Domodedovo International Airport

Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) is one of three major airports serving Russia's capital, located 42 km south-southeast of central Moscow in the Moscow Oblast. Named after scientist Mikhail Lomonosov following a 2019 presidential decree, it handled 15.6 million passengers in 2024 and serves as a major hub for S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines.

The airport operates from a single integrated passenger terminal designed by British firm RMJM using the "under-the-roof" concept, similar to Amsterdam Schiphol. The terminal spans nearly 500,000 square meters across two main segments (T1 and T2, completed in 2020) and handles both domestic and international flights from one building.

The terminal is organized into sectors:

• Sector A/B: Domestic departures and arrivals
• Sector C/D: International departures and arrivals
• Level 1: Arrivals, ground transportation, Aeroexpress connection
• Level 2: Departures, check-in counters, retail

Key airlines at DME:

• S7 Airlines: Largest operator, accounting for over 50% of capacity
• Ural Airlines: Second-largest carrier
• Red Wings Airlines, Smartavia, NordStar, Yamal Airlines
• International carriers including Middle Eastern airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways)

Moscow Area Airports

Moscow is served by three major international airports. Understanding which airport your flight uses is essential for trip planning.

Sheremetyevo (SVO) — 77 km north

• Russia's busiest airport, main Aeroflot hub
• SkyTeam alliance focus
• Aeroexpress to Belorusskaya station (35-45 min)
• Best for: Aeroflot connections, European destinations

Vnukovo (VKO) — 79 km west

• Moscow's oldest international airport
• Low-cost and charter carrier hub (Pobeda)
• Aeroexpress to Kiyevskaya station (35-40 min)
• Best for: Budget carriers, shorter road transfer times

Transferring between DME and other airports:

Route	Method	Time	Cost
DME → SVO	Aeroexpress + Metro + Aeroexpress	2-2.5 hours	1,500 RUB ($15)
DME → VKO	Aeroexpress + Metro + Aeroexpress	2-2.5 hours	1,500 RUB ($15)
DME → SVO	Taxi	1-2 hours	2,500-4,000 RUB (~$25-40)

Minimum transfer time between airports: Allow 4 hours minimum between flights at different Moscow airports. A Russian visa is required for airport-to-airport transfers.

Domodedovo is located 42 km south-southeast of central Moscow. Travel times depend heavily on traffic conditions:

Destination	Off-Peak	Rush Hour
Red Square/Kremlin	50-70 min	90-150 min
Paveletskaya (city center)	45 min by train	45 min by train
Moscow City (business district)	60-80 min	120+ min

Transport options include Aeroexpress train (fastest and most reliable), bus, and taxi/rideshare. The Aeroexpress avoids Moscow's notorious traffic congestion.

Yandex Go (formerly Yandex Taxi) is the primary rideshare app in Russia. Uber exited the Russian market in 2018, merging with Yandex. Download the app before arrival.

Yandex Go pickup:

• Order via the app from the arrivals area
• Pickup at designated zones outside Exit #2
• Typical fare to central Moscow: 2,000-3,000 RUB ($20-30)
• Payment via app (Russian bank card) or cash

Official Airport Taxis (Domtrans):

• Use dedicated service desks in the arrivals hall
• Fixed prices to city destinations
• Typical fare to central Moscow: 2,300-3,500 RUB ($23-35)

Destination	Taxi Fare
Central Moscow (Kremlin area)	2,500-3,500 RUB
Moscow City (business district)	2,800-4,000 RUB
Sheremetyevo (SVO)	3,500-5,000 RUB

Important warnings:

• Avoid unofficial taxi drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall
• Always use the Yandex Go app or official airport taxi desks
• Traffic can double travel times during rush hours (7-10am, 5-9pm)

Aeroexpress Train

The Aeroexpress is the fastest and most reliable connection to central Moscow, running between Domodedovo Airport and Paveletsky Railway Station (Paveletskaya metro station).

Service details:

• Journey time: 45 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Hours: Check current timetable at aeroexpress.ru (schedule varies)
• Station connection: Verkhniye Kotly (MCC transfer) is an intermediate stop

Ticket prices (as of 2025):

Ticket Type	Price
Standard (one-way)	700 RUB (~$7)
Standard (round-trip)	1,350 RUB (~$14)
Business Class (one-way)	1,700 RUB (~$17)
Group of 2 (one-way)	1,350 RUB total
Group of 4 (one-way)	2,400 RUB total

How to get to central Moscow:

1. Follow signs to "Aeroexpress" on Level 1 of the terminal
2. Purchase tickets at machines (cash or card) or via the Aeroexpress app
3. Board the train to Paveletsky Station (45 min)
4. At Paveletskaya, transfer to the Metro (green Zamoskvoretskaya line or brown Koltsevaya line)

Metro connections from Paveletskaya:

• Teatralnaya (for Red Square): 3 stops, ~8 min
• Tverskaya (city center): 4 stops, ~10 min
• Belorusskaya (for SVO transfer): 6 stops, ~15 min

Bus Services

Route 308 connects DME to metro Domodedovskaya (green line):

• Fare: 80-120 RUB (~$1)
• Frequency: Every 15 min (6am-midnight); every 40 min overnight
• Journey time: 30-40 minutes to Domodedovskaya station
• Pickup: Bus terminal opposite Exit #2, 100m from the airport

From Domodedovskaya metro:

• Green line (Zamoskvoretskaya) to central Moscow
• Metro fare: 57 RUB per ride

Aeroexpress Bus (Route 1185):

• Connects to Domodedovskaya metro station
• Fare: 450 RUB one-way, 750 RUB round-trip
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes
• Journey time: ~45 minutes

Night travel: Bus 308 is the only public transport running 24 hours; Aeroexpress does not operate overnight.

Domodedovo has over 6,000 parking spaces across multiple lots. A free shuttle bus connects remote lots to the terminal.

Lot	Location	Rate	Notes
P1, P3 (Short-term)	Adjacent to terminal	200-250 RUB/hour; 800 RUB/day	First 15 min free
P4, P6, P7 (Long-term)	Near terminal	650 RUB/day (first 3 days); 250 RUB/day (days 4-10)
P9/1Park (Economy)	Remote	200 RUB/day (~$2)	Free shuttle, 7 min to terminal
P2 (VIP)	Front of terminal	1,000 RUB/hour	Premium location

Tips:

• Book online at parking.dme.ru for discounts
• Free parking available for vehicles carrying passengers with disabilities (+7 916 509 52 93)
• The first 15-minute stay is free at all lots

Domodedovo offers extensive dining options across all terminal levels.

Restaurants (full-service dining):

• American Bar & Grill: Burgers, steaks, Buffalo wings
• IL Patio: Italian cuisine, pasta, pizza
• GEO.GRAPHIA: Indian cuisine with authentic tandoor oven
• TGI Fridays: American casual dining
• EDIM LETIM: Gastronomic market with 200+ menu items across four food stations

Cafes:

• Coffeemania: Premium Russian coffee chain
• Paul Bakery: French pastries and sandwiches
• Stars Coffee: Russian coffee chain (replacement for Starbucks)
• Skyberry: Modern cafe with city views
• MU-MU: Traditional Russian cuisine at affordable prices

Fast Food:

• McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Subway
• Kroshka-Kartoshka: Russian baked potato chain
• Pelmen: Traditional Russian dumplings (pelmeni and vareniki)
• Doner House: Fresh shawarma

Best value: MU-MU and Pelmen offer authentic Russian food at reasonable prices. Fast food outlets on Level 2 are the most affordable options.

Airside dining: Most restaurants and cafes have locations in both the domestic and international departure areas.

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal:

• Network name: "DME_free" or "MTS/Tascom"
• Registration: SMS verification or phone call to +7 495 021 20 21
• Quality: Adequate for email and web browsing; streaming may be inconsistent
• Coverage: All departure and arrival areas, shops, waiting areas

How to connect:

1. Connect to "DME_free" network
2. Open a browser - you'll be redirected to a login page
3. Enter your mobile number to receive an SMS code, or call the activation number
4. Enter the verification code to access WiFi

Alternative: If you need a computer, the Megaphone Internet Center on Level 2 offers terminals with internet access.

Russia has excellent mobile coverage. SIM cards are available at kiosks in the arrivals area.

Major carriers at DME:

• MTS (red logo): Largest network, excellent urban coverage
• Beeline (yellow/black stripes): Strong city coverage
• MegaFon (green logo): Extensive coverage including some remote areas
• Tele2: Budget option, limited rural coverage

Kiosk locations: Look for carrier kiosks between the international and domestic areas, or in the arrivals hall after customs.

Typical prepaid SIM packages:

Package	Data	Validity	Price
Basic tourist	3-4 GB	30 days	400-500 RUB (~$4-5)
Standard	15 GB	30 days	500-600 RUB (~$5-6)
Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days	600-800 RUB (~$6-8)

Requirements: Passport required for registration (Russian law). Staff will install and activate the SIM for you.

Hours: MTS kiosks typically open until 8pm; Beeline until 10pm. Options may be limited late at night.

ATMs are available on Levels 1 and 2 of the terminal.

Banks with ATMs:

• Sberbank (green) - largest Russian bank
• Tinkoff Bank (yellow)
• Promsvyazbank
• SMP Bank
• Nomos Bank

ATM fees: Russian ATMs typically charge 200-300 RUB ($2-3) for foreign card withdrawals. Your home bank may charge additional fees. Maximum withdrawal is usually 20,000-30,000 RUB per transaction.

Currency exchange:

• Exchange desks on Level 1 (arrivals) and Level 2 (departures)
• 24/7 exchange available in the VIP Lounge area (Level 1)
• Sberbank branch on Level 2 offers full banking services

Tips:

• Airport exchange rates are typically 3-5% worse than city rates
• ATM withdrawal often provides better rates than currency exchange
• US Dollars and Euros are the easiest currencies to exchange
• Consider using a Wise or Revolut card to minimize fees

Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB/₽). Approximate rate: $1 USD = 95-100 RUB.

Domodedovo offers duty-free shopping in the international departures area.

Duty-Free operators:

• Duty Free Regstaer: Premium products, luxury brands
• Heinemann Duty Free: International travel retail
• Dufry/Duty Free Moscow: Newest arrivals store (116 sq m)

Product categories:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Perfumes and cosmetics (Givenchy, Armani, Hugo Boss, Byredo, Montale)
• Fashion and accessories (Furla, Piquadro, Victoria's Secret)
• Watches (Michael Kors, Diesel, Fossil, Swiss Military)
• Sunglasses (Ray-Ban, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Fendi)
• Russian souvenirs (Orenburg downy shawls, matryoshka dolls)

Notable stores:

• BOSCO: Russian fashion retailer
• Samsonite: Luggage
• Swarovski: Crystal jewelry
• Marc & Andre: Swimwear and lingerie

Online shopping: Pre-order duty-free items at market.dme.ru for 7% savings vs in-store prices.

Domodedovo has seven business lounges operating 24 hours in domestic and international departure zones.

Important note: Due to international sanctions, Priority Pass access at Russian airports has been suspended. Current lounge access is through Russian programs or pay-at-door.

Available Lounge Programs

• On Pass (Millionair), Persona.aero, GreyWall
• Every Lounge, RusPriority, GoldenKey
• DragonPass (some lounges)

Main Lounges

Airport Business Lounge (Sectors A, B, C - Level 1)

• Hours: 24/7 (max stay 4 hours)
• Access: DragonPass, pay at door
• Amenities: WiFi, showers, beverages, snacks, TV, massage chairs, children's area

S7 Business Lounge (Domestic: Level 2, Sectors A/B; International: Level 3, Sector D)

• Hours: 24/7 (max stay 3 hours)
• Access: S7 Priority Gold/Platinum, S7 Business Class, DragonPass, pay at door
• Amenities: WiFi, showers, a la carte menu, beverages, luggage storage

Shostakovich Lounge by UTG (Domestic area, near gate 42)

• Hours: 24/7 (max stay 4 hours)
• Access: Pay at door
• Amenities: WiFi, snacks, beverages, massage chairs

Day Pass Pricing

Walk-in day passes typically cost 2,500-4,000 RUB ($25-40) depending on the lounge and time of day. Check current availability at the lounge entrance.

Hotels near Domodedovo range from in-terminal options for transit passengers to full-service hotels with airport shuttles.

Inside the terminal:

• Airhotel Express Domodedovo (Level 2): 35 rooms, hourly rates from 2-24 hours, ideal for quick layovers. Free WiFi. No fixed check-in time - pay only for time used.

Adjacent to the terminal:

• Domodedovo AirHotel: 500m from terminal, 299 rooms. Free 24/7 shuttle from Exit #2. Transit rates available (4 hours, day rate, night rate). Restaurant, bar, fitness center.

Near the airport (with shuttles):

• Ramada Moscow Domodedovo: 5 km from airport, 135 rooms. Standard/Studio/Suite categories.
• Ibis Moscow Domodedovo Airport: Budget option, free shuttle every 30 min from Exit 5 (Line B6).

Rates: Budget options from 2,500 RUB/night ($25); mid-range from 4,000-6,000 RUB/night ($40-60).

Moscow offers incredible cultural and historical attractions. With a layover of 6+ hours (after clearing immigration), a city visit is possible.

From DME to central Moscow:

• Aeroexpress + Metro: 60-75 min to Red Square area
• Taxi: 50-90 min depending on traffic

Must-See Attractions:

Red Square & Kremlin (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Russia's most iconic landmark
• Includes St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, GUM shopping mall
• Metro: Okhotny Ryad or Ploshchad Revolyutsii
• Kremlin hours: 10am-6pm (closed Thursdays)
• Allow 2-4 hours for full visit

Tretyakov Gallery

• Premier collection of Russian art
• Metro: Tretyakovskaya
• Allow 2-3 hours

Moscow Metro

• Ornate stations are attractions themselves
• Self-guided tour of beautiful stations: Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii
• Single ride: 57 RUB

Other highlights:

• Gorky Park: Riverside park, modern and historic sections
• Arbat Street: Pedestrian shopping street, cafes, street performers
• Bolshoi Theatre: World-famous ballet and opera (book ahead)
• Moscow City: Modern skyscraper district

Practical Tips:

• Visa: Most nationalities require a Russian visa (apply in advance)
• Metro: Efficient and cheap; signs in Russian and English
• Language: English is limited outside tourist areas; download a translation app
• Weather: Cold winters (Nov-Mar), warm summers; dress in layers
• Safety: Moscow is generally safe; use common sense in crowded areas
• Payment: Cards widely accepted; carry some cash for small purchases

Day Trips (if you have time):

• Sergiev Posad: Historic monastery town, 75 km northeast (1.5 hours by train)
• Kolomenskoye: Former royal estate with 16th-century church (UNESCO site), accessible by metro