Planning a plane trip is often stressful, not only because of the fear of missing the flight, but also because of the need to resolve the issue of transportation. Choosing a place where to leave the car at Sheremetyevo airport, becomes a critical decision affecting the budget and nervous system of the traveler. Official parking lots offer a high level of security, but their cost during a long departure can be unpleasantly surprising.
At the same time, there are many alternative options, including valet parking and private services, that can save you significant money. However, when choosing an unofficial option, it is important to understand the risks and nuances of transfer to the terminals. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available options so that you can make an informed decision.
It is worth noting that the airport infrastructure is constantly changing, and tariffs may be adjusted depending on the season and economic situation. Therefore, having updated materials at the time of your trip is the key to success. We'll look at official rates, conditions for free stays, and life hacks from experienced travelers.
Official parking lots of Sheremetyevo: tariffs and conditions
The official parking areas of Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) are located directly at passenger terminals B, C, D, E and F. This is the most convenient option for those who value time and are willing to pay for maximum proximity to the departure area. Entry into the territory is carried out automatically using tickets issued at the barrier, which minimizes contact with staff.
Tariffing here is hourly with a transition to a daily rate after a certain number of hours. For short stops, for example, for disembarking passengers, it is provided free parking lasting up to 15 minutes. This time is quite enough to quickly drop off those seeing you off and leave the terminal area without creating traffic jams.
⚠️ Attention: Exceeding the free stay time (even by 1 minute) will result in payment of the full rate for the first hour of stay. Be careful when leaving.
For those who plan to leave the car for several days, the cost can be significant. For example, in Parking Lot No. 1 (terminals B, C) and Parking Lot No. 4 (terminals D, E, F) different coefficients apply. It is important to calculate your budget in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises when paying.
You can pay for services either in cash or with bank cards at payment counters or through self-service terminals. An online prepayment function is also available, which saves time when leaving the parking area.
Long-term parking and Parking No. 6 (economy option)
If you are looking for where to park a car in Sheremetyevo for a week or two, and the official rates seem too high, it is worth paying attention to specialized long-term parking lots. In particular, Parking No. 6 (P6), located at the entrance to the airport from Khimki, offers more affordable prices.
The main advantage of this zone is the availability of a free shuttle to the terminals. Shuttle buses run at regular intervals, delivering passengers to the desired terminal in 10–15 minutes. This is the perfect compromise between price and comfort.
Parking lot No. 6 also has a license plate recognition system, which speeds up the entry and exit process. The area is fenced and under video surveillance, but the level of security here may differ from the areas directly at the terminals. For peace of mind, you can insure your car for the duration of your trip.
It is worth considering that during peak holiday seasons, spaces in economy parking may run out. Therefore, it is recommended to book your place in advance through official applications or aggregator sites.
Alternative methods: car sharing and park-and-ride
Not everyone knows, but in Sheremetyevo you can use car sharing services to get to the airport and leave your car there. Some operators allow the lease to end in special parking areas at Sheremetyevo, but conditions may change. It is necessary to carefully study the rules of a particular service.
Another popular option is to use park-and-ride parking near train or metro stations from which Aeroexpress trains operate. For example, parking at the station Khimki or Lobnya can cost much less, and the trip by train will only take a few minutes.
This method requires careful time planning. You need to budget time for getting to the station, waiting for the train, and the trip itself. However, savings can be up to 70% of the cost of parking directly at the airport.
Hidden costs of using valet parking
Don't forget to take into account the cost of tickets for Aeroexpress or a taxi to the station. If you are traveling as a family of 3-4 people, the total cost of tickets may exceed the difference in parking costs. Always recalculate for your specific case.
It is also worth considering leaving your car with friends or at unofficial guarded parking lots in nearby residential areas if they provide a shuttle service. Such "garage" cooperatives often offer very low prices, but there are fewer guarantees of safety.
Comparative table of tariffs and services
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of options, we have prepared a summary table. Please note that prices are subject to change, so always check official resources for current rates before traveling.
| Parking type | Location | Free time | Approximate price (day) | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parking No. 1 (Terminals B, C) | At the terminal | 15 min | High (from RUB 1,500) | Not needed |
| Parking lot No. 4 (Terminals D, E, F) | At the terminal | 15 min | High (from RUB 1,500) | Not needed |
| Parking No. 6 (Long-term) | Entrance to the airport | 15 min | Average (from 600 rub.) | Yes (shuttle) |
| Intercepting (Khimki/Lobnya) | Railway stations | Miscellaneous | Low (from 300 rub.) | No (Aeroexpress) |
As can be seen from the table, the difference in cost between parking at the terminal and long-term parking can be three times or more. The choice depends on your budget and the amount of luggage.
If you have a lot of heavy bags or are traveling with children, paying a premium for nearby parking may be worth the convenience. Otherwise, 15 minutes on the shuttle is a perfectly acceptable sacrifice to save money.
Technical nuances and car safety
When leaving a car in any parking lot, especially for a long period of time, you need to make sure that it is in good technical condition. Battery should not be discharged, otherwise when you return you may be in for an unpleasant surprise in the form of a non-working starter.
Before parking, check that all windows and doors are closed. Make sure that the alarm is working correctly and the battery in the key fob is not dead. CCTV cameras are installed in the official parking lots of Sheremetyevo, but this does not guarantee 100% protection from hooliganism.
☑️ Checklist before leaving the car
In winter, it is important to check the antifreeze level and the condition of the windshield wiper blades. Sudden temperature changes can negatively affect the technical condition of the machine if it sits in the cold for several weeks.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave car documents, passports or large sums of money in the car. Even in a secure parking lot, the risk of theft of personal belongings from the vehicle remains.
If you leave your car in an unguarded parking lot or in a residential area, it is recommended to put it on additional mechanical protection, for example, a lock on the steering wheel or pedals. This will scare away potential hijackers.
How to pay for parking and avoid fines
Payment for parking at Sheremetyevo is made upon departure. You can use automatic terminals located within walking distance from parking spaces, or pay for the service at the operator’s counter. Payment through the airport's mobile application is also available.
Usage automatic barriers with number plate recognition system significantly speeds up the process. If you paid for parking in advance through the app, the barrier will open automatically upon entry, and you will not need to take a ticket at the entrance (you must link your car number).
If you lose your ticket, you will have to pay a penalty fee, which is usually equivalent to the cost of the maximum stay. Therefore, try not to lose your coupon or use contactless payment systems.
Please keep your parking receipt until your trip is complete. In the event of a technical failure at the exit, the receipt will serve as proof of payment and will help quickly resolve the problem with the operator.
Please remember the rules for stopping in the terminal area. Stopping in the wrong place (for example, at checkers or under “No Stopping” signs) is fraught with towing of the car and a large fine. Use only designated areas.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to leave a car overnight at Sheremetyevo for free?
Officially, there are no free parking lots for long-term storage of cars in Sheremetyevo. You can only stand for free for 15 minutes. All attempts to leave a car on the side of the road may lead to evacuation.
Are there charging points for electric vehicles at Sheremetyevo parking lots?
Yes, some car parks (eg P4) have charging stations for electric vehicles. However, they are limited in number and may get busy. It is recommended to have adapters with you and be prepared to wait.
What to do if the barrier at the exit does not work?
Don't try to drive by yourself. Press the operator call button on the counter or call the number indicated on the barrier. An employee will remotely check the data and open the barrier or suggest further actions.
Are foreign bank cards accepted in the parking lot?
Due to the current situation, the operation of terminals with cards of foreign banks (Visa, MasterCard, issued outside the Russian Federation) may be limited or absent. It is recommended to have cash rubles or cards of Russian banks (Mir).
Where can I find a transfer from Parking Lot No. 6?
Shuttle bus stops are marked with appropriate signs. Buses run according to a schedule, which is also posted at the stops. Travel time to the terminals is about 10-15 minutes.
The optimal choice of parking depends on the duration of the trip: for 1-2 days it is more profitable to take a taxi or short-term parking, for a week or more - long-term parking with a transfer.