Get From Airport to Murmansk City Center: Bus, Taxi and Transfer Options

Getting from Murmansk Airport to the city center is straightforward once you know your options. The airport sits 24 kilometers south of central Murmansk, a drive of 40–50 minutes depending on traffic and conditions. For how to get from airport to Murmansk city center, the most practical choice for first-time visitors is bus 106, which runs frequently and arrives near the railway station and central bus terminal.

This guide covers the main methods: the budget-friendly public bus, taxis and ride-share apps, and private transfers. You’ll learn where to catch each service, what to expect, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer: Bus 106 is the cheapest option, costing around 110 rubles and connecting the airport with the central bus station in just under an hour. Taxi costs about 1,500–2,000 rubles to the city center, and the Yandex Go app works in Murmansk.

At a Glance

Total time	50 minutes to 1 hour by bus; 30–40 minutes by taxi
Typical cost	₽ by bus; ₽₽ by taxi

What You Need Before You Start

• Small change or bills in Russian rubles for the bus (or tap card if you have one)
• Smartphone with Yandex Go, Gett or other Russian ride-share app installed (for taxi option)
• Valid passport for customs clearance
• Luggage: large bags fit on the bus but taxi offers more comfort
• Charge your phone before leaving the airport if possible

Compare Your Options

Option	Duration	Price	Notes
Bus 106 (public bus)	50 minutes to 1 hour	₽	Murmansk Avtotrans operates buses every 30 minutes, operating every day. Arrives at the railway station and central bus terminal. Best for budget travelers. Can be crowded during early morning and evening.
Taxi from airport rank or phone	30–40 minutes	₽₽	Available at the arrivals exit. No app needed but drivers may not speak English. Costs more than the bus but direct to your destination and good with luggage. Night taxis available.
Yandex Go or Gett ride-share app	30–40 minutes	₽₽	Order through the app before or after landing. Driver details shown in real time. Requires valid payment method and internet. Useful if you need exact pickup location or have luggage. More predictable pricing than street taxis.
Marshrutka 106k (minibus version of route 106)	40–50 minutes	₽	A faster version of bus 106 with similar price, stopping at main stops along the way to the center. Less formal than the regular bus; stops may vary. Good alternative if regular buses are full.
Private transfer or tour company shuttle	30–40 minutes	₽₽₽	Book in advance through your hotel or a tour operator. Driver waits with a name sign. Comfortable and no navigation needed. Best for groups or travelers with significant luggage.

₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Clear customs and immigration

Exit through the new domestic terminal (opened in 2023) where you'll reach the baggage claim area and the exit to the city. Follow signs for "Выход" (Exit). You do not need to collect luggage if flying onward as part of a multi-leg journey.

Tip: If you arrive at Terminal A (older international terminal), it's only a couple of minutes' walk to the new terminal.

Step 2: Find the bus stop for line 106

Bus 106 is operated by Murmansk Avtotrans and departs from Murmansk Airport station every 30 minutes. Walk outside the terminal and look for the covered bus shelter marked with route numbers. The stop is directly in front of the departure area.

Tip: Look for a schedule posted at the stop to check frequency. Buses run throughout the day and early evening.

Step 3: Buy your ticket or use a transit card

Pay the driver directly with exact cash (no change given) or use a Podorozhnaya transit card if you have one loaded with credit. Ask other passengers to confirm the fare or say "В центр, пожалуйста" (to the center, please).

Tip: If you don't have exact change, ask the driver to help you round to a convenient amount.

Step 4: Board and secure your luggage

Buses can be crowded during peak hours (mornings and early evenings). Place large suitcases in the overhead racks or along the aisle. If the bus is full, wait for the next one—they come every 30 minutes.

Tip: Keep small bags and documents with you; don't leave valuables on overhead racks.

Step 5: Ride to the final stop

The bus arrives at Murmansk station (the railway station), which is central to the city. The bus also stops near the Poliarnie Zori Hotel. Get off at either stop depending on your destination; both are in the heart of the city.

Tip: Ask the driver or another passenger to let you know when your stop is approaching if you're unsure. Many passengers speak some English.

Step 6: Exit and orient yourself

Once off the bus at the railway station or city center, you'll see shops, cafés and signs pointing to hotels and attractions. The station itself is a major landmark on ulitsa Lenina (Lenin Street), the main commercial avenue.

Tip: If you need directions to your hotel, take a photo of the address or use Google Maps; most central hotels are within 10–15 minutes' walk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for an app taxi without checking if your payment method works in Russia. Always download Yandex Go before you arrive if you plan to use it; foreign cards may not work smoothly.
• Not having small bills or coins. Bus drivers do not give change; have exact money or small notes ready.
• Confusing bus 106 with other routes. Always confirm you are boarding line 106, not line 7 or another number—check the display on the front of the bus.
• Expecting a conductor or information in English. On the bus, no one checks tickets; navigate by looking at other passengers' stops and asking politely.
• Assuming night buses run on the same schedule. Evening and night buses may run less frequently (e.g., the last bus at 00:30 on weekdays, earlier on Sundays). Check the schedule posted at the stop.
• Not keeping an eye on luggage during boarding. The bus fills quickly at peak times and overhead racks are shared; secure your bags or keep them within reach.

Tickets, Payment and Booking

Bus tickets: No advance booking required. Pay the driver directly with exact cash (rubles) or a tap-enabled Podorozhnaya public transit card loaded with credit. Most visitors should budget for change with a few small bills.

Taxi and ride-share: Taxis can be hailed at the airport taxi rank near the arrivals exit, or order in advance by phone (+7-8152-411-111 for Dilizhans, +7-8152-700-000 for Narodnoye). For app-based rides, download Yandex Go or Gett before arriving; these apps accept international payment methods in most cases, but check your bank’s policy on transactions in Russia. Avoid unlicensed taxis.

Payment methods: Foreign credit cards may face restrictions due to sanctions; cash is safest. ATMs are available inside the airport terminals for emergency withdrawals.

Russia Vibes Tips

• If you arrive late at night and buses are rare, use a ride-share app or pre-arrange a taxi transfer rather than waiting. The last bus 106 runs around 00:30 on weekdays, earlier on Sundays.
• Download the route51.ru app or check it on your phone before the trip to see real-time bus locations and schedules for Murmansk public transport.
• Murmansk in winter can be dark and icy; confirm your hotel address before boarding any transport and do not wander from the main station area at night.
• The central bus station and railway station are adjoining buildings, so if you arrive by bus and need the train, you won't need another transport. It's a 1–2 minute walk.
• Keep your luggage visible and always watch it, especially if your hotel is not in the immediate city center. The walk from the station to distant neighborhoods can be long in winter.

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FAQ

How much does the bus cost?

Bus 106 costs around 110 rubles. Pay in exact cash to the driver; no change is given.

Is a taxi cheaper or more convenient than the bus?

A taxi is faster (30–40 minutes vs. 50–60 minutes) and better if you have heavy luggage or arrive late, but costs more. The bus is significantly cheaper and perfectly safe; most travelers use it successfully.

Can I use my foreign credit card to pay for a taxi?

It depends on your bank and card type. Cash is the safest option. Ride-share apps like Yandex Go sometimes accept international cards, but check in advance with your bank about Russia restrictions.

What if I don't speak Russian?

The bus is easy to navigate: board at the airport, stay on until the railway station (final stop), and exit. Pointing to a printed hotel address or showing it on your phone to other passengers will get you help. Taxis may have a language barrier, so a written address is essential.

How often does bus 106 run?

Buses depart every 30 minutes and operate every day. Frequency may decrease late at night and early morning.

Where does the bus drop me off?

The bus arrives at Murmansk station (the railway station). This is in the city center near most hotels and attractions. Some trips also stop near the Poliarnie Zori Hotel.

What if the bus is full when I arrive?

The next bus comes in 30 minutes. While you wait, use the airport's free WiFi to contact your hotel or book a ride-share as a backup.

Are there luggage restrictions on the bus?

No official restrictions, but space is limited during peak hours. One large suitcase and a day pack per person is normal. Very large groups or multiple trunks may need a taxi or transfer instead.

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