Driving to the airport in your own car often seems like a more convenient and predictable alternative to a taxi or public transport, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family. However, arriving at the terminal without a clear understanding of the logistics can become stressful if you don't know exactly where the zone you need is located and what payment terms apply there. At the airport Sheremetyevo There are several types of parking spaces, each of which is tailored to the specific needs of passengers.
Some drivers simply want to quickly drop off their loved ones at the entrance, while others plan to leave the car for a week or even more, going on a long-awaited vacation. Still others are looking for an opportunity to save money and are ready to travel extra kilometers to interception zones. Navigation inside the huge aviation hub requires attention, since terminals B and A (formerly D, E, F) are located at a considerable distance from each other. Understanding these differences is the key to a smooth start to your journey.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options, current tariffs for 2026 and hidden nuances that not all drivers know about. You will learn how they work barriers, where grace periods apply and how to avoid fines for illegal parking. Choosing the right parking spot will allow you to save not only your nerves, but also a significant amount of money, which is better spent on shopping in Duty Free.
Short-term parking at Terminals B and A
If your goal is to quickly drop off passengers or pick them up from the arrivals area, then short-term parking lots located directly in front of the terminal entrances are suitable for you. For Terminal B (formerly Sheremetyevo-1), the zone is located right next to the pedestrian zone, which is most convenient for those who value time. In the case of Terminal A (international flights), the parking levels are integrated into the structure of the building itself, allowing access to the check-in counters in a matter of minutes.
The cost here is calculated per minute, which makes keeping the car for a long time extremely unprofitable. Charging begins after the free period has expired, which is usually 15 or 20 minutes depending on the specific zone and current airport regulations.
At the entrance you receive a ticket or the system reads the license plate of your car, and at the exit the payment is made through automated kiosks or a mobile application. If you are delayed beyond the paid time, the system will recalculate the cost at the maximum rate. This is an ideal option for short stops, but leaving a car here for several hours is not economically feasible.
- 🚗 Convenience: the entrance to the terminal is 50 meters from the car.
- ⏱ Time: ideal for stops of up to 30-40 minutes.
- 💰 Tariff: high cost per minute, but there is a free limit.
- 📱 Payment: terminals, airport app or website.
⚠️ Attention: The free period (usually 15-20 minutes) is given once a day for one car. Re-entry within 24 hours will be charged from the first minute.
Many drivers make the mistake of trying to “reset” the time by driving back and forth through the barrier. Security system Sheremetyevo monitors such maneuvers, and if abused, access may be limited and the tariff recalculated as a full day. It is better to plan your departure time in advance.
How to quickly find a free space in short-term parking?
During peak hours, the seats near the entrance may be occupied. Follow the signs to levels P1, P2 or P3 (depending on the terminal). Often there are empty seats on the upper or lower levels, and the difference in travel time to the entrance will be no more than 2-3 minutes walk.
Long-term parking P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P7, P8, P9, P10
For those who fly away on vacation or a business trip for several days, long-term parking is provided. They are located at a distance from the terminals, but are connected to them by free shuttle buses running around the clock. There are many of them in Sheremetyevo, and each has its own location features relative to terminals B and A.
Parking lots P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P7, P8, P9 and P10 offer different conditions, but they have one thing in common - daily tariffs, which are much more profitable than per-minute ones. When you book your space online through the official website or app, you can get a discount of up to 60% off the price at the barrier. This key point to save your travel budget.
You can get to the terminal by company bus Aeroexpress Bus, which runs every 15-20 minutes. Travel time takes about 10-15 minutes. The parking lots have video surveillance and security systems, which ensures the safety of your car while you are away. Upon entry, you receive a coupon, which must be kept until departure.
It is worth noting the difference in distance. Parking lots P1-P5 are located closer to Terminal B, while P8-P10 are oriented towards Terminal A, although shuttles operate in all directions. When choosing a place, pay attention to the height of the entry restriction if you have large transport or a car with a high roof rack.
- 📅 Reservation: guarantees a place and a significant discount.
- 🚌 Transfer: free bus every 15-20 minutes.
- 🛡 Security: protected area and video monitoring 24/7.
- 🚙 Accessibility: places for cars with limited mobility.
When leaving a long-term parking lot, you must pay for the service at the terminal or through the application, and then leave the area within 15 minutes. If you have lost your entry pass, you will have to go through the recovery procedure through the support service, which will take additional time.
Parking and parking and savings
For travelers who are willing to sacrifice time for maximum savings, there are park and ride facilities. They are located outside the immediate airport area, often near train stations or at remote sites from which buses run to the terminals. This is an excellent option for those who live in the northern regions of Moscow or the Moscow region.
The main advantage of such zones is the low cost of storage per day. Often prices here are two to three times lower than in the official parking lots of the airport itself. However, you need to take into account the transfer time and possible bus delays during peak hours. Logistics requires a reserve of time: allow at least 3 hours before departure for all procedures.
Some interception zones require the mandatory purchase of a ticket for aeroexpress or providing a receipt for fuel at the nearest gas stations to activate a preferential tariff. Conditions may change, so please check for current information before travelling. Otherwise, this is a reliable way to leave your car.
⚠️ Attention: Intercept parking lots often do not have covered spaces. Your car will be outdoors, which is worth considering in winter or during hailstorms.
There are also unofficial parking lots offering shuttle services. They are located in nearby villages. When using them, you act at your own peril and risk, since legal responsibility for the safety of the car in such cases is often not regulated by the agreement with the airport.
Always take photographs of your vehicle from all four sides and a general layout of the parking lot before leaving it in any parking lot. This will help in controversial situations when scratches or dents are detected.
Tariffs and payment methods
The financial component is one of the main factors of choice. Tariffs at Sheremetyevo are differentiated depending on the type of parking and the duration of parking. Payment is made in rubles, bank cards of all popular systems are accepted, as well as cash (at cash desks or terminals).
There are several types of fares: Standard, Business (if available at a specific parking lot) and special offers for frequent flyers. When you pay online through your personal account on the airport website or in the app, you fix the price and protect yourself from seasonal tariff increases.
For residents or airline employees, corporate rates may apply that require prior registration of the car number in the database. For ordinary passengers, early booking remains the most profitable. Please remember that times are rounded up.
| Parking type | Free period | Tariff (approximate) | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short term (P1-P4) | 15-20 min | 100 rub/hour (after discount) | Card/Cash/App |
| Long-term (P5-P10) | No | from 400 rub/day (online) | Map/Online |
| VIP parking | No | from 1500 rub/day | Online/Map |
| Intercepting | Depends on conditions | from 250 rub/day | Card/Cash |
It is important to check the relevance of tariffs immediately before your trip, since the airport administration reserves the right to change the pricing policy. You can always get the latest price list at the information desks of the terminals.
Is it possible to get a refund if the flight is cancelled?
In case of flight cancellation at the initiative of the airline, some parking lots (mostly official long-term ones) allow you to extend the parking time for free or return part of the money upon provision of a certificate from the carrier. Conditions must be clarified in the specific parking rules.
Rules of conduct and safety
The airport territory is a high security facility. There are strict rules here, violation of which can lead not only to a fine, but also to the towing of the car or the police being called. First of all, it is prohibited to leave a car in unauthorized places, for example, on the sides of access roads or in places for the disabled without the appropriate sign.
When parking, make sure that you do not block the passage of other cars and official vehicles. Doors must be closed and windows raised. There should be no valuables left in visible places in the car, although security guards keep order, you should not lose vigilance. CCTV cameras cover almost the entire area.
If you notice suspicious objects or behavior of other people in the parking lot, immediately report it to security. It is also prohibited to refuel cars with gas equipment (NGE) at underground parking levels due to the risk of leakage of gas, which is heavier than air and accumulates below.
- 🚫 Prohibited: leaving the engine running without a driver.
- 🔒 Safety: hide bags and gadgets in the trunk before entering the parking lot.
- ♿ Disability: parking in spaces for disabled people without a sign is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rubles.
- 🔥 Danger: refueling gas in underground parking lots is strictly prohibited.
☑️ Checklist before leaving the car
Following these simple rules will ensure that when you return you will find your car in the same condition in which you left it. The Sheremetyevo administration regularly conducts raids to identify violators, so you shouldn’t rely on “maybe”.
Tips from experienced travelers
Experienced tourists know a few life hacks that can make the parking process even smoother. First, always save the geolocation or take a photo of the row and section number. In huge multi-level parking lots, it is easy to forget where exactly the car is parked, especially after a long and tiring flight.
Secondly, if you are traveling in winter, consider the option of indoor parking (P1-P4, P8-P10) so as not to clear your car of snow and ice immediately upon arrival. The difference in cost may not be so great if you book in advance, but the comfort is significant. Terminal A parking garages (P8-P10) often have more modern ventilation and lighting systems.
Third, use navigation apps with a Parking feature that show how busy areas are in real time. This will help you avoid circling around the levels looking for a place. It is also useful to carry small cash with you, although change terminals are rarely provided, sometimes this can be a lifesaver in the event of a system failure.
⚠️ Attention: When entering a parking lot with a height restriction (for example, 2.1 m), make sure that your car with an installed trunk or antenna fits into the dimensions. Sensors at the entrance may not work correctly for non-standard cargo.
One last piece of advice: always leave a phone number in your car where you can be reached. If you accidentally park illegally but leave your contact details, security will call you rather than call a tow truck. This is a rule of good manners and mutual assistance.
Booking parking online 24 hours before departure is the safest way to secure a space and save up to 60% on the cost, giving you peace of mind before your flight.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to park for an hour at Terminal B?
The cost of an hour in short-term parking at Terminal B is about 100 rubles after the free period has expired (15-20 minutes). However, it is better to check the exact amount on the official website, since tariffs may be indexed.
Is there free parking at Sheremetyevo?
There is no completely free parking for long-term car parking. You can only stand for free in the drop-off/pick-up area (15-20 minutes). Parking intercepts can be free if you purchase an Aeroexpress ticket, but this requires additional transportation costs.
What to do if you lost your ticket when leaving?
You must contact the parking support service or the operator at the exit. You will have to pay for parking as for a full day or go through the ticket renewal procedure by presenting documents for the car. This will take time, so it is better to store the ticket in your phone (take a photo) or in a special compartment in the glove compartment.
Is it possible to reserve a seat for a disabled person?
Special places for people with limited mobility are located closest to the entrances and elevators. They are not booked separately in the general flow, but are available upon arrival. To use them, you must have the appropriate sign on your vehicle.
Is the parking open 24 hours a day?
Yes, all official Sheremetyevo parking lots (P1-P10) operate 24/7. Shuttles to the terminals also run around the clock, but the interval at night can be increased to 30-40 minutes.