Moscow, one of Europe’s busiest air hubs, is served by three major international airports — Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO) — each offering world-class facilities and excellent connections to the city center. This guide helps travelers navigate Moscow airports, understand transportation options, and make the most of their arrival or departure experience.
Overview of Moscow’s Airports
| Airport | Code | Distance from City Center | Key Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheremetyevo International Airport | SVO | 29 km NW | Aeroflot, Rossiya, SkyTeam partners |
| Domodedovo International Airport | DME | 42 km SE | S7 Airlines, Emirates, British Airways |
| Vnukovo International Airport | VKO | 28 km SW | Pobeda, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai |
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
The largest and most modern airport in Moscow, Sheremetyevo serves as the main hub for Aeroflot and most long-haul international flights. It features six terminals (A–F), a connected railway station, and extensive duty-free shopping.
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals
- Lounges and rest zones with showers
- Currency exchange and ATMs
- 24-hour restaurants, cafés, and pharmacies
Getting to the City Center
- Aeroexpress Train: 35 minutes to Belorussky Station, 550 RUB (~$6)
- Taxi: 1,500–2,000 RUB (~$17–22), 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
- Bus: Routes 851 or 949 connect to Rechnoy Vokzal Metro Station
Domodedovo International Airport (DME)
Located south-east of the city, Domodedovo is Moscow’s second-busiest airport and the main hub for S7 Airlines. It’s well-organized and popular with travelers flying to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Facilities
- Compact single terminal with modern amenities
- Business lounges and children’s play areas
- Pharmacies, cafés, and express COVID-testing center
- Duty-free shops and luggage wrapping services
Getting to the City Center
- Aeroexpress Train: 45 minutes to Paveletsky Station, 550 RUB (~$6)
- Taxi: 1,600–2,200 RUB (~$18–25)
- Bus: Route 308 to Domodedovskaya Metro Station (100 RUB)
Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)
The smallest of the three, Vnukovo is favored by domestic and low-cost carriers. Despite its size, it’s clean, efficient, and closest to central Moscow — ideal for travelers on tight schedules.
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi and duty-free shopping
- Comfortable lounges and cafés
- ATMs, car rental, and luggage storage
Getting to the City Center
- Aeroexpress Train: 35 minutes to Kievsky Station, 550 RUB (~$6)
- Taxi: 1,200–1,800 RUB (~$14–20)
- Bus: Routes 611 or 611C to Salaryevo Metro Station
Transportation Between Airports
Transfers between Moscow’s airports can take time due to traffic, so plan accordingly. There are no direct train links between them — connections require travel through the city.
- SVO ↔ DME: ~90–120 minutes via city center (Belorussky ↔ Paveletsky)
- SVO ↔ VKO: ~70–100 minutes (Belorussky ↔ Kievsky)
- DME ↔ VKO: ~90–120 minutes (Paveletsky ↔ Kievsky)
Tips for Travelers
- Book Aeroexpress tickets online to avoid queues.
- Allow at least 3 hours for international departures.
- Use official taxi apps like Yandex.Taxi or CityMobil for fixed fares.
- For connecting flights between airports, consider overnight stays.
- Currency exchange is better inside the city than at the airport.
Approximate flight times to Moscow
New York - Moscow : 9 hours.
Munich - Moscow : 4 hours.
London - Moscow : 3 hours 30 minutes.
Sydney - Moscow : 20 hours.
Where to Go Next
- Transportation Guide for Moscow – Learn how to navigate the city.
- Travel Tips for Moscow – Get local advice for smooth travel.
- Hotels in Moscow – Find convenient stays near the airports.
- About Moscow – Discover the capital’s culture and highlights.
Moscow’s three airports provide travelers with efficient services, clean terminals, and reliable connections to downtown. With Aeroexpress trains, organized taxis, and modern facilities, arriving or departing from Moscow is simpler than ever.
