How to make the most out of your layover in Moscow

Russia's capital, Moscow, is home to no fewer than four international airports. The largest of them, Sheremetyevo, is connected to the heart of the capital by the Aeroexpress train, with a journey time of around 35 minutes. That means it's possible to head into the city and experience Moscow for yourself, even on a fairly short layover.

If you've had enough of the airport lounge, a Moscow layover does give you the opportunity to experience the Russian capital but be aware that you may need a Russian transit visa if you want to visit. We'll talk more about visa requirements later in this article, but it's something you need to keep in mind before you start making your plans.

Once you have that, Sheremetyevo Airport can be a great gateway to the capital city and iconic sights like Red Square and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Drop off your bags at a convenient Bounce luggage storage in Moscow, and you can visit Russia at least a little, even on a fairly short layover. We partner with local businesses to provide luggage storage locations near the airport and throughout the city center, including the major Metro stations, so you can leave your bags behind with us for a few hours, see a little bit of the city, and make it back to the airport in time for your next flight.

Things to know about Sheremetyevo Airport

Airport layout and terminals

Sheremetyevo is divided into several terminals, each catering to different types of flights:

• Terminal B: Handles domestic flights.
• Terminal C: Focused on international flights.
• Terminals D, E, and F: Serve both domestic and international routes.

The terminals are connected by pedestrian walkways or shuttle services, making transfers convenient. Signs are available in both Russian and English for ease of navigation.

Transportation to Central Moscow

Sheremetyevo Airport is well-connected to central Moscow by various transport options:

• Aeroexpress train: Offers a direct, non-stop connection to Belorussky Station in central Moscow in approximately 35 minutes.
• Buses: Municipal buses provide budget-friendly connections to metro stations like Planernaya (Route 817) and Rechnoy Vokzal (Route 851).
• Taxis and rideshares: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. Opt for official taxi services or reputable ridesharing apps like Yandex.Taxi to ensure fair pricing and safety.

Visa requirements

If you plan to leave the airport during your layover, ensure you have the necessary visa. Most travelers will need a transit visa or a standard entry visa, depending on their nationality. Check Russian visa requirements in advance to avoid complications.

The list of countries whose citizens can visit Russia without a visa is long, and it includes some European countries like Croatia and Andorra, along with many Central and South American countries and former Soviet republics like Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. However, it does not include any majority English-speaking countries, so if you're from the United States, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, you'll need to apply for a visa before you arrive in Russia. Tourist visas are good for 180 days and need to be applied for well in advance, so if you only have a short layover, it may not be worth the effort and expense you need to go to.

However, if you already have a Russian visa and are just passing through Moscow Airport, you are free to head out of the airport and visit the city for yourself.

What to do in Moscow during a layover

Sheremetyevo is equipped with numerous amenities and services to keep travelers comfortable during layovers.

Short layover in Moscow (2-3 hours): Stay at the airport

If your layover is brief, relax and enjoy Sheremetyevo’s facilities.

• Activities: Shop at duty-free outlets offering international and Russian goods, including souvenirs, cosmetics, and spirits. Relax in one of the airport’s lounges, such as MasterCard Lounge or Aeroflot Lounge, many of which are accessible for a fee.
• Dining: Sample Russian dishes like blinis or borscht at Mu-Mu Cafe. Or, enjoy international options, including Italian and Asian cuisine, at the airport’s various restaurants.

Half-day layover in Moscow (4-6 hours): Explore nearby or stay at the airport

If you have a longer layover, consider taking the Aeroexpress to central Moscow or exploring nearby attractions.

• Activities: If staying at the airport, visit the Airport Capsule Hotel for a short rest or enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi for streaming or catching up on work. For those heading into the city, start with Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, easily accessible via the Aeroexpress and a short metro ride. Leaving your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage will make it much easier to visit these iconic locations and make the most of your time here.
• Dining: At the airport, try TGI Fridays or Shokoladnitsa for a familiar dining experience. If in Moscow, enjoy authentic Russian cuisine at Dr. Zhivago, near Red Square.

Full-day layover in Moscow (8+ hours): Explore the city

A full-day layover allows you to explore Moscow’s iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in its culture. This is a city steeped in history, after all, with Russia being one of the major players in 20th-century global events. It's also a cultural powerhouse, with some of the world's greatest writers, musicians, and artists coming from here. The Russian capital in many ways offers a glimpse of another world, especially for those from the West, so even a couple of hours here can show you something completely different and well worth seeing on a Moscow layover.

• Activities: Take the Aeroexpress to the city center and visit the Kremlin, Red Square, and GUM Department Store. These are some of the most well-known destinations in the city, and as well as offering a fantastic photo opportunity, they give you a chance to get a sense of Russian history at some of the most iconic locations in the country. Walk along Arbat Street to browse shops, cafes, and street art. If time allows, visit Zaryadye Park for stunning views of the Kremlin and Moscow River. You won't want to drag heavy bags around with you while you explore the park, so make sure you leave them behind at a Bounce luggage storage so you can travel hands-free.
• Dining: Try Café Pushkin for an elegant meal featuring traditional Russian dishes. Visit Varenichnaya No. 1 for hearty dumplings and borscht in a cozy setting.

Tips for navigating Sheremetyevo Airport

• Leave ample time: Leave at least 1-2 hours to return to the airport and clear security and passport control, especially if you’re flying internationally. Given Russia's potentially complex visa situation, it's better to allow yourself as much time as possible.
• Language: Signs are in Russian and English in the airport itself, but learning basic Russian phrases or using a translation app can be helpful. Once you are in Moscow, you may find it difficult to find anyone who speaks English beyond the most basic level. Translation apps on your phone can help bridge the gaps so that you can find your way around.
• Currency: Russia uses the ruble (RUB). Don't expect credit cards to be widely accepted in Russia; it's a good idea to have some cash with you to cover whatever you want to buy while you're in the city. Also, remember that foreign banking cards may not work in Russia, so it may be necessary to change cash at the airport once you arrive.
• Weather: If heading into the city, check the weather and dress appropriately, especially during the winter months. Moscow can be very cold in the winter, and very wet during the spring thaw. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended, as you will probably be doing plenty of walking while you explore the city.
• LGBT travelers should be aware that while homosexuality is not a criminal offense in Russia, there is no protection from hate crimes either. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognized the way that heterosexual ones are, and attitudes toward homosexuality may be hostile. This is probably a place where you'll want to avoid overt displays of affection with your same-sex partner for your own safety.

Whether you’re relaxing in the airport’s lounges, shopping at its duty-free outlets, or exploring Moscow’s iconic Red Square during a longer layover, Sheremetyevo offers a range of options to enhance your travel experience. But thanks to its excellent public transport connections with the center of Moscow, you can definitely consider heading into the city to experience it for yourself, especially if you have your visa paperwork in order.

Leaving your bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage makes it a breeze to get around the city and make the most of your time here. Let us look after your heavy things while you explore, knowing you can pick them up when it's time to make your connecting flight to your final destination.