Is a 2½ hr layover in Moscow long enough?

SVO · Sheremetyevo · Moscow, Russia
Probably Enough

Yes, 2½ hours is probably enough for a layover at SVO (Moscow).

Well beyond any realistic SVO transfer requirement, even during peak travel periods.
Concourses
5
Max Transit
40m
Avg. Security
25m
Primary Hub
Aeroflot
Domestic → Domestic
45min
✓
Domestic → International
70min
✓
International → Domestic
70min
✓
International → International
60min
✓
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
If your connection involves Terminal B, budget extra time for the inter-terminal train and a fresh security screening on arrival.
Aeroflot-to-Aeroflot connections within C/D/E/F are the smoothest, often via connected airside corridors.
Passport and immigration control for international arrivals can add significant time during peak morning and evening banks.
Signage is in Russian and English, but announcements and staff English proficiency can vary, so confirm your gate early.
Allow more buffer than the posted MCT if you're unfamiliar with Cyrillic signage or traveling with a non-Russian passport requiring visa or transit checks.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Terminals C, D, E, and F are connected by covered indoor walkways and moving sidewalks, allowing many transfers without leaving the airside zone, though passport control applies whenever crossing between international and domestic flows. Terminal B, opened in 2018, is a separate complex reached via a dedicated inter-terminal train (roughly 5-8 minutes each way) plus walking and waiting time, and passengers connecting to or from B should expect a full security re-screening on arrival at the new terminal.
Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at Sheremetyevo (SVO)?

Well beyond any realistic SVO transfer requirement, even during peak travel periods.

What is the minimum connection time at SVO?

Minimum connection times at Sheremetyevo: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 2½ hours connection at SVO on an international flight?

2½ hours clears the 60-minute international minimum connection time at Sheremetyevo, but you should still head directly to your gate. Terminals C, D, E, and F are connected by covered indoor walkways and moving sidewalks, allowing many transfers without leaving the airside zone, though passport control applies whenever crossing between international and domestic flows. Terminal B, opened in 2018, is a separate complex reached via a dedicated inter-terminal train (roughly 5-8 minutes each way) plus walking and waiting time, and passengers connecting to or from B should expect a full security re-screening on arrival at the new terminal.

How much time do I need for a layover at SVO?

We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Sheremetyevo. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 25 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 40 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at SVO?

Aeroflot and SkyTeam partners typically rebook missed connections at their transfer desks located in the arrival terminal; passengers should proceed directly to the Aeroflot transfer counter in Terminal D, E, or F, or the equivalent desk in Terminal B, for rebooking and any necessary hotel or visa transit assistance.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER