Arriving at the airport in a personal car is always associated with a certain amount of stress associated with finding a place and worrying about the safety of the vehicle. Terminal B of Sheremetyevo Airport, which is one of the largest passenger hubs in the country, offers several options for locating cars, each of which has its own characteristics and tariff schedule. Understanding the differences between short-term and long-term stops will help significantly save your budget and nerves before departure.
It is important to consider that the payment and entry system into Sheremetyevo is fully automated and operates on the “free flow” principle, which eliminates the need to obtain paper coupons at the entrance. The cameras record the car's license plate as it crosses the barrier, and the time is counted down to the second. Accurate timing being in the parking lot becomes a critical factor, since even a five-minute delay can move the tariff to the next price level.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the structure of parking zones, current prices and life hacks that will allow you to leave your car with confidence in its safety and return to it without unnecessary financial losses. Proper parking planning is the first step to a successful trip.
Structure of parking areas in Terminal B
The parking space around Terminal B is divided into several logical zones, each designed to meet specific passenger needs. There are two main zones: P1 and P2, but within them there is an important division into levels that is often overlooked by drivers visiting the airport for the first time.
Zone P1 is located as close as possible to the entrance area of the terminal and is intended for short-term stays. This is an ideal choice for those who see off or meet passengers, as well as for business trips lasting up to several days. The convenience of this area is offset by the higher cost of an hour of downtime.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to park on the side of driveways or in drop-off areas for long waits. Cameras recording violations operate automatically, and the fine for incorrect parking in the airport area significantly exceeds the cost of a day in an official parking lot.
Zone P2 is located a little further, free shuttle buses run to it, although many prefer to walk in 5-7 minutes. Here the tariffs are more flexible for long-term car storage. When choosing a place, follow the signs Long-term parking, if you are planning to go on vacation for a week or more.
Tariffs and payment system
The cost of parking at Sheremetyevo changes dynamically depending on the selected zone and the duration of parking. The tariff system is built on a progressive scale: the first minutes can be free, then hourly payment follows, and after reaching a certain threshold the “day” tariff is activated.
The P1 zone is characterized by a high hourly rate, which makes it economically unfeasible to have a car here that costs more than 500 rubles per day. At the same time, zone P2 offers special “Parking for a day” rates, which, when paid several days in advance through a mobile application or website, provide a significant discount.
You can pay for services in several ways: through self-service terminals located in pedestrian areas, through the airport’s mobile application or on the website. It is important to keep an electronic check or receipt, although the system will often allow you to pay directly at the exit gate as long as you have not exceeded the free time limit.
Pay for parking in advance through the official Sheremetyevo application - this is often cheaper than paying upon departure, and guarantees that the fare will be fixed even if flights are delayed.
Free time and grace periods
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the availability of free parking. The airport administration provides 15 minutes free parking in all parking lots for short-term drop-off or pick-up. This time is enough to disembark the passenger with luggage and leave the area, but not enough for a full transfer.
There are also special conditions for holders of certain premium segment bank cards and participants in loyalty programs. In such cases, the first 2 or 3 hours can be free, provided that the car number is registered in the partner’s personal account. The availability of this option must be checked prior to entering the premises.
Promotional codes or special rates may also apply to members of the Aeroflot Bonus program and other airline alliances. However, you should not rely on them without first checking, as promotional conditions change frequently. Always have a financial backup plan in case the machine does not recognize your status.
How to extend free time?
Theoretically, you can leave the 15-minute zone and enter again, but the number plate recognition system (ANPR) at Sheremetyevo is able to track such cycles. Re-entry within a short period of time (usually up to 1 hour) will not reset the free period timer, and charging will continue cumulatively.
Navigation and vehicle search
Multi-level parking lots at Sheremetyevo can disorient the driver, especially if he leaves the car for several days. In order not to wander through the rows in search of your car, you need to remember or photograph the number of the level, section and row. Visual navigation is made in colors, which also helps in orientation.
Modern parking systems are introducing “smart search” technologies, but at Sheremetyevo the good old method of fixing coordinates remains the most reliable method. Take a photo of the sign next to the parking lot or use geolocation on your smartphone and tag it “Car”.
When returning from a trip and feeling jetlagged, finding a car can be a challenge. If you have forgotten where you left your car, contact the parking information service or use information machines where you can find the location by phone number (if you registered).
☑️ Reminder before leaving the car
Comparison of parking tariffs at Sheremetyevo
For clarity, let’s look at a comparative table of the main characteristics of the parking zones adjacent to Terminal B. The data will help you quickly navigate the choice of a suitable location.
| Parameter | Zone P1 (Short Term) | Zone P2 (Long Term) | Transit zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to entrance | 0 meters (under the terminal) | 300-500 meters | 50 meters |
| Free time | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Cost per day | High (from RUB 1,500) | Average (from 600 rub.) | Hourly (up to 24 hours) |
| Payment | Online / Terminal | Online / Terminal | Terminal |
As can be seen from the table, the price difference between P1 and P2 can reach three times during long-term storage. If you do not have problems with mobility or heavy luggage, choosing P2 or even external partner parking lots with transfer will be more rational.
Savings on parking in Sheremetyevo are achieved not by looking for “holes” along the road, but by choosing the correct zone (P2 instead of P1) and prepaying through the application.
Safety and technical issues
The airport territory is under constant video surveillance and patrolled by security services. However, no one has canceled the rules of basic safety. Do not leave valuables, documents or electronics in visible places in the cabin, even if you are leaving for a short time.
When entering, pay attention to the condition of barriers and signs. In winter, there may be restrictions on the entry of vehicles with a certain clearance into the upper levels of parking lots due to snow drifts or design features of the ramps, although this is usually strictly monitored at Sheremetyevo.
If the alarm goes off or damage is detected when returning to the car, you must immediately contact the parking support service, the contacts of which are indicated at the payment counters. The presence of surveillance camera footage can be a decisive factor in the analysis of the incident.
⚠️ Attention: If your car has blocked the exit for another traffic participant, and you are already in the terminal, the security service will contact you at the number specified in the database upon entry (if the number is determined correctly), or through announcements. Make sure the phone number in the traffic police database is up to date.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to pay for parking with a foreign bank card?
Due to current restrictions, terminals and online services may not accept cards from foreign payment systems (Visa, Mastercard, issued outside the Russian Federation). It is recommended to have cash rubles for payment at terminals or use Russian MIR cards, as well as fast payment services (SBP).
What should I do if I lost my payment receipt?
When leaving the parking lot, the system automatically calculates the license plate number of your car. If you paid for parking online or through a terminal, but lost your receipt, the payment data is saved in the system. If you have problems with the barrier, press the button to call the operator, and he will check the payment using the machine number.
Are there places to charge electric vehicles?
At Sheremetyevo Airport, infrastructure for electric cars is gradually developing. Charging stations may be located in specialized locations. It is recommended to check their performance and availability in advance on the official website, since the number of such places is limited and they may be occupied.
What if I am on vacation and my parking period has expired?
Nothing bad will happen. When checking out, the system will automatically calculate the actual parking time according to the tariff in effect at the time of departure (or according to the tariff if the prepaid time has expired). You will just need to pay the difference at the terminal or at the checkout in front of the barrier.