Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is Moscow’s busiest airport and one of Russia’s main gateways for international and domestic flights. Located just outside Moscow, Sheremetyevo is a major hub for travelers coming to Russia or connecting through Moscow. Known for its modern facilities and range of amenities, SVO is a well-organized airport with efficient connections to the city. Here’s what you need to know to navigate Sheremetyevo International Airport.
Location and Terminals
Sheremetyevo is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Moscow’s city center. The airport has five active terminals:
- Terminal A: Primarily used for business aviation.
- Terminal B: Handles domestic flights within Russia. Terminal B is modern, spacious, and well-equipped with dining and shopping options.
- Terminal C: This terminal also handles international flights and is linked with Terminal B.
- Terminal D: One of the main terminals for international flights and the primary terminal for Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship airline. Terminal D has extensive amenities, including restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges.
- Terminal E: Connected to Terminals D and F, Terminal E serves both international and domestic flights, providing easy access for transfer passengers.
- Terminal F: An older terminal mainly used for international flights. Although it has fewer amenities than the newer terminals, it’s still well-connected to other terminals.
A free inter-terminal train runs every 4-6 minutes, making it easy to transfer between terminals, which are all part of the North and South complexes.
Flights and Airlines
Sheremetyevo is a major hub for Aeroflot, which offers a vast network of flights across Europe, Asia, and North America. Other international carriers, such as Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Emirates, operate here as well. The airport provides extensive connections to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America, making it a key transit hub in Russia.
Getting to and from the Airport
- Aeroexpress Train: The Aeroexpress is a fast, reliable train service that connects Sheremetyevo to Moscow’s Belorussky Station. The trip takes about 35 minutes, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach the city center.
- Buses and Metro: Several public buses run between the airport and Moscow’s metro stations, including Rechnoy Vokzal and Planernaya. This is a more budget-friendly option, but travel time can vary depending on traffic.
- Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Yandex.Taxi are available at the airport, and the drive to central Moscow usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. It’s best to use official taxi services from designated stands to avoid overcharging.
- Car Rentals: If you’re planning to drive yourself, several car rental companies operate at the airport. However, Moscow’s traffic can be challenging, especially for newcomers.
Facilities and Amenities
Sheremetyevo International Airport offers a wide range of amenities to make your transit comfortable:
- Dining: The airport has numerous dining options, including Russian and international cuisine, fast food outlets, cafes, and sit-down restaurants. Terminal D has a particularly strong selection of restaurants.
- Shopping: There are duty-free shops in the international terminals offering luxury brands, cosmetics, electronics, and local Russian goods. You’ll also find stores selling souvenirs and essentials throughout the airport.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, but you may need to register with a phone number for access.
- Lounges: SVO has multiple lounges, including the Aeroflot business lounges and independent lounges with paid access. Lounges provide a quiet place to relax with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and workspaces.
- Sleeping Pods and Nearby Hotels: For travelers with long layovers, Sheremetyevo offers sleeping pods in Terminal E. There are also several hotels nearby, including the Radisson Blu and Sheraton, for a more comfortable stay.
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive Early for International Flights: SVO is busy, and security can take time, especially for international flights. Arrive at least 3 hours before departure to allow for check-in and security checks.
- Use Aeroexpress for Fast Transit: The Aeroexpress train is usually the fastest and most efficient way to reach Moscow’s city center without the stress of traffic.
- Have Your Passport Ready: You’ll need to show your passport at several points, including to access free Wi-Fi, so keep it handy.
- Consider Lounge Access: If you have a long layover, consider accessing one of the lounges for a more comfortable wait with refreshments and Wi-Fi.
In Summary
Sheremetyevo International Airport is a modern, well-organized airport with excellent facilities for both domestic and international travelers. With its efficient Aeroexpress train connection, variety of dining and shopping options, and convenient layout, SVO provides a solid experience for travelers visiting Moscow or connecting through Russia. Safe travels!