BEST WAY DOWNTOWN: Driver

BASICS
Sheremetyevo II is located 16 miles (26 km) northwest of the center of Moscow. Most international flights will arrive at Sheremetyevo II. Sheremetyevo I, about 15 miles away, serves domestic flights.

TAXI
The arriving traveler is greeted by a vast crowd of people most of whom are yelling "Taxi!" and trying to get a fare into the city. Unfortunately these renegade taxi drivers are usually dangerous and at best dishonest. It is very wise to steer clear of them. Even the most seasoned traveler will wilt at the scene outside the arrivals area. Fortunately, seasoned travelers arrange transportation.

There is a taxi service outside of the arrivals hall, but it is a nightmare for the arriving traveler. Make sure you fend off all the drivers who approach you on the sidewalk with a "deal." Go to the taxi line. The fare will always have to be negotiated but should be around 728-1020 roubles ($25-$35) to the center of Moscow. Drivers will ask for much more, upwards of 1750 roubles ($60) is not uncommon.

DRIVER
There are services that you can pre-book that will meet you in the arrivals area and take you to your hotel. You can book these through your host company, tourist agency, or your hotel. Aeroflot has a company called Commonwealth Express (in the USA call 1-800-995-9934) through which you can book a car in advance and prepay. They will send you a voucher to give to the driver when he meets you. The fare is expensive, currently 2100 roubles ($75), but you are paying for security and convenience.

If you have not pre-booked ground transportation and you do not want to deal with the taxi situation, the Intourist Office in the arrivals area of the airport will be of great help. They can arrange a car, and driver, for your trip to Moscow. They can also arrange for a rental car if you so desire.