This guide explains how to get from Domodedovo Airport (DME) to central Moscow for international travelers who do not read Russian. It covers the Aeroexpress train, bus+metro combinations, and taxis—so you can choose based on time and budget.
The most straightforward option is Aeroexpress from the airport terminal to Paveletsky railway station (about 45 minutes), then a short metro connection. Timetables and fares change, so verify details on the official websites before travel.
Nearest metro stations used in this guide: Domodedovskaya (Line 2, green) for bus routes, and Paveletskaya (Line 2, green; Ring Line, brown) after Aeroexpress.
Quick answer: Take the Aeroexpress train from Domodedovo to Paveletsky railway station (about 45 minutes), then continue by metro. Reported fares are moderate (₽₽) one way, so check the official website for the current price.
At a Glance
| Total time | About 45 minutes by Aeroexpress train, plus about 15 to 30 minutes for the metro leg |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Moderate (₽₽) one way for the Aeroexpress train (reports differ), plus a metro fare |
| Last updated | October 7, 2026 |
What You Need Before You Start
- An Aeroexpress ticket, from a machine, the ticket office or the official site
- Some rubles in cash, in case a card is not accepted
- A metro fare for the last leg from Paveletsky railway station
- A map or a navigation app for the metro connection
- Luggage that you can carry up and down a few stairs
Compare Your Options
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroexpress train to Paveletsky railway station | About 45 minutes | Moderate (₽₽) one way (reports differ) | Fast and predictable. Runs about every 30 minutes. Some departures may stop at Verkhnie Kotly. Check the official timetable and fare for the exact pattern. |
| Aeroexpress bus 1185 + metro from Domodedovskaya | About 45 minutes to Domodedovskaya metro, plus the metro ride | Moderate (₽₽) according to one source (plus metro fare) | Serves Domodedovskaya metro station (Line 2, green). Reported frequency is about every 15 minutes, with a stop at Terminal 2. Traffic affects timing. |
| Bus/minibus 308 to Domodedovskaya + metro | About 30 to 40 minutes to the metro, plus the metro ride | Budget-level (₽) reported (plus metro fare) | Often cheaper but slower due to traffic. Sources differ on fares and mention possible luggage fees—confirm at the stop and on the spot. |
| Suburban train | About 1 hour 10 minutes (older source; verify) | Budget-level (₽) (older source; unverified) | Usually the cheapest option, but it’s slower and details need checking. Verify station, timetable, and fare before using it. |
| Taxi or pre-booked transfer | About 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (depends on traffic) | Upscale (₽₽₽) reported (varies by provider; verify) | Door to door. Reported taxi touting inside the airport can be much higher than normal—book in advance or use a reputable transfer. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Find the Aeroexpress area
After you leave the arrivals hall (passport control and baggage claim), follow the signs for Aeroexpress inside the airport terminal complex. The station area is connected to the terminal, so you do not need to go outside.
Tip: If the signs are unclear, ask airport staff where the Aeroexpress station entrance is.
Step 2: Get your Aeroexpress ticket
Buy your Aeroexpress ticket at a counter or machine in the airport or at Paveletsky railway station, or online on the official Aeroexpress website. Keep some rubles ready in case card payment fails on a machine.
Tip: Before paying, confirm the route and price on the machine screen.
Step 3: Scan the ticket and go to the platform
At the gate, scan your ticket code/QR (or use the paper/bar-code ticket). Then follow the signs to the platform area for the next train to Paveletsky railway station. There are two platforms, so use the departure board for the correct one.
Tip: Keep the ticket until you exit at the far end (Paveletsky).
Step 4: Ride to Paveletsky railway station
Board the train marked for Paveletsky railway station. The ride is generally about 45 minutes. Some departures may stop once at Verkhnie Kotly; others run without intermediate stops.
Tip: If traveling with a large suitcase, pick a car spot near the luggage area if available.
Step 5: Switch to the metro at Paveletskaya
From Paveletsky railway station, walk to the metro station Paveletskaya. Paveletskaya exists in two parts: one on Line 2 (green) and one on the Ring Line (brown). Choose the part that matches your route to the hotel.
Tip: Check your metro route on a map before descending, so you follow the correct line color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting the Aeroexpress to go directly to a metro station; it ends at Paveletsky railway station.
- Mixing up the two Paveletskaya metro stations (Line 2 in green vs the Ring Line in brown).
- Choosing the wrong bus stop/terminal for bus 1185 (Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2).
- Relying on a late-night option without checking the timetable; there is no night bus to the airport in the sources reviewed.
- Assuming a foreign bank card will work at ticket machines; card acceptance was not verified.
- Taking a taxi offered inside the airport area; it was reported to be much more expensive than normal.
Tickets, Payment and Booking
Tickets for the Aeroexpress are sold at the airport and at Paveletsky railway station at ticket counters and machines, and also through the official Aeroexpress website.
Payment note: online purchases are reported to be cheaper, but whether foreign bank cards work at machines and gates was not verified—keep rubles in cash as a backup.
For the airport-to-metro bus options, fares are typically paid at the point of boarding (at the driver/counter, depending on the service). Check the latest details locally at the stop.
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Moscow Vibes Tips
- Domodedovo is farther from central Moscow than the other major airports, so traffic can affect taxis and buses even if the rail leg is quick.
- If arriving late, check the Aeroexpress timetable on the official site before leaving the plane; there is no reliable night-bus option in the sources reviewed.
- When planning a bus route, note that Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are separate stops for bus 1185, so make sure you are at the correct terminal.
- For metro navigation, remember that Paveletskaya (green Line 2) and Paveletskaya (Ring Line) are different stops—choosing the wrong one adds time.
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FAQ
How long does it take to get from Domodedovo Airport to central Moscow?
About 45 minutes by Aeroexpress to Paveletsky railway station (then add time for the metro). Bus and suburban train take longer.
How much does the Aeroexpress cost?
Reported one-way prices vary within the moderate price level (₽₽). Check the current fare on the official Aeroexpress website.
Does the Aeroexpress run overnight?
No. Sources differ on the exact last departures, but the service generally stops around late evening. Plan an alternative if you land late; check the official timetable.
Is there a metro at the airport?
No. The nearest metro station is Domodedovskaya (Line 2, green), reached by bus.
Where do I change from the Aeroexpress?
Aeroexpress ends at Paveletsky railway station. From there, you transfer to the metro at Paveletskaya (Line 2 in green or the Ring Line in brown).
Can I pay with a foreign bank card?
Card acceptance at airport machines and gates was not verified. Keep rubles in cash as a backup.
Is the route easy with luggage and children?
Luggage is easiest on Aeroexpress, which has space for suitcases. The metro may involve stairs; check lift access on your map before you go down.
Is taking a taxi a good option?
It can be convenient, especially for heavy luggage or late arrivals. Avoid drivers who approach you inside the airport area and prefer a booked transfer or an app.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
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