Choosing a place to leave your personal car before departure is a task that requires no less attention than booking a hotel. Sheremetyevo Airport offers a developed infrastructure, but it’s easy to get confused in the designations P1, P2, P4 and P5. The wrong choice could cost you thousands of dollars or precious time if the terminal is an hour away on a free shuttle.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options, from premium indoor parking to budget parking with transfer. You will find out How does the license plate recognition system work?, where to find an area for a short-term stop and how not to overpay for a day of downtime. Proper parking planning is the first step to a smooth trip.
It is worth noting that the tariff policy of airports is changing dynamically, and what worked a year ago may no longer be relevant today. Payment system fully automated, which eliminates the human factor, but requires the driver to have a clear understanding of the entry and exit rules. Let's figure out where it's best to point your car's wheels.
Short-term parking P1: right next to the terminal
Parking complex P1 located directly in front of the entrance areas of terminals B and C. This is an ideal choice for those who need to quickly drop off passengers or leave the car for several hours. Distance to entrance to the terminal is only 50–100 meters, which is critical when traveling with heavy luggage or small children.
However, such proximity will come at a premium price. Tariffs here are calculated per minute, and the cost of a day can reach impressive amounts. If you are planning to go on vacation for a week, leaving the car at P1 will not be a financially viable solution. It reigns here high turnover seats, so finding a free space during rush hour may take time.
⚠️ Attention: There is strict control of parking time in parking lot P1. If you are just waiting for an arriving passenger, make sure you stay within the free time limit (usually 15-20 minutes), otherwise the system will automatically charge the full cost of the first hour.
For ease of navigation, the zones are separated by color sectors. When parking, be sure to take a photo of the row and section number on your phone, as in a multi-level structure Sheremetyevo parking lot it's easy to forget exactly where yours is car. Exits to the terminals are equipped with escalators and elevators, which makes movement easier.
Always save your paper ticket or take a screenshot of the QR code in your parking app. Technical failures at the exit barrier are rare, but the lack of a ticket will force you to look for an operator to manually open it, wasting time.
Long-term parking lots P2 and P5: savings for travelers
If your trip will last more than two days, it makes sense to consider long-term parking P2 and P5. They are located further from the terminals, but offer significantly better rates. You can get to the departure point by a free shuttle bus, which runs on a schedule 24 hours a day.
Parking P2 is located closer to terminals B and C, and P5 serves directions D, E, F. Transfer travel time takes about 10–15 minutes. This is a compromise between cost and comfort. Many experienced travelers choose these areas because savings compared to P1 can be up to 70% per week.
- 🚌 The free shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes, which minimizes waiting time.
- 💰 Daily tariffs, which allows you to accurately budget your travel expenses.
- 🛡️ The territory is guarded and under video surveillance around the clock.
- 📱 Payment is possible through mobile applications, which speeds up the check-out process.
It is important to take into account seasonality: in winter the transfer may take a little longer due to weather conditions, and in summer the service intervals are reduced. Access system here it is also automated: the barrier opens according to the car number or ticket. Upon entry, the system records the condition of the body, but it is recommended to take a photo of the car yourself from all sides in case of controversial situations.
Indoor car parks P3 and P4: weather protection
Indoor parking is important for owners of expensive or new cars, as well as during winter snowfalls and summer heat. P3 and P4. P3 is located next to terminals B and C, and P4 is in close proximity to D, E, F. The main advantage is the absence of exposure to precipitation and ultraviolet radiation on the body and interior.
The temperature inside such parking lots is more stable, which is especially important for car batteries and tires in winter. However, the cost here is higher than in open long-term parking lots, although lower than in P1. This is a choice in favor maximum comfort and safety of the vehicle.
Ceiling heights in P3 and P4 are standard, but owners of minibuses or cars with high roof racks should pay attention to the restrictive signs when entering. The same safety rules apply inside: speed no more than 20 km/h, priority for pedestrians. Lighting the underground and above-ground levels are bright, making it easy to navigate at any time of the day.
⚠️ Attention: When entering the covered parking, pay attention to the dimensions of the space. Some cells may be marked as places for people with disabilities or families with children - they are broader, but are intended for priority use by categories of citizens.
Tariffs and payment methods: cost comparison
The financial issue is always acute, so it is important to understand the difference in pricing. Tariffs depend on the type of parking and the duration of parking. Below is a comparison table showing approximate cost differences (prices may vary, check official boards for current information).
| Parking type | Location | Tariff (days) | Free time | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 (Short term) | At terminals B, C | High (premium) | 15-20 min | Not required |
| P2 (Long term) | Sector B, C | Medium | 15 min | Yes (10 min) |
| P3 (Indoor) | Sector B, C | Above average | 15 min | Not required |
| P4 (Indoor) | Sector D, E, F | Above average | 15 min | Not required |
| P5 (Long term) | Sector D, E, F | Economy | 15 min | Yes (15 min) |
You can pay for services in several ways: in cash at machines, with bank cards (PayPass, PayWave) or through mobile applications. Face Pay system and payment by car number allow you to go through control without stopping at the barrier if you have linked your card. This significantly speeds up the process, especially during rush hours.
There are also frequent flyer passes. If you travel for work several times a month, it makes sense to issue monthly pass to parking P2 or P5. This may be more profitable than paying each time you check out. Check the loyalty conditions on the official website of the airport.
The most economical option for a vacation lasting 3 days or more is parking P2 or P5 with transfer. The overpayment for P1 only pays off if you stay for less than 24 hours.
Hotel parking and third-party services
There are many private parking lots and hotels offering car storage services around Sheremetyevo Airport. They are often located within a radius of 5–10 km from the terminals. The main advantage is the price, which can be 20–30% lower than official airport tariffs.
However, there are risks here. Not all private venues have official accreditation or liability insurance. Transfer from such hotels it may be less comfortable or travel less often than stated. Before choosing this option, carefully study reviews from real customers over the past months.
- 🏨 Hotels often offer a “Parking + Night at the Hotel” package, which is convenient for early departure.
- 🚐 Specify the type of transfer: minibus or passenger taxi.
- 📝 Be sure to conclude a storage agreement indicating the date and time.
- 🔒 Check for fencing and security in the parking area.
If you choose private parking, make sure that the company has a website and a contact phone number open 24/7. In case of an emergency (forgotten keys, change of departure time), communication with the operator is critical. Official airport parking lots are more reliable in this regard.
What to do if the battery runs out in a parking lot?
Owners of official Sheremetyevo parking lots (P1-P5) are not responsible for technical malfunctions of the car. However, at the information desk or security service you can ask to “light” the car. In private parking lots, this service is often included in the service. Please clarify this point in advance when returning the car.
Tips and life hacks for quick parking
To make the parking process go smoothly, use navigation systems. In the Yandex.Maps or 2GIS applications, you can see in advance the congestion of parking zones in real time. Smart navigation inside the parking lots, P1-P4 indicates free spaces in green, which saves time circling around the levels.
Don't forget about seasonal features. In summer, in open parking lots P2 and P5, it is better to park the car in the shade or under a canopy, if possible, so that the interior does not get hot. In winter, on the contrary, try to park in the direction of the wind or in less windy areas to make it easier starting the engine after returning.
☑️ Checklist before parking
It is also worth mentioning the Kiss & Fly zone. These are special lanes for instant disembarkation of passengers, where stopping is allowed strictly for 5-7 minutes. Cameras record parking time, and exceeding the limit results in a large fine. Use this option only for quick disembarkation, not for those traveling with luggage.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave car documents, passports or large sums of money in the car, even in a guarded parking lot. An airport is a high-traffic area and the risk of burglary, although minimal, does exist.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is there free parking at Sheremetyevo?
Yes, there is free parking, but it is located at a considerable distance from the terminals (for example, zone P9 or P12, depending on the current traffic pattern). You can only get to the terminal from there by public transport or a long transfer. Free time in the main parking lots P1-P5 is usually 15-20 minutes.
What should I do if I lost my parking ticket?
If you lose your paper ticket, you must contact the parking control service or the operator at the exit. You will need to indicate the time of entry (if you remember) or provide car details. If it is impossible to determine the time of entry, the maximum rate per day may be applied.
Is it possible to reserve a parking space in advance?
In the official parking lots of Sheremetyevo Airport, the reservation system for specific spaces usually does not work; the principle of “first in line” applies. However, on some third-party services and hotel parking lots, pre-booking a space is possible and sometimes gives a discount.
How does the license plate recognition system work?
Cameras record the car number upon entry. When leaving, the system automatically checks the number, calculates the cost and opens the barrier after payment. If the number was counted incorrectly (dirt, snow), use the operator call button or pay using the QR code in the terminal.
Where can I find a charger for an electric car?
Infrastructure for electric cars is gradually being introduced on the territory of Sheremetyevo Airport. Charging stations can be found in parking lots P3 and P4. It is recommended to have the necessary adapters and charging access cards with you, as the number of places is limited.