By Air
There are several airlines which fly from the UK direct to Moscow including British Airways from Heathrow into Domodedovo Airport, KLM from Heathrow and UK regional airports (via Amsterdam), into Sheremetyevo II Airport and Aeroflot from Heathrow into Sheremetyevo II.
If you are travelling to Moscow independently, then getting into the city from the airport is likely to be the first hurdle you face. There are THREE major airports serving Moscow -
1. Sheremetyevo II (Please note Sheremetyevo I is for domestic flights only) which is about 30km (18 miles) from the centre of Moscow.
2. Domodedovo Which is located about 48k (30 miles) from the city centre – and used by British Airways and Swissair.
3.Vnukovo Only normally caters for domestic flights, but if you're flying in on a charter, you could arrive at this newly renovated airport, which is around 30km (19miles) from the city centre – in this scenario, onward transport should be provided as part of your package.
If you're arriving in Moscow from outside Russia, you will land either at Sheremetyevo II (all major international airlines and Aeroflot) or to Domodedovo international airport (Swiss Airlines, AirMalta, British Airways, Emirates, El Al, Singapore Airlines, most of the central Asian airlines and domestic airlines, with the exception of Aeroflot). Vnukovo generally caters for domestic flights only, though you may arrive here if you are travelling to the game on a charter flight – onward transport should be provided for you in this scenario.
Passengers arriving at Moscow Vnukovo Airport will no longer have to join the long queue for taxis and buses, though because a new train station has opened at the airport, offering passengers a direct rail link to Moscow's city centre. The rail service runs between Vnukovo and Kievsky Station in the heart of the city and the 11 kilometre journey takes 35 minutes – and customers catching flights home from via Vnukovo can now also save time by checking in their luggage at Kievsky station, and avoiding airport queues.
N.B. - Just to make things a tad more complex, there's also Sheremetyevo I airport, situated just 5km from Sheremetyevo 2, but this is only used for Aeroflot domestic flights and charter flights)
Getting from the Airport into Moscow city centre
Sheremetyevo 2
By Train - Лоезд (poist)
There are no direct trains from the airport to the city centre. It is possible to complete the journey via a combination of trains and shuttle buses, but that's a complicated option, to say the least. Basically, it is advisable to get the shuttle bus or a taxi direct into the city.
By Bus - автобус (aftobus)
Buses operate from 5:40am - midnight. Outside the airport (ground floor, right wing exit) is the bus stand. You can either get a bus from here or a shuttle (marshrutkas). The shuttle buses run from 6am-10:30pm, from the terminal, beyond the car park. No 551 goes to Rechnoy Vokzal metro station and the No. 517 to Planernaya metro station - both of which are on the outskirts of the town. It will take around 30 minutes to get to the metro, and another half hour or so from there into central Moscow.
By Taxi
If you arrive at Sheremetyevo 2 later than 11pm your only option is to take a taxi – fix the fare first, and take all the usual precautions to avoid getting ripped off completely!
Most taxis are actually just privately owned cars whose drivers throng the arrival hall in the hope of picking up a fare. Be prepared to bargain hard, but even so you should usually expect to pay £25-£30. You can also go to the official taxi counters (e.g. MosCab) at the arrival hall for the same price, but it is safer.
You can also phone any of the Moscow taxi operators and arrange a pick-up. It’ll cost about 1100-1400R (£21 - £27).
There is also the Airport Transfer Service which has English speaking drivers, and you can book it online giving your flight details, and it will have a driver waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. Details of booking your taxi can be found here It is worth booking your return trip to the airport with the driver.
NB. It can take anything from 30 minutes to 1½ hrs to pass customs and passport control at Sheremetyevo, so bear this in mind when ordering a cab to meet you at the airport.
Domodedovo
By Train - Лоезд (poist)
Aero Express- the airport express service runs from 8am - 11pm (every half-hour from 8am - 11am and 7pm - 9pm, otherwise they are hourly). The one-way trip costs 120R and takes about 40 minutes. When catching the train from DME into Moscow, note that there are both regular old suburban trains and dedicated non-stop services from the same platform.
By Bus = автобус (aftobus)
Express buses depart the airport from 6am - 1am (between 9am - noon and again between 6pm - 9pm they are every half-hour, otherwise they are hourly). The journey to the city centre takes approx 40 minutes, price 30R. The buses terminate at Domodedovskaya metro (green line, south)
Shuttle buses operate around the clock, depart every 40 minutes and terminate at Domodedovskaya metro (green line, south). The trip takes 30 minutes (if there is little traffic) and costs 50Rbl.
By Taxi (такси) (taksi)
With Domodedovo being the farthest airport from the centre, cab fares are high, particularly if you arrive after the trains have stopped running, and you’ll pay through the nose for the privilege of being transported to down-town Moscow. A taxi from the airport to the city centre normally costs 1200Rbl - 1600Rbl (£23 - £31).
Getting from the City Centre to the Airport
Sheremetyevo2
To get to Sheremetyevo2 from the centre, your best bet is to use the Aero Express train from Savyolovsky station. These trains depart from a dedicated terminal (facing the railway station, turn left and around the corner) on the hour from 7am - 11am and again from 2pm-10pm, with an extra service at 1pm at weekends. The train terminus is Lobnya station where passengers transfer to a bus that first goes to SVO1 and then on to SVO2. the train fare is 70 Rbl and the bus fare is 15 Rbl (pay the driver, it is slightly cheaper to buy a bus ticket at Savyolovsky Station before boarding the train). The train takes exactly 25 minutes, buses are scheduled to leave Lobnya 15 minutes after the train arrives and takes another 35 minutes, via SVO1 (don't get off!) to SVO2, giving an average journey time of 1hr,15mins). Alternatively, you can go to the Domodedovskaya metro station and catch the 405 bus or a shuttle on from there – though neither operates at night.
It is possible to take a taxi from the rank in front of Lobnya station at a fixed rate of 180Rbl to SVO2, which shaves a good half hour off the journey from downtown Moscow. Also,a new train station is being built directly in front of SVO2 and with a little luck may just be opening by the time we play there. If it is open, it will take as little as 30 minutes by train from Saviolovsky Station to SVO2.
It is also possible to reach Sheremetyevo2 from metro stations Rechnoi Vokzal or Planernaya, the termini for the green and purple lines respectively. Though recommended by most of the guide books, this route only really makes sense if you start your journey somewhere in the north of Moscow or have to reach the airport at a time when trains are not running. There are slower buses (# 851 from Rechnoy Vokzal; # 817 from Planernaya departing every 15-30 mins) and faster shared, fixed-price taxis called “Marshrutka”, which run from both stations. The trip should take around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between 10-40Rbl, depending on which Marshrutka you take and the amount of luggage you have. During the rush hour the Planernaya troute will be slightly less prone to traffic jams. Leningradskoye Shosse, the major thoroughfare leading to SVO2, is one of the busiest in the city and is normally in a state of gridlock for most of the day. (Bear this in mind for your return journey, and give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight)
Domodedovo - (DME Domodedovo азропорт)
Situated 48km (30 miles) south of city centre, DME can be reached by Aero Express train from Paveletsky train station, which is close to the metro station of the same name. The journey takes about 40 minutes and takes you directly to the airport, with trains depart every hour starting from 6am (every 30 minutes during peak hours) and costs about 150Rbl.
Returning to the airport you can catch the Aeroexpress train from Paveletsky railway station (metro Paveletskaya, circle line), and there's an express bus connection between Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports, which operates every 90 minutes.
Vnukovo (VNK)
Vnukovo is located southwest from the city centre. Take bus 611 or Marshrutka to/from metro station Yugo-Zapadnaya. Buses depart about every 15 minutes with a trip time of about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take an express train from Kievsky train station, which departs every 60 minutes during peak hours.
Airport Facilities
Sheremetyevo2
Ground floor is the arrivals level at SVO2, with departures being one level above. In the pre-check-in area on the departures level there’s only TGI Friday’s plus around 6 to 8 cafes/bars/shops. TGIF is, obviously, not cheap but does serve an American menu which may appeal if you've grown tired of salty smoked fish and warm drinks during your stay! They also have free wi-fi which can be used outside of the restaurant. There’s a cheap self-service cafeteria two levels up, where most of the airport workers eat, and another restaurant above, both of which have a view of the runway. Most of the cafes and restaurants beyond passport control are faceless and overpriced. Note that you have to clear customs before check-in so there’s practically no going back after you check-in.
SVO2 has banking, bureau de change, and ATMs are available in both the Arrivals and Departure areas. Remember to change your Rubles into Euros or USD before departing Moscow as it is highly likely to be exchanged when you get home.
Duty-free shops are operated by Aerofirst Moscow Duty Free and, though they cover a large area, but merely replicate the same minimal choice is replicated in their five or six outlets. The terminal also has a hairdresser, pharmacy, medical office as well and several travel agencies.
The information desk is in the main hall and you may be lucky enough to find someone who speaks reasonably good English. You can also call an Intourist representative (available in Terminal 2) who can provide tourist information. (telephone number - (095) 933 6666).
Domodedovo
There are information desks scattered all over the airport, which can provide assistance with check in procedures, baggage handling and customs clearance, and so forth – they will also provide maps showing the location within the terminal of facilities which could prove useful. Once you have a map, check the location of Counter numbers 73 and 74, where a tourist advice service is provided, should if you require further information For enquiries specific to your flight, the desk you should visit is situated just to the left of the terminal entrance
A 24 hour banking facility is situated on the second floor of the terminal building, and Domodedovo also has the usual range of Bureau de Changes, cash machines, plus its own Post Office. The Internet can be accessed free of charge either via the kiosks in the International Departures area, or in the Internet Centre, close to the main shopping area, while wireless internet access is available throughout the airport. Mobile phone charging facilities are also available, and in excess of forty telephone kiosks are available for passengers' use.
As far as eating and drinking go, there's a wide range of facilities, with plentiful coffee shops, restaurants and bars providing sustenance our source recommend the Asian Cafe, which does exactly what is says on the tin, serving a range of soups, rice and noodle dishes, and curries.
There is a shopping area on the second floor of the terminal, with units selling the usual range of airport goods, including souvenirs of Russia (the type of tat you'll doubtless be sick of the sight of by the time you fly home), perfume, luxury goods and toys. There is also an extensive duty free selection.
Both a chapel and a mosque are available for passengers seeking spiritual support before boarding their flights, and there is a 24 hour Medical Centre situated in the domestic flights departure area (telephone: (095) 504 0248 or 504 0249).
Vnukovo
There are two information desks in arrivals and departures of domestic. Telephone help line (095) 436-2813. Moscow Vnukovo airport also has a post-telegraph office, chemist, currency exchange facilities, several cafes and restaurants, a duty free shop, a mother and child room, a first aid centre (095) 436-8176 and a lost luggage facility (095) 436-2732
Other Routes to Moscow?
As mentioned above, it may be cheaper to travel to Berlin (Schonefeld) with German Wings, and then onto Vnukovo, whilst it is also possible to fly to Tallin (Estonia) or Riga or Ventspils (Latvia) before taking a bus or train to Moscow. (NB - There are no longer any direct ferries from Tallin, Estonia to Russia)
By Ferry
Russia is connected by ferry transport with Japan, Korea, Georgia and Ukraine. There are no ferries between Russia and Baltic Countries or Scandinavia; however you can still take a ferry from Sweden, Finland or Germany to Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania and then get a bus or train on from there to Moscow.
By Train
Basically, there are three options - You can buy tickets to any long-distance train on-line from JSC Russia Railways
Option 1 - The Cologne-Moscow sleeper – approx journey time 42hrs 45 mins. Approx. price £254
Travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar. (2nd Class return from £59) Travel from Brussels to Cologne by high-speed Thalys train, then travel from Cologne to Moscow by direct Russian Railways sleeping-car, travelling across Germany, Poland & Belarus arriving in Byelorruski Station.
Option 2 - via Warsaw. approx 29hrs 30 mins journey time. Approx price £198.
The cheapest option. Travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar. Travel from Brussels to Cologne by high-speed Thalys train, then travel from Cologne to Warsaw (Wschodnia Station) overnight on a sleeper train. Spend the morning in Warsaw. Travel from Warsaw to Moscow on the ‘Ost-West Express’ sleeper train.
Option 3 – via Berlin. Approx 40hrs journey time, Approx price £270. Travel from London to Brussels via Eurostar. Travel from Brussels to Berlin (Hauptbahnhof). Travel from Berlin to Moscow on the Moskva Express, arriving at Moscow Byelorruski.
Rail Europe Travel Centre Tel: 0870 848 848 www.raileurope.co.uk or www.seat61.com.
Those travelling from Western Europe come in to Belorusskiy Vokzal (station). This station is served by the metro’s green and circle lines.
Trains from Helsinki come into Finlandskiy Vokzal while those from Berlin arrive at Vitebskiy Vokzal, Pushkinskaya metro station.
Moscow has nine train stations, all (except Savyolovsky - local services only) offering long-distance train services. All are located relatively centrally Moscow and have metro stations nearby.
Belorussky Station: trains from Minsk, Warsaw, Berlin, Vilnius, Kaliningrad and other western destinations. Metro: Belorisskaya
Savyolovsky Station: Metro: Savyolovskaya
Rizhsky Station: trains from Riga and other Latvian destinations. Metro: Rizhskaya
Leningradsky Station: Trains from Novgorod, Pskov, Saint Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Murmansk, Tallinn and Helsinki. Metro: Komsomolskaya
Yaroslavsky Station: Serves Rostov Veliki, Sergiev Posad, Yaroslavl, Vologda. It is the primary gateway for the Trans-Siberian Railway. Metro: Komsomolskaya
Kazansky Station: serves Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Kazakhstan, Ulyanovsk and Uzbekistan. Metro: Komsomolskaya
Kursky Station: Serves Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Tula, Adler/Sochi, the Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Metro: both Kurskaya & Chkalovskaya
Paveletsky Station: Serves destinations from the south. Metro: Paveletskaya
Kievsky Station: Serves Kiev, Budapest, Zagreb, Belgrade and Sofia. Metro: Kievskaya
By Bus
Eurolines operate coaches from Riga, Latvia Eurolines - see website for prices and journey times.
Intercity buses arrive/depart from the intercity bus station (автовокзал) at Shelkovskaya Metro Station (the last station on the dark blue line, in northeast Moscow).
By Car
The direct way to drive from Germany, Poland or Bielarussia is along the W30 road. However EU citizens have to get Belarusian visas to pass through Belarus, so it could be more convenient to go via Latvia (the nearest border crossing between EU and Russia on this direction) using E22 road (starting in Riga) Easy access from Finland through St. Petersburg and Novgorod is along the E18 road. The road from St. Petersburg to Moscow is also known as the Russian Federal Highway M-10. Traffic on the M-10 is heavy and driving less relaxing! Foreign cars - especially expensive ones - might attract unwelcome attention, and there is cumbersome paperwork involved.
Car Hire
Hertz - Domodedovo Airport - Tel: 007 495 797 4672 Fax: 007 495 797 4672 7 days 11am-10pm
Sheremetyevo Airport - Tel: 007 495 937 3274 Fax: 007 495 578 5646 7 days 11am - 10pm
Avis - Sheremetyevo Airport - Tel: 007 495 578 7179 7 days 6am-midnight
NB. To hire a car or motorcycle you will need your personal passport with a valid Russian visa (original), your driving licence (original), the registration document on your car (original) and third-party insurance, valid in Russia.
Getting Around
Although the city centre is best explored on foot, Moscow is so big you won’t get by without the metro. It is comprehensive, boasts some great architecture and is relatively cheap.
Metro = метро (mytro)
The metro systems are cheap, clean, efficient and safe even at night, though a grasp of the Cyrillic alphabet is essential to making sense of the signs! The metro runs from 6am-1am.
A red neon letter M indicated a station entrance. A single trip costs 19Rbl, independent of the length of the trip. Tickets are sold only in manned booths within the stations (‘kassa’). In several stations there are ticket vending machines. A convenient way to avoid queuing is to buy a multi-trip card for 10 or 20 trips (10 at 155Rbl; 20 at 280Rbl). There are no day tickets or similar offers directed to visitors.
The metro is open from 5:30am to 01:00am. (Stations close at 1am so you’re journey must be completed by then). Before 7am and after 7pm the metro is never busy. Between these times on work days it can be a real squeeze, especially within the Ring. Some escalators are a 2 minute ride as the stations in the city are very deep. Stand to the right on escalators.
It is important to know that colours in the underground’s signs don’t necessarily correspond to the ones on the maps, so the green line is not necessarily indicated by a green sign, it’s best to refer to numbers, that is to say: line 3 is line 3 whatever colour the sign! There are no English signs inside so have your itinerary ready beforehand or learn to read Cyrillic. Don’t use the metro if you are claustrophobic as the air gets thick during the rush hours.
BXOД (Vkhod) on the swing doors means entrance, BьIXOД (Vykhod) exit.
Map of the Moscow Metro system can be found here.
Buses, trams & trolleybuses
Bus = автобус (aftobus) Tram = трамвай (tramvey) Trolleybus = троллЕйбус
Making full use of the overground networks requires a high degree of insider knowledge!
You enter the vehicle only through the first door and can exit using all the others doors. At the entrance you put a card in a validator (see left) with the magnetic line facing you. Cards can be bought in kiosks (17Rbl for for 1 trip, 34Rbl for 2, 83 for 5, 165 for 10) or from drivers (25Rbl for 1 trip).
Buses run from 5:40am until midnight.
The main bus terminal is located next to Shchyolkovskaya metro station (the last station to the east on the dark blue line). It is open from 6:30am - 11pm. You can leave your luggage in a locker for 20-30R per day.
Bus stops are marked with yellow signs and trolleybus stops have blue and white signs.
Train = Поезд (poist)
Many sights outside the city are best reached by the suburban trains, known as elektrichka. Tickets, bought at the railway station from the prigorodny kassi (often located in a separate part of the station), and are very cheap. On the platform, the train will be identified by its final destination which you should check on the diagram in the ticket hall. Not every train stops at each station, so check before boarding.
Monorail
The monorail runs from VDNKh (All-Russian Exhibition Centre) to Timiryazevskaya Metro. A ticket costs 50RUB. It does not run as frequently as the metro running from 7am - 11pm.
Driving around the city centre
Not recommended. Russians overtake on both sides, aim for gaps in the traffic which do not exist and mercilessly refuse to give way to timid foreign drivers. In addition, the roads are riddled with potholes and governed by an extremely arcane highway code.
Taxi
Hailing a cab (такси) (taksi) is simple especially in the centre of town - hold your arm out and a queue of eager drivers will soon pull up. Official cabs (marked by a ‘T’ in a circle) are equipped with meters, but these are few and far between. The fare should be agreed before you get in. If necessary write down the fare and the destination.
Never get in a cab that already has passengers and do not let the driver pick up additional fares on the way. Women travelling alone at night should avoid taxis completely.
Many western-run hotels have their own cabs which are far superior to the local taxis, but also pricier.
Local taxi company numbers -
095 927 0000
095 457 9005
