Moscow - Flights

Sheremetyevo International (SVO)
Tel: (495) 232 6565.
Website: www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru

Located 30km (19 miles) from Moscow, Sheremetyevo is the busiest of Moscow's four airports (the other airports are Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Bykovo). There are two terminals and most flights serving destinations outside the former Soviet Union, land or take off from here.

Airport facilities: The terminals have banks, bureaux de change, a post office with fax and e-mail services, newsagents, a pharmacy, left-luggage, first-aid facilities, duty-free shops, and a limited number of quite expensive restaurants, bars, and cafes. Car hire is available from Avis and Europcar.

Transport to the city: Most hotels will pick up their guests in a courtesy van for a fee. Taxis are probably the next simplest and safest way to get to the city, although they are expensive. It is a good idea to book in advance because fares arranged on arrival can be twice as expensive. Krasnaya Gorka Taxis (tel: (495) 454 6291/7201) operates a taxi service from the airport. 

To reach Moscow by public transport, take minibus 851 to Rechnoy Vokzal metro station, then the Metro to the city centre (journey times - 45 minutes by bus, then 30 minutes by Metro to the centre). Alternatively, take bus 817 to the Planernaya metro station. 

Aeroexpress trains now connect directly Sheremetyevo Airport to Belorussky Railway Station.

Domodedovo International Airport
Tel: (495) 933 6666.
Website: www.domodedovo.ru

The privately-owned Domodedovo Airport, located 34km (21 miles) south of Moscow, receives flights from Western Europe, America, the Middle East and several destinations in Asia.

Airport facilities: The terminal has banks, ATMs, bureau de change facilities, a post office, Internet kiosks, information desks and travel centre, several restaurants, bars and coffee shops, shops and duty-free, a business centre, VIP lounges and conference rooms available for hire and short and long term parking. Car hire is available from Europcar, Hertz and Sixt by advance bookings only.

Transport to the city: A fast and efficient rail service runs between Domodedovo and Paveletsky Vokzal railway station, just south of the river in central Moscow. The high-speed Aeroexpress train runs every half hour in both directions (journey time - 40-50 minutes). A number of airlines provide their passengers with free tickets to the Aeroexpress train. Alternatively, you can take the Modern Scania express bus from the airport to Domodedovskaya Metro station (journey time - 30 minutes). Tickets can be purchased the Russian airlines hall. Taxis to the centre (journey time - 1hour 30 minutes) are best booked in advance from Gorodskoe Taxi (tel: 500 0500) or on arrival at one of the taxi desks in the arrivals terminal.

Approximate flight times to Moscow: From London is 3 hours 30 minutes; from Munich is 4 hours; New York is 9 hours; from Los Angeles is 12 hours; and from Sydney is 20 hours.