How to get to Iturup

Iturup is the largest and most impressive island of the Greater Kuril Ridge, attracting travellers with its snow-white pumice cliffs, smoking volcanoes, and hot springs. This is a place where the wild nature of the Pacific Ocean appears in all its glory, offering a unique experience for enthusiasts of eco-tourism and adventure. You can reach Iturup by air or sea, and although the journey here is long, the incredible landscapes fully justify the effort involved.

The fastest way to reach the island is by air travel. Flights are received by the modern Yasny (ITU) airport, which ensures regular connection with the outside world and is considered one of the key transport hubs of the archipelago. The flight offers the opportunity to view the chain of islands and the ocean from above, which in itself is a breathtaking start to the journey.

The airport is located not far from the main settlement, and getting from there to your accommodation will not be difficult. Due to the variable island weather, flights may be delayed, so when planning a trip to Iturup, it is recommended to allow extra time for possible changes in the schedule.

Since Iturup is an island, there is no direct railway connection, and there are no train stations here. Trains can only be used as part of a multi-leg route to reach major port cities or transport hubs on the mainland, from where the further crossing takes place.

Tourists preferring ground transport will have to switch from a train to a plane or a sea ferry for the final stage of the journey. The railway in this region is relevant only for approaching departure points to the island, but not for arriving directly in the city.

Reaching Iturup by intercity bus is impossible due to its geographical location in the Pacific Ocean. Bus services are relevant only within the island itself or for transfers to the departure airport in other regions.

Nevertheless, buses can become part of your route to the seaport if you plan to travel by ferry. However, for the final leg of the journey, you will in any case need to change your mode of transport to air or water.

Traveling by personal car to Iturup is a complex task and requires the use of a sea crossing. There are no land roads connecting the island to the mainland, so the car must be loaded onto a cargo-passenger ferry, which requires booking a space in advance and involves significant time expenditure.

Most travellers prefer not to bring their own vehicle, but to rent a prepared SUV (4x4) upon arrival. This is a more rational option, considering that many roads on the island are unpaved and require high ground clearance, while the cost of transporting a car by sea can be quite high.

A journey to the Kuril Islands is an encounter with untamed elements, requiring special preparation and attentiveness from the tourist. To ensure your holiday passes as comfortably as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, please make use of the following recommendations.

1. Clothing and Equipment. The weather on the island changes instantly. Be sure to bring a windproof jacket with a hood, thermal underwear, and comfortable trekking boots for walking on rocky terrain.
2. Transport. Public transport is poorly developed. To see the sights, it is best to rent a high-clearance vehicle (4x4/Jeep) or book an organized tour with a driver.
3. Finances. Bank cards are accepted in shops in the town of Kurilsk, but for trips around the island and in small stalls, cash is necessary. ATMs are scarce and may not work due to connection issues.
4. Safety. The island has a high population of bears. Avoid walking alone in remote places, make noise when moving through the forest, and carry deterrent devices (flares or hunter's signals) with you.
5. Connectivity. Mobile networks and internet work stably in populated areas but may be completely absent in the area of volcanoes and remote bays. Download offline maps in advance.
6. Border Regime. The island is located in a border zone. Please clarify in advance the necessity of obtaining a special pass for entry and visiting specific territories.
7. Time Buffer. Due to fog and storms, flights and ferry departures are often postponed. Always leave 2–3 spare days in your schedule in case of bad weather.
8. Sun Protection. The wind from the ocean may create an illusion of coolness, but the sun here is very active. Use sunscreen and sunglasses to avoid burns.

Observing these simple rules will help you safely enjoy the unique landscapes, hot springs, and the majesty of the volcanoes of this amazing region.