The Altai Mountains, with their breathtaking landscapes and pristine natural beauty, attract travelers from all over the world. However, due to their remote location, getting to the Altai requires some planning. While the region itself does not have an international airport, there are several airports in nearby cities that provide convenient access to the Altai Mountains. From these airports, you can continue your journey by train, bus, or car to reach your final destination in the Altai region.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best airports near the Altai Mountains, providing essential information about flight options, connections, and how to get to the Altai from each of these airports.
1. Gorno-Altaysk Airport (RGK) – The Closest Airport to the Altai Mountains
Gorno-Altaysk, the capital of the Altai Republic, is the most convenient base for exploring the Altai Mountains. The Gorno-Altaysk Airport (IATA code: RGK) is the nearest airport to the Altai and provides access to this remote and stunning region.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Proximity to the Altai Mountains: Gorno-Altaysk Airport is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Altai Mountains, making it the closest airport to the heart of the region. From here, you can easily travel to various natural sites, including Lake Teletskoye, Mount Belukha, and the Kurai Steppe.
- Domestic Flights: Gorno-Altaysk Airport primarily handles domestic flights from cities like Moscow, Novosibirsk, and Barnaul, making it a convenient option for travelers from within Russia. However, there are limited international connections.
How to Get There:
- From Moscow: Direct flights from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport (DME) to Gorno-Altaysk are available, typically taking around 4 hours. This is the fastest option for reaching the Altai from the Russian capital.
- From Novosibirsk: Flights from Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) to Gorno-Altaysk are also available. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- From Barnaul: Barnaul, the largest city near the Altai, is around 3–4 hours by road from Gorno-Altaysk, and there are regular flights connecting Barnaul and Gorno-Altaysk.
After Arrival:
Once you arrive at Gorno-Altaysk Airport, you can continue your journey by:
- Taxi or Private Transfer: A taxi or private transfer can take you to your destination in the Altai Mountains, whether it’s a campsite near Lake Teletskoye or a trekking base near Mount Belukha.
- Bus: There are buses connecting Gorno-Altaysk with other parts of the region, including Lake Teletskoye and the Chulyshman Valley.
2. Barnaul Airport (BAX) – A Major Gateway to the Altai Territory
Barnaul is the capital of Altai Krai and one of the largest cities in the region. The Barnaul Airport (IATA code: BAX) is one of the primary entry points for travelers heading to the Altai, and it serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Major Transportation Hub: Barnaul is well connected by air to other parts of Russia, including Moscow, Novosibirsk, and St. Petersburg. For travelers coming from the western or central parts of Russia, Barnaul is often the best option for reaching the Altai region.
- Proximity to the Altai Mountains: While Barnaul is not as close as Gorno-Altaysk, it is still a convenient point of access to the Altai Mountains. From Barnaul, you can reach Gorno-Altaysk in about 3–4 hours by car or train.
How to Get There:
- From Moscow: There are direct flights from Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) to Barnaul. The flight duration is around 3.5 hours.
- From Novosibirsk: Barnaul is only about 3–4 hours by train or car from Novosibirsk, making it an easy connection for those traveling from Siberia.
- From St. Petersburg: There are limited flights connecting St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) to Barnaul, usually with a stopover in Moscow.
After Arrival:
- Train or Bus: From Barnaul, you can take a train to Biysk or Gorno-Altaysk to continue your journey into the Altai Mountains. The train ride to Gorno-Altaysk takes about 7–8 hours.
- Private Transfer: For a more direct and comfortable option, you can arrange a private transfer to reach your final destination in the Altai region.
3. Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) – A Key Hub for Siberian Travel
Located in Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia, Tolmachevo Airport (IATA code: OVB) is one of the busiest airports in Russia. While it’s not located directly in the Altai region, it serves as an excellent transportation hub for travelers looking to explore the Altai.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Convenient Connections: Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport offers extensive connections to cities across Russia and some international destinations. It’s a key hub for both domestic flights to the Altai and international connections to Europe and Asia.
- Proximity to the Altai: From Novosibirsk, the Altai region is easily accessible by train or bus. Novosibirsk is located about 5–6 hours by train from Gorno-Altaysk or Biysk.
How to Get There:
- From Moscow: Novosibirsk is connected to Moscow by daily direct flights, with a flight duration of about 3.5 hours.
- From St. Petersburg: There are direct flights from St. Petersburg to Novosibirsk, usually with a flight time of 3–3.5 hours.
- International Connections: Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport also serves international travelers, offering flights to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
After Arrival:
- Train: From Novosibirsk, you can take a train to Barnaul or Gorno-Altaysk to continue your journey. The train ride to Gorno-Altaysk typically takes about 7 hours.
- Bus: Buses run between Novosibirsk and Gorno-Altaysk, providing an affordable travel option for reaching the Altai.
- Private Transfer: You can also book a private transfer directly to the Altai, either through your hotel or a local tour operator.
4. Biysk Airport (BQS) – A Small Airport for Regional Access
Biysk, a small city located to the south of Barnaul, is another airport near the Altai that serves mainly regional flights. While it does not have the extensive international connections of Barnaul or Novosibirsk, it is an excellent entry point for travelers already in Russia who are heading to the Altai region.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Closer to the Altai: Biysk is about 3 hours by road from Gorno-Altaysk, making it an excellent option for travelers heading directly to the Altai.
- Less Crowded: As a smaller airport, Biysk offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to the larger airports.
How to Get There:
- From Barnaul: Biysk is around 2 hours by car from Barnaul and can be easily accessed by bus or taxi.
- From Novosibirsk: You can take a train or bus from Novosibirsk to Biysk, with the journey taking approximately 5–6 hours by train.
After Arrival:
- Local Transport: From Biysk, you can take a bus or taxi to Gorno-Altaysk or other destinations in the Altai region.
Conclusion
While there is no international airport directly within the Altai Mountains, there are several nearby airports that make travel to the region relatively easy. Gorno-Altaysk Airport is the most convenient option for reaching the heart of the Altai, while Barnaul, Novosibirsk, and Biysk offer excellent access points for travelers coming from other parts of Russia or internationally. With good connections to major cities and the ability to continue your journey by train, bus, or private transfer, the Altai Mountains are well within reach for those seeking to explore one of the most beautiful and remote regions of the world.
