Way to Russia Talk Lounge

chris_CA · Just Starting Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 1

Hello. I am travelling to Russia in a week and a half, and I need advice on getting between airports. This will be my first time travelling outside of North America, so I'd really appreciate some help from experienced travellers. I've been doing some reading, and it sounds like a major safety concern is the random taxis waiting outside Sheremetyevo 2. I need to get to Vnukovo Airport to catch a flight to Krasnodar, but what is the best way to get there? I noticed this website has some links for taxi services, but how reliable are they? Since I don't know anybody in Moscow and don't speak Russian, I really don't want to get stuck at the airport if my flight is delayed or I have problems in Customs. I am not so worried about the cost of the taxi service as I am with getting to Vnukovo without too much trouble, especially since my flight into Moscow doesn't even arrive until 8:20pm on a Sunday. Obviously I don't want to be ripped off though.

Also, I expect to get to Vnukovo sometime around midnight or later (I guess?), but my flight to Kasnodar doesn't leave until late the next morning. I've heard some horror stories about spending the night in a Russian airport, and it sounds like Vnukovo is alot smaller than Sheremetyevo 2. Is it safe to spend the night in the airport? Also, is it possible to get into the supposedly more comfortable VIP waiting room to Vnukovo?

Thanks for any assistance anyone may be able to provide. I've already found out a lot just from reading this website/Talk Lounge...

Dan · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:14 pm Post subject: Airports

The best way to get from one airporrt to another is to arrange the taxi beforehand. This will be cheaper than geeting a car into the airport and safer if you order a car at the reliable company.
The taxi compan we work with is reliable, we have been working with them for 2 years already and there were no problems. Thei driver will meet you near your exit and he will handle the sign with your name.

I would not reccommend to spend a night in Vnukovo or Sheremetyevo airport. It is inconvinient and risky, I mean you will not find a sofas there and you will need to take a look at your luggage all the time, otherwise it will be stolen.
I advise you to spend a night in the hotel which is close to Vnukovo (there is no hotel in the airport). You can use either CDT (Central House of Tourists) hotel, or Orlenok hotel or Sputnik hotel. All of them are at the south-western part of Moscow.

Guest · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2003 3:42 pm Post subject:

Hello, and thank-you for the very fast reply. I just have a couple more questions if you don't mind...

Just how insistent are the "taxi mafia"? Is it pretty easy to find the driver from the taxi service, or will I have to push my way through to get to him? Also, will I have picked up my baggage before I meet the driver, or is it a free-for-all in the baggage area?

What do you think is the best way to exchange money when I get to the airport? I've read that I should completely avoid exchanging money with a person just standing on the street, but will there be a currency exchange office open at Sheremetyevo 2-at 10pm on a Sunday?

I checked out the three hotels you mentioned, and they seem to be a good accomodation for a good rate and close to Vnukoko. Do you recommend any particular one (maybe based on personal experience or just knowing which are the good cheap hotels in Moscow)? Also, what is the best way to book accommodation at the hotel? There seems to be a bunch of online websites offering to make a reservation, but is it better to try and call the hotel directly even though I don't speak Russia?

I hope you can answer these questions. Thank-you for all the help you have already given me.