Summer tourism in Russia: spending rises, not the number of trips

Overall picture

According to SberIndex, during the summer months of 2026 tourism spending in Russia jumped close to 16 % compared with the same period last year. The number of people buying travel services barely moved – most categories saw a slight rise or even a modest dip. The main driver was a higher price per trip.

Transport costs

Railways

The biggest leap showed up in railway tickets: the average check grew by more than 20 %. In the end the average ticket cost about 6,600 rubles, while the median was roughly 3,400 rubles. At the same time the number of passengers buying tickets slipped a little, which tells us that those who did travel paid more.

Airplanes

Air travel also got pricier, but the pace was gentler. The average check rose 11‑12 % to just over 22,000 rubles; the median went up 14 % to around 10,200 rubles. The pool of airline‑ticket buyers grew by almost 6 %, yet the frequency of purchases per person fell a touch.

Tours and booking services

Tour packages and online booking platforms saw their average check climb nearly 12 % (about 19,800 rubles), while the median stayed flat – a little above 2,600 rubles. The number of buyers increased by 3 %, but each buyer made purchases less often.

Accommodation

Hotels posted the most modest growth: the average check rose roughly 10 % to about 8,100 rubles, the median jumped 26 % to around 2,000 rubles. Meanwhile the count of guests booking rooms dropped close to 3 %.

Who spends more?

The financially most active travelers were those aged 35‑44 with high incomes. They accounted for about a quarter of all spending, and their contribution made up more than 40 % of the rise in airline‑ticket costs, nearly 28 % of the rail‑ticket increase, and over 60 % of the growth in tourism services. They are followed by the 45‑54 and 25‑34 age groups.

Middle‑income buyers generally cut back, except for the 15‑24‑year‑old crowd, whose expenses jumped by more than 20 %. Among the traditionally low‑spending segment, spending plummeted – by over 60 %.

Regional picture

The biggest boost to spending came from residents of the largest metros: Moscow, Moscow Oblast and St. Petersburg. Their outlays grew 10‑11 % versus the same summer in 2025, although the growth rate was a shade below the national average. In these regions the rise is explained mainly by pricier individual purchases, not by more travelers.

In Krasnodar Krai the story differed: airline‑ticket spending surged almost 30 % while the number of buyers rose 16 %. Railway tickets went up 10 %, but passenger numbers fell and purchase frequency declined.

What does this mean for travelers?

• Budget planning – with average checks climbing, especially for flights, compare prices early and hunt for promotions. Fewer purchases per person may signal tighter trip planning.
• Transport choice – if you aim to save, the train remains the more predictable option, even though its fares have risen. For those who value time, keep an eye on airline discounts.
• Hotels vs alternatives – the jump in median accommodation cost points to higher prices in the mid‑range segment. Consider apartments or hostels if you want to keep the budget in check.
• Age preferences – young people (15‑24) can now afford trips more easily, while older groups continue to spend heavily. Planning a family holiday? Expect the average bill to be higher than in previous years.

Bottom line

Summer tourism in Russia in 2026 showed spending up by almost fifteen percent, but the rise is largely due to pricier tickets, tours and hotels, not to more travelers. Consumers in big cities and higher‑income age brackets became the main engines of this shift. If you’re plotting a vacation, factor in the new price reality and look for ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.