Landing in Moscow is easier when you choose the transfer before the aircraft door opens. This guide compares the practical rail, express-bus and taxi choices from Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo, without promising a timetable that may change on your travel day.
Choose by destination, luggage and arrival time
Do not choose only by the word “centre”. Moscow is large. Put your hotel address into a route planner and compare the complete door-to-door journey. If your hotel has several buildings or entrances, save its exact Russian address offline.
Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO)
Aeroexpress lists rail services between Sheremetyevo and Moscow, with central-city stops that include Belorussky and other stations on the route. Its official route information also lists express buses between the airport and Khovrino metro station. The best option depends on your terminal and your final district.
- Check the terminal shown on your flight and arrival board.
- Open the live Aeroexpress route and timetable, not an old screenshot.
- Compare the railway arrival station with the Khovrino metro route to your hotel.
- Allow time for terminal movement and the city connection.
The Moscow Transport portal also maintains a dedicated Sheremetyevo transport page. At the time of review, Aeroexpress was warning of temporary train changes from 22 October to 30 November 2026; this is exactly why the same-day timetable matters.
Domodedovo Airport (DME)
Aeroexpress trains connect Domodedovo with Paveletsky railway station and also serve Verkhnie Kotly, where a city interchange may be convenient. Moscow Transport lists both Aeroexpress and suburban trains, as well as airport bus services.
Before buying, compare the operator, journey time, stopping pattern and ticket conditions. “Train to Moscow” can describe different services. If you have an appointment or a separate onward ticket, use the official timetable and add a buffer rather than relying on the usual interval.
Start with the official Domodedovo transport page and the Aeroexpress live schedule.
Vnukovo Airport (VKO): do not look for an old Aeroexpress route
Aeroexpress ended operation of its Vnukovo route on 1 August 2024. The rail connection remained in service under the Central Suburban Passenger Company, using Lastochka trains between Vnukovo and Kievsky railway station with a stop at Aminievskaya for the Big Circle Line. This distinction prevents a common planning error: an old guide may still call every airport train “Aeroexpress”.
Use the official Vnukovo transport page and verify the current operator, platform and timetable for your date. The airport is also connected to Moscow public transport; compare the complete route to your accommodation.
Using a taxi or pickup without confusion
- Use an official airport desk, your hotel’s confirmed transfer or a reputable app available to you.
- Do not follow unsolicited drivers in the arrivals hall.
- Match the vehicle registration and pickup point before boarding.
- Confirm the final address and payment method in advance.
- Keep your passport, phone and essential documents with you, not in an unattended bag.
If your foreign bank card may not work in Russia, arrange a usable payment method before departure and keep a backup. See our hotels and payments checklist; never send full card details to an unknown driver or intermediary.
If you land late or the flight is delayed
Check the last usable train or bus after you have the real landing time, passport-control time and baggage situation. A service departing shortly after touchdown is not a realistic connection. Save the airport, hotel and assistance contacts before leaving Wi‑Fi coverage.
If disruption changes your plan, use our Moscow airport delay and cancellation guide. For urgent situations, keep the Moscow emergency numbers guide available offline.
Moscow airport transfer questions
Should I buy an airport-train ticket before flying?
You may, but first verify your airport, terminal, date and operator. Read the fare conditions and live schedule. A flexible plan can be better when arrival time is uncertain.
Which Moscow station should I choose?
Choose the station that gives the simplest complete route to your accommodation, not necessarily the most famous terminal. Check walking distance, interchanges and luggage.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Do not assume it. Payment acceptance can differ by operator and sales channel. Confirm the current options and carry a practical backup.
How much connection time should I allow?
There is no universal number. Include passport control, baggage, terminal walking, waiting, the city transfer and a disruption margin. Avoid a tight self-transfer to a separately booked train or flight.
Continue planning your first Moscow day
Once the airport transfer is settled, save the address in Russian and plan the final metro or walking segment.
Open the first-week checklist →Reviewed 23 October 2026. Official references: Aeroexpress, routes, live timetable and Moscow Transport. Schedules, fares and terminal arrangements can change; recheck them on the day of travel.