Two terminal complexes, one train between them and many ways into Moscow.
Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is one of Russia's major gateways, connecting Moscow with domestic and international destinations. Its terminals are split between a northern and a southern complex, so checking your terminal before you set off really matters.
This guide covers the terminal layout, inter-terminal transfers, transport into Moscow, transfer procedures, security checks and practical tips.
SVO transit map
Northern complex
A
Business
B
Domestic
C
International
Southern complex · linked by galleries
D
Dom & intl
E
Check status
F
Check status
Sheremetyevo Navigation at a Glance
The key facts in one table
| Airport code | SVO, Sheremetyevo International Airport |
|---|---|
| Terminal concept | Northern complex: A, B, C. Southern complex: D, E, F |
| Transport | Inter-terminal transport, Aeroexpress, express buses, public buses, taxis and private transfers |
| Terminal links | D, E and F are linked by pedestrian galleries; check current arrangements between the complexes |
| Rail link | Aeroexpress serves both the northern and southern complexes |
| Checks | International arrivals and connections may need passport control, customs and extra security |
| Best for | Domestic and international connections and onward travel into Moscow |
Quick answer
Sheremetyevo has two main passenger complexes: the northern complex with Terminals B and C (plus Terminal A for business aviation) and the southern complex with Terminals D, E and F. Your terminal depends on your airline, route and current operations.
If you need to move between the complexes, check the current inter-terminal transport before you start, and allow extra time for baggage, check-in, passport control and security.
Understanding Sheremetyevo's Layout
Pick a complex
Sheremetyevo is divided into two passenger areas. Knowing which complex your flight uses is the first step in planning your route.
Northern complex
The northern complex includes Terminals A, B and C. Terminal A serves business aviation, Terminal B mainly handles domestic flights and Terminal C mainly handles international traffic.
Check the exact terminal on your booking, as airline operations and assignments can change.
At a glance
- Terminal A: business aviation
- Terminal B: mainly domestic
- Terminal C: mainly international
- Aeroexpress station for B and C
Southern complex
The southern complex includes Terminals D, E and F, connected by pedestrian galleries with moving walkways so you can walk between them.
The southern complex also has its own Aeroexpress connection to Moscow. Check your departure terminal and where the station is before you travel.
At a glance
- Terminals D, E and F
- Linked by galleries and moving walkways
- Own Aeroexpress connection
- Check E and F status before travel
The Inter-Terminal Train
Underground link between the complexes
An underground automated train has been used to connect the northern and southern complexes. Aeroexpress describes it as running between Terminals B and C and Terminals D, E and F, taking about three to four minutes with trains roughly every six minutes.
However, Sheremetyevo's own transfer page has also carried a notice that the service was suspended. Because these published details conflict, confirm the train's status on your travel date.
3–4 min
Journey time
~6 min
Interval
Getting Around Sheremetyevo
Within the airport and into Moscow
Terminal-to-terminal transfers
Moving within one complex is simple; changing complexes needs more planning. A short train ride does not mean a short transfer: walking to the station, waiting, changing levels and security or immigration checks add time.
At a glance
- Southern complex: galleries and moving walkways
- Northern complex: follow the signs between B and C
- Between complexes: check the train and alternatives
- With checked bags: allow extra time
Inter-terminal and local buses
Sheremetyevo's published information lists bus routes 817 and 851 and minibuses 948 and 949 among the services connecting airport areas along their routes.
At a glance
- Routes 817 and 851
- Minibuses 948 and 949
- Check stops and availability
- Ask staff if the train is not running
Aeroexpress train to Moscow
Aeroexpress links Sheremetyevo with Moscow's rail network, with stations serving both complexes. The journey from Belorussky Railway Station takes about 46 minutes, according to Aeroexpress.
At a glance
- Serves the northern and southern complexes
- About 46 minutes to Belorussky
- Connects with the city metro
- Avoids road traffic
Express bus to Khovrino
Aeroexpress express buses connect Sheremetyevo with Khovrino Metro Station. Services run from Terminals B and C and from Terminal D, with different routes, intervals and journey times.
At a glance
- Goes to Khovrino Metro Station
- From Terminals B and C, and D
- Check the latest timetable
Taxis and private transfers
Taxis and private transfers take you straight to hotels and addresses in Moscow. Confirm your pickup point, destination and fare, and give your terminal and flight details to your transfer driver.
At a glance
- Door-to-door
- Confirm the fare first
- Share your terminal and flight number
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
Five stops from aircraft to gate
-
1
Leave the aircraft
Follow the signs for connections, transfers or arrivals, and check your next terminal and gate.
-
2
Immigration and customs
International passengers may pass passport control and customs; for a domestic connection you may need to enter Russia first.
-
3
Check your baggage
If bags are checked through, you may not need to collect them; if only to SVO, collect them and check in again.
-
4
Go to the right terminal
Check your onward boarding pass; if changing complexes, confirm the current transfer option first.
-
5
Security and gate
You may need another security check before the departure area, then head to your gate.
Transfer Requirements by Type
Pick your connection
Domestic → domestic
If both flights use the same terminal and your bags are checked through, the transfer can be fairly simple. Follow the connecting-flight signs and check whether another security screening is needed.
Intl → intl
Depends on the airline, ticket, destination and transit rules. You may need a document check or security screening, and some itineraries involve changing complexes.
Intl → domestic
You may need to clear immigration, collect bags if not checked through, pass customs, check in again and clear security.
Domestic → intl
Confirm the correct terminal and allow time for international check-in, document checks, security and passport control.
Changing complex
Extra walking, transport and waiting time. On separate bookings, allow more time for baggage, check-in and security.
Essential Navigation Highlights
SVO in ten points
Final Tips for Navigating Sheremetyevo
Sheremetyevo's size makes preparation important. Confirm the terminal for every flight, check your baggage arrangements and plan your transfer route before you leave the aircraft.
If your connection crosses between complexes, check which inter-terminal services are running on your travel date rather than relying on older guides, and allow plenty of time for check-in, baggage, immigration and security.
