Russia's largest airport, 35 km south of Moscow, handles 43 million passengers yearly. Modern terminals connect to the city center via a 35-minute Aeroexpress train service.
Domodedovo sits 37 kilometers south of Moscow, with its airport serving as a major entry point for international flights. Follow the Severka River’s path, examine stone markers from the old Kashira trade route, or watch cargo trains pass near the railway settlement established in 1900 that started the city. Domodedovo’s combination of transport links and river valleys gives you a functional base for reaching Moscow, with areas of calm away from the airport’s activity.
Domodedovo International Airport Operations
Domodedovo International Airport processes more than 20 million travelers each year, linking Moscow to destinations such as Dubai, Istanbul, and Düsseldorf. The single-terminal layout divides domestic and international gates, with construction ongoing for a second terminal. Inside, the Horizon lounge opened in 2023 includes showers, a play zone for children, and workstations available through paid access or premium bookings. Aeroexpress trains leave every half-hour for Paveletsky Station in central Moscow, taking 45 minutes at a standard-class fare of 500 RUB. If you need to stay overnight, the Aerotel Express hotel inside the terminal lets you avoid transit visas or exiting the airport.
Travel Options to Central Moscow
You have three primary ways to reach Moscow from Domodedovo Airport: trains, buses, or taxis. The Aeroexpress train takes 45 minutes to Paveletsky Station, with tickets available at machines or online. Bus 308 goes to Domodedovskaya Metro Station on the green line in 35 minutes, though traffic can slow the trip. Taxis charge between 1,600 and 2,000 RUB and may take 90 minutes during rush hours. After midnight, public buses and trains stop running, so pre-booked transfers or rideshares become your only choices.
Development and Local Economy
Domodedovo began as a railway workers’ settlement in 1900 along the medieval Kashira trade route between Moscow and southern regions. The Pakhra and Severka rivers, once crucial for transporting goods, now have walking paths near factories producing construction materials. Local news sources include the newspaper Prizyv and channels TV-Domodedovo and Aviatel. Though the city lacks major tourist attractions, its importance as a transport hub is visible in the freight trains moving along the Paveletsky line.
Geography and Weather Patterns
The city occupies the flat Moskva-Oka plain, shaped by the Rozhayka, Severka, and Pakhra rivers. Winter temperatures average -10°C (14°F) with consistent snow from December to March, while summers hit 24°C (75°F) with regular rainfall. Trails southeast of the airport lead to the Pakhra River’s floodplains, where people fish or take brief walks. For a low-key stroll, follow the Severka River near the old railway station, where birch trees and Soviet-era industrial buildings reflect the area’s practical character.
Security Measures Post-2011 Incident
On January 24, 2011, a suicide bomber detonated a shrapnel device in the international arrivals hall, killing 35 people, including Ukrainian writer Anna Yablonskaya. The attacker, Chechen militant Magomed Yevloyev, aimed the explosion at foreign travelers. After the attack, authorities increased baggage checks, added more police in terminals, and upgraded screening systems. The event underscored regional tensions but hasn’t recurred, with the airport maintaining strict security protocols since.
Airport Facilities for Travelers
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, but for faster speeds, buy a local SIM card at Megafon or MTS kiosks in Terminal A. Since Visa and Mastercard suspended Russian operations in 2022, carry cash or obtain a UnionPay/MIR card in advance. The airport’s medical center provides lab tests, ultrasounds, and mental health consultations—an unusual service for an air hub. Families can use play zones near Gates 18 and 34, equipped with toys and seating, while the Kroshka-Kartoshka café sells baked potatoes topped with mushrooms or sour cream.
Direct Flight Connections
Domodedovo provides direct flights to over 120 cities, including seasonal routes like Antalya, Sharm El Sheikh, and Phuket. Airlines such as Emirates, S7 Airlines, and Air Arabia run daily trips to hubs like Dubai, Yerevan, and Doha. Domestic flights focus on Siberian and Ural cities, with regular departures to Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok. Check airline sites for route changes, as European flights remain limited due to sanctions, but Middle Eastern and Asian connections continue mostly unchanged.
