Domodedovo

Moscow Domodedovo Airport, named after M.V. Lomonosov, is not just one of the four main airports of the capital, but a true gateway to the skies with a unique history and advanced technologies. It became the first airport in Russia to receive certification to handle the world's largest passenger airliner, the Airbus A380. Domodedovo is a vital hub for international alliances and offers passengers a high level of service, confirmed by numerous awards and recognition from travellers worldwide.

A key feature and source of pride for Domodedovo is the presence of two independent parallel runways, located two kilometres apart. This design makes Domodedovo the only airport in the Moscow aviation hub capable of conducting simultaneous take-off and landing operations, significantly increasing its capacity. The passenger terminal operates on the "all under one roof" principle, ensuring convenient navigation between departure and arrival zones for domestic and international flights. The airport serves as a base for members of the global oneworld alliance and offers modern services for a comfortable journey.

Below is the essential contact information for passengers at Domodedovo Airport (DME).

• Official Website: www.dme.ru — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Help Desk: Telephone for 24-hour consultations: +7 495 933-66-66.
• Address: Russia, Moscow Region, Domodedovo, "Domodedovo Airport" territory, Building 1.
• Email: For official enquiries and questions, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official accounts on VKontakte and Telegram.
• Lost & Found: If you have left items in the terminal building, please contact the unclaimed luggage room. Enquiry phone: +7 (495) 504-02-58. In case of luggage loss by the airline, you must contact your carrier's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Service: The main support channel is the 24-hour help desk, available at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Domodedovo Airport (DME) from Moscow is possible in several ways, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The airport has excellent transport links with the capital of Russia, allowing travellers to choose the most suitable option.

Aeroexpress is perhaps the most reliable and fastest way to reach the airport, bypassing the famous Moscow traffic jams. Trains depart from Paveletsky Railway Station (Paveletskaya metro station) and run non-stop directly to the terminal. The journey takes about 45 minutes. This is an ideal choice for those who value their time and wish to avoid unforeseen delays on the roads. The ticket price is higher than the bus, but the predictability of the trip often justifies the cost.

Buses and Shared Taxis (Marshrutkas) are the most budget-friendly option. They run from the Domodedovskaya metro station (green Zamoskvoretskaya line). Express buses and marshrutkas numbered 308 will take you to the airport in approximately 30-40 minutes assuming no traffic. However, please note that during peak hours or poor weather conditions, the trip along the Kashirskoye Highway may take significantly longer.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable method, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or with family. A car can be booked via popular aggregator apps or by using a pre-booked transfer service. A trip from the city centre without traffic will take about 1-1.5 hours, but during peak times, this can increase to 2-3 hours. This is the most expensive option, with costs varying greatly depending on the traffic situation and demand.

For those who prefer to travel by private or rented car, Domodedovo Airport offers numerous parking options. There are short-term car parks directly at the terminals, as well as more affordable long-term parking lots served by free shuttles to the terminal. This is a convenient option if you plan to leave your car for the duration of your trip.

When planning your journey, be sure to allow extra time for travel, especially if departing on an international flight. Keep in mind that Moscow has other major airports, such as Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky, and the ways to reach them will differ.

Domodedovo Airport (DME) consists of a single passenger terminal complex, divided into two main segments for passenger convenience: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). They are located in the same building and connected, allowing for easy movement between them without going outside. This structure makes navigation intuitive and quick.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the historic part of the airport, primarily serving domestic flights within Russia, as well as some international flights, mainly to neighbouring countries. Check-in counters, security zones, and boarding gates for domestic destinations are located here. Although it is the older segment, it has been fully modernised and offers passengers all necessary infrastructure.

Terminal 2 (T2) is the new, modern international segment, serving the majority of long-haul and international flights. It features spacious halls, a large number of Duty Free shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas. If you are flying abroad (with the exception of some flights to EAEU countries), your departure will most likely be from T2.

The airport layout is organised logically: on the ground floor is the arrivals area, where passengers claim luggage and exit to taxi stands, buses, and the Aeroexpress terminal. On the first floor is the departure zone with check-in counters and security checkpoints. The transition between T1 and T2 is made via a gallery inside the building; simply follow the signs. Navigation in the airport is very convenient, with information boards and signs in Russian and English everywhere.

The time required to complete all procedures depends on the destination and airport load. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international flights, allow at least 3 hours, as passport control is added to check-in and security screening. During peak hours (early morning and evening), waiting times may increase, so it is better to arrive with time to spare.

The history of Domodedovo Airport (DME) is a journey from a modest airfield for long-distance flights to one of the largest and most modern aviation hubs in Eastern Europe. The decision to construct it was made in 1954, and the official opening took place in 1962. The first cargo and mail flights began almost immediately, but its doors opened to passengers slightly later.

The first passenger flight from Domodedovo was operated on 25 March 1964 on a Tu-104 aircraft on the Moscow — Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) route. In the Soviet era, the airport specialised in long-haul domestic routes, connecting the capital with Siberia, the Far East, and Central Asia. One of the landmark events of that era occurred on 1 November 1977, when the supersonic airliner Tu-144 departed from Domodedovo on its first regular passenger flight to Alma-Ata.

A new era for Domodedovo began in the 1990s when it became the first airport in Russia to be transferred to private management. This triggered a massive reconstruction that began in 1999. The terminal complex was completely rebuilt and transformed into a single terminal under one roof, which was an innovation for the Moscow aviation hub. A modern navigation system was implemented, the runway was upgraded, and the airport began actively attracting international airlines.

By the mid-2000s, Domodedovo had become the leader in passenger traffic in Russia. A key achievement was the construction of a second independent runway, allowing for simultaneous take-offs and landings — a unique capability for Moscow airports at that time. Modernisation never stops: for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a new terminal segment (T2) was opened, and infrastructure continues to develop to meet the highest global standards.

Domodedovo Airport offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. The terminal houses numerous restaurants and cafes to suit every taste — from fast food outlets to full-service restaurants. For shopping enthusiasts, Duty Free shops are open, as well as clothing boutiques, souvenir stalls, and travel goods stores.

For comfortable waiting, the airport provides business lounges and VIP lounges with an enhanced level of service, where you can relax in silence, have a snack, and work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and waiting areas are equipped with a large number of charging stations for mobile devices, ensuring you stay connected.

Financial matters are easily resolved at Domodedovo: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at passengers' disposal. In case of need, a medical centre operates around the clock at the airport, where qualified assistance can be obtained.

Special attention is paid to passengers with children. Special mother and child rooms are equipped with changing tables, cots, and play areas. For passengers with reduced mobility, assistance services, designated parking spaces, and ramps ensuring a barrier-free environment are provided.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, a hotel is located directly within the airport complex. Additionally, there are several hotels nearby, served by free shuttles. For business travellers, conference rooms and a business centre equipped with everything necessary for meetings and negotiations are available at the airport.

Domodedovo Airport presents a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget, from a quick snack before departure to a leisurely dinner in a restaurant. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the public zone before security, as well as in the "clean zone" (airside) of departures.

Quick Snacks and Coffee. For those short on time, numerous coffee shops such as "Shokoladnitsa" and "Coffee House" are ideal, where you can grab a takeaway coffee and fresh pastries. They are located in both the public area and the departure galleries. Popular fast-food chains, such as Burger King, also operate at the airport. An excellent option for experiencing local fast food is "Kroshka-Kartoshka", offering baked potatoes with various fillings.

Full Lunch or Dinner. If you have enough time, you can sit comfortably in one of the restaurants. Domodedovo has establishments offering Russian and European cuisine. Travellers can try traditional Russian dishes, such as pelmeni (dumplings), vareniki, or borscht, in specialised cafes. For example, free-flow format restaurants offer a large selection of ready-made dishes where everyone will find something to their liking.

Dietary and Special Preferences. Vegetarians and vegans should check restaurant menus, which often feature salads, vegetable soups, and side dishes. Information regarding the availability of gluten-free or Halal dishes is best checked directly with the staff at the establishment, but generally, suitable options are available in major restaurants. Many cafes offer alternative milk for coffee drinks.

Price Range and Opening Hours. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than the city average. Budget options can be found in fast-food outlets, while dining in a full-service restaurant will cost more. Most establishments in the departure zone operate 24/7 or follow a flexible schedule adjusted to flight times, so you will not go hungry even during a night departure.

Travelling through Domodedovo Airport can be comfortable and quick if you know a few useful hacks. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport in advance: 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to calmly go through all procedures, especially during peak hours.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which most airlines open 24 hours before departure. This allows you to select a seat and avoid queues at check-in counters if you are travelling with hand luggage only. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag from your bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats (A, F) are suitable for those who enjoy the views, while aisle seats (C, D) are for those who want the freedom to stand up easily. Seats in the front of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit from the aircraft upon arrival.

In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml (total volume not exceeding 1 litre per passenger), packed in a transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp or cutting objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Always check your airline's rules, as there may be additional restrictions on the weight and dimensions of hand luggage.

Passengers with a transfer in Domodedovo should carefully follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs. If you have a single ticket, your luggage will likely be transferred automatically. You may need to pass an additional security check before entering the departure zone of your next flight. Ensure you have enough time between flights — at least 1.5-2 hours.

When passing through customs control on international flights, use the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare. If you are carrying large sums of money or valuable items that need to be declared, you must use the "Red Channel".

To save money, consider public transport for the trip to the airport, for example, the "Aeroexpress" which departs from Paveletsky Railway Station. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, find information about your flight on the departure board or contact an airline representative. Depending on the duration of the delay, you are entitled to drinks, hot meals, and, in case of a long wait, hotel accommodation at the carrier's expense.