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Moscow, Russia · 42 km from city centre

Domodedovo International Airport (DME)

Domodedovo is one of Moscow's major airports and a key hub for domestic and international flights. The airport operates a single passenger terminal and is linked to Moscow by Aeroexpress, bus and taxi.

Local currency
Russian Ruble (RUB / ₽)
Approx. mid-market rates
US dollar1 RUB ≈ 0.0136 USD
Euro1 RUB ≈ 0.0121 EUR
Chinese yuan1 RUB ≈ 0.0916 CNY

Approximate mid-market reference only. Check your bank or payment app for the exact cash/FX rate before travelling.

15.6M
Passengers/year (2024)
3h
Recommended arrival (intl)
42km
Distance from Moscow
27
Carriers operating
24/7
Airport operation
45min
Train to Moscow center

Security — what to expect at DME

Domodedovo maintains standard international security protocols. All passengers pass through security screening before accessing departure gates.

Arrive early during peak hours

Morning departures (06:00–10:00) and evening rush (17:00–20:00) can see longer queues. Domestic flights typically have lighter security than international. Allow extra time during holidays.

Security process flow

Terminal entry
Present ticket or booking confirmation to enter terminal building.
→
Check-in
Complete bag drop and collect boarding pass at airline counters.
→
Security screening
X-ray and metal detection. Liquids in 100ml containers, laptops out.
→
Passport control
International flights only. Have passport and visa (if required) ready.
→
Gate boarding
Proceed to departure gate. Monitor screens for any gate changes.

Liquid restrictions

Standard EU-style liquid rules apply: containers max 100ml, all in a clear 1-litre bag. Larger liquids (baby food, medicines) allowed with documentation.

Electronics screening

Laptops, tablets, and large electronic devices must be removed from bags and placed in separate trays. Phones can stay in your pocket.

Fast-track for premium passengers

Business class passengers and those with airline status can use fast-track security lanes. Look for signs or ask staff for directions.

Border control & customs

On Arrival

  1. Disembark & follow signs to "Passport Control"Main Terminal: short walk from gates. Follow "Arrivals" signs in Russian and English.
  2. Passport controlAll international passengers go through staffed passport control. Have passport and visa (if required) ready. Wait times: 10–45 min during peak.
  3. Baggage claimDomestic arrivals proceed directly to exit. International: collect luggage at designated carousel. Screens show belt numbers.
  4. CustomsGreen channel (nothing to declare) / Red channel. Random checks. Duty-free allowances: 3L alcohol, 200 cigarettes per adult.
  5. Exit to arrivals hallCurrency exchange, SIM cards, tourist info, car hire and taxi desks all in arrivals hall (Level 1).

Customs — what to know

Prohibited items

Narcotics, weapons, certain food products, endangered species products. Check Russian customs rules before travelling.

Alcohol

Up to 3L per adult duty-free

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars

Currency

Declare cash over $10,000 (or equiv.)

Gifts

Personal items up to $10,000 value

Terminal layout

Main Terminal International & Domestic

Modern unified terminal handling both international and domestic flights. Spacious with 4 levels:

  • Level 4: Departures, check-in counters (Rows A–K), security screening
  • Level 3: Departure gates (60+ gates), duty-free, lounges, restaurants
  • Level 2: International and domestic arrivals, baggage claim
  • Level 1: Arrivals hall, ground transport, Aeroexpress station

Single-terminal advantage

All flights operate from one building — no terminal transfers needed, even for connections.

Getting to & from the airport

Best option: Aeroexpress train

Fastest and most reliable. Runs every 30 minutes from early morning until midnight. Direct from airport to Paveletsky Station in Moscow centre.

Mode To Moscow Duration Price (approx) Notes
Train (Aeroexpress) Paveletsky Station (Moscow centre) 45–50 min Fastest ₽500–700 (~$6–8) Every 30 min. Station at airport, Level 1. Connects to Moscow Metro.
Bus (Mosgortrans) Domodedovskaya Metro Station 60–80 min Economical ₽150–200 (~$1.50–2) Routes 308, 408. Connects to Moscow Metro (Green line).
Taxi (official) Moscow city centre 60–120 min Traffic varies ₽1,500–3,000 (~$17–35) Use official taxi stands or apps. Fixed price often available. Available 24/7.
Yandex Go / Uber Any Moscow destination 60–120 min ₽1,200–2,500 (~$14–29) App-based rideshare. Often cheaper than official taxi. Track your ride in app.
Car hire Self-drive — From ₽2,500/day (~$29) Desks in arrivals hall: Avis, Hertz, Sixt, local rental companies. International licence + passport required.

Moscow traffic warning

Moscow has heavy traffic during rush hours (07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00). The Aeroexpress train is recommended during these times as it's unaffected by road congestion. Journey time by road can double during peak hours.

Emergency Numbers

24/7 emergency services in Russia

Emergency Numbers
24/7 emergency services
Emergency
112
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101

Mobile Connectivity

Local operators & SIM cards in Russia

Mobile Connectivity
Local operators & SIM cards
Major operators:
SIM card
SIM cards
MTS, Beeline and Tele2 are the most visible local options near the airport. Tourist SIM/eSIM packages vary by operator and plan; compare data caps, roaming and passport registration requirements before purchase.

Airport lounges

DME Business Lounge

Main business lounge airside with hot/cold food, bar, showers, fast Wi-Fi. Multiple locations across gates.

Business class Priority Pass

S7 Airlines Lounge

Available to S7 Airlines business class and eligible frequent flyers. Modern facilities, Russian and international cuisine.

Frequent flyer

Priority Pass / LoungeKey Lounges

Several partner lounges accessible with Priority Pass cards. Includes Business Lounge in Main Terminal and partner lounges for select airlines.

Priority Pass LoungeKey

Ural Airlines Lounge

For Ural Airlines business class passengers. Modern facilities with Russian and Asian cuisine options.

Business class Ural Status

DME Business Lounge

Pay-per-entry lounge available to all passengers. Hot and cold food, bar, showers, Wi-Fi. Ideal for long layovers.

Pay-in ₽2,000–3,500

Pay-on-entry lounges

Several lounges accept walk-in passengers for ~₽200–280 (~$55–75). Good option for long layovers without lounge access.

Walk-in ~$55–75

Facilities & services

Duty-Free Shopping

Extensive duty-free with cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, chocolates, Russian souvenirs and gifts

Dining & Cafés

International and Russian cuisine, fast food, coffee shops, bars throughout the terminal

Free Wi-Fi

Network: "DME Free WiFi". No registration required. Good speed throughout the terminal.

Currency Exchange

Multiple exchange offices and bank branches in arrivals and departures. ATMs accept all major cards.

SIM Cards

MTS, Beeline, MegaFon mobile shops in arrivals. Tourist SIMs with data from ~₽300/week.

Showers

Available in business lounges. Paid shower facilities also available in departures area.

Quiet Zones

Dedicated relaxation areas with comfortable seating for rest between flights.

Medical Centre

24/7 medical clinic in the terminal. First aid stations and defibrillators throughout.

Family Services

Mother and child rooms, children's play areas, baby changing facilities in all zones.

Charging Points

USB and power sockets at gates and waiting areas. Charging stations available for rent.

Accessibility

Full wheelchair access, lifts, accessible toilets. Request assistance from your airline in advance.

Luggage Storage

Left luggage facility in arrivals hall. Security screening required for all stored items.

Dining highlights

  • Shokoladnitsa — Popular Russian coffee house chain, excellent coffee and desserts
  • Mu-Mu — Traditional Russian cuisine, affordable hearty meals
  • Subway, Burger King — International fast food options available
  • Russian Bistro — Blini, borscht, pelmeni and other local dishes
  • Italian restaurants — Pizza and pasta options in departures area
  • Asian cuisine — Sushi and pan-Asian restaurants available
  • Pharmacy (36.6) — Medications, toiletries, baby products
  • Bookstores — Russian and international press, travel guides

Tips by passenger type

First-time visitors to Russia

  • Expect extended security questioning — have hotel address and host contacts ready
  • Request the entry slip (not a passport stamp) if you plan to visit Arab countries later
  • Download the VisitRussia app for navigation and tips
  • Exchange some cash — many street vendors are cash-only
  • Buy a local SIM at arrivals — Gett and Waze apps are essential in Russia

Transit passengers

  • Minimum recommended connection: 2.5 hours (all flights require full security re-screening)
  • All transit passengers go through standard security and questioning — no shortcuts
  • Airside facilities in Main Terminal are good — lounges, Wi-Fi, dining
  • If your connection is same terminal: no need to reclaim bags
  • Overnight transit: Main Terminal has 24/7 food service and comfortable seating areas

Families with children

  • Children also questioned separately at security — keep them calm and prepared
  • Family lanes available at security, ask security staff
  • Dedicated play area in departures hall (Main Terminal, Level 3)
  • Baby food and nappies available at pharmacy kiosks landside and airside
  • Priority boarding available for families with children under 2 on most airlines

Business travellers

  • DME Business Lounge offers best facilities — hot meals, showers, quiet workspaces
  • Fast-track security lanes for business class passengers at Main Terminal
  • Mobile check-in available on S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines, Emirates apps
  • Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout terminal — video calls work well

Passengers with reduced mobility

  • Request wheelchair assistance in advance from your airline (at least 48h before)
  • Dedicated security lanes for PRM (persons with reduced mobility)
  • Full lift access across all levels of Main Terminal
  • Special assistance desk in arrivals hall (Level 1)
  • Domodedovo Airport special assistance: +7 (495) 993-23-23

Religious travellers

  • Multi-faith prayer rooms available — check airport directory for locations
  • Quiet zones for meditation and prayer in international departures area
  • International and Russian cuisine available — various dietary options
  • Alcohol served in restaurants and bars
  • Some shops may be closed during major Russian Orthodox holidays

Departure day — ideal timeline

Based on an international departure. Times are relative to scheduled departure time (T).

T − 3h
Arrive at airportRecommended for international flights. Earlier during peak times and holidays.
T − 2h30
Check-in opensComplete bag drop at your airline counter. Self-service kiosks available for S7 Airlines, Emirates, and most major carriers.
T − 1h30
Security screeningX-ray and metal detection for passengers and carry-on luggage. Have liquids and electronics ready for inspection.
T − 1h15
Passport control (international)Border control for international departures. Have passport and boarding pass ready.
T − 1h
Airside — duty-free, lounges, diningLarge duty-free zone. Lounges on Level 3 of Main Terminal. Plenty of restaurants and cafés.
T − 40min
Head to gateGates announced on boards. Check screens for any gate changes.
T − 20min
Boarding beginsListen for boarding announcements. Have boarding pass and passport ready.

Airlines & routes

Russia carriers

27 carriers
more than 80 destinations

International carriers

  • UK & Ireland: London (LHR/LGW/STN), Dublin (DUB), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), Birmingham (BHX)
  • Western Europe: Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG/ORY), Frankfurt (FRA), Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Lisbon (LIS)
  • Scandinavia: Copenhagen (CPH), Stockholm (ARN), Oslo (OSL), Helsinki (HEL)

Frequently asked questions

Arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours for domestic flights. During peak periods (summer, holidays), arrive 3.5–4 hours early. Security and passport control can take 30–60 minutes during busy times.

Yes. The Aeroexpress train runs from Paveletsky Railway Station to Domodedovo Airport every 30 minutes. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes. Trains operate from 06:00 to 00:00. Tickets cost ₽500–700 and can be purchased online or at station machines.

Best options: Aeroexpress train (45 min to Paveletsky Station, ₽500–700), taxi/rideshare (60–90 min depending on traffic, ₽1,500–3,000 via Yandex Go or Uber), or bus (60–80 min to Domodedovskaya Metro, ₽150–200).

Most airlines use the Main Terminal. Some domestic flights by S7 Airlines and other carriers may operate from Terminal 2. The terminals are connected by a covered walkway (5-minute walk). Always check your booking confirmation for terminal information.

Several hotels are within 5–10 minutes of the airport: Hotel Alpha (5 min), Aerotel Domodedovo (10 min), and Park Inn by Radisson (8 min). Many offer free airport shuttles. For city centre hotels, the Aeroexpress provides fast access.

Russian Ruble (RUB / ₽). Cards (Visa/Mastercard/Mir) are widely accepted in Moscow. Cash is useful for small vendors, taxis, and tips. ATMs at the airport give good rates; currency exchange bureaus in the arrivals hall are convenient but may have slightly higher rates than city banks.

Useful contacts