Getting Around
The easiest and most pleasant way to get around Moscow is on the underground metro. It's inexpensive, very efficient and easy to use, even considering all signage is in Russian. But it's still a good idea to have the destination written in Cyrillic characters to help identify the correct station. The metro runs until 1am and fares are standard regardless of the distance travelled, allowing unlimited transfers.
Overland transport is less efficient than the metro, but an extensive network of buses, trams and trolleybuses covers the areas not serviced by the metro until about 11pm. They can get unpleasantly crowded during rush hour with passenger vans called marshrutka serving as alternatives which follow the bus routes and stop on request.
There are also scores of official metered taxis and unofficial cars that can be flagged down on the street, but fares must be negotiated before entering the vehicle, especially as foreigners are likely to be overcharged. Although taxis are generally safe, tourists should be cautious and single women are advised to avoid them at night. Driving in the city is not recommended.
Airports
Moscow International Airport
The airport is situated 19 miles (31km) from Moscow.
Moscow International Airport (SVO)
Location
The airport is situated 19 miles (31km) from Moscow.Getting to the city
There are several bus services, connecting each terminal to the nearby metro stations; from there, connections can be made to the city centre. Minibuses are also available.
Time
Local time is GMT +3.Car rental
Car rental companies include Sixt and Hertz.
Airport Taxis
A taxi ride to the city centre takes around 30 minutes (traffic dependent). Taxi touts operate in front of the terminals and are to be avoided. Book a taxi from one of the official taxi company booths. It is advisable to pre-book a taxi and be met on arrival.
Transfer between terminals
Most international flights will arrive at Terminals D, E and F. Terminals B and C, about 15 miles (24km) away, serve domestic and charter flights. Public and Express buses, taxis and free airline shuttles are available between all five terminals. There is a walkway between Terminals D, E and F.
Facilities
Once through check-in at Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, all terminals include business lounges, refreshment facilities, bureaux de change, restaurants, bars and duty-free shopping. For disabled passengers, wheelchair transfer from the aircraft to the terminal building should be arranged in advance.
Parking
Parking is available close to each of the terminals. Most offer free parking for the first five to 15 minutes.
Domodedovo International Airport
28 miles (45km) south of Moscow city centre
Domodedovo International Airport (DME)
Location
28 miles (45km) south of Moscow city centreGetting to the city
A highway links Moscow city with the passenger terminal at the airport, making access by public transport, taxi or private car possible. There are trains linking the airport to Paveletsky Rail Terminal in Moscow city centre. The trains run every 30 to 60 minutes and the trip takes about 40 minutes. There are also express trains to Belorussky Rail Terminal via the Kursky and Kalanchevskaya stations. A coach service between the airport and the Domodedovskaya station on the Moscow Metro runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes.
Time
Local time is GMT +3 (GMT +4 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September).Car rental
Car rental companies at the airport include Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport Taxis
There are share taxis between the Metro station and the airport, and the fare is 100 rubles. The official taxi operators are MB-Motors, Gorodskoe Taxi (City Taxi) and Formula Taxi.
Facilities
There are shops, cafés and restaurants in the Trade Centre on the 2nd floor of Domodedovo, and more cafés, bars and shops located on the 1st floor. There are postal, phone and e-mail facilities available in the airport, as well as currency exchange and wire transfer facilities.
Parking
There is short- and long-term parking available at the airport. Airhotel customers can park in Lot 8 for a reduced rate per day, and take a shuttle to the terminal.