How to Get to Tula. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Moscow Airport Hubs

Major Airports Serving Tula

The closest major international airports are in Moscow, approximately 180-200 km north of Tula.

Main Moscow Airports

Domodedovo International Airport (DME): One of Russia's largest and busiest, serving a wide variety of international and domestic flights.
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO): Another major hub, historically the main international gateway, offering extensive connections.
Vnukovo International Airport (VKO): A smaller but growing international airport, popular for domestic and some international routes.

Airlines and Routes

Numerous international airlines fly into Moscow from global hubs. Before traveling, check current geopolitical situations, as direct flights from numerous Western countries are suspended, often requiring layovers in other countries.

Typical Carriers

Major Russian Airlines: Aeroflot and S7 Airlines are players.
International Carriers: Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, and various airlines from CIS countries and Asia typically offer routes to Moscow airports.
Direct Flights: From various cities in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and some CIS countries.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight prices to Moscow generally peak during summer (June-August) and major holidays (New Year, May holidays). Book well in advance for these periods. Late autumn, early spring, and non-holiday periods typically give lower fares.

Airport Facilities

Moscow airports have a full range of facilities: duty-free shops, diverse dining, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, car hire companies, and transfer desks.

Flight Search Tools

Discover affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club and compare options using Skyscanner for your trip to Moscow.

Transfer Options from Moscow Airports to Tula

Step-by-Step Connection

Aeroexpress Train: From SVO, DME, and VKO to Moscow railway stations (Belorussky, Paveletsky, Kievsky). Fast and reliable, 35-45 minutes.
Metro or Taxi: From Aeroexpress terminal or city points, take Moscow Metro or taxi to Kursky Vokzal (Kursky Railway Station) for Tula trains.
Train to Tula: Fast "Lastochka" express trains from Kursky Vokzal to Tula-Moskovsky (2-2.5 hours). Book via RZD website (rzd.ru) or at the station.
Bus to Tula: From various Moscow bus stations to Tula's Central Bus Station (2.5-4 hours). Budget-friendly.

Direct & Private Transfers

Private Transfer or Taxi: Most convenient but expensive option from Moscow airports to Tula.
Journey takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Pre-book through reputable transfer companies or use ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go for estimated fares.
Allocate extra time for transfers, especially during peak hours.

Land Transportation to Tula

Train Connections

Moscow (Kursky Vokzal) to Tula (Moskovsky Vokzal) via Russian Railways (RZD) "Lastochka" express trains (2-2.5 hours). Slower "elektrichka" trains are budget-friendly but longer.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses from various Moscow terminals to Tula's Central Bus Station (2.5-4 hours). Flexible and economical. Purchase tickets at terminals or online.

Self-Driving

M2 "Crimea" highway connects Moscow and Tula (main route). DiscoverCars.com for rentals. Must have a valid national driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP).

Road Conditions and Safety

Driving Conditions

Major highways like the M2 are generally well-maintained with multiple lanes. The quality of secondary roads can vary. Winter driving requires extreme be careful because of snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Ensure your rental car has winter tires if traveling during colder months.

Driving Requirements

Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
Vehicle registration and proof of insurance (Green Card or OSAGO).
Familiarize yourself with Russian traffic laws (speed limits, no alcohol).

Driving Safety

Be aware of speed limits, which are strictly enforced (60 km/h in urban, 90 kilometers per hour outside, 110 km/h on highways). Speed cameras are common. Local driving habits can be assertive; defensive driving is recommended. Parking can be challenging and expensive in Tula city center.

Border Crossing Information

Not directly relevant for reaching Tula within Russia.
For land travel from neighboring countries, standard border crossing procedures apply (passport, visa, customs).
Comply with all entry requirements before reaching the border.

Sea/River Arrivals to Tula

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Tula is a landlocked city, so sea or major river arrivals are not applicable for direct travel. No ferry services or cruise ports connect directly to Tula. The Upa River, which flows through Tula, is not a navigable waterway for large passenger vessels or international cruises.

River Transportation Options

No regular river transportation services for passengers to or from Tula.
Occasional recreational boat trips may be offered within Tula during summer for sightseeing.
These excursions are for leisure, not for city arrival or departure.

Immigration Procedures at Seaports

As sea travel is not a means of reaching Tula, immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for your direct journey to the city. If you enter Russia via a seaport elsewhere (e.g., St. Petersburg), you will complete immigration there before proceeding by land to Tula.

Connections to Land Transportation

From a port city, you will need to use train, bus, or air travel to reach Moscow.
Then, from Moscow, proceed to Tula via land as described in section 4.1 & 4.2.
No direct connections from Russian seaports to Tula without first traversing a significant portion of the nation.

Departure Information from Tula

Exit Fees or Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied when leaving from Russia for tourists. Costs are commonly in airfare.
Departure Timing: For international flights from Moscow, arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure.
Train/Bus from Tula: Arrive at Tula Moskovsky Vokzal or Central Bus Station 30-60 minutes prior to departure.

Buffer for International Flights: Allow a minimum of 6-8 hours between Tula departure and Moscow flight departure.
Moscow Airports Facilities: Lounges, duty-free shops, dining, currency exchange, Wi-Fi.
Tula Station Facilities: Basic amenities, waiting areas, ticket offices, kiosks for snacks.

Departure Checklist

Ensure all travel documents are in order: passport, boarding passes, and migration card (surrender upon exiting Russia). A well-planned departure makes for a smooth end to your Tula trip.

How to Get to Tula