How to get to Europe from Russia

Getting to European Union countries has become harder since 2022: direct flights from Russia have been suspended, and the land borders of Finland, Norway, and the Baltic states remain closed to tourists. Nevertheless, for those dreaming of Bavarian castles, the canals of Venice, or Barcelona's unique architecture, travelling to Europe is still possible. In this article, we'll walk through the most relevant routes in detail.

Direct flights
Connecting flights
Connections through the CIS
The fastest routes
Combining bus and plane
Useful tips for travellers
Conclusion

Direct flights

Serbia remains the only European country with direct flights from Russia, and flying there doesn't require a visa. Air Serbia operates flights to Belgrade from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and Kazan. One-way ticket prices currently start from 24,000 rubles, but can vary significantly depending on the season and demand. For example, a flight from Moscow in March could cost around 45,000 rubles.

For those looking for more affordable options, it's worth considering routes with connections, such as flights via Istanbul, which can save up to 10,000 rubles. In addition, Serbia can serve as a starting point for travel across other European countries. From Belgrade, it's convenient to travel by bus or train to neighbouring countries such as Hungary, where the trip to Budapest takes about 8 hours and costs from 3,000 rubles.

Besides Serbia, routes are available via Albania or Montenegro, which also offer visa-free or simplified visa arrangements for Russians. This makes them convenient transit points for further travel across Europe. Renting a car in these countries opens up even more opportunities to explore the region.

Connecting flights

Another popular way to reach Europe remains connecting flights through international hubs. Istanbul (Turkish Airlines and Pegasus) and Dubai (Emirates and Flydubai) are the main transit points, offering flights to most European countries. When planning your flight, it's important to factor in connection time: 1.5 hours is enough for a connection within the same airport, but changing airports requires 5 to 6 hours.

Besides these routes, convenient options are also offered via Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Doha (Qatar Airways), Cairo (EgyptAir), and Tel Aviv (EL AL). Although less busy, the choice of flights and fares may be more limited, especially in the off-season.

During the high summer season, some airlines add extra flights, including charters via tourist destinations such as Antalya or Larnaca. These options can turn out to be surprisingly convenient and affordable for connections to Europe.

For those wanting to add variety to their trip, transit hubs offer the chance to spend a few days in the city. For example, in Dubai, you can visit the Burj Khalifa, relax on the beach, or go shopping for goods unavailable in Russia.

Connections through the CIS

In addition to routes via Turkey and Arab countries, there are connecting flights through neighbouring CIS countries. For example, from Armenia (Yerevan, FlyOne Armenia, Armenia), Azerbaijan (Baku, AZAL, Buta Airways), and Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Uzbekistan Airways), it's convenient to reach Europe. These destinations are especially appealing for residents of Russia's regions thanks to their accessibility and moderate ticket prices. However, keep in mind that the number of European destinations from these cities may be limited.

Budget airlines such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and airBaltic often fly to Europe from CIS airports. Flexibility with dates will help you find the best deals. For example, a flight from Yerevan to Rome could cost around 10,000 rubles.

You could also consider routes via Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which are actively developing air links with European countries. For instance, flights from Almaty are available to Vienna, Prague, and Frankfurt, and ticket prices can sometimes be quite attractive.

Travellers choosing CIS countries as transit points can use their layover time to explore local attractions. For example, arranging a short excursion or visiting landmark sites before their next flight.

The fastest routes

The fastest ways to reach Europe tend to be more expensive. For instance, Turkish Airlines offers flights from Moscow to Paris, Milan, or Rome with a connection in Istanbul. Travel time ranges from 7 to 11 hours, and ticket prices range from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles one way.

More budget-friendly options take longer but can save you significantly. For example:

Moscow — Paris via Istanbul with a 4-hour layover: 30,500 rubles.
Moscow — Rome via Yerevan: 20,000 rubles for a ticket without checked baggage, with a travel time of around 10.5 hours.

When choosing a route, it's important to consider visa requirements. It's best to arrive in the country that issued your Schengen visa, to minimise possible questions at the border. In addition, travellers choosing overnight flights can save further on accommodation by spending time in the airport's transit zone.

Combining bus and plane

For residents of southern Russia, a combined "bus + plane" route becomes an appealing option. This approach lets you reach nearby countries such as Armenia or Georgia, and then continue your journey into Europe.

For example, the Vladikavkaz–Yerevan route begins with a bus trip, which takes 10–15 hours and costs around 3,000 rubles. From Yerevan, you can then buy a flight ticket to Rome for 6,000 rubles, bringing the total for the whole trip to around 8,000 rubles.

Similarly, when travelling via Georgia, you can take direct flights from Tbilisi to European capitals. Tickets from Tbilisi are often cheaper than from other cities in the region, and you can spend your layover enjoying a stroll through the old town or sampling local wines. Travelling via Georgia not only helps you save money, but also offers a fresh cultural experience.

Useful tips for travellers

Buy tickets as a single itinerary.

If a flight is delayed, the airline will find a way to get you to your final destination. With separate tickets, you'll have to sort out the problem yourself.
Account for connection time.

The minimum connection time is 1.5 hours.
Flexible departure dates can help you save.

Sometimes shifting your trip by just a day lowers ticket prices.
Take advantage of stopover programmes.

Many airlines offer free hotels or tours for long layovers.
Avoid multiple connections.

The fewer connections, the simpler and more comfortable your trip will be.
Watch out for seasonal deals.

In spring and autumn, airlines often run sales on international routes.
Keep an eye on currency exchange fluctuations.

Sometimes buying tickets in foreign currency through international services can be more cost-effective.
Plan a budget for unexpected expenses.

Delays, extra overnight stays, or changed routes may require additional spending.

Conclusion

Even without direct flights and with border restrictions in place, Europe remains accessible to Russian tourists. Choose routes that fit your budget and preferences, combine different flight options, and keep an eye out for good airline deals. With smart trip planning, you can enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of European cities, which are worth all the effort involved.