Sheremetyevo Airport, which is one of the largest aviation hubs in Russia, offers passengers an extensive network of parking zones, each of which has its own characteristics, tariffs and distance from the terminals. Choosing the right place to leave your car before departure is often a deciding factor, affecting not only your travel budget, but also your stress level when returning from your trip. Paid parking at Sheremetyevo located both directly at the entrance to the airport terminal and at a considerable distance, which allows drivers to optimize costs depending on the duration of the vehicle’s absence.
It is important to understand that there is no single price for all parking, and the cost of an hour of idle time may vary several times depending on the selected sector. Some drivers prefer to pay extra for comfort and proximity to the terminal, while others are willing to walk or use a free shuttle for significant savings. In this article we will analyze in detail the structure of the parking space, current prices and strategies that will help you choose the best option.
It is worth noting that airport infrastructure is constantly being upgraded and access conditions may change, so knowledge of current entry and exit rules is critical. License plate recognition system works automatically, recording the time of entry and exit, which eliminates the need for coupons, but requires care when paying. Below we'll look at each type of parking separately so you can make an informed decision.
Short-term parking P1: Maximum proximity
Parking P1 is located directly in front of Terminals B and C, making it an ideal choice for those for whom every minute matters. This is a high-traffic area where tariffs are charged per minute, which is convenient for short stops, but can become expensive during long periods of downtime. Short-term parking designed primarily for those who see off or meet passengers, as well as for business trips for one day.
The cost for the first 15 minutes is often fixed or discounted, but after this time the meter starts ticking quite quickly. If you plan to leave the city for a week or two, leaving your car at P1 can cost a hefty sum, comparable to the cost of the plane ticket itself. That is why this sector is rarely used for long-term storage of cars.
⚠️ Attention: When entering the territory of P1, the system automatically starts counting down the time. If you're stopping by by chance or to quickly drop off a passenger, make sure to stick to the free time limit so you don't have to pay for the full hour.
For those who still choose this option, the option of quick payment through terminals or a mobile application is available, which speeds up the check-out process. Entry is carried out by license plate recognition, and exit is carried out after confirmation of payment. The convenience of the location is compensated by the high cost, so fare P1 is only valid for stops lasting up to several hours.
Main characteristics of sector P1:
- 🚗 Location: right at the entrance to terminals B and C.
- ⏱ Tariffing: per minute, with a high cost ratio.
- 🛡 Security: video surveillance and guarded area 24/7.
- ♿ Accessibility: places for people with limited mobility are located closest to the elevators.
Multi-storey car parks P2 and P3: Comfort and protection
Multi-level parking lots P2 and P3 are covered structures located within walking distance from terminals B, C, D, E and F. This is the optimal balance between price, comfort and proximity to the departure area. While inside the building, your car is protected from precipitation, hail, scorching sun or snow drifts, which is especially important in winter.
The cost per day at these parking lots is lower than at P1, but higher than at remote parking lots. There is also per-minute billing within the day, but with a more favorable coefficient. Multi-level parking lots are equipped with a modern navigation system that helps you quickly find a free place and not get lost when returning. A light indication above each seat indicates its occupancy.
Payment is made at the exit or in advance through mobile services. For frequent flyers and holders of certain bank cards, special conditions or discounts may apply, which you should find out about in advance in the airport app. The interior navigation is divided into color zones and letter symbols, making it easier to find your car.
Advantages of choosing P2 and P3:
- 🏢 Covered space: protection from weather conditions.
- 🚶 Walking distance: 3-5 minutes walk to the terminals.
- 💳 Flexible payment: supports all major payment systems and NFC.
- 🔋 Electric charging: availability of stations for charging electric vehicles.
Long-term parking P4, P5, P6: Savings for travelers
For those who are flying on vacation or a business trip for a period of several days to a month, the most rational choice will be long-term parking lots P4, P5 and P6. These sites are located further from the terminals, but provide free transfer to and from the departure area. Long-term parking allows you to save up to 50-60% of the budget compared to tariffs at the terminal.
Shuttle buses run regularly, the interval is usually 10-15 minutes, which is comparable to the time you would spend finding a space and walking from multi-level parking lots. Cars in these parking lots are in fenced areas under video surveillance. Tariffing here is often simpler and more transparent, focused on daily payment.
When you book your seat online through the airport's official website, you can often get an additional discount. This action fixes the price and guarantees availability during high season. The driver only needs to get to the barrier, get a ticket or record a number, leave the car and proceed to the transfer boarding point.
☑️ Checklist before leaving your car in long-term parking
Features of sectors P4-P6:
- 💰 Savings: lowest cost per day of storage.
- 🚌 Transfer: free bus to the terminals every 15 minutes.
- 📅 Reservation: the ability to reserve a seat online at a discount.
- 🛡 Security: perimeter fencing and patrolling.
Comparative table of tariffs and conditions
To systematize the information and help you choose the appropriate option, we have prepared a summary table. Please note that prices may be indexed, so before traveling it is recommended to check the latest data on the official resource. However, the cost structure remains unchanged: the closer and more comfortable, the more expensive.
| Parking | Location | Tariff type | Who is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | At terminals B, C | Per minute, high | Greeters, short affairs |
| P2, P3 | Indoor, near terminals | Per minute, average | Business trips, car protection |
| P4, P5, P6 | Remote, transfer | Daily, low | Vacations, business trips (3+ days) |
| Kiss-and-Fly | Special landing zone | Per minute (first 20 minutes free) | Drop-off/pick-up only, no exit |
Analyzing the data in the table, you can easily see that for a trip of 7 days, the difference in cost between P1 and P6 can reach tens of thousands of rubles. Economic feasibility the use of remote parking lots is obvious for long absences. At the same time, for meeting a delegation or an urgent flight for a couple of hours, P1 remains the uncontested leader in terms of convenience.
The main savings are achieved when choosing remote parking lots (P4-P6) for trips lasting more than 3 days.
Kiss-and-Fly Zone: Quick drop-off and pick-up
The area deserves special attention Kiss-and-Fly, intended exclusively for a short stop for the purpose of disembarking or embarking passengers. This is not a parking lot in the classical sense, but a transit zone where it is prohibited to leave a car without a driver. The free time here is limited, usually 20 minutes.
If you stay longer than the allotted time, the system will automatically recalculate the cost at an increased rate, and the amount may unpleasantly surprise you. The purpose of this zone is to relieve congestion on the access roads to the terminals and avoid traffic jams. The driver must drop off the passenger with luggage and immediately leave the area, proceeding to the roundabout.
⚠️ Attention: Waiting parking is prohibited in the Kiss-and-Fly zone. If your flight is delayed, you are required to leave the area and return later or wait in an off-site parking lot. Cameras record re-entry.
The use of this area is convenient when the passenger does not need assistance with check-in or escort to the security frame. For older people or families with small children who require assistance, it is better to consider short-term parking options P1 or P2, where you can safely park and accompany your loved ones to the terminal entrance.
Payment and navigation tips
Modern technologies make it possible to minimize contact with terminals and cashiers. Payment for parking in Sheremetyevo is possible through a mobile application, SMS or on the website. This is not only faster, but often cheaper as it eliminates the on-site fees of some payment systems. In addition, you can pay for parking in advance, which eliminates queues at the exit.
When leaving parking lots P1-P3, it is important to save the ticket (if you have received one) or simply drive up to the barrier if the system uses license plate recognition. If you lose your ticket or the system fails, you will have to contact support, which may take time. Therefore photographing a parking space and ticket is a good habit for a prudent driver.
What to do if the barrier at the exit does not work?
If the barrier does not open after payment, do not try to drive through the ram. Press the operator call button on the counter or call the number indicated on the signage. Usually the problem is solved by remotely rebooting the barrier by the operator within 1-2 minutes. You must have a payment receipt with you.
Navigating inside parking complexes can be confusing due to the large number of levels and sectors. It is recommended to use the “Remember Place” function in your navigator or take a photo of a landmark. In multi-level parking lots P2 and P3, there are special “smart” kiosks that help you find a car by license plate number, but they do not always work correctly in poor lighting or when the license plates are dirty.
Recommendations for hassle-free parking:
- 📱 Install the airport app for quick payment.
- 📸 Take a photo of the parking location and the pole/section number.
- ⏱ Allow time to find a place during the holidays.
- 💳 Have cash in case the terminals fail (rare, but it happens).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is there free parking at Sheremetyevo?
There is no official free parking for long-term storage of cars near the terminals. The Kiss-and-Fly area is free for the first 20 minutes only, but is for drop-off/pick-up only. You can leave your car completely free of charge only in remote unofficial parking lots outside the airport perimeter, from where you will have to take a taxi.
How to pay for parking without leaving the car?
Payment can be made through the Sheremetyevo Parking mobile application, on the airport website in the payment section, via SMS or by QR code, which will be displayed on the screen upon entry (if such an option is available). It is also possible to pay by phone number at the terminals, which does not require leaving the car if the terminal is located next to the barrier.
What happens if I lose my parking ticket?
If you lose your ticket in parking lots P1, P2, P3, you must contact the parking office or the operator at the exit. You will have to pay the cost of parking for the entire period the car is in the maximum rate, and you may also be charged a fine for losing a ticket, since the time of entry in the system may not correlate without a ticket.
Is there a shuttle service from parking lots P4-P6 at night?
Yes, the shuttle service from long-term parking lots P4, P5 and P6 operates 24 hours a day. However, the bus interval at night (from 00:00 to 05:00) can be increased to 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to check the current schedule at the information desk when entering the parking lot.
Is it possible to reserve a specific parking space?
Currently, the reservation system allows you to reserve a space in a specific parking sector (for example, P4 or P5) and fix the rate, but not a specific parking slot. You take the first free seat in the reserved area. There is no guarantee of a place for a particular pillar.