Moscow Domodedovo Airport
Domodedovo Airport is south of Moscow. When you arrive by air, your transfer begins at the airport where you actually land; rail and bus services connect the airport with the city. The Aeroexpress train runs to Paveletsky Station, while express buses connect the airport grounds with Domodedovskaya metro station. Which option to choose depends on your onward connection, luggage and destination address.
Flughafen Moskau-Domodedovo (2010). Foto: Jaimrsilva / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Verkleinert.
Photo: Jaimrsilva
Domodedovo Airport at a glance
- The airport’s IATA code is DME, and it is south of central Moscow.
- The Aeroexpress connects the airport with Paveletsky Station in about 45 minutes.
- Express bus 1185 runs between Domodedovo and Domodedovskaya metro station.
- The onward journey by metro, train or taxi depends on your destination district and connections.
- Flight and payment arrangements are affected by current restrictions.
Taking the Aeroexpress to Paveletsky Station
The Aeroexpress runs from its own terminal at the airport to Paveletsky Station in southern Moscow. According to the operator, the journey takes about 45 minutes. The station is connected to Paveletskaya metro station, where you can transfer to the Moscow Metro network. If you are continuing by train from the airport, check that the station shown on your ticket is Paveletsky Station: Moscow has several long-distance railway stations, serving different routes.
At the airport, the Aeroexpress terminal is near Exit 2 of Terminal 1. In Moscow, you board at Paveletsky Station; from the metro, follow the signs via station entrance 2 or the concourse at Exit 3 of Paveletskaya station. The walk between the flight terminal, railway station and metro is part of the transfer, so allow time for it, especially if you have luggage or a tight connection. A time buffer for transfers and luggage helps you account for these parts of the journey when planning your arrival.
Express bus and metro connection
Aeroexpress express bus 1185 runs from the airport to Domodedovskaya metro station on the green Zamoskvoretskaya line. At the airport, it stops at Terminal 1; international travelers can also board at Terminal 2, from where the bus goes straight to the metro without intermediate stops. The journey from Terminal 2 takes about 45 minutes. From Domodedovskaya, continue into the city by metro. For this option, consider where your destination is in relation to the metro; the transfer between the airport bus, metro and local transport involves several consecutive legs.
The Aeroexpress train and bus serve different Moscow transport hubs: the train goes to Paveletsky Station, while the bus goes to Domodedovskaya metro station. If you need to catch a long-distance train, first compare the station named on your ticket with the station where you arrive. If you are traveling with a suitcase, you can choose accommodation based on location and destination to suit your first stop in the city. Saving your destination address on your phone and having maps available offline makes it easier to find your way if you do not have a mobile data connection.
Continuing your journey and staying in Moscow
For a late arrival or early departure, consider the sequence of baggage claim, exiting the terminal, transfer and onward connection. Consider flight times, train departures and the journey between transport hubs separately. Planning your arrival by air starts with confirming the airport you are actually landing at and then planning the transfer to your booked accommodation or the next railway station. If you are continuing across a border, make sure you have your passport and personal travel documents; entry requirements depend on your destination and transit points.
Direct flights between Russia and the EU have been suspended; connections via international hubs may be reduced or suspended at short notice. German Visa and Mastercard cards and payment apps cannot be used in Russia; cash withdrawals with German cards and transfers to Russia are also not possible. These conditions affect flight connections, cards, cash and payment options, as well as planning your stay.
For a longer stay, you can put together more travel ideas based on location and available transport; the airport transfer remains a separate part of your trip.
Frequently asked questions about Domodedovo Airport
How long does the Aeroexpress take to reach Moscow?
According to Aeroexpress, the journey from Domodedovo Airport to Paveletsky Station takes about 45 minutes.
Where does the express bus to the metro depart from?
Line 1185 runs from the airport to Domodedovskaya metro station. At the airport, you can board at Terminal 1; the bus also picks up passengers at Terminal 2.
Where can you transfer from the Aeroexpress to the MCC?
The trains stop at Verkhnie Kotly platform. There you can transfer to the station of the same name on the Moscow Central Circle (MCC).