Driving your own car to the airport often seems like the most convenient option, especially when you have a lot of luggage or are flying with children. However, arriving at the terminal can be a stressful experience if you don't check the parking layout and current rates ahead of time. Sheremetyevo Airport offers several levels of parking, each of which has its own characteristics, tariffs and distance to the terminal entrance.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options, from short-term parking at the very exit to budget long-term zones. You will find out where free minutes are valid, how the system works payment by number and why choosing your seat can save you a significant amount of money on a long trip.
Understanding terminal logistics will help you avoid haste and overpayments. We will consider not only official tariffs, but also nuances that even experienced travelers often forget about, such as height restrictions for minibuses or features of payment through mobile applications.
Parking layout and terminal locations
The territory of Sheremetyevo Airport is divided into several functional zones, and navigation plays a key role here. The main difference lies in the distance from passenger terminals B and D, which serve the bulk of flights. The parking lots closest to the entrance are marked as P1 and P2, they are located directly in front of the terminal exits.
A little further, but still within walking distance, there are parking lots P3 and P4. They are ideal for those who are willing to walk a couple of minutes at a brisk pace for a better rate. For those who leave their car for a week or more, there are remote parking lots P5 and P6, to which free shuttles run.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse terminals B and D with terminal C, which is under reconstruction, and terminal A, which has not yet been put into operation. Make sure your departure is from Terminals B or D before parking.
Finding your way around is made easier by color coding and signage.
How to find your car in a huge parking lot?
Remember or take a photo of the sector number and the row where you left the car. The airport app or information desks often have a “Where is my car” function that helps you find a car by license plate number or time of entry.
Short-term parking P1 and P2: tariffs and conditions
Parking P1 and P2 are located as close as possible to the entrances to the terminals, which makes them ideal for meeting mourners or short business trips. Tariffing here is hourly, and the cost of the first hour is much higher than at remote parking lots. This is a payment for maximum convenience and minimum travel time to the reception.
There is an important nuance regarding free time. These parking lots have a grace period, which allows you to park for a certain number of minutes for free. This is convenient for a “drop and go” situation, but if you stay even a minute longer, the meter will go at full rate.
- 🚗 The free period is 20 minutes for passenger cars.
- 💰 The cost of each subsequent hour starts from 1000 rubles and grows progressively.
- 🕒 The maximum cost per day is fixed, but for a short stay it turns out to be very expensive.
- 🚌 An area is available for boarding and disembarking passengers without parking (up to 10 minutes).
For owners electric vehicles Parking lot P1 has special spaces with charging stations. However, the number of such seats is limited and they are often occupied, so you should not count on fast charging during a short flight.
Parking lots P1 and P2 are only beneficial for less than 2-3 hours. For longer car storage, it is better to choose other zones.
Medium-term parking lots P3 and P4: balance of price and convenience
If you plan to leave your car for a period of one to three days, parking P3 and P4 will be the best choice. They are located a 3-5 minute walk from the terminals, which is quite comfortable even with luggage. Tariffs here are already significantly lower than at the entrance, especially when paying for a full day.
A special feature of these zones is the presence of indoor and outdoor spaces. Covered parking areas protect the car from precipitation and scorching sun, which is especially important in winter or during hail. The cost of space under a canopy may be higher, but it is justified by the preservation of the paintwork.
Payment in these parking lots can be made both at the exit and through terminals located within walking distance from the terminal entrances. System Pay-on-foot allows you to avoid queues at the barrier when leaving the airport, which saves time before your flight.
It is worth noting that on holidays and high season, places are P3 and P4 may be completely filled. In this case, the navigation system will redirect you to long-term parking lots, which will be discussed below.
Long-term parking lots P5 and P6 for travel
For those who are flying away on vacation for a week or two, parking P5 and P6 offer the best daily rates. Located further from the terminals, they compensate for the distance by regularly running free shuttle buses. The movement interval is about 10-15 minutes.
There is a cumulative system of discounts and special Early Booking rates. If you book your seat on the airport website in advance, at least 4 hours before entry, you can get a discount of up to 50% off the standard price. This the only way to significantly reduce costs when parked for a long time.
Security in long-term parking lots is ensured by video surveillance and patrolling. However, airport regulations prohibit storing flammable substances in a vehicle or leaving animals unattended. Violation of these rules is subject to evacuation and a fine.
- 🚌 Free shuttle to the terminal runs around the clock.
- 📉 The “Day” tariff becomes available after 4 hours of parking.
- 📱 Reservation of a place is possible only through the official website or application.
- 🚙 There are places for cars with trailers and large vehicles.
⚠️ Attention: When reserving a seat on P5 or P6, please carefully check the type of car. If you enter a car parking lot with a minibus over 2 meters high, you may be charged double the fare or denied service.
Comparison of tariffs and payment methods
It can be difficult to understand the numerous tariffs, so we have prepared a summary table of the main parameters of Sheremetyevo parking lots. Prices may change, so always check the current prices on the information boards upon entry.
| Parking | Travel time | Free | Tariff (days) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1, P2 | 1 minute | 20 minutes | ~2500 rub. | At the entrance to the terminal |
| P3, P4 | 3-5 minutes | 20 minutes | ~1500 rub. | There are covered places |
| P5, P6 | 10 min (shuttle) | 30 minutes | ~600 rub.* | Only by reservation |
| VIP | 0 minutes | No | On request | Personal transfer |
Payment for parking has become as automated as possible. You can use bank cards, fast payment systems (FPS) or cash at terminals. The most convenient way is to link a card in your personal account on the airport website, which allows you to pass the barrier without stopping (technology Free Flow).
It is important to know that if you lose your parking ticket (if you took it at the entrance), you will have to pay the full cost of your stay at the maximum rate, as well as a fine for the loss. Therefore, try to use contactless entry using your car number.
☑️ Checklist before parking
Parking features for minibuses and trucks
Owners of category cars B+, minivans and minibuses must be especially careful when choosing a seat. Many parking lots have height restrictions due to the design of the ceilings or barriers. The standard height restriction is often 2.0 or 2.2 meters.
For vehicles with dimensions higher than standard, special zones are allocated. Parking illegally in passenger car spaces can result in damage to the roof of your vehicle or getting stuck on a ramp. In such cases, the security service has the right to refuse access.
Trucks and buses carrying out commercial transport must use designated parking areas outside the passenger area. The presence of commercial vehicles in passenger parking lots is prohibited and is monitored by cameras with body type recognition.
Tips for car safety and security
Despite the high level of security, the airport remains a public place with a large flow of people. Before leaving your car, make sure there are no documents, electronics or bags left inside that could attract the attention of intruders. The visibility of valuables provokes break-ins even in protected areas.
It is recommended to check if the alarm is activated and close all windows, including the sunroof. If you're parking your car long-term for a few weeks, it makes sense to leave the handbrake off if you have an automatic transmission to prevent the pads from sticking, but this will depend on the terrain of the particular parking lot.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave your keys in the car with the engine running, even if you went “literally for a minute” to the terminal. Unfortunately, such cases of theft at airports are recorded regularly.
When you return from a trip, check around the vehicle for damage or strange objects before getting into your car. If you notice scratches that weren't there when you pulled in, contact parking security immediately before you drive away. The video archive is stored for a limited time.
Please keep your parking receipt until your trip is complete. In case of technical failures on the road or questions from the insurance company, this document will become the main evidence of the time and location of the car.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reserve a specific parking space?
At the moment, the system only allows you to book the right to enter and park in a certain zone (P5 or P6) at a discount. Selecting a specific seat number (for example, near an elevator or against a wall) is not technically implemented. You take the first free seat within the reserved sector.
What to do if the barrier does not open when leaving?
Don't try to run a red light or back up and create a traffic jam. Press the operator call button on the barrier post. The operator will check the payment and status of your car using the cameras and open the barrier remotely. This usually takes no more than 1-2 minutes.
Are there places to charge electric vehicles in the parking lot?
Yes, there are charging stations in parking lots P1 and P3. However, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Leaving the car on charge for the duration of the flight (several days) is prohibited by the rules for operating chargers and can be regarded as blocking the infrastructure.
How to pay for parking if the terminal does not accept cards?
In this case, you should use an alternative terminal located at the other end of the parking lot or in the pedestrian area in front of the terminal. You can also pay for parking through the airport’s mobile application or on the website by entering your car number. Not all terminals accept cash.
Is compensation provided if I fly away but the car remains?
In case of emergency flight cancellation or illness, the airport may consider partial reimbursement of parking costs upon presentation of official documents (certificate from the airline or medical certificate). The decision is made by customer support on an individual basis.