Moscow Airports: A Guide for International Students Arriving in Russia
Moscow is the largest transport hub and the main "gateway" to the country. This is where the vast majority of foreign citizens who have decided to get higher education in the Russian Federation arrive. If you plan to come to Russia to study, your acquaintance with the country will likely begin with one of the three main capital airports.
In this article, the Global Education team has gathered the most important and up-to-date information for 2026 to make your arrival as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Ticket
Many foreigners mistakenly try to find a flight to the airport that is closest to their future university. You shouldn't do this. Immediately after arrival, students almost never go straight to the academic building — first of all, you will go to your initial place of residence: a student dormitory, hostel, or rented apartment.
Therefore, when choosing a ticket, focus on the availability of convenient direct flights or comfortable layovers. Any Moscow airport accepts foreign citizens and has a developed transport infrastructure that allows you to get to the city in less than an hour.
Important 2026 Rule: You can no longer buy a local SIM card immediately upon arrival right inside the airport building due to strict subscriber registration rules. We recommend activating international roaming for the first couple of days in advance, getting a virtual eSIM, or using the free Wi-Fi in the airport terminals to contact the people meeting you.
Overview of Moscow Airports
Sheremetyevo (SVO)
Sheremetyevo is the largest airport in Russia, receiving a huge flow of international flights from Asia, the Middle East, the CIS, and other regions.
Terminals: The main hub for international flights is the modern Terminal C. Domestic flights and some international ones are also handled in Terminal B. They are combined into a single complex, making it very easy to navigate thanks to clear signs in English and Chinese.
How to get there: The most reliable way to leave for the city is the high-speed "Aeroexpress" train, which will take you to Belorussky railway station (central Moscow) in 40–50 minutes. There are also regular express buses from the airport to the nearest metro stations.
Domodedovo (DME)
The second largest airport, which traditionally receives many flights from the CIS, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Terminals: A feature of Domodedovo is that all departures and arrivals take place in one huge building. International flights arrive at the Terminal 2 (T2) segment, which smoothly transitions into the main zone. You won't have to travel between different buildings.
How to get there: The "Aeroexpress" train runs from Domodedovo to Paveletsky railway station (about 45 minutes). Buses to the "Domodedovskaya" metro station also depart directly from the terminal exits.
Vnukovo (VKO)
Vnukovo is often chosen for low-cost flights, as well as airplanes from neighboring countries.
Terminals: All main flights are served in the large passenger Terminal A. It is a very compact and intuitive airport.
How to get there: Vnukovo is the only airport in Moscow directly connected to the metro. The station is located right in the terminal, allowing students to get anywhere in the city as cheaply as possible and without traffic jams. The "Aeroexpress" to Kievsky railway station is also available.
Night Arrivals: What to Prepare For
If your flight arrives in Moscow late at night (from 00:00 to 05:30), keep in mind that the metro and "Aeroexpress" trains do not operate during this time. Public transport is represented only by rare night buses, which can be inconvenient if you have heavy luggage.
At night, the best option is a pre-booked transfer or an official taxi. You can order a car through special mobile apps upon arrival or at official counters inside the terminal. Strictly avoid private drivers who offer their services right at the exit of the baggage claim area — it is unsafe and always unreasonably expensive.
First Steps After Landing
Immediately upon arriving in Russia, foreigners pass through passport control. There you will receive a migration card (in most cases, it is printed automatically by a border service officer). This small but extremely important document must be kept — it is absolutely necessary for legal stay in the country, migration registration, and checking into a dormitory.
Help from Global Education
Moving to another country is always exciting. Many questions arise: how not to get lost in a huge airport, where to safely exchange currency, how to properly execute documents, and get to the university.
The Global Education company helps international students upon arrival in Russia and takes care of resolving absolutely all issues related to the first days in a new country. We organize a meeting at the airport, provide a comfortable transfer to the place of residence, help figure out local mobile connection, check-in, and properly execute all necessary papers.
With us, your start of student life in Russia will be calm, legal, and safe. If you want to get detailed information about moving or an individual consultation, simply leave a request on our website, and Global Education specialists will contact you shortly!