How to get to Moscow city center from Vnukovo airport

Are you planning a trip to Moscow and landing at Vnukovo Airport? Navigating from the airport to the city center can feel daunting, but fear not! This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make your journey seamless and enjoyable. Let's explore the best options for getting from Vnukovo Airport to the heart of Moscow.

There are three primary ways to reach Moscow from Vnukovo Airport:

• Public transportation: bus and metro combination
• Aeroexpress train
• Taxi or private transfer

Getting to Moscow by bus and metro

The bus and metro option is not only cost-effective but also provides a glimpse into local life. While there are several bus lines available, the most recommended are:

• Bus 611: This bus takes you directly to the metro station of "Yugo-Zapadnaya."
• Bus 911: This route leads to the "Salar’evo" metro station.

Both bus routes connect with the same metro line, the Line 1 (Red Line), which traverses the center of Moscow.

Where to catch the bus at Vnukovo Airport? Upon arriving in the main hall, exit the terminal and cross the road to reach a median island. Here, you will find a large entrance resembling a subway station. Enter and descend the stairs, continuing straight until you see the sign "Exit to the municipal bus stop."

The fare for the bus ride is 55 rubles (approximately €0.75), payable to the driver. It’s advisable to use a cash card like the Revolut card to withdraw cash from ATMs in the airport, which can also be used to buy a local SIM card for easy communication. The driver will provide a single-use cardboard ticket that is valid only for the bus journey; you will need a separate ticket for the metro.

Upon arriving at the metro station (either "Yugo-Zapadnaya" or "Salar’evo"), purchase either an individual ticket or a multi-day pass. The Red Line of the metro will take you through various central stops, including Kropotkinskaya, Biblioteka imeni Lenina, Lubyanka, and Chistye Prudy.

We spent about 35 minutes on the bus (not including the short wait) and around 25 minutes on the metro from Yugo-Zapadnaya to Chistye Prudy.

Traveling by Aeroexpress train

The Aeroexpress train is arguably the fastest and most straightforward method to reach Moscow from Vnukovo Airport. However, it only has one stop in the city: the Kievsky Station, located in the southwest. From here, you can easily access various metro lines at the Kievskaya station, including Line 3, Line 4, and Line 5.

The cost of the Aeroexpress ticket is 450 rubles (just over €6) if purchased online at least four days in advance. If you buy the ticket at the station, it will cost 500 rubles. There are also special fares, such as the DUO fare for two, which costs 850 rubles (available both online and in person), or a round trip for the same price. For more details on fares and booking, you can visit here.

The journey takes about 35 minutes to reach Kievsky Station, plus any additional time needed to navigate the metro to your accommodation.

Additionally, Aeroexpress offers a convenient TRAIN + TAXI service, allowing you to book a taxi upon arrival at Kievsky Station. With this option, you can expect to pay 700 rubles for one person, 1100 rubles for two, and 1200 rubles for up to four people. More information about this service can be found here.

Taxi or private transfer options

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can easily reserve a taxi upon arrival. Look for official counters marked "TAXI" where you can book your ride. The fare typically ranges from 1500 to 2000 rubles (approximately €20-27). It’s advisable to avoid unofficial taxi drivers who may approach you as you exit, as they often charge exorbitant rates and may not provide safe transportation.

Using ride-hailing apps like Yandex Taxi can be a more economical option, though internet access is necessary to use the app for booking.

Another excellent choice is to pre-book a private transfer. This service often includes a welcome meeting with a sign bearing your name, eliminating any confusion upon arrival. The price for a private transfer is around €35. Reservations for this service can be made here.

By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to reach the center of Moscow from Vnukovo Airport. We hope this guide helps you navigate your journey to Russia's vibrant capital with ease and confidence!

For more travel tips, check out this informative video that visually demonstrates various transport options from Vnukovo Airport to Moscow:

When planning your travel, consider these additional services:

How to Get to Warsaw from the Airport

5 Activities to Enjoy in the Aragonese Pyrenees for a Weekend

7 Best Affordable Restaurants to Eat in Mérida Mexico