Belarus, our closest neighbor, is also a beautiful country. No matter what anyone says, there really is something to see there - and not only in the capital Minsk. There are many ways to get to Belarus. It will be easier for someone to fly by plane, someone will prefer the sound of wheels by rail. Our material is intended for those who decide to go on a trip to Belarus by car. What does it take besides four wheels?
Belarus in brief
The fact that Belarus is a neighboring power and was previously part of the Soviet Union is probably known to everyone. However, what other information do you need to know about this country?
The population of Belarus is just over nine million people (according to last year), the entire country covers an area of two hundred and seven thousand square kilometers. In addition to Russia, in their closest neighborsThe Republic of Belarus (this is its official name) has Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine. In addition to Belarusian, the official language is also Russian. As a state, Belarus appeared in 1919, but this does not mean that it did not exist before. On the contrary, the term "Belaya Rus", from which the modern name of the neighboring power came from, has been known since the thirteenth century and was widely used in relation to some territories of Ancient Russia.
Why should I go to Belarus?
Belarus is not a resort country at all, but it seems so only at first glance. In fact, you can relax in a neighboring state - and how! There is a lot of surprising and unusual for a Russian person. For example, as if in the Soviet era - ubiquitous monuments to Lenin, toponyms unchanged from the Soviet era, even collective farms are there! At the same time, the country of potatoes is very clean - both on the streets and in the yards, and on the roads. The roads there are generally of the highest class - they fully comply with European standards, and this is at least a good reason to come to Belarus by car.
We talked about the country of potatoes. Now is the time to talk about traveling to Belarus by car. What do you need for this?
Budget vacation
Of course, if you plan to go to Belarus by car from Vladivostok or at least Tyumen, your route and the whole trip in general will be somewhat different. Our material is aimed more at Muscovites, Petersburgers and residents of neighboring regions,who get into the country of potatoes by car - as they say, it’s easier than a steamed turnip, because it’s the most convenient. Moreover, for them it is also the most budget option for such a trip.
About distance and speed
From Moscow to Minsk along the M-1 highway (you can also get to Brest along it) about 720 kilometers. However, at a normal speed (without violating - what is important!) You can overcome this distance in eight to nine hours, which is quite acceptable. But do not think that you can go a little faster to get to your destination even earlier.
There are a lot of cameras for both photo and video recording along the entire route. That is why all cunning and insolent people always come across - first to a fine (which reaches seven thousand rubles), and then, if caught again, to deprivation of rights up to a year.
Road inspection
Traffic cops in Belarus are very harsh guardians of the law. They do not compromise, and if they caught you in any violation, then do not expect mercy. And in general, having entered Belarus by car, do not relax - the road inspection in the country of potatoes is on the alert. Very often, local traffic cops roll out on ordinary civilian cars without identification marks (that is, you can’t immediately understand what is in front of you - the traffic police). As mentioned above, a huge number of cameras have been installed to help law enforcement officers on the highways, so if you have violated something, catching you will be a trifling matter. The fine in Belarus is measured in basequantities. For the last two years, the base value has been twenty-three Belarusian rubles.
Important to know
If you are planning a trip to Belarus by car from Moscow, you should know that on some sections of the road in our country you will have to fork out. In other words, travel on these sections is paid. Such places include, for example, the distance from the Moscow Ring Road to the Minsk highway. And although the amounts that will need to be left are relatively small (in the above area, for example, around three hundred rubles), you need to know about this in advance in order to take care of additional money for such expenses.
Green Card
Not to be confused with the Green Book. The "Green Card" is a policy of compulsory motor vehicle insurance, which is required when traveling abroad. Since Belarus is a foreign state, then going on a trip there, this policy is also needed. And this, perhaps, is the only necessary document for a trip by car to Belarus - well, of course, except for passports (foreign and Russian) and car papers. However, you do not need any visas or anything that may be required when crossing the border. And for the most part, there are no borders. After all, Belarus has opened entry for many countries. Customs officers can selectively stop the car to check Russian documents, but absolutely all cars do not slow down. And even if you are stopped, it will not take your time, and there are no queues and traffic jams at the Belarusian customs.
As for the "green card", it is not difficult to issue it. Starting from Smolensk, along the road there are many stalls with flashy signs "Green Card". Feel free to drive up to any of them and purchase the necessary document. However, in order not to waste time on the road, the card can be issued in advance. The Green Card will cost you less than a thousand rubles. At the same time, insurance is issued for approximately two weeks - and, according to experienced people, this time is more than enough to see all the sights of the potato state.
On the way to the capital
The closest to the Russian border is Vitebsk - from Smolensk, the extreme Russian city, only one hundred and thirty kilometers, from Moscow and St. Petersburg about six hundred. It is not worth passing by Vitebsk - spend at least a couple of hours on at least a superficial acquaintance with this ancient city (the chronicles mention Vitebsk since 974). Please note that it is slightly away from the main highway.
If a trip to Belarus by car is coming from Moscow, then Smolensk, Vitebsk, Minsk and, finally, Brest are waiting for you on the road (M-1 "Belarus", as mentioned above). If you are moving out of Northern Palmyra, then on the way to Brest you will pass Pskov, and then Polotsk. Each of these cities is more than worthy of at least a quick look around.
What to see?
What to see in Belarus by car? There are enough attractions. In Minsk alone and near it, their darkness is dark. For example, the museum complex "Dudutki" - they tell and show about ancient folk crafts, professions,life and customs.
You should also definitely go to the Mir and Nesvizh castles (not far from Minsk in the direction of the southwest) - there is stunning nature and incredibly beautiful parks next to them. Visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha - one of the oldest and certainly the largest of all modern forests in Europe.
Of course, we should not forget about the monuments of the Great Patriotic War - it is no secret to anyone that Belarus suffered greatly at the hands of the Nazis, and therefore there is still a lot of historical evidence of those terrible years. Brest Fortress, Khatyn, Buinicheskoe Pole are just the most famous of them. Thinking through your itinerary for a trip to Belarus by car, you must definitely include these places in it.
Housing
Life in Minsk is inexpensive even on holidays. The cost of a room in a three-star hotel is approximately two and a half thousand rubles. This is a single room - double and triple are more expensive (double about four and a half thousand, triple - about six thousand rubles). However, if you are traveling with a company, it is most profitable for you to book an apartment - then the cost per person is even less than two and a half thousand. If you are unpretentious and have nothing against hotels with a “rank” lower, then it is quite possible to rent a “kopeck piece” up to two thousand rubles. For example, in a hotel on Bogdanovich street - the prices there are generally very affordable.
Finding a hotel is not a problem at all, whether in Minsk or in any other Belarusian city. Some hotels still havea certain touch of "Sovietism", but this does not mean that these hotels are bad. In some places, parking is paid, but the price is relatively low. However, in the city (as well as throughout Belarus) there are plenty of parking spaces.
Food
As with housing, food prices in Belarus in general and in Minsk in particular are quite reasonable. Even if you go to the most expensive restaurant and eat there, as they say, “from the belly”, you are unlikely to spend more than two or two and a half thousand Belarusian rubles (Belarusian, note, not Russian). At the same time, potatoes are fed in the country tasty and very satisfying.
Trip to Belarus by car: reviews
Most travelers who have had a chance to visit a neighboring state by car note the quality of Belarusian roads as a plus - for Russian drivers this is a sore subject. People write that the coverage is almost everywhere even, there are very few places where there would be any holes or potholes. An important detail: along the federal highway, near the woods, along the entire path there are a large number of neatly equipped stopping points - and even with toilets. They also note that there are many gas stations along the way, many of them are combined with campsites. There is a separate conversation about Belarusian campsites - this is what all travelers admire: spacious, clean, well-groomed sites equipped with benches, tables, free toilets.
Pleasantly pleased those who made a trip to Belarus by car, and the courtesy of our neighbors, including at the border, andgood service in all areas - in restaurants, in hotels. Everywhere you can pay by card, as for the terminals - there is our Sberbank. Many travelers, describing Belarus, use two epithets: “cozy” and “homely”, adding that it is calm, free and easy to breathe in this country.
A few facts
- Belarusian roads are less busy.
- The speed limit in Belarus is higher than the Russian one - 120 kilometers per hour.
- The road from the border to the capital of the potato country never passes through settlements.
- Gasoline in Belarus is 3-4 rubles more expensive, so when traveling to Belarus by car, you need to take this into account and refuel in advance "I don't want to." Another option is to go with a company and chip in for gasoline, then the amount will not seem so deadly. However, as mentioned above, in any case, this is the most budgetary when traveling to Belarus by car from St. Petersburg or Moscow. However, you should not take gasoline with you across the border in canisters - this is illegal, and if you are stopped for a check, you will be in serious trouble.
- It is worth taking care of the currency exchange in advance - otherwise it will not be possible to do this right up to Minsk itself. In the capital, almost at any time of the day or night, you can make an exchange maneuver at the railway station.
- The main attractions of Minsk are located in the very center of the city, so it won't take long to get from one to the other. And in Minsk, there are wide avenues and few cars - compared to Russiancities.
- Belarusian traffic cops don't take bribes.
- Belarusian Santa Claus lives near Belovezhskaya Pushcha - take a look at his light!
That's all you need to know about crossing the border with Belarus by car, about the travel route and its features. Enjoy your trip and have a good rest!
