Domodedovo is the farthest of the three Moscow airports from the city, and that is precisely why it's most important to choose your transportation in advance. The difference between a good and bad option isn't two hundred rubles, but an hour stuck in traffic on Kashirskoye Highway.
Good news: there are four roads leading from here, including a very cheap one that people usually forget about.
In short: what to choose
| Сколько | Время | When is that your turn? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroexpress | 650 ₽ in advance, 700 ₽ on the day of travel | 45 мин | Predictability is important, you're going to the center |
| Express Bus #1185 | 450 ₽, 750 ₽ round trip | 30-40 minutes to the metro | Count your money, and |
| Bus #308 | City rate | to Domodedovskaya metro station | Need it really cheap |
| Suburban train | cheaper than Aeroexpress | to Pavletskaya | Don't rush, you're traveling light. |
| Такси | by meter | 50-110 minutes | With suitcases, children, at night |
Prices and schedules change—check before your trip. From August 1 to September 1, 2026
The train schedule for the Domodedovo direction has been changed.
Aeroexpress
The train runs on the route from Pavletsky Railway Station to Verkhnie Kotly to Domodedovo Airport, with a travel time of 45 minutes. This is the most reliable option: the train doesn't get stuck in traffic, and you know exactly when you'll arrive in the city.
The price depends on when you buy the ticket: 650 ₽ if purchased in advance and 700 ₽ on the day of travel. The difference is small, but buying the day before takes a minute, and the ticket is valid for 90 days from the selected date—so buying it in advance is completely safe.
Round-trip: 1,350 ₽, business class: 1,700 ₽. If you're traveling as a group, check out the "Together" fare—with multiple tickets, the price per trip drops to 450 ₽. Children under 7 travel free.
The "Verkhnie Kotly" transfer point is an underrated life hack. There, you can switch to the Moscow Central Circle Line (MCC), and if you're not heading to the city center but somewhere to the south, west, or east, getting off earlier is almost always faster than riding all the way to Paveletskaya and then backtracking on the metro.
Some flights make a stop in the city of Domodedovo—this is for those not heading to Moscow.
The downside is the same as with all Aeroexpress trains: from Paveletsky Station, you still have to get to your destination, and there are no trains at night.
Express bus route 1185 — the golden mean
From Domodedovo Airport to Domodedovskaya metro station (Zamoskvoretskaya Line, green line), express bus number 1185 runs—it is also operated by Aeroexpress.
- Departure every 20 minutes from Terminal 1, with a stop at Terminal 2, then non-stop.
- The journey takes 30-40 minutes.
- 450 ₽ per trip, 750 ₽ round-trip. Children under 7 travel free.
- Payment can be made in cash, by card, or with a "Troitskaya" card.
- From the airport, the first flights depart at 5:55 and 6:00, with the last one at 00:15. From Domodedovo, the first flight departs at 5:15, and the last flight to the airport is at 23:35.
Stops are at the railway station square, near exits No. 2 and No. 9; in the city, near exit No. 10 of Domodedovskaya station.
It's cheaper than the Aeroexpress and almost as fast—provided you're okay with the green line. This is the best option for those traveling light and watching their budget.
Bus route № 308 is the cheapest way.
In the same direction, to Domodedovskaya metro station, there is a regular city bus route № 308 (Mostransavto). It operates under a social fare, meaning it is significantly cheaper than the express service, and discounts apply.
The trade-off is time and comfort: there are more stops, it's a regular bus, and during rush hour, it honestly gets stuck in all the same traffic as everything else. But if budget matters more than forty minutes, this is your option.
Electric train
There's little written about it, but there should be: regular suburban electric trains run between Moscow-Paveletskaya and Domodedovo Airport. The ticket is significantly cheaper than the Aeroexpress, and you arrive at the same Paveletsky Station.
The downsides are predictable: they run less frequently and take longer, and there's no space for luggage. But as a way to save money without transferring to a bus, it's a viable option.
Такси
Domodedovo is farther from Moscow than the other two airports, so the trip is more expensive, and the travel time heavily depends on the Kashirskoye Highway—from fifty minutes at night to nearly two hours on Friday evenings.
Life hack: take the express bus to Domodedovskaya and call a car from there. The airport surcharge disappears, and you still end up in the city.
Ночью
The Aeroexpress does not operate at night, the express bus departs with the last run at 00:15, and the metro is closed approximately from 1 AM to 5:30 AM. There is no night bus to the city center here, unlike at Vnukovo.
The nighttime arrival at Domodedovo is handled before departure, not upon arrival.
- Book a transfer in advance—fixed price and a driver waiting at the arrivals hall.
- Catch the last flight 1185 at 00:15 if it lands on time—but relying on that for the entire plan is risky.
- Take accommodation in the southern part of the city. From "Domodedovskaya" and nearby stations, a night trip is significantly cheaper than to the center; a breakdown of the districts — where to stay in Moscow.
The return trip: what time to leave?
Two hours for domestic flight registration and security, three for international, plus travel time.
Allow an hour for the Aeroexpress from Paveletsky Station, with extra time for the journey to the station. By taxi on a weekday, expect two hours; on Friday evening, two and a half. The Kashirskoye Highway and the MKAD often cause delays in this area.
Here's how it compares to other airports:
- Pulkovo Airport (Saint Petersburg) is located 17 km from the city center.
- Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow) is 29 km from the city center.
- Domodedovo Airport (Moscow) is 42 km from the city center.
- Vnukovo Airport (Moscow) is 28 km from the city center.
- Kazan Airport (Kazan) is 25 km from the city center.
- Krasnodar Airport (Krasnodar) is 13 km from the city center.
- Sochi Airport (Sochi) is 30 km from the city center.
Pulkovo Airport is the closest to the city center among these airports.
Domodedovo is the farthest but also the richest in options: train, express bus, city bus, and commuter train. In Sheremetyevo, the choice is more modest, and in Vnukovo, everything depends on the metro, which takes you directly to the terminal.
Where to go next from the city — two-day route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Domodedovo to the city center? The Aeroexpress takes 45 minutes to Paveletsky Station. The express bus to Domodedovskaya metro station takes 30-40 minutes. A taxi takes from 50 minutes at night to nearly two hours during rush hour.
How much does the Aeroexpress from Domodedovo cost? 650 ₽ if purchased in advance and 700 ₽ on the day of travel. Round-trip is 1350 ₽. For groups, the "Together" fare is more advantageous: the price per trip drops to 450 ₽.
What is cheaper than the Aeroexpress? Express bus No. 1185 for 450 ₽, regular bus No. 308 at the city fare, and the suburban train to Paveletsky.
How to leave Domodedovo at night? The last express bus departs at 00:15, after that only taxis or pre-booked transfers are available. There are no night buses to the city center here.
Where is the bus stop at the airport? At the railway station square near exits No. 2 and No. 9. In the city—near exit No. 10 of Domodedovskaya metro station.
