We’re probably not telling you anything you don’t already know when we tell you that “going to the airport” isn’t exactly on everyone’s bucket list. But just like every destination is different, so is every airport. And just as navigating a new city is challenging in and of itself, so is navigating a new airport. How do I get from one terminal to the next? What are the best airport restaurants? Is there anything to do if I have a long layover?

If you’re anything like us, then these are probably the types of questions you have that perhaps you don’t get push notifications for. But never fear, because we have answers to your airport questions with our series of guides to the world’s top airports. Today we bring you the TripIt airport guide to Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO).

About SVO

Sheremetyevo International Airport is one of three major airports serving Moscow. It’s also Russia’s busiest airport, seeing more than 40 million passengers last year. Originally built as a military airfield for the Soviet Air Force, SVO has been a commercial airport since 1959. It has two main terminal areas, the north and south, which are linked by complimentary bus service. SVO is a primary base for Aeroflot and served by many of the major international airlines.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is located approximately 18 miles (30 km) from Central Moscow. By car or taxi, the airport is at least a 30-minute drive from Central Moscow. Public transportation services the airport from multiple public transit stations, but the quickest way to and from Central Moscow is on the Aeroexpress. Located inside the airport, the Aeroexpress takes 35 minutes and transfers passengers to Belorussky Railway Terminal. Additionally, several car sharing services are available, and car rental operators are located on the first floor of Terminal D.

Eat

Travelers flying through SVO will find a number of familiar fast-service restaurants, including Burger King, Subway, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and KFC. Other restaurants for on-the-go items include Teremok (Terminal D), Ramen Club (Terminal F), Surf’n’Fries (Terminal F), and Kroshka Kartoshka (terminals B, D, F), which is one of Russia’s largest chains.

Restaurants of the sit-down variety include T.G.I Friday’s (terminals D and F), Spaten (Terminal E) for beer and steak, Pyatyy Okean (Terminal F), Phố Phở (Terminal B),  Mama Russia (terminals B and D), Magadan (terminals B and D), Lunch Point (Terminal F), La Pasteria (Terminal D), and Factory (Terminal D). SVO has many more restaurants, as well as a number of cafes and coffee shops, which you can view on the airport’s website. Finally, look out for the caviar vending machine. 

Drink

Many of the restaurants listed above—such as Spaten, specializing in beer—double as great spots to enjoy a drink at Sheremetyevo International Airport. Elsewhere, enjoy a selection of Russian beer paired with sausage at Sibirskaya Korona (Terminal D) and Krušovice (Terminal B), or Irish fare and beer at Guinness Pub&Kitchen (Terminal E) and The Irish Bar (terminals B and F). Other bars include American Bar and Grill (Terminal B), Forshtadt Altai (Terminal D), O’Learys (Aeroexpress Terminal), and Schofferhofer (Terminal D). 

Do

Like most international airports, Sheremetyevo International Airport has a plethora of shops, including names you’re probably familiar with, like Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, COACH, Swarovski, and Bvlgari. Unique to SVO, however, is its History Museum of Sheremetyevo, which is located on the fifth floor of Terminal F. The museum features exhibits, aviation paraphernalia and other items that tell the history of the airport. Also unique to SVO is its own spa, located on the second floor of the Moscow Business Lounge (Terminal D), and featuring a number of treatments for men and women. Other airport amenities include shower rooms and a salon in the Arrivals hall on the first floor of Terminal E. If you want to get some sleep, GettSleep is located in Terminal D, featuring individual sleep capsules with flexible hourly rates, free Wi-Fi, shower cabins, a co-working area and more.

Airport Lounges

Sheremetyevo International Airport has no shortage of business lounges, including the Gallery Lounge (occupying two floors in Terminal D), the Matryoshka Lounge (Terminal D), Moscow Lounge (Terminal D), Space Lounge (Terminal E), Classic Lounge (Terminal F), and Rublev Lounge (Terminal B)—which holds the record for longest buffet of any business lounge in the world. Most of these are available free for priority passengers, certain flight statuses and some cardholders. They’re available to other guests for a fee. SVO’s more prestigious lounges include the Mastercard Lounge in Terminal E and VIP lounges in terminals B, D, E and F.

Navigate

Use TripIt’s interactive airport maps in the app to discover shop, restaurant, and bar locations. You’ll also have everything you need to navigate your way with estimated walk times and step-by-step directions.

Written By:

SPENCER SPELLMAN

Spencer is a seasoned food, drink, and travel writer who has written for publications from Outside Magazine to Travel + Leisure and Los Angeles Times. When he’s not traveling, he’s perfecting his favorite cocktails in his home bar. He chronicles his adventures (and cocktails) on his travel site, Whiskey Tango Globetrot.