Sleeping in Airports

Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I had a 17 hours wait between my flights (from 5pm to 10am next morning) and, to be honest, this was one of the most pleasant airports I have ever been into (and believe me, I have seen loads). -Karmak

In anticipation of the 2018 World Cup, a series of new regulations were implemented to promote “good behaviour”. Travellers will now be fined 100 to 500 rubles for violations such as: using the airport for accommodations (that’s you, airport sleepers!), clogging the airport, blocking the passages, riding the airport trolleys, and listening to music without headphones. Explore our airport guide below for sleep and layover alternatives.

SVO Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport.

What to Expect

Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (code: SVO)is a large, spread-out airport with North and South Complexes complexes. The North Complex consists of Terminals A (private jets) and B (Domestic flights). The South Complex consists of Terminals D, E and F and houses most international flights. The two complexes are about ten minutes apart and are connected by an underground train. A new Terminal C opened in January 2020, but we do not have any information about the terminal yet. We will update the guide as soon as services and amenities are added.

Overall, facilities and amenities at Moscow Airport are decent- however, customer service can be challenging as a result of language barriers. The airport does offer a few unique amenities, including Skype check in, pay to use showers, and rotating art exhibits. Free WiFi is available. There are plenty of restaurants which are open 24 hours day. Charging points are apparently difficult to come by. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first class lounges, some of which have showers, that economy class passengers can pay to access.

Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of Guest reviewer / 07Dec2018)

Sleeping in Sheremetyevo Airport

Thanks to the 2018 World Cup, the airport instituted a “good behaviour” policy, which included fines of 100-500 rubles for travellers for “offences” such as sleeping in the airport. Just to let you know, we’re still deciding how long this policy will remain. Travellers often report on the South Terminals of D, E, and F, as these house more international flights and overnight sleepers than the North Terminals. Terminals D, E, and F are more comfortable and have more amenities. Generally, each departure gate has a good amount of seating, including a few armrest-free and padded seats. The floor is mainly tiled, so bring an extra layer or sleep mat for cushion and warmth.

Here are sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • A carpeted area where Terminals D and E meet, though it may now be a shop.
  • Terminal F has some corners near gates with armrest-free seating.
  • A Burger King near Gate 40 in Terminal D may have padded benches suitable for overnight sleep when the eatery closes.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep cabins in the transit area and hotels within walking distance. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Do you happen to know a good location, airport tip or photos to add? Click here for our review form. Read some recent traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Sheremetyevo Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Sheremetyevo Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Sheremetyevo Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as there are two transit hotels offering both short-term and overnight rates. Sleep pods, perfect for single travellers seeking some privacy, are also available. A hotel connected to the airport from the public area and several nearby hotels with free airport shuttles are also available.

Hotels located inside Sheremetyevo Airport

AeroSleep – A capsule hotel in Terminal B (Landside, 3rd Floor and Airside, 3rd floor, near Gate 116). Pods include a bed, storage, WiFi, a smart TV and power outlets for mobile charging. Rates range from 500 ₽ per hour (Landside) to 450 ₽ per hour (Airside).
Terminal B » Read Tripadvisor Reviews

Vozdushnyy Ekspress, V Express, Air Express SVO Terminal AeroExpress Hotel – This property seems to go by several names on the internet, so we included them all in this profile. Rooms resemble the cabins of a cruise liner and have private bathrooms, TVs, telephones, and internet. There are two locations: Aeroexpress Terminal, 5th floor, Public Zone, within walking distance of Terminals D, E and F  •  Terminal E, Transit Area. Minimum four-hour stay. Rates: unknown. » Check Rates

GettSleep Capsule Hotel – Locations: Terminal B, Landside • Terminal C, International Transit Area •  Aeroexpress Terminal, 3rd Floor, Landside •  Terminal D, Airside, 3rd Floor, International Transit Area, opposite Gate 31.   Each capsule comes equipped with air temperature control, storage and individual locker, and free WiFi. Showers are available within the facilities. Rates: from 550 ₽ per hour (day use) or 1650 ₽ / 3 hours (overnight). » Check Rates

GoSleep Capsules – There are GoSleep capsules located in the international departures area of Terminal E, 3rd Floor, Airside. Booking is available once you are there. Rates are 350 ₽ per hour.

Hotels located near the airport

  • Radisson Blu Hotel Sheremetyevo Airport – Connected to the airport via a walkway located on the third floor (Departures area) between Terminals D, E and F. » Check Rates
  • Park Inn by Radisson Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel – Located within short walking distance of Terminals D, E, and F. » Check Rates
  • Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport –  Free shuttle bus to/from Terminals B, C, & D. Day-use rooms are offered for 8 hours between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Sheremetyevo Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

Terminal B
  • Kandinsky Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Priority Point – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, near Gates 113-114. Domestic flights only. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal C
  • Malevich Lounge – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, near Gate 143. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal D
  • Classica Lounge Closed for Renovations – Location: Airside, 4th Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Gallery Lounge – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, opposite Gate 32. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Jazz Business Lounge Closed for Renovations – Location: Airside, 4th Floor. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Matrioshka Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 17. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Moscow Lounge – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, near Gate 30. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Saint – Petersburg Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor, near Gate 29. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Sochi Lounge – Location: Airside, 1st Floor, Gate 1. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal E
  • Galaxy Lounge – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, Gate 39. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Space Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 39. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • The Mastercard Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate 38. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
Terminal F
  • All Star Lounge – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, in front of Gate 52. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Amber Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Classic Lounge – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor, near Gate 42. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Sheremetyevo Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

Thirsty? The airport provides water fountains in all terminals both Landside and Airside.

Food & Drinks

The airport has over 80 options for grabbing a bite to eat or something to drink. You will find options both Landside and Airside in all Terminals, which operate 24 hours a day.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Winter gear (coats, jackets, etc.), luggage, and other items can be stored in luggage storage rooms in each terminal. Rates for luggage storage are as follows: 500₽ per luggage item for the first 24 hours and 250₽ per 24-hour period after. Locations: Landside in every terminal. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging points are available at the following locations: Aeroexpress, 2nd and 3rd Floors (6 points) • Terminal D, Departure Floor and 4th Floor (21 points) • Terminal E, all Floors (27 points) • Terminal F, 1st, 2nd and 4th Floors (16 points).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Showers

Freshen up before your flight with a shower!

  • Free showers are available in the Transit Hall. Contact the Transit Office. No shower accessories are available at this location.
  • Paid showers are available as follows: Fee 400₽ for 30 min (incl. towel, gel/soap). Locations:  Terminal D, landside, 2nd Floor, near the Baikal Lounge. Pay at Baikal Lounge for shower access. Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. • Terminal D: At the GettSleep rest area, the fee is 500₽ for 30 minutes with towel, gel/soap). Hours: 24 hours.
  • Business Lounges – A few lounges have showers included in the lounge entrance rate.
    • Terminal D: VIP Lounges, Classic Lounge (4th Floor), Gallery Lounge (3rd Floor), Jazz Lounge (4th Floor) and Matryoshka Lounge.
    • Terminal E Business Lounge: Galaxy Lounge (3rd Floor).
    • Terminal F: Classic Lounge (2nd Lounge).

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, but you must be able to receive a code via your phone. You must enable your phone to make international calls if you do not have a Russian mobile number. You can choose from these two options:

  • Choose the call-back option, which is where the system calls you. You reject the call (no charges). You must remember the last four digits of the phone number and enter this as a code to proceed with free WiFi.
  • Choose the SMS option, and a four-digit verification code will be sent to you via text; enter this code into the verification field, and you will be connected to the internet.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Art in the Airport – A series of rotating and permanent art exhibits are on display throughout the airport.

Family Services

  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play zones. Location: Terminal D, Airside. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • Mother and Child Rooms – Special rooms equipped with bedrooms, toilet rooms with baby-changing tables, showers, play area, and kitchen. Rooms are accessible to departing passengers with children aged seven and under. Entry is free, but a passport, flight ticket, and health certificate (granted by one of the medical centers in Terminals D or F) are required to access the facility. Location: Terminal B, Floor 1, Landside • Terminal D, Floor 2, Landside • Terminal E, Floor 1, Landside • Terminal E, Floor 3, Airside, International. Hours: Open 24 hours, but you may be limited to 3-4 hours during peak hours.
  • Strollers – Make getting around the airport with your little ones much easier by using one of the free strollers.

Information

  • Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the many information desks for assistance. Locations: available landside and airside in all the Terminals. Hours: Unknown.
  • Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Moscow Sheremetyevo and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices can probably be of assistance. Olga Travel Bureau (Terminal B, D and F), Invest Avia (Terminal B, D and F) and Aviatransagentstvo (Terminal D).

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Trolley – Need a hand with your bags? Baggage carts are available free of charge landside in all the Terminals.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic by Pack & Fly. Hours: 24-hours. Locations: every terminal and the landside (with multiple locations). Fee: starting at 500₽ per bag/item.

Medical Services

  • Medical Clinics – Free 24-hour medical assistance is provided at one of 4 clinics. Locations: Terminal B, Floor 1, Landside • Terminal D, Floor 2, right wing • Terminal E, Floor 1, Landside • Terminal F, Floor 1, Landside.
  • Pharmacy –There are a few pharmacy chains with locations throughout the terminals: AeroApteka • 36,6 • Neopharm. Multiple locations are available in all Terminals that operate 24 hours a day: AeroApteka, which only has one location landside, and Aeroexpress, which is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside are in every terminal.
  • Banking Services – The following banks have branches inside the airport and offer full-service banking: Sberbank – Aeroexpress Terminal, 3rd Floor; Terminal B, 1st Floor • Okritie – Terminal D & Terminal E • Citibank – Terminal B, 3rd Floor.
  • Currency Exchange – Services are available in every terminal as follows: Terminal B, Landside • Terminal D, Landside (Arrivals) and Airside • Terminal E, Landside (Arrivals) and Airside • Terminal F, Landside (Arrivals) and Airside • Aeroexpress (Landside). Hours: Unknown.

Post Office – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s post office. Location: Terminal F, Landside. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Religious spaces

  • Chapel of St. Micheal the Archangel – located in Terminal B, 1st floor. Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
  • Chapel of Nicholas the Miracle Worker – located on the 2nd floor in the transit area between Terminal E and the Railway Terminal AeroExpress. Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Salon – Pamper yourself before takeoff at Clarins Skin Spa, which offers a variety of services. Locations: Terminal B, Airside, 3rd Floor • Terminal D, Airside, 2nd Floor. Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Rates: starting at 22500₽.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available at every terminal, and there is a large selection of stores for all your needs. Terminals D and E (Arrivals) have a Globus Gourmet Express selling grocery items, baked products, home-cooked meals to go, etc. The Minimarket located Landside in Terminal F is open 24 hours.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Airlines
Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroflot • Air Algérie • Air Arabia • Air Astana • Air China • Air France • Air Malta • Air Serbia • Air Baltic • Ariana Afghan Airlines • AtlasGlobal • Beijing Capital • Belavia • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Bulgaria Air • Cham Wings Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern Airlines • Czech Airlines • Finnair • Hainan Airlines • KLM • Korean Air • LOT • Lucky Air • Mongolian Airlines • Nordwind Airlines • Pegas Fly • Rossiya Airlines • Royal Flight Airlines • Severstal • Sichuan Airlines • Smart Wings • Tianjin Airlines • Ural Airlines • Vietnam Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

The airport is served by at least seven bus lines, all departing from one of three Moscow Metro stations: Rechnoy Vokzal, Planernaya or Leninskiy Prospekt. For routes, fares and schedules, visit the Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport website.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels provide airport shuttle service: Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo   •   Hotel Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport   •   Sheraton Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel   •   SkyPoint Sheremetyevo Hotel.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

Terminals D, E and F are interconnected by passenger walkways. A free shuttle bus runs between the South Terminal Complex (D, E, F, Aeroexpress) and B and C terminals for passengers only.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside of 1st-floor Arrivals at Terminals D, E and F. Official taxis can be hired at the Taxi Desk inside the terminals.

Train

Aeroexpress is a high-speed train service that travels between the airport and Belorussky Rail Terminal with a total one-way travel time of 35 minutes. Belorussky Rail Terminal, also known as Moscow Smolenskaya Railway Station, provides connections to long-distance trains travelling from the northeast, south, west and southwest of Moscow, as well as Zamoskvoretskaya and Koltsevaya lines on the Moscow Metro. For fares, schedules and more information, visit the Aeroexpress website.

Security & Safety

In general, the airport staff seem to tolerate or ignore airport sleepers, but with the 2018 World Cup “good behaviour” policy, we’re unsure whether this has changed. Most travellers report no issues with security guards and police.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.