Sheremetyevo International Airport Guide (SVO) – Moscow

Airport Overview

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is Russia's largest and busiest airport and the primary international gateway to Moscow, handling approximately 45 million passengers per year. Located 29 km northwest of Moscow city centre, it has undergone massive expansion since 2018, transforming from a dated Soviet-era facility into a modern aviation hub. SVO serves as the main hub for Aeroflot, Russia's flag carrier, and historically was a key node in the SkyTeam network. The airport is named after the nearby historical Sheremetyevo estate and is one of the busiest airports in Eastern Europe.

Terminals

Sheremetyevo has six passenger terminals — B, C, D, E, F, and the newer Terminal C (Pushkin Terminal). The northern and southern terminal complexes are connected by the Aeroexpress rail link and road transport.

• Terminal B (Pushkin): Brand new terminal (opened 2020) handling domestic Aeroflot flights and connecting to the rail network.
• Terminal C: Additional domestic flights and regional routes.
• Terminals D, E, F (Northern complex): International arrivals and departures. Aeroflot international operations primarily use Terminal D and E. Terminal F handles additional international carriers.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout Sheremetyevo terminals under the network "SVO Free WiFi" or similar branded network. Connect by selecting the network and registering with a mobile phone number (SMS verification may be required) or via social media login. The free service provides unlimited access. Coverage is generally good throughout check-in areas, departure lounges, and airside gate areas. Paid premium WiFi is also available for faster speeds.

Transport to City Center

Aeroexpress Train

The Aeroexpress train provides a direct rail link from Sheremetyevo Airport (Terminal B station) to Moscow Belorussky railway station in the city centre, taking approximately 35 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes from approximately 06:00 to 00:30. A single adult ticket costs around 520 Russian Rubles (approximately €5.50). This is the fastest and most reliable way to avoid Moscow's notorious road traffic.

Bus Services

Several bus routes serve Sheremetyevo including city buses to Planernaya metro station (Line 7), from where the Moscow Metro can reach all parts of the city. Journey times to central Moscow by bus and metro combination typically take 60–90 minutes. Airport express buses also run to various city destinations.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare apps (Yandex Taxi, which is the dominant platform) are available from all terminals. A taxi to central Moscow typically costs 1,500–2,500 Rubles (approximately €16–27) and takes 40–90 minutes depending on traffic. Moscow's traffic can be severe during rush hours — avoid taxis during peak times if possible.

Airport Lounges

Sheremetyevo has a reasonable selection of airline and independent lounges, with Aeroflot's Business Lounge being the flagship facility.

• Aeroflot Business Class Lounge (Terminal D/E): Primary Aeroflot lounge for business class passengers and Aeroflot Bonus Platinum/Gold members, with hot Russian and international food, bar, and showers.
• Sky Priority Lounge (Terminal D): For SkyTeam Elite Plus members and business class passengers on partner airlines.
• VIP Hall (Terminal F): Premium pay-access VIP facility with personalized service and private dining rooms.
• Plaza Lounge (Terminal D): Independent lounge accepting Priority Pass, with hot food and bar service.
• Business Lounge (Terminal B): Domestic lounge serving Aeroflot business class passengers on Russian domestic routes.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport: Modern 4-star hotel directly connected to Terminal D via covered passage, with restaurant and fitness centre.
• Marriott Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport: Premium hotel in the airport area with full amenities and multiple dining options.
• Holiday Inn Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport: Well-appointed hotel near the terminal with free shuttle and good facilities.
• Mercure Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport: Mid-range hotel with shuttle service to the terminals and comfortable rooms.
• ibis Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport: Budget-friendly option near the airport with a free terminal shuttle.

Food and Restaurants

Sheremetyevo offers a growing selection of dining options across its terminals, with Russian cuisine well represented alongside international chains.

• Чайхона №1 (Chayhona No.1) (T D/E): Central Asian and Uzbek cuisine chain serving plov, lagman noodles, and samsa pastries — authentic and popular.
• Шоколадница (Shokoladnitsa) (multiple terminals): Popular Russian coffee and pastry chain with cakes, coffee, and light meals.
• McDonald's (T D, T B): Standard fast food available in multiple terminal locations.
• Burger King (T E, T F): Fast food chain with burgers and sides across the international terminals.
• Corner Café (T D): International café with sandwiches, wraps, salads, and hot drinks.
• Matreshka Restaurant (T D): Traditional Russian restaurant with borscht, pelmeni, and classic Russian dishes in a decorated setting.

Travel Tips

• The Aeroexpress train is by far the best way to reach central Moscow — Moscow's road traffic can be completely gridlocked during peak hours, making taxis very slow.
• Carry your passport and travel documents accessible at all times — Sheremetyevo has multiple security and passport control checkpoints throughout the transit process.
• Russian SIM cards can be purchased at airport kiosks if you need local data — major operators include Beeline, MTS, and MegaFon.
• Currency exchange desks are available but ATMs generally offer better rates — Russian Rubles (RUB) are the local currency.
• The airport's signage is primarily in Russian and English — the English signage is generally good enough to navigate without issues.
• Terminal D has the best range of shops and restaurants among the international terminals — plan to spend time here if connecting.
• Entry requirements for Russia change frequently — verify your visa requirements well before travel as requirements vary significantly by nationality.