The results of the study of Pt-Ru/2% Ce/(theta + alpha)-Al(2)O(3) catalysts with various Pt/Ru ratios used in the process of selective methane oxidation into synthesis gas at short contact times are presented. The optimal catalyst preparation conditions have been found for the process. It has been revealed that the methane conversion at 1173 K and a contact time of 4.0-3.0 ms varies from 96 to 100% and the selectivities for hydrogen and CO are 100 and 95-100%, respectively. At a Pt: Ru molar ratio of 2: 1 or 1: 1 and tau = 3.5 ms, the maximum (100%) degree of the conversion of methane into synthesis gas via the direct route is observed; the selectivity for H(2) and CO is 100%, and the total content of the noble metals is O a parts per thousand yen 0.2%.