Moscow Airports Guide

Moscow has 5 international airports – Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky and Ostafyevo. 

Together, all three serve more than 100 million passengers a year, ranking Russia as the 13th busiest country in the world. First three are mentioned in the section Best airports in Europe on the list of 50 Best Airports in the World, proving that passengers are satisfied with its amenities, available services and interior.

Here we’ll try to summarise all the useful information about Moscow airports.

Airports in Moscow

Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) is one of three international airports that serve the city of Moscow. It’s located around 29 km from the centre of Moscow, the capital of Russia. With more than 45 million passengers annually, Sheremetyevo is the busiest airport in the Russian Federation. This airport serves as a main hub for the Russian International airline Aeroflot and a hub for more than 30 airline companies, including Air France, British Airways and Finnair.

Domodedovo Airport (DME), officially known as Mikhail Lomonosov International Airport, is an international airport located in Domodedovo, approximately 42 km from Moscow. With around 30 million passengers annually, Domodedovo ranks as the second busiest airport in Russia. Being also one of the largest airports in Russia, Domodedovo Airport is a hub for major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and British Airways. The airport serves as a main hub for Red Wings Airlines, S7 Airlines, Smartavia and Ural Airlines.

Vnukovo Airport (VKO) is the oldest and smallest out of three Russian international airports, located around 28 km from Moscow. Vnukovo is one of the biggest charter airlines in Russia with around 24 million passengers a year. Therefore, the airport connects to nearly 100 destinations all around the globe. The airport serves as a main hub for airlines like Azur AIr, Pobeda and Utair.

Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) is situated in Moscow Oblast, around 45 km from the center of Moscow. Also known as Ramenskoye Airport or Zhukovsky Airfield, Zhukovsky operates with all charter and low-cost flights. It serves as a hub for Pegas Fly, Belavia, Ural Airlines and Somon Air.

How to get from the Moscow Airports to Moscow city center

Considering that the airports offer good and frequent connections to the city centre of Moscow, it is fairly easy to reach the city. All means of transportation can be seen in the table below.

One you get to the centre of Moscow, you gain access to the city’s train stations, like Kazansky and Leningradsky, from where you can continue your trip.

  Sheremetyevo Airport Domodedovo Airport Vnukovo Airport Zhukovsky Airport
Airport shuttle
Train
Public bus
Transfers
Taxi
Uber

NOTE: 

  • Very few taxis operate during the night, so it is best to book one beforehand.
  • Before entering a taxi, always name your destination and the price; the driver might accept it or try to haggle. If the price is above 1500 PУБ (~ 22,00 €) look for another taxi.

Which Moscow Airport is the best?

Choosing the best airport in Moscow to fly into depends on your personal preferences. Most importantly, it matters where you’re departing from, the location of your accommodation and the purpose of your visit to Moscow.

If you wish to focus on the sights of the city, then the closest airport is Sheremetyevo, though the other two aren’t far behind. Moscow is filled with numerous beautiful sights, especially in the heart of the city.

An example of exquisite Russian architecture is the St Basil’s Cathedral, which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage and viewed as one of the most unusual and unique buildings in Europe.

Sheremetyevo Airport is the closest to the centre of Moscow, therefore making it a cheaper option when taking a taxi to the heart of the city.

Vnukovo Airport is particularly interesting to nature lovers, since on your way to the center you can stop at many nature parks, including Troparevsky, Troparevo and Yugo-Zapadnyy Lesopark. These reserves proved to be perfect for a relaxing picnic before setting off to your next adventure.

Zhukovsky Airport provides wonderful scenery of the Moskva River that flows all the way to central Moscow.

If coming from Domodedovo Airport, consider visiting the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, the open-air museum Kolomenskoye and The State Tretyakov Gallery. The airport is well connected to Moscow by trains, so it shouldn’t take you long to get there.

The 6 major train stations located in the centre of the city are Leningradsky, Kazansky, Yaroslavskiy, Paveletsky and Kievsky.

In case your accommodation is situated in the greater Moscow area, you can effortlessly reach it in many ways. For instance, you can take public transportation, call a taxi, book a private transfer or rent a car.

More information on what to see in Moscow can be found in our guide.

Travelling from one Moscow airport to another

You can easily get from one Moscow airport to another with Aeroexpress, which departs every 30 minutes. Aeroexpress is a railway company that provides transportation services between the rail terminals in Moscow and Moscow airports.

Average travel time ranges from 1 to 3 hours, depending on where you are departing and your final destination.

Alternatively, you can always book a transfer or taxi. However, since they are expensive, it is recommended to travel by train.

Traveling from Moscow airports to other cities

Unfortunately, from Sheremetyevo Airport, Vnukovo Airport and Zhukovsky Airport you can catch buses only to Moscow. However, in Domodedovo Airport you can also travel to Domodedovo, Ryazan, Krasny Put, Vzletnaya, Rastunovo, Kolomna and Lukhovitsy. To see more information about bus timetables, click here.

On the other hand, once you get to the Moscow Bus Station, you can continue your journey to other cities and countries. In order to find transportation or more information about the bus timetables, check our GetByBus homepage.

Moscow – Berlin Moscow – Warsaw Moscow – Kiev
Moscow – Paris Moscow – Saint Petersburg Moscow – Minsk

Moscow Airports Map

Moscow Airports FAQs

Are there any hotels near the Moscow airports?

Each airport has several hotels within walking distance of passenger terminals, so there are plenty of choices.

Is there a free WiFi service at Moscow airports?

Yes, free WiFi service is available at all three Moscow airports. VKO-Wi-Fi-Free is available at Vnukovo Airport, DME_free at Domodedovo Airport and _Sheremetyevo Wi-Fi at Sheremetyevo Airport. However, prior registration is required to connect to the network.

Are there money exchange and luggage storage services at Moscow airports?

There are plenty of money exchange and luggage storage facilities at all Moscow airports. Daily service of luggage storage costs around 500 PУБ (~ 7,00 €).

How early to arrive when departing from Moscow airports?

It is always recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours before the flight.

Can I visit Moscow in-between flights?

This depends on the airport you are flying from. Moscow is served by 3 international airports and not all of them are equally distanced from the city, so we recommend checking the text above to see how far away the airport is and whether you will make it in time for your next flight.

  2Comments

  1. MARK WILLIAMS   •  

    Hi! – Does the Aero Express train service operate between Vnukovo & Sheremetevo airports, please?

    • Maja   •  

      Dear Mark,

      the two airports are not connected directly, but via Moscow.
      You can check out the suggested departures if you search for the route on our website.

      Best regards,
      Maja, GBB Team

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