This page compares Zhukovsky International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport side by side, so you can see how the two airports near Moscow differ before you book. It helps travellers choosing where to land or depart, or deciding between two flight options. Read the facts for each airport, follow the links to the full guides, and check the official source for current flights and transport links.
Zhukovsky International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport both serve Moscow, but they differ in location and in how you reach them. Zhukovsky is a compact hub southeast of the city centre, while Vnukovo is the capital's oldest operating airport in the south-west, with its own Metro station.
This page helps you weigh the two before you book a flight or plan a transfer. Use the comparison on this page for the facts, then read the sections below on who each airport suits and what to check before you travel.
| Zhukovsky International Airport | Vnukovo International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Airports, Stations and Piers | Airports, Stations and Piers |
| District | Moscow Oblast | Vnukovo |
| Address | Narkomvod Street, Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast | Vnukovo International Airport, 2-ya Reysovaya Street, Vnukovo settlement, Moscow |
| Nearest metro | – | Aeroport Vnukovo (Line 8A, yellow (Solntsevskaya)) |
| Airport code | ZIA | VKO |
| Admission | free | – |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours | The airport is reported to work around the clock for flights, while shops and services have their own hours, so check the official site (as of October 2026 – check the official site). |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours for typical transit | Arrive well before your flight; the Metro and train stations are a short walk from Terminal A |
| Best time to visit | The airport operates year-round. Flight schedules vary by season, with more domestic routes available in summer. Winter weather (snow, ice) occasionally causes minor delays but is handled routinely. The airport is less crowded than Moscow's larger hubs at all times… | Early morning and late afternoon are the busiest times at check-in and security, while night hours are quiet, with the Metro closing around 01:00 and a night bus as the main option. Allow extra time in winter, and check the… |
Choose Zhukovsky if you want a compact modern hub
Choose Zhukovsky International Airport if you prefer a modern, compact hub for domestic and international flights. It stands on the site of the historic Ramenskoye airfield, about 36 km southeast of the city centre in Zhukovsky, and is listed as open around the clock. Plan about three to four hours for a typical transit. Flight schedules vary by season, with more domestic routes in summer, so check the current timetable for your dates.
Choose Vnukovo if you want to arrive by public transport
Choose Vnukovo International Airport if you want to arrive by public transport. It is Moscow's oldest operating airport, in the south-west of the city, and has its own Metro station, Aeroport Vnukovo on Line 8A (Solntsevskaya, yellow). The Aeroexpress to Kievsky, buses and taxis are other options. The Metro and train stations are a short walk from Terminal A. Early morning and late afternoon are the busiest times at check-in and security, and the Metro closes around 01:00.
Getting there and practical differences
Zhukovsky is in Moscow Oblast, at Narkomvod Street in Zhukovsky, and the facts we list for it include no Metro station, so check the official site for current transport options before you go. Vnukovo has its own Metro station and an Aeroexpress link. Both airports are reported to work around the clock for flights, while shops and services keep their own hours. At Zhukovsky, winter snow and ice are worth keeping in mind when planning your time.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Zhukovsky International Airport?
It is about 36 km southeast of the city centre, in Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast. The address is Narkomvod Street.
Can I reach Vnukovo by Metro?
Yes, Aeroport Vnukovo station is on Line 8A (Solntsevskaya, yellow). The Aeroexpress to Kievsky, buses and taxis are other options.
Are the airports open at night?
Both are reported to work around the clock for flights, while shops and services have their own hours. Night hours at Vnukovo are quiet, and the Metro closes around 01:00. Check the official site for current details.
How much time should I plan at the airport?
For a typical transit at Zhukovsky, plan about three to four hours. At Vnukovo, arrive well before your flight, since early morning and late afternoon are the busiest times at check-in and security.
Final thoughts
Choose the airport that suits your flight, your luggage and how you plan to reach the city, then open its full guide for the details. Before you travel, check the official source for current flight information and transfer options. Carry cash and use payment options that work locally, because cards issued outside Russia do not work.
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