Air
Direct flights to Moscow are available from New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, most European hubs and throughout Asia. Aeroflot Russian International Airlines has direct connections to approximately 150 international destinations as well as several domestic routes (www.aeroflot.org). However, many other international carriers have direct connections with Moscow, including but not limited to British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, BMI, Delta, Virgin, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, Swiss Airlines, AirMalta, China Eastern, Thai Airways, El Al, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. The main international and domestic airport is Sheremetyevo 2 (www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru), located approximately 20 miles (30 km) northwest of the city, with Domodedovo Airport (www.domodedovo.ru) being a secondary international airport catering for a handful of international carriers. The two other airports, Sheremetyevo 1 and the newly renovated Vnukovo, primarily cater for domestic flights and flights to the Caucasus and Germany. The direct flight time from Los Angeles is 12 hours, from New York 8.5 hours, from London 4 hours and from Sydney approximately 26 hours with connections. Options for getting into the city from Sheremetyevo 2, include a bus and metro combination for approximately 25R, a train and bus combination taking about 1h 20mins and costing 50R, or a taxi that will cost around 1400R and is probably the easiest and most convenient option for those with luggage. When arranging for a taxi, it is best to go to an official airport taxi counter.
Train
There are several main stations around Moscow. These include Belorrussia, Kazanski, Yaroslavki, Leningradski, Kurski, Kievski, Paveletski, and Riga Station. Each station services different parts of the country, the Caucasus, Germany and Finland. Train travel is pleasant and convenient, with a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the Russian countryside. Some rail services, such as the Grand, offer high-class compartments with showers. For useful information go to www.mza.ru.
Before You Go
US citizens need a valid passport and visa to enter Russia. Ideally, it is best to contact the Russian Consulate at least three weeks before departing. The consulate will need proof of hotel reservations when submitting for the visa. A useful website for visa requirements is www.gotorussia.net. It is also important to note that visitors must carry their passports and visas, or a copy of them, at all times.
Car
There are several rental car companies located within Sheremetyevo 2 airport. However, driving into Moscow is an experience we do not recommend.
