Vologda Airport

The Vologda Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the aerial gateway to the heart of the Russian North. It is from here that your acquaintance with the region of white-stone monasteries, famous lace, and distinctive culture begins. This small yet cosy airport welcomes guests wishing to discover the unique atmosphere of ancient cities and the beauty of the northern nature of Russia. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in the region's transport system, connecting it with the country's largest cities.

The main feature of Vologda Airport is its compactness and convenience. Here, you will not encounter long queues or the bustle of large aviation hubs. Flight check-in and baggage claim processes are swift, allowing you to save time and energy for your journey. The airport serves as the base for the "Vologda Air Enterprise," which operates regular flights to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other cities, as well as carrying out important regional transportation.

For travellers, this is the ideal starting point for exploring the Vologda region. From here, it is easy to reach the main attractions of the city and its surroundings. The airport offers a basic set of services, including a waiting lounge and a café, creating comfortable conditions for passengers before flying out to explore the picturesque corners of Russia or returning home with luggage full of vivid impressions.

• Official website: avia35.ru
• Inquiry service phone: +7 (8172) 50-76-07
• Address: Russia, Vologda Oblast, Vologda District, Dorozhny settlement, Airport territory
• Email: vologda.airport@avia35.ru
• Social Media: Official VKontakte page — vk.com/vologda.airport
• Lost Luggage Information: For matters related to luggage tracing, it is recommended to contact the airport inquiry service via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and support, please contact the airport inquiry service.

Vologda Airport (VGD) is located approximately 10 kilometres north of the city centre, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can get from Vologda to the airport in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and preferences.

The most economical option is public transport. City bus No. 36 runs regularly from the railway station to the airport. The journey takes on average 30–40 minutes depending on traffic conditions, and the ticket cost is about 40–45 rubles. This is an excellent choice for tourists without a large amount of luggage who wish to save money. Be sure to check the current bus schedule, especially if your departure is early in the morning or late in the evening.

For those who value comfort and time, the optimal solution would be a taxi or private transfer. A car can be ordered via mobile applications popular in Russia or by using the services of local taxi companies. The trip from the city centre will take about 20–25 minutes excluding traffic jams, and its estimated cost will be 400–600 rubles. This method guarantees fast and convenient delivery directly to the terminal, which is especially relevant when travelling with children or bulky luggage.

If you plan to move actively around the region, it is worth considering car rental. There are several rental companies operating in the city where you can hire a car and drive to the airport yourself, then return it at the rental point. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, there is a parking lot on the territory where you can leave your car for the duration of your trip.

The Vologda Airport (VGD) is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is extremely simple and understandable for passengers. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which serves all flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to its compact dimensions, orienting oneself in the terminal building is very easy, making pre-flight formalities quick and comfortable.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general hall. Located here are the check-in counters, the waiting area, and the boarding gate. The departure and arrival zones are in the same building and are clearly separated. In the departure zone, passengers undergo flight check-in and pre-flight security screening, after which they enter a small holding area before boarding. The arrival zone is equipped with a belt for baggage claim. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings.

Completing all procedures at Vologda Airport typically does not take much time. Due to the low passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are a rarity. The entire process from entering the terminal to boarding usually takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and pass all formalities without haste.

The main advice for navigation is not to worry about getting lost. All key zones — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within sight. Signs will help you orient yourself, but most likely, you won't even need them. The compactness of the terminal is its main advantage, ensuring passengers a quick and carefree start or end to their journey.

The history of Vologda Airport is a reflection of the development of civil aviation in the entire region. The first steps into the sky were taken here back in the 1930s, when the first postal and medical flights began operating from primitive airfields. The official date for the start of regular air service is considered to be 1931, when the first passenger routes on small aircraft were opened. However, the modern airport in its current form began its history significantly later.

A key stage was the creation of the Vologda United Aviation Squadron in 1953. In those years, the main workhorse was the legendary An-2, which connected Vologda with the most remote corners of the region. A real breakthrough occurred in the late 1970s: from 1978 to 1981, a new runway with an artificial surface was built. This allowed for the reception of larger and faster jet aircraft, such as the Yak-40 and Tu-134. The airport became an important transport hub connecting Vologda with Moscow, Leningrad, cities of the Urals, and southern resorts.

In the post-Soviet period, like many regional airports, the Vologda air harbour went through difficult times. However, in the 2000s, its gradual modernisation began. The terminal building was reconstructed, and equipment was updated, which allowed for an improvement in the quality of passenger service. Today, Vologda Airport plays an important role not only in business and tourist transport but also serves as a base for air ambulance and aerial forest protection, ensuring safety and accessibility of medical aid in the region.

One of the most interesting facts in the modern history of the airport is its participation in the famous tourism project "Veliky Ustyug — the home of Ded Moroz (Father Frost)". During the winter season, numerous charter flights arrive here with tourists wishing to visit the fairytale residence of the main New Year wizard. This makes the airport not just a transport facility, but a true gateway to a world of northern fairytales for thousands of travellers from all over the country.

Vologda Airport (VGD) is a small and compact aviation hub that provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite the modest size of the terminal, you can find everything essential for a traveller here.

A café operates within the terminal, where you can have a snack before your flight, or drink coffee or tea. There is also a small kiosk selling souvenirs, reading materials, and travel goods. A general lounge is equipped for waiting for flights, and for passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge with more comfortable seating and a quiet atmosphere is available.

To stay connected, passengers can use free Wi-Fi, which is active throughout the terminal. Power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices. An ATM is installed in the terminal building; however, currency exchange points are absent, so it is worth arranging for cash in advance.

To ensure safety and health, a medical point operates around the clock at the airport, where one can seek first aid. Passengers with small children can use the mother and child room, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. For travellers with reduced mobility, special assistance is provided: accompaniment during check-in, boarding, and movement through the terminal. It is recommended to request this service in advance through the airline.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many accommodation options can be found in Vologda itself, which is easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Specialised conference halls or business centres are absent in the terminal, but some business services may be available in the VIP lounge.

When planning a snack or lunch at Vologda Airport (VGD), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport. The choice of establishments here corresponds to its compact size, so do not expect a large food court with a multitude of restaurants as found in major international hubs. Nevertheless, there is everything necessary here to wait for your flight comfortably.

The main place for passenger dining is the café located in the general hall of the passenger terminal, before the security zone (landside). Here you can have a quick snack or a more substantial meal. The menu typically features:

• Hot drinks: tea, coffee.
• Soft drinks and juices.
• Fresh pastries: buns, pies.
• Sandwiches.
• Simple salads and light snacks.
• Sometimes basic hot dishes are available in the assortment, for example, soup of the day or porridge.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in city establishments. Regarding signature dishes, sometimes in the café, you can find pastries using the famous Vologda butter or local berries, which will be a pleasant gastronomic souvenir. Specialised menus (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal) are likely not provided here. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them.

The café's opening hours are usually adjusted to the flight schedule — it opens well in advance of the first departures and closes after the last ones depart. For those who only need a drink or a chocolate bar, vending machines may also be installed in the terminal building. If you are planning a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat at one of the restaurants in Vologda before travelling to the airport.

When planning a departure from Vologda Airport, it is worth considering several points to make your journey as comfortable as possible. The airport mainly serves domestic flights within Russia, so processes here usually go faster than in large international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to pass all pre-flight formalities without haste.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such a service. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop-off or, if travelling light, to the security checkpoint. When passing through security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers up to 100 ml from your hand luggage.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. A seat by the window (A or F) will give you the opportunity to admire the views during takeoff and landing. A seat by the aisle (C or D) will provide more legroom and allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Considering that small aircraft often fly from Vologda, the difference between seats may not be so significant.

Be sure to pack all your most valuable items in your hand luggage: documents, money, bank cards, prescription medicines (if necessary), and a portable charger. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in the cabin. It is always better to check the full list of restrictions on your airline's website.

For passengers with connections, it is important to calculate time correctly. Since Vologda Airport is the final destination for many travellers, transfers to other flights are rare here. If you have a further journey ahead, for example by train, allow enough time for baggage claim and the trip to the railway station. Customs control is only passed by passengers of international flights, which practically do not occur at Vologda Airport. This procedure is absent on domestic lines.

Want to save time and money? Research transfer options to the city in advance — a taxi ordered via an app may turn out to be cheaper than private drivers at the airport. To avoid spending extra on food and drinks, take a light snack (nuts, dried fruits) and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. All current information will be displayed on the departure board. Contact a representative of your airline to learn about your rights: depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, hot meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses so that you can request compensation later.