The fastest way to reach Moscow from India in 2026 is the Aeroflot direct flight from Delhi (DEL) to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), which takes roughly six and a half hours. From Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other Indian cities there is no non-stop service, so you connect through a Gulf or Central Asian hub. In total, around a dozen and a half weekly flights link Delhi with Moscow across seven or so carriers, which keeps fares competitive year-round.
Direct flights: Delhi to Moscow
Aeroflot is the only airline flying non-stop between India and Russia, on the Delhi (DEL) to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) route. The flight covers about 4,300 km in approximately 6 hours 30 minutes eastbound. Sheremetyevo is Moscow's largest airport and the main international gateway, so onward transport into the city is straightforward (see the transfer notes below).
Aeroflot's non-stop service (flight SU233) runs daily — seven flights a week — typically leaving Delhi in the early morning, around 05:50 or 07:50. One-way fares on the direct route start from roughly ₹29,350 (about US$350). If you are based in Delhi or can position there cheaply, this is almost always the quickest and least stressful option, sparing you a hub layover; one-stop itineraries can occasionally undercut it on price but stretch total travel time to 17-28 hours or more.
Connecting through a hub
From most Indian cities you will route through a third country. The most reliable connections in 2026 go through the Gulf and the Caucasus/Central Asia:
- Emirates via Dubai (DXB)
- Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)
- Azerbaijan Airlines via Baku (GYD)
- Uzbekistan Airways via Tashkent (TAS)
Note that Aeroflot itself relaunched daily non-stop Moscow-Dubai service on 1 June 2026, which makes a Dubai routing especially convenient if you are already flying an Indian carrier or Emirates into DXB.
| From | Airline | Routing | Approx. total time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | Aeroflot | Direct to Sheremetyevo (SVO) | ~6h 30m |
| Delhi (DEL) | Emirates | via Dubai (DXB) | ~11-14h |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Etihad | via Abu Dhabi (AUH) | ~12-15h |
| Delhi / Mumbai | Qatar Airways | via Doha (DOH) | ~12-16h |
| Delhi (DEL) | Azerbaijan Airlines | via Baku (GYD) | ~11-13h |
Which Moscow airport you will land at
Direct Aeroflot flights arrive at Sheremetyevo (SVO). Connecting flights may land at Sheremetyevo or, depending on the carrier, at Vnukovo (VKO) or Domodedovo (DME), so check your ticket. From Sheremetyevo the fastest way into the centre is the Aeroexpress train to Belorussky station, or a pre-booked car. Our Moscow airport guide and the Sheremetyevo transport guide cover every option. To skip the queue, you can arrange an airport transfer in advance with GetTransfer.
Booking and paying for your ticket
Because international Visa and Mastercard cards issued in India do not work on Russian payment systems, buying a ticket directly on a Russian airline site can fail at the payment step. Book through a reputable Indian travel agent or an international online travel agency that accepts your card (for example Trip.com, Wego or Yatra), and always keep the confirmation. For a full breakdown of legal payment routes, see how to book flights to Russia with a foreign card. Once in Moscow, your foreign cards will not work either, so read how to pay in Moscow as a tourist before you fly and bring clean US dollar or euro cash to exchange.
Visa: what Indian travellers need
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Russia. The quickest option for tourism is the unified electronic visa (e-visa), which since 23 August 2025 permits a single stay of up to 30 days and stays valid for 120 days from issue; it is applied for online. Alternatively you can obtain a traditional tourist visa through a visa centre. Full requirements are in our guide to obtaining a Russian visa from India and the general overview of who needs a visa to enter Russia.
On arrival and staying covered
At the border you will pass passport control and, for some travellers, biometric registration; our arrival procedures guide walks through entry, border control and customs. It is also wise to buy travel insurance for Russia before departure, since your home policy may exclude the country.
Comparing your route with other origins
If your trip starts or connects elsewhere, the same origin-specific logic applies. See how travellers fly in from the USA in 2026, from the UAE and the Gulf, and the overview of the best connections via Istanbul, Dubai and Belgrade. For planning the rest of the trip once you land, our Russia travel guide is a good starting point, and a Moscow Pass can bundle attraction entry once you are in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from India to Moscow in 2026?
Yes. Aeroflot operates non-stop flights from Delhi (DEL) to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), taking about 6 hours 30 minutes. From other Indian cities you connect through a hub such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Baku or Tashkent.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Moscow?
The direct Aeroflot flight is roughly 6 hours 30 minutes. Connecting itineraries through the Gulf typically take 11 to 16 hours in total, depending on the layover.
Which airlines fly between India and Moscow?
Aeroflot flies direct from Delhi. Connecting carriers include Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Azerbaijan Airlines (via Baku) and Uzbekistan Airways (via Tashkent).
Can I pay for the ticket with an Indian credit card?
You usually cannot pay on Russian airline websites with an India-issued Visa or Mastercard. Book through an Indian travel agency or an international online agency that accepts your card, and bring cash to exchange once in Russia, as foreign cards do not work inside the country.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Russia?
Yes. The simplest route for tourism is the unified e-visa, which since August 2025 allows a single stay of up to 30 days and is applied for online. A traditional tourist visa through a visa centre is the alternative for longer or more complex trips.
Flight schedules, frequencies and fares change frequently; confirm current routings with the airline before booking.
