Moscow Russia Travel Guide
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is the largest and busiest, northwest of Moscow. Domodedovo International Airport (DME), south of Moscow, rankits other. Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), to the southwest of Moscow, is third busiest. Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA) is smaller and handles budget/charter flights. Major Russian carriers include Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Pobeda, Ural Airlines, and Rossiya Airlines.
Several transfer options connect Moscow's airports to the city center or your accommodation. The Aeroexpress Train provides the fastest and most reliable option. It links Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO) directly to the core Moscow tube stations (Belorusskaya, Paveletskaya, and Kiyevskaya, respectively). The journey takes approximately 35-50 minutes.
Find affordable flights via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for your optimal routes.
Explore car hire choices for onward travel at DiscoverCars.com.
Be aware of reduced flight availability and potential transit through non-sanctioning countries.
Ensure passport, visa, and migration card are easily accessible.
Complete online check-in to save time at the airport.
Arrive at least ARRIVE 3 hours early for international flights due to security and queues.
Russia has an extensive domestic railway network. High-speed Sapsan trains connect Moscow and St. Petersburg in approximately 4 hours, a comfortable travel option. Limited overseas routes remain, mainly to CIS countries (e.g., Belarus, Kazakhstan). Routes to Western Europe are largely suspended.
Bus services link Moscow to many Russian cities and some neighboring countries. Main bus stations include the Central Bus Station (Tsentralny Avtovokzal), Salaryevo Bus Station, and Yuzhnye Vorota Bus Station. These provide a more budget-friendly option as opposed to trains for some routes, though journey times can be longer.
Consider self-driving carefully. An International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national driving you need a license. Road conditions are generally good in and around Moscow. Moscow experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Parking can be challenging and expensive in central areas.
If you choose to rent a car, you'll require to meet specific requirements: a minimum age of 21-23 (varies by company), your national driving license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). A credit card is needed for a deposit; confirm if foreign cards are accepted, as this can be an issue. Local companies are available.
Moscow does not have direct access to the sea as it is a landlocked city. River cruises on the Volga River system, however, use Moscow as a popular starting or ending point. These cruises connect to cities like St. Petersburg, Kazan, or Astrakhan and are mainly tourist cruises, not regular transport.
Passenger boats operate on the Moskva River during warmer months, offering scenic tours of the city. These are for seeing the sights instead of a main mode of arrival into the urban area itself. River where the boat trip ships docks, like the North River Terminal, connect to the underground system by bus or taxi.
Discover various river cruise travel plans for an unique perspective of Russian cities.
Tours on the river are mainly available during warmer months, from spring to early autumn.
These boat trips are great for scenic views of Moscow's landmarks, not for travel between cities.
Prepare for a smooth departure from Moscow. No particular departure fees or taxes are applicable to departing travelers. Arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight. Allow at least 3 hours for international flights due to security checks, potential queues, and the large size of Moscow's airports.
Airport facilities for departing travelers are similar to arrival facilities. You will find shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services (to use any remaining rubles), and ATMs. Plan to spend any remaining local currency or exchange it back ahead of leaving.
There are no specific exit fees or taxes upon departure from Moscow.
Exchange remaining rubles back into your chosen foreign currency, but anticipate less favorable rates.
Be prepared for security checks and follow all airport instructions for a smooth process.
Double-check your flight status and terminal information before heading to the airport. Allow ample time for vehicle movement to the airport, especially during peak hours.
