Overview
Russia is the largest country on earth, stretching from the onion domes of Moscow and the canals of St Petersburg all the way to Siberia and the Pacific. For most UK travellers the European cities are the draw, but the practicalities of getting there have changed a great deal. At present there are no direct flights between the UK and Russia, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Russia, so anyone weighing up a trip should read the current guidance on gov.uk before booking anything.
Best time to fly to Russia
Summer, from June to August, brings the mildest weather and long daylight, including St Petersburg's famous White Nights. May and September are pleasant shoulder months with thinner crowds. Winters are genuinely cold, often well below freezing in Moscow, but the snow-covered squares and festive markets in December have their own appeal. Demand and fares tend to climb around the New Year holiday, as the price charts on this page show.
Main gateway cities & airports
The principal arrival points are Moscow, served by Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) and Vnukovo (VKO), and St Petersburg's Pulkovo (LED). Regional hubs such as Kazan, Sochi and Yekaterinburg are usually reached on a domestic connection.
Airlines and routes
No British or Russian carrier currently operates between the two countries, and the airspace is mutually closed, so every routing is indirect. UK travellers typically connect through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, through Dubai with flydubai or Emirates, through Belgrade with Air Serbia, or through Central Asian hubs like Almaty with Air Astana. From London, allow roughly 7 to 10 hours to Moscow with one stop; from Manchester and other UK airports you will usually change twice, adding a few hours.
Popular places to visit in Russia
- Moscow: Red Square, the Kremlin and the strikingly ornate Metro stations.
- St Petersburg: the Hermitage, Peterhof's fountains and elegant imperial architecture.
- The Golden Ring: historic towns such as Suzdal and Vladimir, full of monasteries and wooden houses.
- Kazan: where Russian and Tatar cultures meet, crowned by the Kul Sharif mosque.
- Lake Baikal: the world's deepest lake and the classic stop on a Trans-Siberian journey.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Russia
- Stay flexible on the connecting hub, as prices via Istanbul, Dubai and Belgrade can differ widely for the same dates.
- Book well ahead and travel midweek, when connecting fares are usually lower.
- Avoid the New Year peak and look at the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.
- Use the When to book chart above to time your search around the current price trend.
Travel essentials
The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia; check gov.uk and confirm your insurance is valid before booking. British passport holders need a full tourist visa arranged in advance through the Russian visa application centre, supported by a hotel confirmation or invitation, as the electronic visa scheme is not open to UK nationals. The currency is the Russian rouble, and Visa and Mastercard issued outside Russia no longer work there, so you will need to budget in cash for your whole stay. For timing, see the When to book chart above and the price charts on this page.
