Murmansk Airport: How to Get to the City

Murmansk Airport handles all major flights to and from Russia’s Arctic region. A new domestic terminal opened in late 2023, operating alongside the historical Terminal A for international flights. The two terminals are just a few minutes’ walk apart, making connection simple.

The airport serves Murmansk, the world’s largest city north of the Arctic Circle, and is the hub for Smartavia airline. Regular flights connect to Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other Russian cities, with occasional seasonal routes to Minsk.

Quick Facts

Russian name	Аэропорт Мурманска
Type	Airport
IATA code	MMK
Built / opened	1976
Address	Murmanski Airport territory, Murmashi settlement, Kolsky District, Murmansk Oblast, 184355 OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
District	Murmansk
Opening hours	Open 24 hours
Best time to visit	The airport operates year-round and is busiest during summer (June–August), when the midnight sun attracts tourists and the weather is most predictable. Winter (November–February) brings Arctic conditions and shorter daylight, but is prime northern lights season; expect more weather delays and longer airport transit times due to snow and de-icing procedures.Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are quieter periods with moderate weather and fewer crowds. Arctic fog is common in September and October, occasionally causing flight delays. Plan arrival early if travelling in winter or during known peak periods (holidays, school vacations) to allow extra time for security and check-in.
Recommended duration	1–2 hours
Website	airport-murmansk.ru

How to Get from Murmansk Airport, Murmansk to the City Center

Option	Duration	Price	Notes
Bus No. 106	60–70 minutes	₽	The most budget-friendly option, running frequently throughout the day (typically every 20–40 minutes). Departs from the stop outside the terminal and arrives at the central bus station next to Murmansk Railway Station. Journey time varies with traffic and weather, particularly in winter when snow may slow services.
Minibus No. 106К (Marshrutka)	50–60 minutes	₽	A faster variant of bus 106, making fewer stops along the route. Similar price to the regular bus, but quicker and more flexible if your destination is not the central bus station. Check the route before boarding.
Taxi (official or app-based)	40–50 minutes	₽₽	Ride-hailing apps Yandex Go (the Russian equivalent of Uber) and Gett operate in Murmansk. A taxi desk at the arrivals hall can also arrange transportation. Journey time depends on traffic and weather, faster during off-peak hours. Pay the driver in cash in rubles, or use app payment if your card is registered with the service.
Private transfer or tour package	40–50 minutes	₽₽₽	If you booked accommodation with a hotel or tour operator, confirm whether a transfer is included. Private services depart on schedule with your name at the arrivals hall.

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

Why Visit Murmansk Airport, Murmansk?

If you are flying to the Russian Arctic to visit Murmansk, see the northern lights, or travel to outlying regions, this airport is your entry point. It is compact and easy to navigate, with basic facilities including a café, duty-free shop and airline offices. The journey from the airport to central Murmansk takes 40–70 minutes depending on your transport choice, allowing time to plan your next move.

Highlights of Murmansk Airport, Murmansk

New Domestic Terminal (opened 2023)

The modern domestic terminal is designed for high Arctic efficiency and handles all flights within Russia. Its recent opening means updated facilities, clearer signage and newer amenities. If you are travelling on a domestic flight or connecting to one, you will depart and arrive here. The terminal is located only minutes from Terminal A, so changing terminals if needed is straightforward.

Tip: Arriving passengers should follow signs for baggage claim; departing passengers can use self-service check-in kiosks if travelling with carry-on only.

Terminal A (International Flights)

The original terminal building handles all international flights and serves as the hub for Smartavia. It retains a functional Arctic airport character, with basic but essential services. A café and duty-free shop operate on the second floor, though the duty-free is available only to international passengers in the international zone.

Tip: If you are flying internationally, do not wander into the domestic terminal area by mistake; signs at each terminal clearly mark which flights depart from where.

Café and Food Options

A small café operates on the second floor serving basic refreshments. Options are limited, so travellers are advised to eat before arriving or after reaching the city. The café caters to passengers between flights but does not offer elaborate meals.

Tip: If you have a long layover, consider heading to central Murmansk by bus or taxi for better dining and exploration rather than waiting at the airport.

Duty-Free Shop

A duty-free shop is located on the second floor in the international zone of Terminal A, offering souvenirs and shopping for passengers with international tickets. The selection is typical for a regional airport and includes local Arctic items alongside standard travel goods.

Tip: Duty-free is only accessible to international passengers; if you are on a domestic flight, plan shopping in the city instead.

Runway and Aircraft Operations

The airport features a single paved runway 2,500 metres long, accommodating regional and narrow-body aircraft typical of routes to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Operations are weather-dependent in the Arctic climate, and winter conditions may occasionally cause delays.

Tip: In winter (October–March), check your flight status before departure; Arctic weather is common and delays are not unusual.

Atmosphere

Murmansk Airport feels functional and orderly rather than bustling. During peak times (early morning and late afternoon when Moscow flights cluster), queues form at check-in, but the space clears quickly. The Arctic location is evident in the sparse, brightly lit terminals and the matter-of-fact attitude of staff and passengers accustomed to polar conditions.

Outside the terminal, the landscape is flat and northern, with low vegetation typical of the subarctic zone. In winter, the airfield is often snow-covered and grey. In summer, the midnight sun creates an eerie bright quality even in the early morning. The airport is not a destination in itself but a calm, orderly starting point for exploring the region.

History of Murmansk Airport, Murmansk

Murmansk Airport traces its origins to Soviet-era military aviation. The airfield at Murmashi served military purposes during the Cold War, taking advantage of the Far North’s strategic position. In 1976, the airport was officially opened as a modern civilian complex on February 11, marking the beginning of regular commercial service. The first scheduled flight operated on the Moscow–Murmansk route, opening the city to regular air traffic.

For decades, the airport remained a functional regional hub serving northern Russia and Arctic operations. International routes expanded gradually, supporting tourism to the northern lights region and cargo flights to Arctic settlements. In 2015, control of the airport passed to Novaport, which aimed to expand low-cost services through Pobeda airline.

In 2023, a new domestic terminal was opened, modernising facilities and improving passenger flow. The original Terminal A continues to operate, now designated for international routes, reflecting the airport’s role as a bridge between Russia and Arctic neighbours. The dual-terminal setup reflects both the airport’s Soviet heritage and its current position as Murmansk’s main international gateway.

Tickets and Payment at Murmansk Airport, Murmansk

There are no entry tickets for the airport itself; fees apply only to airline tickets booked through the airport’s affiliated agents or international booking platforms. To purchase bus tickets, board at the stop outside the terminal and pay the driver in cash. Minibus tickets are also paid to the driver upon boarding. Taxi fares are agreed when booking through an app or at the taxi desk, typically in the moderate price range for the destination.

Ride-hailing apps require a Russian mobile number to register, though this can usually be overcome by using payment cards linked to accounts created outside Russia. Keep ruble cash on hand if you are paying a taxi driver directly. The airport operates 24 hours, so transport to the city is available at all times, though bus frequency may be lower during overnight hours.

For current schedules, contact airport information at +7 (8152) 281-331 or visit the official website airport-murmansk.ru for up-to-date transport and flight information.

How to Get to Murmansk Airport, Murmansk

The airport is accessed by road only, 24 kilometres south of central Murmansk in the Kolsky District. There is no train or metro connection to the airport.

From Murmansk Railway Station (located in the city centre), take bus No. 106 from the central bus station adjacent to the station. The bus stop is clearly marked. Journey time is typically 60–70 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, use a taxi app or phone a local taxi service for a 40–50 minute journey costing roughly two to three times the bus fare.

The airport terminal is a single-storey building with large windows, set back from the main road. The bus and taxi drop-off points are immediately outside the terminal entrance. Minibus No. 106К offers a faster alternative to the regular bus, stopping at major landmarks rather than every stop.

Accessibility

The airport buildings are single-storey, minimising stairs for passengers with restricted mobility. Lifts serve second-floor café and duty-free zones. Wheelchairs are available at information desks in both terminals. Accessible toilets are provided. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility should be requested when checking in with your airline. Parking spaces for passengers with disabilities are located near the terminal entrance.Buses Nos. 106 and 106К are equipped with wheelchair ramps and accessible seating. Taxi and app-based transportation can accommodate wheelchairs if pre-arranged. For detailed accessibility information, contact airport services at office@airport-murmansk.ru.

Food Nearby

Limited options exist at the airport itself: a small café on the second floor of the main terminal serves basic hot drinks and light refreshments, but choices are modest. The cafe operates during flight times but is not a dining destination. No restaurants or shops beyond duty-free are present at the airport.Once in central Murmansk (40–70 minutes by transport), dining options expand significantly. Central restaurants and cafés line Prospekt Lenina and the Embankment. If you have a long layover, the bus or taxi journey to the city centre is straightforward enough to explore restaurants in person rather than eating at the airport.

What to Bring

Arctic weather is extreme: in winter (October–May), temperatures fall well below freezing. Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, waterproof gloves and insulated boots. Summer (June–August) is cool and often wet; a light jacket and rain gear are essential even in warmer months. Sunglasses are useful year-round because snow reflects light intensely in winter and the midnight sun glares in summer.Standard airport security rules apply: no liquids over 100ml, no sharp objects or tools. Baggage allowances depend on your airline; check with your carrier before arriving. The bus journey into the city offers little shelter, so dress warmly even for a short wait at the stop.

Photography Rules

Photography is generally permitted throughout the airport terminals. Tripods are not permitted in security-controlled zones or boarding areas. Drones are prohibited on airport grounds. Flash photography is not restricted indoors, but be respectful of other passengers during busy periods. External photography of the airport building and runway is permitted from public areas outside the terminal.

Family Suitability

Murmansk Airport is family-friendly in terms of safety and logistics. Changing tables are available in toilets. The compact size means navigating with children and strollers is straightforward. The lack of heavy crowds most of the day makes it less overwhelming for young travellers. There are no children's play areas or dedicated family zones, so entertain children before boarding.Bus No. 106 to the city allows strollers but can be crowded during peak hours; taxis offer more comfort if travelling with small children or if luggage is heavy. The airport café lacks options to satisfy many children, so snacks from the city or duty-free shop may be preferable.

Russia Vibes Tips

• Check the terminal before arriving: the new domestic terminal and Terminal A are close together but serve different routes. Confirm which terminal your flight departs from when checking in online or by phone; arriving at the wrong building will cost time.
• If you arrive very early and need to kill time before onward transport to the city, the airport is too small for extended wandering. The café is your only option; consider heading to central Murmansk by bus or taxi if you have a few hours.
• Download a taxi app (Yandex Go or Gett) before you land if possible, or ask the taxi desk staff to call a cab. The desk can arrange transport in English, though negotiation on payment can be clearer through an app.
• In winter, check your flight status a day ahead; Arctic storms can cause delays. Allow extra time for the airport journey if snow or ice is forecast.
• The bus journey to the city is long but gives you a view of subarctic landscape and local life. Pack warm clothing if you are waiting at the bus stop, and keep your phone charged to navigate once you arrive at the city centre.

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FAQ: Murmansk Airport, Murmansk

How far is Murmansk Airport from the city?

The airport is 24 kilometres south of central Murmansk, in the settlement of Murmashi. By car or bus, it takes 40–70 minutes to reach the city centre depending on traffic, time of day and weather.

Which terminal do I use: domestic or international?

The new domestic terminal (opened 2023) handles flights within Russia. Terminal A handles international flights. Both are metres apart; check your airline ticket or confirmation email to confirm your terminal before arrival.

What is the cheapest way to reach the city?

Bus No. 106 is the budget option, costing a few rubles and taking 60–70 minutes. It departs frequently from the stop outside the terminal and arrives at the central bus station next to the railway station. Minibus 106К is slightly more expensive but faster.

Can I use my bank card to pay for transport?

Bus and minibus drivers accept cash in rubles only. Taxi apps (Yandex Go, Gett) accept cards registered to your account. ATMs are available in the city centre; carry cash if unsure about card payments.

Are there restaurants or shops at the airport?

A small café and duty-free shop operate in the terminals, but dining and shopping options are very limited. Plan meals before arriving or after reaching the city if you have time.

What time does the airport open, and when is the last bus to the city?

The airport operates 24 hours. Bus No. 106 runs most of the day with intervals of 20–40 minutes; the last bus typically departs around midnight to 00:30 (times vary by day). Taxis are available 24/7.

Is there a visa office or tourist information at the airport?

No visa services operate at the airport. Tourist information may be available at the information desk, but services are limited. Arrange visa matters before arrival through official Russian visa services or your nearest embassy.

What happens if my flight is delayed in winter?

Arctic weather can cause delays, particularly October–April. If stranded overnight, contact your airline for accommodation or transfer assistance. Budget accommodation and hotels are available in Murmansk. Keep phone numbers and contact details for your airline and accommodation handy.

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