Exploring Moscow Airport: Things To Do And See

what to do in moscow airport

Moscow has several airports, including Sheremetyevo International Airport, which is the main hub for international flights, and Bykovo Airport, the smallest of the domestic terminals. Moscow's airports are pivotal in connecting travellers to the city, which is Russia's capital and offers a mixture of new and old features. If you're spending time in Moscow's airports, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the option to check-in and print your boarding pass online ahead of time, and the strict no-mobile-phone policy in passport control areas.

Characteristics Values
Airport names Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo Airport, Vnukovo Airport, Bykovo Airport, Pullman Moscow Airport
Location Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport is located 30 km/20 miles northwest of central Moscow, near Krasnaya Polyana, Lobnya and Novopodrezkova. Vnukovo Airport is 28 km from Moscow's city centre.
Terminals Sheremetyevo has two terminals (Sheremetyevo-1 and Sheremetyevo-2) and four others (Terminals D, E, and F). Vnukovo Airport has modernised its terminal facilities.
Airlines Aeroflot, Transaero, Utair, Pobeda, Azerbaijan Airlines
Transport to the city Municipal buses, taxis, limousines, hotel transfers, metro
Attractions The Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, the tomb of Vladimir Lenin
Food Mu-Mu, McDonald's, Crumb-Potato

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Explore the architecture of Sheremetyevo-2, built for the Moscow Olympics in 1980

If you're interested in architecture, Sheremetyevo-2, now known as Terminal F, is a great place to explore. Built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the terminal was designed to service 6 million passengers per year, with 15 jetways and 21 remote aircraft stands. The building is one of the oldest at the airport, and its design reflects the ideas of comfort and style prevalent at the time.

The terminal was constructed by Rüterbau, a company located in Hanover, Germany. Interestingly, all materials except the bricks, which came from Poland, and all equipment were transported from Germany to Moscow by lorry. The terminal's design is a larger version of the Hannover–Langenhagen Airport, built by the same architects.

The interior of the terminal once featured a unique design with metal pipes hanging from the ceiling and semi-darkness. Unfortunately, many elements were removed during reconstruction in the late 2000s. However, you can still spot characteristic lamps in the departure zone, reminiscent of the solemnity of the early aviation era. The terminal also retains its unusual layout, with a separate point of inspection before check-in and passport control located right after registration.

Sheremetyevo-2 has played a significant role in Moscow's Olympic history, serving over 460,000 international passengers during the 1980 games. The airport itself underwent significant transformations in preparation for the Olympics, with streets paved, buildings painted, and shops stocked with goods.

So, if you're transiting through Sheremetyevo International Airport, take some time to appreciate the architecture and history of Sheremetyevo-2, a lasting legacy of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

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Take a bus from outside the airport to the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to get from Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport to the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station, taking a bus is a great option. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Finding the Bus Stop

When you arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport, you'll find that the bus station is conveniently located outside Terminal F for bus 851 and outside Terminal A for the Marshutka Shuttle bus. Follow the clear signs that will direct you to the correct bus stop for your chosen bus.

Purchasing Tickets

You can purchase your bus tickets from machines inside the airport or directly from the bus driver. The bus ticket, including a connecting metro ticket, usually costs around €1.50. Please note that the machines inside the airport may only accept MasterCards or Visa cards for contactless payment.

Bus Options

There are two bus options to choose from: bus number 851 and the Marshutka Shuttle bus. Both buses connect the airport to Moscow's green metro line at Rechnoy Vokzal station. They offer a combined bus and metro travel time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Here are the details for each bus:

  • Bus 851: This bus is the more economical choice, with a ticket price of €0.70. It departs every 20 to 30 minutes and offers a comfortable journey to your destination.
  • Marshutka Shuttle: This shuttle bus costs €1.50 and is a good option if you have extra luggage. It also departs every 20 to 30 minutes, providing a convenient and frequent service.

Additional Information

Keep in mind that bus drivers may not speak English, so if you have any questions or concerns, it's best to ask the airport staff before boarding the bus. Additionally, you can use your ticket for up to 90 minutes on any metro line in Moscow, allowing for easy exploration of the city after arriving at Rechnoy Vokzal.

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Visit St. Basil's Cathedral and the tomb of Vladimir Lenin, located near Sheremetyevo Airport

If you're looking for things to do near Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, you can visit St. Basil's Cathedral and the tomb of Vladimir Lenin, both located in Moscow's Red Square.

St. Basil's Cathedral is about a 31-minute drive from the airport, with a distance of 19 to 25 miles. You can also take a train from the airport's South Terminal to Belorussky Rail Terminal, which takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes. The cathedral, officially called the Trinity Cathedral, is a prime example of Russian Renaissance architecture and is known for its nine onion domes. It was the main church of the posad and is now a federal property of the Russian Federation.

The tomb of Vladimir Lenin, also known as Lenin's Mausoleum, is located in Red Square, the same area as St. Basil's Cathedral. Lenin's Mausoleum is a free attraction, where you can see the embalmed body of the communist leader, which has been on public display since 1924. There is a no-cellphone and no-photography policy inside the mausoleum, and visitors are expected to keep moving.

The Moscow Kremlin, which includes Lenin's Mausoleum, is a large complex featuring five palaces, four cathedrals, and enclosing Kremlin walls and towers. The Kremlin is located near Red Square, making it easily accessible from Sheremetyevo Airport.

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Download the official airport app for a detailed diagram of the terminals and all objects

If you're looking to familiarise yourself with Moscow's airports, downloading the official airport app is a great place to start. The app is a detailed, digital map of the airport, with all the terminals and objects included. It is a useful tool for passengers, providing quick and easy access to flight information such as schedules, departure and arrival times, and gate numbers.

The app is available for both Android and iOS users. For Android, simply search "Moscow Domodedovo Airport" in the Google Play store, and for iOS, search for "Moscow Domodedovo Airport" in the App Store. The app is called "DME Live 2.0" and is developed by Moscow Domodedovo Airport.

Once you've downloaded the app, you'll be able to access a wealth of information about the airport. The app provides a detailed diagram of the terminals, including all the objects up to the outlets, so you can easily navigate your way around. No more getting lost trying to find a power point! The app also allows you to route from your current location to any object in the airport, so you can find the nearest facilities or your gate in a pinch.

In addition to the terminal map, the app also provides full information on the airport's services for passengers, including specific information on services provided for people with disabilities. This can be incredibly helpful for passengers who may have additional needs or require special assistance during their time at the airport.

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Check out the unique blend of historical charm and contemporary efficiency at Vnukovo Airport

Moscow's Vnukovo Airport, formally Vnukovo Andrei Tupolev International Airport, is a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary efficiency. Dating back to 1941, it was once a military airbase and is now Moscow's oldest operating airport and the third busiest in Russia. Over the years, Vnukovo has undergone significant modernisation efforts, including expanding its terminal facilities and upgrading its runways to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

Vnukovo serves over 170,000 flights operated by domestic and international carriers every year, connecting Moscow to destinations across Russia and international locales in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport has a range of modern facilities, including airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels.

For those looking to stay close to the airport, there are several options available, including the Aerosleep Capsule Hotel located within Terminal A, offering capsules with beds, storage, WiFi, smart TVs, and power outlets. Another option is the Doubletree by Hilton Moscow Vnukovo, which is connected to the terminal by an underground tunnel. The Four Points by Sheraton Moscow Vnukovo Airport is also within walking distance of the airport terminal.

In addition to its functional and efficient design, Vnukovo Airport also boasts a rich history. The airport is named after Andrei Tupolev, a renowned Soviet aircraft designer and pioneer in aviation technology. His contributions to the field of aerospace engineering left a lasting impact on the Soviet and global aviation industry.

Whether you are passing through or staying for a layover, Vnukovo Airport offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Russian aviation, seamlessly blending its historical roots with modern conveniences.

Frequently asked questions

Moscow has several airports, including Sheremetyevo I and II, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Bykovo Airport. Sheremetyevo II is the largest airport and handles most international flights, while Sheremetyevo I, 30km from the city centre, services domestic flights.

Municipal buses service all of the airports and run to the City Airport Terminal, but the service is infrequent and uncomfortable with luggage. Trains are also available from some airports, such as the fast train from Domodedovo Airport to Pavletsky train station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or limousine outside the terminal or use a private transfer service.

If you've missed your flight, call Alaska Airlines at 1-800-252-7522 to re-book.

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