Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) - Image 1
1 / 3

Sheremetyevo International Airport

4.3
·39k reviews·Khimki, Russia

Russia's largest international airport, SVO is a gateway to Moscow with modern terminals and efficient transport links, though navigating its scale re...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the rush

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) - Image 1

Sheremetyevo International Airport

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the rush

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Russia's largest international airport, SVO is a gateway to Moscow with modern terminals and efficient transport links, though navigating its scale requires planning.

4.3
(39k reviews)

"Despite the massive crowds, well organised check in, security and boarding. Staff were helpful, signages are clear."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Confirm Your Terminal

Crucial! Airlines sometimes change terminals. Always verify your departure terminal before arriving.

💰 Bring Cash (New Bills!)

Foreign cards may not work. Carry new, clean Russian Rubles. Old or stained bills can be rejected.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Terminal B's Modern Design

Terminal B's Modern Design

Terminal B

A spacious and modern terminal with ample shops, cafes, and amenities. A stark contrast to the initial security experience.

Rublev Business Lounge

Rublev Business Lounge

Terminal B, 3rd Floor

Award-winning lounge with a 34-meter buffet, spa zone, and unique Siberian products for sale. A luxurious escape.

Aeroexpress Train

Aeroexpress Train

Connecting to Moscow City

A fast and efficient way to travel between Sheremetyevo and downtown Moscow. A convenient option for reaching your final destination.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Terminal Awareness is Key

Sheremetyevo (SVO) is a sprawling airport with multiple terminals. Always double-check your departure terminal before heading to the airport, as airlines can change them. Terminals A, B, and C form the Southern Complex, while D, E, and F are the Northern Complex. Navigating between them requires planning.

Currency and Communication

Russia's banking situation means foreign credit cards may not work. Bring sufficient cash in new, clean bills. While many staff are helpful, some may have limited English proficiency, so having basic Russian phrases or a translation app can be beneficial.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the rush
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Confirm Your Terminal

Crucial! Airlines sometimes change terminals. Always verify your departure terminal before arriving. Reddit

💰 Bring Cash (New Bills!)

Foreign cards may not work. Carry new, clean Russian Rubles. Old or stained bills can be rejected. Reddit

🗣️ Basic Russian Phrases

Some staff have limited English. Knowing a few phrases can ease communication. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Extra Time

Security lines can be long and slow. Factor in ample time for checks. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Confirm Your Terminal

Crucial! Airlines sometimes change terminals. Always verify your departure terminal before arriving. Reddit

💰 Bring Cash (New Bills!)

Foreign cards may not work. Carry new, clean Russian Rubles. Old or stained bills can be rejected. Reddit

🗣️ Basic Russian Phrases

Some staff have limited English. Knowing a few phrases can ease communication. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Extra Time

Security lines can be long and slow. Factor in ample time for checks. Reddit

☕ Expensive Airport Food

Food and drinks are pricier than in the city. Consider eating before you arrive if on a budget. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(39k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sheremetyevo International Airport is a large, modern facility with impressive terminals like Terminal B, offering numerous amenities. However, travelers frequently cite long and slow security queues as a major drawback. Communication can also be a challenge due to limited English proficiency among some staff, and the unreliability of foreign credit cards necessitates carrying cash with strict currency requirements.

"Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) named after A.S. Pushkin is one of the largest airports in Russia, located 30 km from Moscow.
It is one of the ten largest airports in Europe. The most multi-terminal airport in Russia.
Important! Check your departure terminal in advance, because airlines sometimes change their schedules.

Terminals A, B and C belong to the Southern Terminal Complex (Sheremetyevo-1). Terminal A was the first passenger terminal, opened in 1964, but now it is intended for private flights - it was replaced by the new Terminal B, which has been operating since 2018 and serves domestic and some international flights. Aeroflot, Rossiya, Pobeda and other airlines fly here.

Terminal C is used mainly for international flights and business aviation. It is less crowded than B and there is a covered passage between them - it takes about 5-10 minutes to walk.

If you need to get to the Northern Terminal Complex (D, E, F), you can take the Aeroexpress or a free bus.

So, first, let's talk about
Terminal B.
Opened in 2018, its capacity is up to 20 million passengers per year.
Serves domestic and some international flights of airlines: Aeroflot, Rossiya, Pobeda, UTair and so on.

There are 108 check-in counters inside.

SVO Duty Free shops operate in the international departures sector.

Additional services: cafes, pharmacies, ATMs, children's rooms, a mother and child room, free Wi-Fi.

Terminal B has two main business lounges: Rublev and Kandinsky.

The Rublev business lounge is located on the 3rd floor of Terminal B, in the security area, next to boarding gates 105 and 106. It is very large, with a capacity of 500 seats and occupies two floors with a total area of up to 2,600 m².
Its design is inspired by Russian culture, made by a famous bureau, and has received many awards, for example, in 2018 it was recognized as the best in Russia and the CIS according to the Business Traveller Awards.
I read on the Internet that it has the longest business lounge buffet in the world - 34 meters.
On the second floor of Rublev, there is a Clarins Skin Spa zone.

Overall, a good impression of the business lounge, but there are a number of comments.
The toilet needs to be cleaned better, it is not very neat.
They clear the tables slowly, reluctantly, lazily.
The employees at the food distribution try, smile, are friendly. The hall itself is very comfortable, there are places to lie down or eat in a pleasant atmosphere.
At the entrance to the hall, they sell products made in Siberia, as well as black and red caviar in jars.
We got impressive photos of unusual products. It would probably be good to bring something from Siberia as a gift, for example, dried berries.

Most impressive was the passage through the inspection counters at the entrance to the terminal. This is not how to treat people. Visitors move in line for about 40 minutes to get their things inspected. Very inconvenient, slow. The hall has low ceilings, hundreds of people in a small room.

After that, of course, you get into the beautiful halls of Terminal B, spacious, with many shops and cafes. Everything is done very well here, at a high level. But the terminal begins with the entrance, where the inspection takes place, and here it is necessary to create the same conditions so that people can get to the main halls without such queues and difficulties. Make a place in one of the lounges where hundreds of passengers are served at the same time, so that it is spacious, comfortable and light. This is a proposal to the airport management. Try to go through such difficulties when entering the terminal with your things. After all, because of this, some passengers are late to check in their luggage for their flights.
A suggestion for the airport management would be to improve the security check area to make it more spacious and efficient."

Azar

"It was my connection hub and I spent a lot of time discovering this place.
I may say that the main issue is in that the most flight agents dont speak other languages than Russian and I have seen that some passengers had real issue to communicate and check-in.
I was asked to provide my foreign address and all destinations/connections where I am going.
TSA registration passed smoothly.
There is a capsule hotel where passengers can take a nap but because this an airport and I believe there is too noisy to sleep.
Many food stations with variety of dishes and beverages (slavic traditional/asian/mideastern cousins) but these dishes are much expensive than somewhere in the city.
If you have some hours before your flight, you can visit aviation museum/free exhibition.
If you need a transfer, take an Aeroexpress (a rapid train that is running between the Sheremetievo airport and Moscow downtown for $10 one way. You can buy it in counter or in a kiosk but you need to understand at least elementary Russian.
Foreign debit/credit cards dont work there, so it would be good to have some bills (like $1, 5, 10) but these bills should look new with no stains, ink or dirt. All national banks work with ideally look currency."

Miss Me

"Busy yet very smooth travel experience. Despite the massive crowds, Well organised check in, security and boarding. Staff were helpful, signages are clear. A good example of how a busy airport can still offer a hassle free journey."

Hamood AlDhawi

What People Like

Modern terminals
Good amenities
Aeroexpress convenience

What People Dislike

Long security lines
Language barriers
Poor exchange rates

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way is the Aeroexpress train, which runs frequently to downtown Moscow. You can purchase tickets at counters or kiosks, but be aware that some may require basic Russian language skills. Foreign debit/credit cards might not be accepted, so have cash ready. Reddit

Yes, there are bus routes available, though they are generally slower than the Aeroexpress. They can be a more budget-friendly option if you have more time. Check local schedules for specific routes and stops. Reddit

Official airport taxis are available, but it's advisable to book through official channels or reputable apps to avoid overcharging. Ride-sharing apps are also an option. Reddit

Terminals A, B, and C are connected by a covered walkway (5-10 minutes walk). For the Northern Complex (D, E, F), you can use the Aeroexpress or a free shuttle bus service. Reddit

While the airport is large, signage is generally clear. However, communication can be a challenge as not all staff speak fluent English. Having a translation app or basic Russian phrases can be very helpful. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are generally not required for airport entry itself, but you will need a boarding pass for your flight. For services like the Aeroexpress, advance purchase is recommended, especially if you prefer to avoid potential language barriers at ticket counters. Reddit

Sheremetyevo International Airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, individual shops, cafes, and services within the terminals may have specific operating hours. Reddit

While basic amenities like Wi-Fi are often free, certain services such as business lounges, capsule hotels, and some premium seating areas may incur fees. The Aeroexpress train also has a fare. Reddit

Check-in procedures are standard. You'll proceed to your airline's counter for baggage drop and boarding pass issuance. Self-service kiosks are also available for many airlines. Be prepared for potentially long queues, especially during peak hours. Reddit

Unfortunately, long security queues are a common complaint. Arriving very early or traveling during off-peak hours might help. Some business lounges may offer expedited security, but this is not guaranteed. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

Sheremetyevo offers a range of amenities including cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, ATMs, pharmacies, children's rooms, and mother-and-child facilities. Free Wi-Fi is also available. Reddit

Yes, there is a capsule hotel for passengers needing to rest. However, some travelers find it too noisy for sleep due to the airport environment. Many lounges also offer comfortable seating. Reddit

You'll find a variety of food stations offering traditional Slavic, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Be aware that airport dining is generally more expensive than in the city. Reddit

Currency exchange offices are available, but their rates are significantly lower than those found in the city. It's advisable to exchange only a small amount if absolutely necessary. Reddit

Yes, free Wi-Fi is typically available throughout the terminals. You may need to register with a phone number or email address to access it. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the airport often features aviation museums or free exhibitions that can be interesting for photography. The modern architecture of Terminal B also offers good visual appeal. Reddit

Generally, photography is permitted in public areas of the airport for personal use. However, it's always wise to be discreet and avoid photographing security personnel or sensitive areas. Reddit

The modern interiors of Terminal B, particularly the spacious halls and unique design elements, can make for great shots. If there are any exhibitions, those would also be good subjects. Reddit

Aircraft photography from public areas might be restricted or subject to airport regulations. It's best to check with airport security or information desks if you plan to do extensive plane spotting. Reddit

The Rublev Business Lounge reportedly sells Siberian products and caviar, which could make for interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sheremetyevo Airport provides dedicated children's rooms and mother-and-child rooms to accommodate families. These spaces offer a more private and comfortable environment for feeding, changing, and entertaining young children. Reddit

While the airport has many amenities, it's wise to pack snacks and entertainment for children, as airport food can be expensive and queues for services can be long. Ensure you have enough cash for any unexpected needs, as card acceptance can be unreliable. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Aeroexpress train is a good option for reaching Moscow, but be mindful of the fare. Buses are a cheaper alternative if time is not a constraint. Reddit

Avoid exchanging currency at the airport due to poor rates; exchange money in the city. Also, consider eating before you arrive at the airport, as food and beverage prices are significantly higher within the terminals. Reddit

💼 Business Travelers

Sheremetyevo offers business lounges, such as the Rublev Lounge in Terminal B, which provide a more productive and comfortable environment for working or relaxing. These lounges often feature Wi-Fi, food, and quiet seating areas. Reddit

Ensure you have sufficient cash, as foreign credit cards may not be accepted for services or purchases. Confirming your terminal and allowing ample time for security checks is also crucial to avoid missing meetings or flights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Sheremetyevo's Terminals

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is a large and complex facility, divided into two main complexes: the Southern (Terminals A, B, C) and the Northern (Terminals D, E, F). Terminal B, opened in 2018, is a modern hub for domestic and some international flights, boasting high passenger capacity and numerous amenities. Terminal C primarily handles international flights and business aviation, often being less crowded than Terminal B, with a convenient covered walkway connecting the two. Reddit

For travelers needing to move between the Southern and Northern complexes, the Aeroexpress train is a primary option, also serving as a vital link to Moscow city center. Alternatively, a free shuttle bus service operates between terminals, providing another accessible way to navigate the airport's vastness. It's crucial to confirm your departure terminal well in advance, as airline schedules can change, and misidentifying your terminal can lead to significant delays and stress. Reddit

Pro Tip: If you have a tight connection, factor in the time needed to travel between terminals, especially if you're moving from the far end of one complex to the other. Always check airport maps or ask information desks for the most efficient routes. Reddit

Currency and Payment Challenges

Due to international sanctions, Russia's financial system has been impacted, meaning foreign debit and credit cards may not be accepted at many establishments, including within Sheremetyevo Airport. This necessitates carrying a substantial amount of cash. Reddit

It's important to note that Russian banks have strict requirements for currency. Bills must be new, clean, and free of stains or dirt. Even minor imperfections can lead to rejection. Travelers are advised to obtain pristine currency before arriving or exchange it carefully. The exchange rates at the airport are notoriously poor, significantly lower than in the city, making it advisable to exchange only a minimal amount if absolutely necessary. Reddit

Community Insight: Several travelers have reported difficulties using their cards and have emphasized the need for cash. Some have also highlighted the significant difference in exchange rates, advising to exchange money in the city for better value. Reddit

Business Lounge Experience

Sheremetyevo Airport offers several business lounges, with the Rublev Business Lounge in Terminal B being a notable example. This award-winning lounge is known for its impressive size and amenities, including what's described as the world's longest business lounge buffet at 34 meters. It also features a Clarins Skin Spa zone and offers unique Siberian products for purchase. Reddit

While the lounge provides a comfortable environment with ample seating and pleasant ambiance, some reviews mention areas for improvement. Cleanliness in the restrooms and the speed of table clearing have been cited as drawbacks. Despite these minor issues, the lounge is generally seen as a good place to relax, eat, and escape the main terminal crowds. Reddit

Traveler Tip: If you have access to a business lounge, it can be a valuable respite, especially during long layovers or if you encounter delays. It offers a more controlled and comfortable environment compared to the general airport areas. Reddit

You may also like