How to Reach Russia

Most Indian travellers reach Russia by air, and the gateway in our research is Moscow. Direct flights may operate from Delhi and Mumbai, taking about six to seven hours. Flights from Bengaluru commonly need a connection, and the schedule should be checked before you book. Once you arrive, the Moscow and Saint Petersburg Metro systems, buses and taxis serve the cities, and high-speed or overnight trains connect the major cities. This guide sets out the flight options, the airport, the visa step, and how to get around once you land.

Which airports serve Russia?

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is the nearest airport to Moscow. Schedules and the airports used can change, so confirm the arrival airport on your ticket. Plan your transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance, and allow for traffic when you travel.

Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai

Direct flights may operate from Delhi and Mumbai to Moscow, depending on the current schedule. The flight time is about six hours from Delhi and about seven hours from Mumbai, and Aeroflot is the airline listed for these routes. Because schedules change, confirm the operating days and timings with the airline before you book. A direct flight avoids a connection and keeps the first day simple.

Flights from Bengaluru and other cities

Flights from Bengaluru commonly need a connection, and the total journey time depends on the connecting point and the layover. Our research does not cover flight times from other departure cities, so ask your planner for options. Compare the total travel time, not just the price. Our planners can suggest arrival and departure timings that suit your package, once you tell us your departure city and dates.

How long does the flight take?

The direct flight from Delhi takes about six hours, and the direct flight from Mumbai takes about seven hours, based on the figures in our research. Add time for check-in, the airport transfer and the time difference. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are on UTC+3, and India is on UTC+5:30, so Moscow is two and a half hours behind India and you set your clock back on arrival. Plan a rest in the first evening, rather than a full sightseeing day.

Do you need a visa before you fly?

Yes. Indian ordinary-passport holders need a valid visa or the approved Russian unified e-visa before they travel. The e-visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to 16 days, including arrival and departure days. Check that your entry date falls within 60 days of the issue date. The Russia visa guide for Indians sets out the steps and the documents, and our packages include visa assistance.

Getting around Moscow and Saint Petersburg

Visitors use the Moscow and Saint Petersburg Metro systems, buses, taxis and app-based taxi services. The Metro is a practical way to cover long distances inside each city, and taxis or app-based services suit transfers with luggage. Keep your hotel's address written in Russian for taxi journeys. Allow extra time for traffic, especially at peak hours.

Travel between cities

High-speed or overnight trains connect Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and they are the usual choice for the transfer between the two cities. Our Moscow St Petersburg 6N package includes the transfer by train, as set in your itinerary. For longer distances, such as Kazan, Sochi or Lake Baikal, domestic flights are useful, though connections and schedules must be checked in advance.

Getting to the Golden Ring and Peterhof

The Golden Ring towns sit near Moscow, but connections between smaller towns are less frequent than between the big cities. A planned transfer or an organised excursion is the easiest way to visit Vladimir and Suzdal. Peterhof lies near Saint Petersburg and works as a day trip. Allow about one day including travel, and check the seasonal fountain operating dates before you go.

Practical tips for arriving

• Keep your e-visa, passport and onward or return documents together.
• Carry a copy of your medical insurance, since the visa requires valid cover.
• Carry a legally obtained payment alternative and some Russian rubles, as foreign-issued cards may not work reliably.
• Store your hotel's address in Russian on your phone or in writing.
• Plan your first day lightly, with a short walk and an early night.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight schedules, airlines and transport timings change, so confirm them with the airline, the operator or your planner before you book.

Where to go next

• Russia travel guide for the full overview and planning checklist.
• Places to visit in Russia to plan your days once you arrive.
• Best time to visit Russia to choose your travel month.
• Things to do in Russia for activities by travel style.
• Russia trip cost for the factors behind the price.
• Russia visa guide for Indians for the e-visa steps.
• Russia tour packages to compare ready-made plans.