The main gateway to Murmansk is through the Murmansk Airport (MMK), which is located around 24 kilometers outside the city centre. This airport mostly handles domestic flights, but it also has some connections to international destinations. Travellers coming from further afield will typically connect through Moscow or Saint Petersburg.
From Moscow: Frequent flights operate between Moscow and Murmansk. Carriers such as Aeroflot and Nordavia provide services from Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) and Domodedovo International Airport (DME) to Murmansk.
From Saint Petersburg: Daily flights are available from Pulkovo Airport (LED) to Murmansk, operated by airlines like Rossiya Airlines.
Murmansk can also be reached by train, which is a popular choice owing to the scenic journeys. The city has a major railway station, Murmansk Passazhirsky.
The long-haul train service from Moscow's Leningradsky Station takes around 35-40 hours. The "Arktika" train is one of the most popular trains on this route.
From Saint Petersburg: The journey from Saint Petersburg's Ladozhsky or Moskovsky Stations can take about 25-30 hours, with overnight sleeper compartments available.
If you're planning a road trip, Murmansk is connected to the rest of Russia by the M18 Kola Motorway, which stretches all the way from Saint Petersburg. The journey by car can be a great adventure, but you should be prepared for challenging conditions, especially in winter.
Long-distance buses also operate from major cities, although this can be a less comfortable option for such a long journey.
Remember to check visa requirements before traveling. Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Russia, so make sure to apply well in advance of your trip to Murmansk.
