The review deals with methods of direct catalytic conversions of methane to higher aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The methane conversion may proceed in oxidative environment or in the absence of oxidation agents. The oxidative methods include selective oxidation with oxygen or N₂O, oxidative aromatization, selective chlorination and oxochlorination. Direct routes of the methane conversion without using oxidation agents are represented by reactions with alkenes (coupling) and aromatization. Special attention is devoted to catalytic nonoxidative aromatization of methane on modified HSZM-5 catalysts containing transition-metal cations.