Exploring Minsk Airport: Things To Do And See

what to do in minsk airport

Minsk National Airport is the largest airport in Belarus, located 42km from Minsk city centre. The airport offers a range of facilities and amenities for travellers, including eateries, shops, a gym, showers, and free WiFi. For travellers with a longer layover or those spending the night, the airport provides various sleeping options, such as sofas, benches, sleep cabins, and private rooms. Additionally, there are several transport options available to get to the city centre, including shuttle buses, taxis, private transfers, and rental cars.

Characteristics Values
Sleeping Options Sofas in the departure areas, armrest-free benches by the duty-free shops, sleep cabins, private rooms, nearby hotels
Eateries Burger King, Polet Bar (24-hour snacks)
Other Amenities Duty-free shops, airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, pay-to-use gym and showers, money exchange points, cash points
Transport to City Centre Shuttle bus 300Э, minibus 1400TC/1430TC, taxi (pre-book to avoid high costs), Uber/YandexTaxi, private transfer services, rent a car

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Sleeping options: sleep cabins, day rooms, nearby hotels

Minsk Airport offers various sleeping options for travellers. While there are a few sofas in the departure areas and armrest-free benches by the duty-free shops, travellers seeking more comfort can opt for sleep cabins or private rooms.

Sleep cabins can be found in the transit zone and selected airport lounges. In the transit zone, these cabins can be rented for $20 for the first three hours and $7 for each additional hour. A 3-hour lounge plus sleep cabin package inside the lounges costs $55 per person.

For those seeking more comfort and privacy, there are guest rooms for one, two, or four people equipped with a TV, air conditioning, and shared kitchen and shower facilities. These rooms are also accessible for the elderly and physically challenged passengers and are located on the fourth floor of the terminal. The rates for these rooms are 50 BYN for a single room, 40 BYN for a double room, and 30 BYN for a quad room.

If you prefer a more traditional accommodation option, there are hotels near the airport. The closest hotels are located in downtown Minsk, about a 45-minute drive from the airport. Some options include Usadba Korolev Stan (3.6 miles away), OK Ogonek (4.8 miles away), Green Park Hotel Airport Minsk (5 miles away), and Smartmit Hotel (10.1 miles away).

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Transport to the city centre: shuttle bus, taxi, private transfer, rent a car

Minsk National Airport is located 42 kilometres (26 miles) east of Minsk. There are several transport options available to get from Minsk airport to the city centre.

Shuttle bus: The shuttle bus 300Э runs from the airport to the city centre every 40 minutes. The journey takes around 60 minutes and costs 4 Belarusian rubles (around 2 euros). The final stop is about 100 metres from the train station.

Minibus: You can also take the 1400TC/1430TC minibus from the Central Bus Station in Minsk to the airport.

Taxi: There are taxi drivers at the airport offering rides to the city centre, but their rates are reportedly very high (up to 100 euros). It is recommended to book a taxi in advance or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or YandexTaxi. Taxis from the airport to the city centre typically cost between 20-30 euros.

Private transfer: You can book a private transfer service to take you from the airport to your accommodation in Minsk.

Rent a car: This is also an option, although it may be more expensive than the other transport options. The airport is linked to the city centre by the M2 motorway, which is toll-free for non-Belarusian-registered cars.

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Facilities: eateries, shops, gym, showers, free WiFi

Minsk National Airport (MSQ) offers a range of facilities for travellers, including eateries, shops, a gym, showers, and free WiFi. Here's what you need to know about each of these amenities:

Eateries

The airport has a few dining options available, including the Polet Bar, which offers 24-hour snacks. For those looking for a quick bite, there is also a Burger King franchise located within the airport.

Shops

Minsk Airport features duty-free shopping with items such as souvenirs, drinks, cigarettes, and food. The duty-free shops are located on the third floor in the arrival area, Sector 6, and are open 24 hours a day.

Gym

The airport has a pay-to-use gym located on the third floor, left wing near Gate 1-2. The gym features various equipment, including an elliptical machine, bicycle, treadmill, ping pong table, and weights.

Showers

Showers are available within the airport, although their exact location is not specified. It is mentioned that the mother-and-child rooms on the fourth floor, Sector 1-2, also include shower facilities.

Free WiFi

Minsk Airport provides free WiFi for travellers. To connect, join the "Airport Minsk" network.

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Money: exchange points, cash points, data SIM cards

Money

Exchange Points

You can exchange money at the airport, and the rates are said to be the same as in the city. Exchange kiosks in Belarus generally accept and provide only three foreign currencies: Russian Rubles (RUB), US Dollars, and Euros. However, those located at Minsk National Airport, stations, and hotels also accept British Pounds (GBP), Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH), Latvian Lats, and Lithuanian Lithas.

Cash Points

ATMs are available at Minsk Airport, but there have been reports of travellers encountering errors or being required to enter a PIN code. Most places in Minsk accept Mastercard or Visa (but not American Express).

Data SIM Cards

It is recommended that you purchase a local SIM card at Minsk Airport. The main mobile carriers offering SIM cards at the airport are A1, Life:), and MTS. A tourist SIM card costs around $5 and includes 5-7GB of data. You will need to provide your passport when buying the SIM card, and ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with local carriers.

If you prefer, you can purchase an eSIM online before your trip, which may be more convenient and cost-effective.

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Food: Burger King, 24-hour snacks at Polet Bar

Minsk National Airport offers a range of eateries, including fast-food chains and bars. Burger King, a well-known fast-food restaurant, is located on the ground floor of the airport, in the arrivals area. The restaurant serves flamed-grilled burgers made from 100% beef, providing a quick and efficient option for travellers.

For those seeking a more substantial meal or a taste of local cuisine, the "Liner" restaurant offers Belarusian dishes prepared by professional chefs. The restaurant has been recently renovated and provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for diners.

However, if you're looking for a quick bite or a late-night snack, the Polet Bar (also known as Polyot Bar) offers 24-hour service. Here, you can find a variety of culinary options, including cold appetizers, pastries, and hot meals delivered by the "Liner" restaurant.

Additionally, Minsk Airport provides various sleeping options for travellers spending the night or facing long layovers. While seating is limited, there are a few sofas and benches available. For a more comfortable experience, you can rent sleep cabins by the hour in the transit zone or book private rooms for one, two, or four people. These rooms are equipped with essential amenities such as TV, air conditioning, and shared kitchen and shower facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Minsk Airport offers a range of sleeping options for travellers spending the night. There are a few sofas in the departure areas and armrest-free benches by the duty-free shops. For uninterrupted sleep, travellers can rent sleep cabins by the hour in the transit zone and some airport lounges. Private rooms for 1, 2, or 4 people can also be rented.

There are several options to get to the city centre from Minsk Airport. Travellers can take the shuttle bus 300Э or the 1400TC/1430TC minibus. Alternatively, travellers can take a taxi or rent a car. It is recommended to book taxis in advance as the taxi drivers waiting at the airport charge unreasonably high rates.

Yes, there are money exchange points and cash points at Minsk Airport. However, exchanging money before arriving in Belarus can be difficult as not many currency exchanges have Belarusian Rubles.

Minsk Airport has the usual duty-free shops, airport lounges, and other passenger amenities. There are a few eateries, including a Burger King franchise and the Polet Bar, which offers 24-hour snacks. The airport also has mobile charging points, lockers, free WiFi, and a pay-to-use gym and showers.

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