How to Get to Tomsk. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Tomsk

Airport & Flight Connections

Tomsk Bogashevo Airport (TOF) is the main regional airport. International travelers typically connect through Moscow.

Airlines & Routes

Major Russian airlines (Aeroflot, S7, Ural) serve Tomsk.
Most routes are domestic, primarily from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
No direct flights from major global hubs; connect via Moscow.

Seasonal Availability & Prices

Flight availability and prices fluctuate with the seasons, impacting your travel planning.

Booking Insights

Peak season (summer) sees increased demand plus potentially higher prices.
Off-peak (winter, shoulder seasons) may offer lower prices.
Severe winter weather sometimes causes delays; plan with flexibility.

Affordable Flights

Utilize Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Flight Comparison

Evaluate alternatives on Skyscanner for best routes.

Airport Facilities

Tomsk Bogashevo The airport provides basic amenities, cafes, ATMs, and car rental services.

Airport Transfers

Public Transport & Taxis

Public bus services (Route 119) connect to downtown (40-60 min).
Taxis are available outside the terminal; use Yandex.Taxi ride for fair pricing (20-30 min).
Airport transfer to city center approximately ₽400-₽700.
Many hotels or private companies offer pre-arranged private transfers.

Efficiency & Cost

Public bus is the most budget-friendly transfer option.
Taxis offer faster travel, especially outside peak traffic hours.
Private transfers provide convenience for intense luggage or late arrivals.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing Russia. Your ticket price includes government charges.

Departure Timing

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international charter flights. 30-60 min for train/bus.

Station Facilities

Airports and stations offer basic facilities: waiting areas, cafes, restrooms. Limited shopping at Tomsk Airport.

Land Travel Options

Train Connections

Tomsk connects to the Trans-Siberian Railway via a branch line, offering extensive train transportation choices.

Train Stations & Routes

Tomsk-2 is the main long-distance station, connecting to the Trans-Siberian route.
Daily trains link Tomsk to Moscow (2.5-3 days), Novosibirsk (4-5 hours), and Krasnoyarsk.
Book tickets through Russian Railways (RZD.ru) or a reputable agent in advance.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Intercity buses provide a budget-friendly and sometimes faster option for regional distances.

Bus Station & Routes

Tomsk Bus Station (Avtovokzal) is well-located in the city center.
Reach Novosibirsk in 4-5 hours and Kemerovo in 3-4 hours.
Local and regional carriers operate these routes, offering reliability.

Self-Driving Tomsk

Renting a car offers flexibility, but consider local requirements and the state of the roads.

Requirements & Conditions

Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
The condition of the roads is not consistent; main roads are paved, but rural ones may not be.
Exercise caution due to aggressive driving and winter road challenges.

Driving Safety & Tips

Ensure safety and compliance with Russian driving laws for a smooth journey.

Safety Reminders

Drive on the right; seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Winter driving demands extreme caution with appropriate tires (often studded).
Zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving.

Border & Sea/River Travel

Direct land travel within Russia does not involve border crossings.
International land crossings require careful planning and separate visas.
Tomsk has a river port but no major long-distance ferry or cruise services.

Seasonal local passenger boat services offer leisure cruises on the Tom River.
These river excursions are for sightseeing, not intercity arrival or departure.
No international seaports for immigration purposes in Tomsk.

Resources for Getting There

Flight Planning Tools

These assets simplify your flight finding and booking process, helping you find the best options to Tomsk.

Recommended Flight Services

Dollar Flight Club: Find offers and monitor price drops for flights to Russia.
Skyscanner: Compare routes and prices from various airlines for your journey.
Book international legs to Moscow, then a separate domestic flight to Tomsk.

Car Rental Platforms

For self-guided discovery, car rental comparison sites assist in finding reliable vehicles.

Trusted Rental Services

DiscoverCars.com: Compare prices and options from various car rental companies.
Ensure you possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national license.
Purchase comprehensive insurance for peace of mind while driving in Russia.

Public Transport Apps

Yandex.Maps and 2GIS for real-time bus and trolleybus routes.

Train Booking

Book train tickets directly via the official Russian Railways (RZD) website.

Navigation Tools

Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip.

Essential Travel Documents

Visa and Passport

Your passport and visa are your most documents for entry and exit from Russia.

Documents

Ensure your passport is with at least six months of validity beyond your visa expiry.
Keep your migration card, received upon arrival, safe until departure.
Registration with local authorities is for stays exceeding seven business days.

Health and Travel Insurance

Comprehensive insurance and health records are important for your safety and well-being.

Health & Insurance Readiness

Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is obligatory for many.
Carry proof of recommended vaccinations (e.g., TBE) and physician's notes for prescriptions.
SafetyWing for nomad insurance.

Digital & Backup Documents

Digital Copies

Store digital copies of all essential documents on your phone and in cloud storage.

Photocopies

Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and insurance details separate from originals.

Emergency Contacts

Compile a list of emergency contacts, your embassy, and local emergency services.

AirHelp for Flight Issues

For flight delays or cancellations, AirHelp aids in claiming compensation. They can help with flight disruptions. Keep your boarding passes and booking information.

How to Get to Tomsk