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Flights to Russia

Search and book flights to Russia

Heading to Russia? Whether you’re visiting home or ticking off your travel list, we make booking easy.

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Travel restrictions and entry requirements for Russia

Current travel warnings ⚠️

  • As of July 2025, the UK, US, Canada and Australia all advise against travelling to Russia.
  • The US has issued a 'Do Not Travel' warning, urging citizens to leave the country.
  • Risks include military activity, limited support from embassies and the possibility of detention or questioning.


Flight access ✈️

  • There are no direct flights from most Western countries.
  • Travellers usually connect through Turkey, the UAE or China - this often means switching airlines and rechecking bags.


Entry rules and visa checks 🛂

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you leave. You’ll need a biometric passport to apply. Most travellers need a visa in advance, though e-visas are available for citizens of 64 countries.
  • Once you arrive, you’ll get a migration card and must register within 7 business days at each stop. Border checks can be thorough - expect questions, fingerprinting or even device searches.

How to fly to Russia

While there aren’t many direct flights to Russia right now, you can still get there with a quick stopover. We’ve broken down the best routes from the UK, US and Australia to help you plan.

United Kingdom flag

Flights to Russia from the UK

There are no regular direct flights from the UK to Russia right now. That said, it's still possible to get there with one connection.

Popular routes include flying with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Emirates via Dubai or Qatar Airways via Doha. Some travellers also connect through Belgrade with Air Serbia.

Occasionally, Aeroflot may offer limited direct flights from London Heathrow to Moscow. Prices vary, but summer returns from London or Manchester via these hubs can start around £700.

United States flag

Flights to Russia from the USA

Direct flights between the US and Russia are currently paused.

The most reliable way to travel is through one-stop routes via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates) or Abu Dhabi (Etihad). For example, you can fly from New York to Moscow with a stop in Istanbul in around 20 hours total.

Similar connections are available from major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco. Talks are ongoing to restore direct routes, but nothing’s changed yet.

Australia flag

Flights to Russia from Australia

You won’t find direct flights from Australia to Russia right now, but there are plenty of one-stop options.

Most routes connect through major hubs like Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). For example, you can fly from Sydney or Melbourne to Moscow or St. Petersburg with just one connection.

It’s a long journey, so plan for stopovers and double-check your visa and transit requirements before booking.

What airlines fly to Russia?

These are the top 4 airlines we recommend for flights to Russia - picked for their regular schedules, solid connections from the UK, USA and Australia, and a track record of getting you there with less stress.

Turkish Airlines logo
  • Turkish Airlines offers the most flight options into Russia, especially from the UK, Europe, the US and Australia. With Istanbul as its main hub, it connects to multiple Russian cities and is one of the most frequent and reliable airlines on these routes.
  • Transfers at Istanbul Airport are straightforward, and the airline often adjusts flight paths quickly when disruptions hit.
  • If you want flexibility and frequent departures into Moscow, St. Petersburg or beyond, Turkish is usually your best bet.
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Qatar Airways logo
  • Flying from the US or Australia? Qatar Airways is a top pick. With daily services into Moscow and St. Petersburg via Doha, it combines strong coverage with world-class onboard service.
  • Regularly named the world’s best airline, it’s known for its comfort, service and reliability.
  • Its hub in Doha is slick, well-organised and supportive for international transfers - perfect for longer trips that need to run smoothly.
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Emirates logo
  • Emirates flies into Russia via Dubai from key cities across the UK, USA and Australia. It's a reliable option if you’re after comfort, especially for long-haul trips.
  • The airline is known for generous baggage allowances and quality in-flight service, with Dubai International offering great connections for travellers.
  • Emirates also responded quickly to recent disruptions around Moscow, showing flexibility when it matters most.
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Etihad Airways logo
  • Etihad connects the US (and sometimes Australia) to Russia through Abu Dhabi.
  • While it doesn’t operate as many routes as Turkish or Qatar, it’s still a great choice if you want premium service with fewer crowds at the hub.
  • Its modern fleet and high standards onboard make it a smart alternative for flights into Moscow, especially when other options feel too busy or booked up.
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Major airports in Russia

Russia’s a big place and flying is often the easiest way to get around. Here are 6 of the country’s busiest airports to help you plan your travel better.

Sheremetyevo International Airport

Moscow

  • Based in Moscow, this is the busiest airport in Russia and a major hub for Aeroflot. You’ll also find Nordwind Airlines and Rossiya operating here.
  • Popular routes include direct flights to Istanbul, Dubai and Beijing. For connecting journeys, many travellers route through cities like Belgrade or Doha to reach destinations in Europe or beyond.

Domodedovo International Airport

Moscow

  • Domodedovo sits just outside Moscow and is a key base for Ural Airlines, S7 Airlines and Emirates.
  • Direct flights often run to cities like Yerevan, Tashkent and Dubai. For longer trips, especially to North America or Western Europe, connections are usually made via Istanbul or Abu Dhabi.

Vnukovo International Airport

Moscow

  • The third of Moscow’s main airports, Vnukovo sees regular services from Pobeda, Gazpromavia and Utair.
  • Direct flights go to destinations like Bishkek, Istanbul and Baku. Travellers heading to cities outside of this list typically connect via Istanbul or Dubai.

Pulkovo Airport

Saint Petersburg

  • Located in St. Petersburg, Pulkovo is served by Rossiya, Smartavia and Red Wings.
  • You’ll find direct flights to places like Tashkent, Antalya and Istanbul. For long-haul journeys, travellers usually connect through hubs like Doha or Belgrade.

Koltsovo Airport

Yekaterinburg

  • Yekaterinburg’s Koltsovo Airport is home to Ural Airlines, Red Wings and S7 Airlines.
  • Direct routes include Almaty, Tashkent and Dubai. For destinations further afield, flights commonly connect through Istanbul or Yerevan.

Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport

Novosibirsk

  • The biggest airport in Siberia, Tolmachevo is a key base for S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines and Aeroflot.
  • You’ll find direct flights to cities like Nur-Sultan, Tashkent and Bangkok. For travellers heading west, connections are usually made via Istanbul or Dubai.
November on Alternative Airlines' best fare finder tool

Latest price trends for flights to Russia

Recent low fares 🤑

Flights to Russia have dropped as low as $120 one-way from nearby countries like Turkey and the UAE, with some airlines offering solid connections through major transit hubs.


Average round-trip fare 🫰🏻

Expect to pay between $450-$750 for a round-trip to Russia, depending on where you’re flying from and when you book. While direct flights from the UK, US and Australia aren’t currently available, you’ll still find options with one or two stopovers.


Cheapest months to fly 💸

March and November tend to offer the best value, with prices around 10-15% lower than in peak summer months.

If you’re planning a trip, use our filters to compare flights, pick your preferred stopover cities and secure a deal that fits your budget. You can also split the cost at checkout with flexible payment options, so there’s one less thing to worry about before take-off.

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Pay later for flights to Russia

Planning a trip to Russia? You can book today and spread the cost over time. Whether you're heading to Moscow for business, visiting family or taking a last-minute trip, we give you the freedom to choose when and how to pay.

Our flexible pay-later options let you take control. Split the cost into smaller payments, pay in monthly instalments or even delay payment altogether - it’s your call.


Why choose pay later?

  • Lock in great fares before prices go up
  • Make work trips or family visits happen without draining your savings
  • Plan bigger journeys without the upfront cost
  • Get instant confirmation and pick a way to pay that suits you

Simply select your preferred pay-later provider at checkout. It’s simple, clear and entirely up to you.

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St Petersburg, Russia

Why visit Russia?

Russia isn’t just one place. It’s cities, mountains, history, railways, languages and landscapes - all on a massive scale. Whether you’re into art, architecture or the outdoors, there’s plenty to discover here.


Top reasons to go ✨

  • Landmarks with real impact - Moscow’s Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral show off Russia’s imperial and Soviet past in one go.
  • Culture runs deep - Home to Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky, Russia’s got serious cultural weight. Catch the ballet in Moscow or explore world-class museums in Saint Petersburg.
  • Space to explore - From Lake Baikal to Kamchatka’s volcanoes, nature here is vast and varied. Hike, trek or take it all in by train.
  • Winter has its perks - Snowy cities, fewer tourists and lower prices make travelling off-season worth considering.
  • Real travel value - Budget meals, train tickets and places to stay make it easy to cover a lot without spending loads.

This is a country of contrasts and that’s part of the pull. However you travel, you’ll come back with stories.

⚠️Important: Travel to Russia is not advised right now due to ongoing risks linked to the invasion of Ukraine. The situation remains unpredictable. Stay updated via local media and avoid political events or demonstrations.

Moscow, Russia

Discover Moscow

The capital connection 🏙️

Moscow is the starting point for most travel plans in the country. Expect grand architecture, fast-moving crowds and a mix of the historic and the high-tech. From Red Square to late-night metro rides, Moscow’s where things happen.


Easy to explore on foot 👟

The city’s huge, but the central sights are surprisingly close together. You can walk from the Kremlin to the Bolshoi Theatre in under 20 minutes, with plenty of cafes and convenience stores along the way. It’s a solid way to shake off jet lag and get a feel for the place.


Connected to everywhere else 🚆

Whether you’re staying local or heading off on the Trans-Siberian, Moscow makes it easy. With three main airports, dozens of rail stations and a seriously efficient metro system, this city’s built to get you moving quickly.

Best places to visit in Russia

Whether it’s for the culture, nature or a bit of both, these stops are worth your time.

green pin

Moscow

Russia’s capital is as layered as its skyline. You’ll find towering Soviet blocks next to gold-domed cathedrals, with modern life moving fast in between. Red Square and the Kremlin are worth the hype, but don’t skip the metro stations - they’re basically underground art galleries.

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Saint Petersburg

Built to impress, Saint Petersburg knows how to show off without shouting. Its canals, pastel buildings and wide boulevards feel more European than Russian. The Hermitage alone could fill a week, but there’s plenty more to explore if you look beyond the guidebooks.

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Lake Baikal

This lake isn’t just massive - it’s ancient, wild and completely remote. In summer, it’s all hiking trails and icy dips. In winter, it turns into a frozen highway with views that look more sci-fi than scenic.

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Sochi

Sochi’s got two sides: beach town and ski base. It’s where Russians head for summer sun and winter slopes. The 2014 Olympics gave it a glow-up, but it still keeps its laid-back Black Sea feel.

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Kazan

Kazan mixes Russian and Tatar culture in a way you won’t see elsewhere. The Kremlin here isn’t like Moscow’s - it has a mosque and a church side by side. It’s a city that gets on with being different, quietly.

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Vladivostok

Right at the edge of Russia, Vladivostok is closer to Tokyo than Moscow. You’ll get a coastal city vibe with hills, bridges and sea views. The Trans-Siberian Railway ends here, but it’s a good place to start, too.

A woman looking out of a plane window

Is Russia safe to visit?

Is it safe to travel to Russia right now? 🤔

Safety is always our top priority. Right now, travel to Russia comes with uncertainty. Due to the current political and military situation, many governments advise against visiting, especially for non-essential trips.

Before booking, check your government’s latest travel advice. Make sure your travel insurance covers you too, as some providers may not offer full protection for trips to Russia.


Things can change fast ⚠️

While many areas remain calm, rules and restrictions can shift quickly. That includes visa rules, entry requirements and flight schedules, so it’s worth doing a bit of extra prep and keeping your plans flexible.

We can’t change the situation, but we can make the booking part easier. With flexible ways to pay and added protection available, we’re here to help you book with confidence.

When is the best time to visit Russia?

The best time to visit Russia is during the late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and most of the country’s attractions are accessible. Here's a breakdown of what Russia is like in each season:

Spring 🌸

March to May

  • Weather: Temperatures range from -2°C (28°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) by late May. Expect slush, rain and muddy streets in early spring, especially March and April.
  • What it’s like: Spring in Russia is unpredictable. Streets can be messy while snow melts and March can still feel wintry. By May, cities start to bloom with milder days, open gardens and outdoor buzz.
  • Why go now: Great if you want to avoid the crowds and don’t mind wrapping up warm. You’ll catch festivals like Maslenitsa and Victory Day, plus cheaper flights and places to stay.

Summer ☀️

June to August

  • Weather: Expect average highs of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with occasional spikes above 30°C (86°F). Days are long, especially in the north, and it can get humid.
  • What it’s like: This is Russia at full volume. Parks fill up, palaces open their doors and cities stay awake late into the night. In St. Petersburg, the sun barely sets during the White Nights in June.
  • Why go now: Perfect for first-timers, festival goers or anyone wanting to explore at their own pace with loads to see and do. Just expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

Autumn 🍂

September to October

  • Weather: September stays mild at around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F), but things cool quickly - by late October, it can drop to 5°C (41°F) or below. Rain is more likely than in summer.
  • What it’s like: This is the 'velvet season' - golden leaves, quieter streets and cooler evenings. The buzz moves indoors with theatre, concerts and warm cafés.
  • Why go now: Best for travellers looking to avoid the rush. It’s great for photographers, couples and anyone after a slower, more relaxed trip.

Winter ❄️

November to March

  • Weather: Average temperatures in Moscow are around -6°C (21°F), but can plunge far lower. In Siberia, it can hit -40°C (-40°F). Snow is common from November right through to March.
  • What it’s like: Picture snowy rooftops, festive lights and cosy markets. New Year is a huge deal, and places like Lake Baikal turn into frozen playgrounds for winter sports and ice driving.
  • Why go now: It’s cold - no getting around that. But it’s also peaceful and pretty, with a proper winter atmosphere. Great if you’re chasing snow, seasonal festivals or just want to try something different.

FAQs

Can I book a flight to Russia right now?

Yes, you can book a flight to Russia through Alternative Airlines. But travel restrictions and entry requirements can change with little notice, depending on your departure country and reason for travel. We always recommend checking the latest government guidance before booking or flying.

Our platform lets you filter flights easily and choose flexible payment options, so if plans shift, you’re not stuck. If you need help, our Customer Service team is just a message away.

Which airlines fly to Russia?

Several airlines fly to Russia, including major carriers like Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways. You’ll also find options with airlines like Finnair and Lufthansa. But flight availability and routes can vary depending on your departure city and the latest travel restrictions.

It’s always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date flight options before booking. We make it easy to compare airlines and find the best flights to Russia.

Can I pay later for my flight to Russia?

Yes, you can pay later for your flight to Russia. We’ve partnered with top flexible payment providers, giving you the freedom to spread the cost of your flight over time. Whether it’s paying in instalments or simply delaying payment, we make booking easier.

You can secure your flight now and manage your payment to suit your budget. Just choose from over 40 payment options at checkout and book with confidence!

Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?

Yes, most travellers will need a visa to enter Russia. The specific requirements can vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. It’s important to apply for your visa well in advance, as processing times can take several weeks.

Be sure to check the latest entry requirements from the Russian embassy or consulate in your country before booking your flight, as rules may change. Always plan ahead to avoid any travel hiccups!

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