How to get to Barnaul

When travelling to Barnaul, you arrive in the administrative centre of the Altai Territory and a vital transport hub of Western Siberia. Located on the picturesque banks of the Ob River, this city serves as a convenient gateway for exploring the region, blending historic merchant heritage with the rhythm of a modern metropolis. You can reach the city in various ways: by direct flight, by rail, or by car via federal highways.

The fastest way to reach the regional capital is by air. The international Barnaul Airport (BAX) is located just 17 km from the city centre and regularly receives flights from Moscow and other regions, ensuring reliable connections with the rest of the country.

If direct tickets are unavailable, travellers often choose to fly via neighbouring Novosibirsk (Tolmachevo), which is approximately 190 km away. Alternatively, you can consider flights to Gorno-Altaysk or the small airfield in the settlement of Zonalnoye.

Rail connections link Barnaul with many regions of the country, including the capital and neighbouring Siberian areas. The city railway station is a major transport hub, serving both long-distance trains and suburban commuter lines.

Many tourists also prefer the route via Novosibirsk — the region's main railway hub, located 191 km away. From there, you can easily reach your final destination by connecting train or bus, which often allows for optimised travel time.

Bus travel is an affordable and popular way to get to the city, especially from neighbouring regions. Regular services connect the regional capital with major transport hubs such as Novosibirsk, Kemerovo, and Tomsk. A bus journey allows you to enjoy views of Siberian nature and is generally cheaper than other modes of transport.

Although routes exist from smaller settlements, for example, from the village of Zonalnoye (travel time is about 3.4 hours), the main flow of tourists arrives from major cities. Modern buses are comfortable and arrive at the bus station located in the city centre.

Travelling by car offers you freedom of movement and the chance to see the beauty of the famous Chuysky Trakt. The most popular route leads from the city of Novosibirsk: the distance of 229 km can be covered in approximately 3.2 hours on a high-quality federal highway.

A picturesque road also connects the regional centre with the city of Gorno-Altaysk (about 263 km, 3.3 hours on the road) and the settlement of Zonalnoye (138 km, 1.8 hours). The road surface on major highways is good, making car travel a comfortable option for tourists.

A trip to Barnaul will be as comfortable as possible if you consider the local climate and lifestyle in advance. Here are some practical recommendations to assist you on your journey.

1. Seasonal clothing. The climate here is sharply continental. In winter, a warm down jacket and hat are mandatory (temperatures can drop below -25°C), while in summer, light clothing is suitable, though a windbreaker for cool evenings is useful.
2. Transport. It is convenient to get around the city by trams, trolleybuses, and buses. For quick travel, we recommend using taxi apps like Yandex Go, which operate reliably.
3. Finances. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere: in supermarkets, cafes, and hotels. However, it is worth carrying some cash in roubles for payments at markets or small kiosks.
4. Health and safety. There are many 24-hour pharmacies in the city. If you plan trips to nature in the countryside during spring or summer, be sure to use tick repellents.
5. Navigation. The main language of communication is Russian. For ease of orientation, we advise downloading offline regional maps (such as 2GIS) in advance, as they are very detailed.
6. Local etiquette. Siberians are known for their hospitality but value politeness and modesty. It is customary to behave with restraint in public places.
7. What to avoid. Do not use the services of illegal taxi drivers at the station or airport to avoid inflated fares.
8. Souvenirs. Do not leave without local gastronomic brands: Altai honey, pine nuts, and herbal teas.

Following these simple rules will help you feel confident and safe while enjoying your introduction to the capital of the Altai Territory.