal to make a points redemption is that you still earn frequent flyer miles on most airline tickets since these are booked as a revenue ticket (not as an award redemption like when using airline miles to book a flight).

How to book award flights in Chase's travel portal

This is one of the more popular features of using points, but keep in mind it doesn't feature all airlines, which can be frustrating. Even if you find a flight on an airline's website or third-party booking site, it doesn't mean it will be available at Chase.

Enter the relevant details in the search bar to find a flight. Results can be filtered by stops, airline or price. Another benefit of this portal is that you aren't subject to award seat availability in the same way you might be when redeeming miles through an airline's program.

If there is a seat that could be bought with cash, you can usually redeem points for it. Plain and simple.

Compare how many miles you would need if booking directly with the airline with what Chase is charging.

If it would cost fewer points to book directly with the airline, you’ll want to use miles instead. For example, Delta co-branded American Express cardholders can often redeem their miles like cash on Delta’s website (at 1 cent per mile’s value). That’s just average, but if it is cheaper than what Chase is charging, consider that the better option. But don’t forget that airlines will add on taxes and fees when redeeming miles . Airfare booked with Chase Ultimate Rewards® points don't have additional costs tacked on — these are already bundled into the fare.

Another important note is that some low-cost airlines like Allegiant don't appear in search results. If you want to travel on a budget airline, then you'll need to visit those websites to compare fares.

You can pay in cash, points or a combination. Chase will display particular details about your fare, like whether assigned seats or checked bags are included. This may not take into account any elite status perks you hold.

How to book hotels in Chase's travel portal

You can also redeem points for hotel stays using Ultimate Rewards® points. This is great news, especially when staying at hotels where you may not have  elite status  or don't care about elite perks or points earned.

Keep in mind that when making a reservation outside a hotel’s official reservation channels, you won’t earn points in its program or be able to take advantage of elite status benefits. So if you have status with a hotel chain, this isn't the best value unless you are willing to forgo those benefits.

Making a reservation is straightforward. Enter the city and travel dates to see a list of hotels available for redemption. Then, you can redeem points or pay in cash for your trip.

Like with flights, compare the cost of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points with the number of points a hotel’s program is charging. A particular favorite is World of Hyatt, which still uses an award chart and, as a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards®, can often deliver more favorable deals when using Hyatt’s points rather than Chase points.

For example, it would cost about 9,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to redeem a night at Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport. But, if you transfer points to World of Hyatt, you would need 5,000 points for the same night’s stay.

How to book car rentals in Chase's travel portal

This is a great place to reserve rental cars using points, and Chase rental car insurance benefits apply when using the card and paying with points. But, for that to be the case, you will want to pay for part of the rental in cash so the insurance benefits are activated. To do that, pay with a combination of cash and points, and decline the rental company's insurance first.

How to book activities in Chase's travel portal

Activities available for booking through Chase's travel portal include tours and experiences at home or when traveling and airport transfers. Price comparison plays a role here, too, since many hotel brands have their own platforms like Marriott Bonvoy Moments or FIND Experiences from World of Hyatt. These allow you to redeem points for experiences.

Check which program is cheaper before redeeming Chase points if you find similar options in either program.

How to book cruises in Chase's travel portal

Since cruise bookings can be more complex, you will need to call Chase Ultimate Rewards® at 855-234-2542 to make a reservation. There are many ways to earn multiple points when booking a cruise that may be better than using Chase, but when redeeming points for a cruise , there can be a lot of value.

Using Chase's portal to make a travel reservation is also strategic, as depending on your card, you can earn a healthy stash of points this way. Just be sure to compare the benefits you can earn with the opportunity cost of booking elsewhere.

Benefits of booking travel in Chase's portal

Let’s say you have a premium card like Chase Sapphire Reserve® . It earns 5x points per $1 when booking flights through the portal. The sweet spot is when using this card for hotel stays and rental cars booked via the portal for 10x points per dollar spent. Consider what’s in your wallet, and decide which card will net the most points.

Another benefit is that you will earn miles from flights booked through the portal, even when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points since these are viewed as a revenue ticket.

Remember, you will want to compare if it is cheaper to redeem airline miles directly through a carrier’s redemption program or if you can use fewer points by redeeming Chase points via the portal.

Sometimes it might make more sense to transfer points from Chase to an airline partner when redeeming a flight (or a hotel program when making a hotel stay). Be as vigilant with price comparison when redeeming miles and points as you would when using cash.

Does Chase's travel portal price match?

No. You cannot submit a lower fare elsewhere for a price guarantee here since this isn't a publicly available site. It is only available to those who have a Chase card.

What else you need to know

When booking through this reservation site, keep in mind that most airlines and hotels cannot assist directly with a reservation. They see this as a third-party booking through Expedia and will direct you to Chase's agents.

Many travelers report the experience can be frustrating when travel disruptions or cancellations occur. Agents are friendly but can sometimes be limited in their abilities, often reading prompts on their screens in international call centers.

It can be a hazard booking a reservation with a third party, but the trade-off in redeeming points is worth it for some travelers.

If you do need to contact a Chase portal agent for support on a reservation made through the site — whether for a flight, hotel booking, car rental or activity — you've got one option: a good, old-fashioned telephone call.

Dial 866-331-0773 for assistance regarding changes or cancellations to your bookings.

You might have better luck dialing the support line for your specific Chase card. You might opt to give one of these a try:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 855-234-2542.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 866-331-0773.

All other cards: 866-951-6592.

If you compare prices and consider the opportunity cost of using the portal instead of booking elsewhere, you can almost always come out ahead.

You can save money, earn bonus points and travel better with transferable loyalty points like Chase Ultimate Rewards®. They have the flexibility and versatility necessary to deliver excellent value on travel (rather than being locked into one airline or hotel loyalty program). With the right card (or suite of cards), you’ll be able to accumulate points and benefits.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Chase Travel®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

$200 Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

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Do more of what you love with Sapphire Reserve

From private dinners hosted by award-winning chefs to VIP access at sought-after events, see where Reserved by Sapphire SM can take you.

Seek out adventure at every turn

Featured experiences.

Your Sapphire Reserve card gives access to in-demand events coming up all around the country. Get more from every experience with exclusive cardmember access and special benefits.

The Infatuation’s EEEEEATSCON NYC

Indulge in some of the greatest food from NYC and beyond at The Infatuation's EEEEEATSCON on Oct. 12-13 at Forest Hills Stadium. It's the food festival that's built like a music festival, where the restaurants are the headliners. You'll have access to the Sapphire Reserve Lounge with bites from Momofuku and drinks from Apotheke.

Buy tickets

Miami Art Week

From private art collections to bold installations, check out the list of art-centric Miami hotels curated by Architectural Digest for Chase Travel. Use your Sapphire Reserve card to book hotels, flights, car rentals and more for your Miami Art Week getaway.

Explore hotels

Music Festivals

The festival circuit is heating up all around the country this summer. Check back for the hottest musical acts and more.

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Chase Travel SM

Dream, discover and book your next trip all in one place. With curated guides, exclusive hotel collections and more, lock in incredible experiences with Chase Travel.

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Ikon Pass Bundle

Now is the time to purchase discounted 2024-25 Ikon Passes. With Sapphire Reserve’s Alterra partnership, cardmembers can use their exclusive Ikon Pass bundle at 50+ unique destinations worldwide with no blackout dates, plus receive a limited-edition gift.

Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can relax and refresh at a Sapphire airport lounge and enjoy locally inspired menus, a curated selection of beverages and an atmosphere to remember. Show your Priority Pass TM Select membership card and eligible boarding pass to enter.

Follow us on Instagram

Stay in the know about all things Sapphire. Go behind the scenes at events, find travel and food inspiration and learn about upcoming events exclusively for cardmembers.

Follow @chasesapphire

Find your new favorite restaurants

Travel guides, the best restaurants in florence, menorca and beyond.

Check out The Infatuation's guides for the best classic trattorias and fantastic steak in Florence, plus fantastic spots for seafood, small plates, and seasonal menus on Spain's most low-key Balearic island, Menorca.

Florence guide

Menorca guide

Summer Guides

Everything you need to eat this summer.

The Infatuation's comprehensive summer guide covers it all — from the best spots for ice-cold noodles in Los Angeles on a scorching day, to must-visit Boston breweries, and top summer treats and desserts in cities all over the country.

Exclusive Guides

Find the perfect place to dine with first timer’s guides.

Looking for expert restaurant recommendations for your next trip? The Infatuation has the details on all the eating you need to do to understand cities like Paris, LA, Miami, Mexico City and more.

Start planning

Turn incredible meals into unforgettable experiences

Infatuation x sapphire dining events.

Uncover your city's must-try restaurants with The Infatuation. Explore new top-rated restaurants with exclusive access to the Hit List Dinner Series and other premier dining events across the country.

Exclusive reservations

IMPERFECTO by Enrique Limardo Washington, D.C.

Book your prime-time reservation at our highly sought-after partner restaurants through specially reserved tables and timeslots with Reserved by Sapphire SM .

Explore exclusive benefits from our partners

01            the seaport.

See NYC from a new perspective at the Seaport

With unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline, the Seaport is home to some of the city’s most novel food, fashion and entertainment.

Experience a bucket-list concert like a VIP

Warmer weather is back, and so is the Seaport's highly anticipated Summer Concert Series on The Rooftop at Pier 17. See your favorite artists perform five stories above the East River, as Reserve cardmembers can get premium Liberty Club tickets for select shows with access to a VIP entrance, private viewing area, open bar and complimentary food.

Unwind in the Sapphire Reserve Lounge

Seasonally located at the outdoor bar on the cobblestones, the Sapphire Reserve Lounge at the Seaport offers Reserve cardmembers exclusive access to lounge-style seating, menu items, and a dedicated bartender, among other perks.

• Monday/Tuesday 5:00 - 10:00PM
• Wednesday/Thursday 3:00 - 10:00PM
• Friday 2:00 - 10:00PM
• Saturday/Saturday 12:00 - 10:00PM  

02            Five Iron Golf

Tee up good times and exclusive benefits with Five Iron Golf

The nation's leading indoor golf and entertainment experience is offering a new way to play, practice and party with state-of-the-art simulators, certified instructors, and a full restaurant and bar. Find a 5i near you and see what they're all about.

Take your love of golf even further

Access the 3-month Weekend Warrior Pass. Passes include all 5i member perks including discounts on lessons, food, drinks, leagues and more. Plus daily and weekend hitting access included.

Enhance your experience at top venues

Madison_Square_Garden

New York, NY

Madison Square Garden

Get access to special experiences with the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, musicians and more.

Chase_Center

San Francisco, CA

Chase Center

Enjoy all-star treatment at select NHL and NBA games. Get the game-day VIP treatment with special pregame and postgame experiences.

Amalie_Arena

Amalie Arena

Celebrate one of hockey’s top teams with behind-the-scenes access to Lightning players and alumni, exclusive experiences throughout the season, credits towards concessions and discounts on merchandise.

State_Farm_Arena

Atlanta, GA

State Farm Arena

Experience the best in Atlanta entertainment, including events, concerts and NBA games with cardmember-only access and perks at the State Farm Arena, home to the Atlanta Hawks.

Chase Field

Phoenix, AZ

The baseball season is in full swing, and cardmembers can score tickets to catch the Arizona Diamondbacks in action at Chase Field all summer long.

There’s so much more for you

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Sapphire Reserve Offers

See a summary of benefits, offers and experiences for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers.

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Sapphire Reserve Benefits

Make more of every trip, every meal and every day with access to an impressive suite of cardmember benefits.

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Refer-A-Friend  

Earn up to 75,000 bonus points per year by referring friends to either Chase Sapphire ® card.

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Es posible que esta comunicación contenga información acerca de usted o su cuenta. Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor, llame al número que aparece en el reverso de su tarjeta.

1 The Delano, Hyde, Mondrian, Morgans Originals and SLS hotels program benefits and Guest Privileges are available exclusively to cardmembers. Certain blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Reservations include estimated room and applicable hotel taxes at the time of reservation and may vary at the time of stay. Any additional hotel charges, such as resort fees, and any charges for incidentals that you incur are not included in your reservation rate or 4th Night Free award and must be paid directly to the hotel. Incidental charges may include but are not limited to parking fees, babysitting, room service, telephone fees, in-room movies, minibar charges, and gratuities. See ennismorepartner.com/chasesapphire  for full program terms and conditions. is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. Websites and other information provided by sbe and/or participating hotels are not within 's control and may or may not be available in Spanish.

©2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

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Get discounts on hiking, biking and more

• 10% off bike lift ticket at Snowshoe
• 10% off a Trestle bike park ticket at Winter Park
• 10% off Bike Park lift ticket at Deer Valley Mountain Resort
• 10% off for mountain bike tickets or scenic lift rides at Sugarbush
• 10% off bike ticket plus a free scenic ride on gondola with bike ticket purchase at Stratton
• 15% off bike lift ticket or scenic chairlift ride at Big Bear Mountain Resort
• 15% off bike lift ticket or scenic chairlift ride at Solitude
• 20% off bike ticket or gondola ride at Mammoth
• $5 off scenic gondola ride at Steamboat
• 15% off gondola ride at Crystal Mountain
• 20% off Aerial Tram Ticket at Palisades Tahoe

Unwind with après-ski specials

• 10% off at Hawks 52 at Big Bear Mountain Resort
• 10% off at Plaza Bar and Alpine Bar at Palisades Tahoe
• 10% off at Al Dente Ristorante at Snowshoe
• 10% off "Happy Hour" drinks at Tusks Bar at Mammoth Mountain
• $4 select draft beers and $6 well drinks at Derailer Bar at Winter Park
• 10% off at Deer Valley Etc. Etc. at Deer Valley Resort
• 10% off at St. Bernard's at Solitude
• 10% off at Sunbowl Base Lodge at Stratton
• 10% off at Gate House Cafeteria at Sugarbush
• 10% off at Gondola Joe's in Steamboat Square at Steamboat Resort
• 15% off at Rafters at Crystal Mountain

Valid on Sundays during the 2022-23 winter season. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change.

Recharge between runs in the Sapphire Lounge

• Stratton Mountain Resort (Stratton, VT)—Feb. 3–5 and Feb. 10–12
• Steamboat Ski Resort (Steamboat Springs, CO)—Feb. 24–26 and Mar. 3–5
• Snow Summit at Big Bear Mountain Resort (Big Bear, CA)—Mar. 10–12 and Mar. 17–19
• Palisades Tahoe (Olympic Valley, CA)—Mar. 24–26 and Mar. 31–Apr. 2

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• Snow Summit at Big Bear Mtn | Saturday, March 2 nd | FT access at 8:00am
• Stratton Mtn | Sunday, March 3 rd | FT access at 7:45am *While supplies last
• Winter Park | Sunday, March 3 rd | FT access at 8:00am
• Palisades Tahoe | Thursday, March 7 th | FT access at 8:00am
• Deer Valley | Wednesday, March 27 th | FT access at 8:00am
• Steamboat | Saturday, March 30 th - Sunday, March 31 st | *Visit Sapphire pop-up lounge to secure ticket
• Mammoth | Sunday, April 7 th | FT access at 7:30am

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Chase Travel Welcomes Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts into its Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to Enhance Travel Experiences for Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Cardmembers

Just in time for the holiday season, chase sapphire reserve cardmembers now have even more highly curated, luxury properties to access elevated perks and elite benefits .

NEW YORK – October 17, 2023 - Chase Travel , a travel industry leader and business unit of JPMorgan Chase & Co., officially welcomed Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a leading luxury hospitality company, into The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection℠ - a top travel benefit for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. 

This growing, curated network of the most sought after luxury hotels and resorts is now available in 360 markets globally. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will represent the largest brand in the program, with 118 properties around the world set to join – providing Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers with more global access to a trusted list of vetted properties with special benefits throughout their travels.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book participating properties through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection can enjoy an array of elevated, complimentary on-property benefits, including : a $100 property credit (which can be used toward dining, spa or hotel activities), daily breakfast for two , a room upgrade (if available), early check-in and late check-out (if available), and complimentary wi-fi . 

“Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is as dedicated to delivering an exceptional travel experience for its customers as we are,” says Jason Wynn, CEO of Chase Travel for JPMorgan Chase & Co. “We could not be more thrilled to offer these world-class, hand-selected properties into our distinctive hotel program for our Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. This enhancement demonstrates our commitment to further expand our luxury product offerings and deliver exceptional travel benefits, at-scale."

A few standout properties now available for booking via Chase Travel include:  

• Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane in London, England: Surrounded by the capital’s greenery and most coveted shopping streets, the hotel balances award-winning design with the city’s high notes. The hotel recently saw the opening of Pavyllon London from celebrated chef, Yannick Alléno. 
• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Explore the underwater world through a guided snorkeling tour with a WiseOceans marine biologist during a stay at the sand-fringed idyll of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in the heart of French Polynesia.
• Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, in Surfside, Florida:  This oceanfront oasis opened on New Year's Eve of 1930. Offering white-sand beaches, poolside cabanas, elegant backdrops, a world-class spa, as well as a top culinary destination in Miami.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa in the Maldives: Escape to this island hideaway where the charming village setting complete with a lagoon, flower garden and island spa provides total serenity. 

The expansion of premium hotel partnerships builds on Chase Travel’s commitment to providing Chase customers with elevated travel experiences. These enhancements follow the firm’s acquisition of FROSCH, a leading luxury and corporate travel advisory, as well as scalable technology and servicing platform, cxLoyalty, and restaurant discovery platform, The Infatuation.

ABOUT CHASE

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States with assets of $3.9 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly 80 million consumers and nearly 6 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, more than 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com

Media Contact: 

Michael Sinatra 551-574-8031 [email protected]

Isabella Persico 847-414-7877 [email protected]

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Get elitelike perks without status: Your guide to The Edit by Chase Travel

Editor's Note

Elite status with a hotel chain can make travel much more comfortable, but you don't necessarily need hotel elite status to unlock extra perks on your next hotel stay.

After all, select credit card holders can get elitelike perks by booking through programs such as American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts program , Capital One's Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection and Citi's Hotel Collection and Luxury Collection .

Likewise, Chase has its own luxury hotel program called The Edit by Chase Travel (which recently rebranded from Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection ).

All these programs provide valuable perks, and booking through these programs often doesn't cost much, if any, more than booking directly with the hotel. Let's take a closer look at The Edit by Chase Travel.

What is The Edit by Chase Travel?

The Edit by Chase Travel offers select Chase cardholders elitelike benefits at more than 1,000 hotels, resorts, lodges and spas worldwide. The properties bookable through The Edit program are a mix of branded and independent lodgings, but they tend to be well rated, and Chase says they are among the world's finest. To make a reservation through the program, you must have a participating card.

Which cards are eligible for The Edit by Chase Travel bookings?

You must have one of the following cards to make a booking through The Edit by Chase Travel:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• J.P. Morgan Reserve®
• A United credit card (strangely, if you have one of these cards, you must still book through the old Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection website )

The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Main benefits and perks

Booking through The Edit by Chase Travel is usually the same price as booking directly, but sometimes it can be higher or lower depending on the property. The perks you receive when you book through the program and use your eligible Chase card to purchase your stay may offset any price difference. With every The Edit booking, you receive:

• Daily breakfast for two
• A special benefit worth up to $100 (unique to each property but often includes a lunch or dinner for two, a spa treatment, golf green fee waivers, a welcome gift or airport transfers)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi at properties that offer Wi-Fi
• A space-available room upgrade at select properties (when available)
• Early check-in and late checkout at select properties (when available)

As you might expect, the daily breakfast and special benefits vary in quality and value. Although Chase provides various examples of the special benefit, most properties offer a $50 or $100 credit for use during your stay.

You can maximize your bookings by targeting hotels that offer a special benefit that will provide value to you. For example, here are a few special benefits that I found interesting:

• A complimentary 60-minute massage for two guests per room once during their stay at The Sukhothai Bangkok
• A 90-minute city walking tour with a professional tour guide, a 20% discount when dining at the Bombay Brasserie and a "Cape Gin experience" once per stay for each guest at the Taj Cape Town
• Club lounge access, a welcome VIP amenity and a voucher for a 20% discount on any spa treatment at the InterContinental Paris — Le Grand

How to book The Edit by Chase Travel

To book through The Edit, you will go to Chase Travel to start. To start a search, enter your destination, dates and number of guests in the search box at the top of the page.

Once you find a hotel you like, click on it to see all the benefits you will receive with The Edit.

Here, you can see the listed benefits that are standard with The Edit properties. Then, you will select the room type you want.

Once you get to the payment page, you can pay with cash, points or a combo of the two. When you pay with your Sapphire Reserve, you will earn 3 points per dollar.

You must use your Chase card to book your stay. You'll usually pay at the hotel, but the property may charge a guarantee or deposit to your credit card before your stay.

Some of The Edit properties may have cancellation policies, so be sure to double-check when booking. Also, note that the price you see may not show additional hotel charges, such as resort fees . Take the time to understand what types of fees the hotel might impose before you book.

Finally, carefully read the details of specific benefits at the property you book. Some complimentary breakfast perks are limited to certain restaurants or subject to a maximum dollar amount. Additionally, some of these may be temporarily unavailable.

Related: A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi

Will I earn elite status or loyalty benefits?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders who book through The Edit will still have their hotel chain loyalty benefits honored, according to Chase. Cardholders will also earn elite nights and points. It is important to note that since the launch of this rebrand recently happened, we have not tested this out yet.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review: Luxury perks and valuable rewards

Is The Edit by Chase Travel worth it?

The Edit by Chase Travel resembles Amex's Fine Hotels + Resorts program, but when you book with Fine Hotels + Resorts, your late checkout is guaranteed and the experience credit is often more valuable because it covers more options.

Other card-related hotel programs include the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection and Amex's The Hotel Collection . However, when compared with The Edit by Chase Travel, the benefits from these programs aren't as extensive or valuable. They do offer the opportunity to book some less expensive hotels, though.

Finally, booking directly will usually provide more rate options — including AAA, AARP and corporate rates. When booking directly, you can also click through a cash-back portal and know with more certainty that you'll get elite nights and benefits (if that matters to you). If you already get breakfast included as a brand amenity or elite benefit, it may make sense to book directly, especially if you can do so at a lower rate.

Generally, booking through The Edit by Chase Travel can be worth it. After all, the program does provide elitelike perks. We recommend considering other booking options as well, though, to ensure you get the best value and benefits on your stay.

When to use The Edit by Chase Travel

Even if the rates aren't the lowest, there are times when booking through a program like The Edit by Chase Travel can be a good idea.

Short stays

One of the most significant selling points of The Edit by Chase Travel is the property credit. However, most properties provide this benefit per stay, not per night. So, the shorter your stay, the better value this represents.

As such, it may be worth booking a property linked to The Edit for only one night at the beginning or end of your trip to squeeze the most value out of this perk. I was able to do this after taking the Amtrak Empire Builder from Portland, Oregon, to Chicago and got $160 of value out of a $153 one-night stay at the Loews Chicago Hotel using Amex's Fine Hotels + Resorts program.

Related: Rail renaissance: The best new trains to take

Boutique and non-chain hotels

You can get elitelike benefits at non-chain hotels by booking through The Edit. Some luxury hotels aren't part of a hotel loyalty program , so booking through The Edit by Chase Travel can be an excellent way to get more benefits and recognition.

Someone else is paying

If your company or a client is paying for your stay, it may not matter how you book. So, you may be able to book through The Edit by Chase Travel, even if it isn't the least expensive option, so you can benefit from the program's perks when traveling for business.

Related: What hotel loyalty program is best for business travelers?

Travelers without elite status

Booking through The Edit by Chase Travel provides many of the same perks as elite status. Booking through The Edit can provide more value when you're staying at a brand for which you don't have top-tier elite status. The included breakfast benefit alone is enough to offset any difference in rates at some properties.

Related: Is hotel elite status worth it anymore?

Bottom line

Using your hard-earned points for hotel stays can be a great way to keep money in your pocket. That said, using points may not be the best option — or an option at all — in some cases. Not to mention, for some trips, you might want elitelike perks even though you don't have elite status. In these cases, it may make sense to book your hotel stay through a program like The Edit by Chase Travel .

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The Complete Guide To Using the Chase Travel Portal — Maximize Your Options

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

373 Published Articles 64 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 29

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

163 Published Articles 781 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 41 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Why book travel through the chase travel portal, cards that earn chase ultimate rewards points, what are chase ultimate rewards points worth, earning chase points by booking travel, how to access the chase travel portal, how to book a flight through chase travel, how to book a hotel through chase travel, how to book a rental car through the chase travel portal, how to book activities through chase travel, how to book a cruise through the portal, how do the prices compare to other sites, other ways to use the chase travel portal, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

• The Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal allows cardholders to book travel using points at a fixed value, typically 1 to 1.5 cents per point, depending on the card.
• The portal offers flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and experiences. Users can pay with points, a Chase credit card, or a combination of both.
• You can also use the portal to pay with points at Amazon, Apple, and PayPal, purchase gift cards, and transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the major transferrable points programs and a favorite among many travelers. Points are easy to earn and can be transferred to many different hotel and airline partners. But you can also book travel directly through Chase’s travel portal using Ultimate Rewards points.

Booking travel through the Chase Travel portal is simple and can be a great way to use your points.

We’ll show you everything you need to know about how to redeem your points, including the benefits, how to know what your points are worth, and how to book airlines, hotels, and more through the Chase Travel portal.

Generally, you can get maximum value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points by transferring them to the Chase airline and hotel partners , so why are we talking about using points through a travel portal? While it’s true that the only way to get the highest value redemptions is by transferring, there is still a lot of value to be had by booking directly through the Chase Travel portal.

Flexibility

Flexibility is not often available with points bookings. Unlike an award booking, booking through Chase Travel is like using any other online travel agency (OTA) . There are no blackout dates or limited inventory award seats. If a flight or hotel is available, you can book it with points through the Chase travel portal.

You Can Earn Frequent Flyer Miles

One of the major bummers of booking flights with frequent flyer miles is that you don’t earn miles on award bookings. You can end up doing a lot of travel without earning miles. However, any booking you make with your Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase Travel portal will earn frequent flyer miles and accrue status points. Unfortunately, hotel and car rental bookings still won’t earn points.

We have talked to so many people over the years that love the idea of collecting points and miles but don’t want to deal with the hassle. While many don’t mind putting a little work into getting an awesome redemption, others are just looking for a simple way to book travel and hopefully save some money in the process.

That’s where the Chase Travel portal comes in. With this method of redeeming points, there is no transferring, comparing points values, blackout dates, limited award availability, or multiple travel accounts. You only have to deal with 1 type of point and 1 travel portal but can still retain many of the benefits of collecting points and miles in the first place.

Bottom Line: You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, activities, and cruises through the Chase Travel portal.

If you like the idea of using the Chase Travel portal, you’ll need a credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

The Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases , especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance , rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable

There are also some great cash-back cards from Chase that can be used to book travel through Chase Travel. The points earned on these cards can be converted into cash-back or alternatively, they can be used in the Chase travel portal.

• Chase Freedom Flex℠
• Chase Freedom Unlimited ®
• Chase Freedom ® card (no longer open to new applicants)
• Ink Business Cash ® Credit Card
• Ink Business Plus ® Credit Card (no longer open to new applicants)
• Ink Business Unlimited ® Credit Card
• Ink Business Premier ® Credit Card

It’s easy to earn lots of Chase Ultimate Rewards points , but do you know how much they are worth ? If you’re transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a travel partner, their value will go up or down depending on the type of redemption.

However, when you are booking your travel directly through Chase’s travel portal, each Chase Ultimate Rewards point has a set value that won’t change . The credit card you have will determine the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Transfer Your Points Between Credit Cards for Maximum Value

If you have multiple Chase credit cards, it makes sense to transfer your points to the card with the most valuable redemption rate. The only exception to this is the Ink Business Premier card because points earned on this card can’t be transferred to any other card.

1. To transfer your points between 2 cards, log on to the Chase dashboard and select Combine Points .

2. Then you will be able to select the card you want to transfer points from and the card you want to receive the points. After you choose, click Next.

3. You can transfer all of your points or just what you need. Click Review to continue.

4. Double-check the details and click on the Submit button to complete the transfer.

Bottom Line: Your credit card will determine the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Your points are worth between 1 to 1.5 cents each depending on which credit card you’re redeeming points through. 

What if you’d prefer to pay for your travel with a Chase credit card to earn Ultimate Rewards points? The number of points you’ll earn through the Chase travel portal is dependent on which credit card you have and what type of travel you’re purchasing.

You can log into your account in 2 ways.

First, you can go directly to the Ultimate Rewards website to log in or you can log in through your Chase account .

If you’re in your Chase account, click on one of your Ultimate Rewards credit cards and then click on Redeem next to the card’s Ultimate Rewards balance.

Then choose the card you want to use.

From here you can access Chase Travel by clicking on Travel  in the top search box or you can switch to another card’s account by clicking on the 3-line icon in the upper left-hand corner.

1. In the Travel section of your Ultimate Rewards account, click on Flights to start your search for a flight. As with any other OTA, you begin your search by inputting basic information such as departure and arrival city, travel dates, and the number of passengers.

2. Next, you will be able to narrow your search results . At the left-hand side of the page, you can filter your results by things like airline or flight times. Then you can sort your results by price, trip duration, or times using the drop-down box at the top of the search results.

3. For each flight option, you’ll be able to see the price in dollars and in points on the right-hand side of the results box.

4. Once you’ve found the flight you want, click the blue Select button. Next, you can choose your return flight using the same process as you did for selecting the outbound flight. Click the blue Select button once you have made your choice.

5. From here you can confirm your flight details and select a fare upgrade if you wish. Then, you’ll be able to choose how to pay for your flight . You can pay for the entire purchase with points or a Chase credit card, or you can split your payment between points and a Chase credit card.

6. Finally, input your passenger information next. Don’t forget to add a frequent flyer number, a Known Traveler Number, or a Redress number if you have them.

Hot Tip: When purchasing travel through the Chase travel portal, you can split your payment between Chase Ultimate Rewards points and a Chase credit card.

1. To book a hotel through the Chase Travel portal , you’ll need to start by clicking on the Hotels tab in the main search box. Then, input your destination, check-in and check-out dates, and the number of travelers. Next, click on the blue Search button.

2. Your search results will look like other sites that you may be familiar with. You’ll see filtering options to the left and sorting options above your search results.

3. Each search result will show the price in both dollars and Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These prices include taxes and fees with the exception of resort fees.

4. Once you select your hotel, click on Add to Itinerary . You can choose to pay for all or part of your hotel cost using Ultimate Rewards points. Click Begin Checkout to input your reservation details and finalize your booking.

Hot Tip: When booking a hotel through the Chase Travel portal, you won’t be eligible to earn points in the hotel’s loyalty program or take advantage of any elite status you may have.

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection (LHRC) is exclusively for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. From the Ultimate Rewards travel home page, just click on The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection tab.

Once you are on the LHRC homepage, type in your destination and click Search to view available properties. Each listing will display the property’s unique cardmember benefits. Click on the listing for more information and to continue the booking process.

When booked through the Chase Travel portal, these properties offer the following benefits:

• Daily breakfast for 2
• Special amenity (varies by property)
• Room upgrades (based on availability)
• Early check-in and late checkout (based on availability)

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection properties are reservation-only bookings. You’ll make your reservations online and payment doesn’t happen until you check out from the hotel. These bookings will not take Chase Ultimate Rewards points as payment.

Bottom Line: Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection properties are only available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. These properties can’t be booked with points.

1. To rent a car through the Chase Travel portal, start by clicking on the Cars tab in the main search box. Then, input your pick-up location, drop-off location, dates, times, and age of the driver. Click on the blue Search box to continue.

2. You can then narrow your search with the filtering options on the left-hand side of the page.

3. For each car option, you will be able to see the car details, rental company, and price in both dollars and Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Once you have selected the car you want to rent, click on Add to Itinerary .

4. You can pay for the entire purchase with points or a Chase credit card or split your payment in any amount. Double-check all of the details before completing your purchase.

Did you know you can also book activities through Chase Travel?

1. Click the Activities tab on the Ultimate Rewards travel homepage to get started. Then, input your destination and travel dates and click the Search button to continue.

2. You can narrow your search by selecting 1 or more categories at the left-hand side of the page. Categories can include things like:

• Classes & workshops
• Cruises & sailing
• Food & drink
• Outdoor activities
• Seasonal & special occasions
• Tickets & passes
• Tours & sightseeing
• Transfers & ground transport
• Unique experiences

3. Each activity will show the price in both dollars and points to the right side of the screen. Click on Show Details and Pricing for more information and to book the activity.

6. Double-check all of the details on the final page before completing your purchase. Click the box confirming you understand the travel disclosures, then click Complete Checkout to finish your purchase.

Bottom Line: You can book lots of activities through the Chase Travel portal, including airport transfers!

If you’re a fan of cruises, you’ll be pleased to know you can book them through your Chase Travel portal. To get started, click on the Cruises tab on the Ultimate Rewards travel homepage.

This will bring up a list of available cruises, but there’s also a search box at the top of the screen, so you can input a specific destination or cruise line.

Each listing will display the cruise line, ship, ports of call, sailing dates, and baseline pricing for an interior or oceanview cabin. Unfortunately, if you want any more specific information or if you want to book, you will need to call 855-234-2542 .

You’ll notice that only cash prices are listed for cruises, however, they can be booked using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, too.

Hot Tip: You can book a cruise through Chase Travel but you’ll have to call to make your reservation as they can’t be booked online.

Are you getting a good deal by booking through Chase? Let’s look at how the prices available through the Chase Travel portal stack up to other OTAs and search engines including Hotwire , Kayak , and Expedia .

We did some flight searches and found there’s no clear-cut pattern on prices between the Chase portal to other websites.

Example #1: Round-trip flight between Philadelphia (PHL) and San Francisco (SFO) for 1 person in economy.

We searched this route in the Chase travel portal and the cheapest option was a flight that was split between Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines for $526.20. This worked out to be the cheapest price we found, and Priceline had the same low price. Expedia and Hotwire both charge booking fees, making the price a little higher. Each airline’s own website couldn’t split the itinerary between different airlines, so those ended up being much more expensive.

If you are in doubt or would like to check prices yourself, Kayak is a great place to start. Kayak will show you prices for a flight on all of the OTAs as well as the airline’s website. It’s a great one-stop shop to compare flight prices.

Example #2: Round-trip flight between New York City (JFK) and Paris, France (CDG) for 1 person in economy.

We searched this route in the Chase travel portal and the cheapest option was a flight that was split between American Airlines and British Airways for $689.78. This wasn’t the overall best price we found, though. That award goes to Expedia and Priceline.

Hot Tip: You will earn frequent flyer miles when you book your flight through the Chase Travel portal.

Example #1: Here’s how prices looked for a week-long stay at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in Mexico for 2 people including all taxes and fees. The $291.55 resort fee can’t be paid with points.

In this example, the best cash rate by far was through Marriott. However, if you wanted to pay with points, booking with Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the travel portal would be your best bet.

Keep in mind that Marriott doesn’t have an award chart, so different time periods can have different point costs. A 7-night stay at this hotel can dip down to 240,000 points for a 7-night stay. If you’re going to pay for your hotel stay in points, it’s always smart to calculate how many points it would cost to book through Chase versus transferring points . This information can help you make the best and least expensive choice.

Hot Tip: You won’t earn hotel loyalty points when booking a hotel through Chase and any elite status you have may not be recognized.

Example #2: Let’s look at an example of a hotel that doesn’t have a loyalty program. We priced out a 2-night stay at Almond Tree Inn Hotel in Key West, FL for 2 people. The highest prices were direct via the hotel with all other websites surveyed being cheaper.

Here’s how the prices stacked up:

Chase’s low price matched the other online travel websites and was actually lower than the hotel’s own website, so it would be a great option in this case. It also affords the opportunity to use points for a hotel that doesn’t have its own loyalty program.

Car Rentals

In many cases, car rental prices found through the Chase Travel portal were similar to prices found on the rental agency’s own website.

The main difference in booking through Chase vs. directly through a car rental agency is that the car rental agency often has the ability to book the car without paying up front. With the Chase portal, you will be paying at the time of booking and there may be change or cancellation fees if you need to modify your reservation.

In both of these examples, Chase Travel didn’t offer the lowest price, however, that won’t always necessarily be the case. Of course, the advantage of booking through Chase is the ability to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. It’s always a good idea to price out your car rental on a few different websites before booking to ensure you’re getting the best price.

Chase actually offered the lowest prices on activities for both examples:

Earn Bonus Ultimate Rewards Points

The Chase Travel portal also helps you earn bonus points.  With the Shop through Chase feature, you can earn extra Ultimate Rewards points through your online shopping.

Just click Earn Bonus Points in the top search bar to access the shopping portal. Click on a featured store or search for a specific one. Then simply click through the portal to your website of choice to make your purchase. Your bonus points will be added to your Chase Ultimate Rewards points total within 3 to 5 days in most cases.

Pay With Points

Did you know you can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to make purchases at Amazon and PayPal? Click on Pay with Points in the top search bar, then select either Amazon or PayPal to enroll and shop.

Unfortunately, the redemption value you get when shopping through Amazon or PayPal is pretty bad — only 0.8 cents per point. While it’s great to have this as an option, we don’t recommend using points to shop at Amazon or PayPal as your main use of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Bottom Line: The value of using your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to shop through Amazon or PayPal isn’t great: you will only get 0.8 cents per point!

Apple Purchases

By clicking on Apple in the main search box in your Ultimate Rewards account, you can use your Chase points to make purchases. Normally, you’ll get 1 cent per point in value when using your points for Apple purchases, but there are occasional bonuses offered to get a better redemption rate.

You can also redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for cash-back. To do this, simply select Cash-back from the main search bar at the top of the screen. You will then be able to see choose how many points you’d like to redeem for cash-back at a value of 1 cent per point .

You can choose to have your cash direct deposited into a checking or savings account or as a statement credit. The deposit or statement credit will be posted within 3 days.

Bottom Line: Your Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed as cash-back. We do not recommend this as a primary redemption option because you can get more value via the Chase Travel portal, and a lot more when transferring to airline and hotel partners.

Experiences

This is a really cool section of the Chase Travel portal. When you click on Experiences in the main search bar, you’ll see a list of exclusive events, preferred seating, and other offers for select Chase cardmembers.

Experiences can be purchased with a credit card or with points. You will get 1 cent per point in value when redeeming points for experiences. Some experiences are only available to cardholders of specific cards so be sure to check all of your cards if you have more than 1 to make sure you don’t miss anything.

If you prefer gift cards, you can purchase them through the Chase Travel portal using points. Just click Gift Cards in the main search bar to get started. From here, you will be able to scroll through all of the available gift cards. You’ll get 1 cent per point in value, with occasional sales offering better redemption rates.

Hot Tip: Points redeemed for gift cards have a 1-cent per point value. However, you might notice some cards offer discounts, so there is the opportunity to get a bit more value!

Pay Yourself Back

Another way to use your Ultimate Rewards points is through the Pay Yourself Back feature. This allows you to redeem your points for a statement credit for purchases in select categories. The current categories include groceries, dining, select charities, credit card annual fee, internet, cable, phone, and shipping and the redemption value varies by card.

Transfer To Travel Partners

Transferring points to travel partners is the best way to get the most value out of your points . By transferring, you can potentially get 2, 3, or more cents per point value.

Chase Airline Transfer Partners

Chase Hotel Transfer Partners

To transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to any of the above airline and hotel partners, log on to your account and click on Transfer To Travel Partners in the top search box. Choose your airline or hotel and then select Transfer Points . You’ll need to fill out your frequent flyer information or hotel loyalty membership number to complete the transfer.

Bottom Line: You can currently transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to 14 different hotel and airline partners.

There are many ways to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While transferring points to one of Chase’s airline and hotel travel partners can get you maximum value, there are a lot of benefits for booking travel directly through the Chase Travel portal .

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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