This is the question I get asked more than almost any other, and the honest answer is that getting to Moscow from Europe takes more planning than it used to.
Neither direct flights nor direct trains have connected Moscow to Western Europe since 2022, and that hasn’t changed. Here’s how people actually make the trip in 2026.
By air
No European or North American airline currently flies direct to Moscow, and no direct flights operate from the EU, UK or US. The realistic route is a connecting flight through a hub that still serves Russia — Istanbul, Dubai, Yerevan, Baku and Belgrade are the most commonly used. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the option most Western travellers end up on. Book through a flight comparison site that shows the full routing, and expect the journey to take noticeably longer, and cost more, than the pre-2022 direct-flight era.
By train
The passenger rail links that used to connect Berlin, Helsinki and other major European cities directly to Moscow have not operated since 2022, and I wouldn’t plan a trip around one existing. If a train route to Russia is available at all from your starting point, it’s likely to involve a change of train and a transit visa for whichever country you’re routing through, and the situation changes without much notice. Check the current status directly with a rail operator before assuming any specific route is running.
Overland, if you’re already nearby
Travellers already in a neighbouring country — Georgia or Kazakhstan, for example — do cross into Russia by land, though border rules, which crossings are open, and processing times vary and change. If this is your plan, treat it as something to confirm close to your travel date rather than something to book around in advance.
Visa and insurance, before any of this
Whichever route you take, you’ll need your Russian visa, invitation letter, and visa-compliant travel insurance sorted before you can book with any confidence. None of the routing options above are worth locking in until that’s settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights from Europe to Moscow?
No. Since 2022, no European or North American airline flies direct to Moscow. Travellers connect through hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, Yerevan, Baku or Belgrade.
Is there a direct train from Berlin to Moscow?
No. The passenger rail links that used to connect Berlin and other European cities directly to Moscow have not operated since 2022.
What’s the most reliable way to get to Moscow right now?
A connecting flight through Istanbul, Dubai, or a similar hub is the most predictable option for most Western travellers.
Anastasia is a Moscow-based travel blog writer who brings a local’s insight to one of the world’s most fascinating and misunderstood cities. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Anastasia shares an authentic, on-the-ground perspective on what it’s really like to explore the city beyond the postcards.
Her writing focuses on tourism in Moscow, practical guides for first-time visitors, and hidden corners that most travelers miss. In addition, Anastasia writes extensively about expat life in Moscow, covering everyday realities such as housing, transportation, cultural differences, and settling into life in the Russian capital.
As a solo traveler in her own city, she also documents Moscow through the lens of independence and curiosity — from navigating the metro alone at night to discovering cafés, museums, and neighborhoods that feel welcoming for solo visitors. Her work blends local knowledge with honest personal experience, helping travelers and expats alike feel more confident, informed, and inspired when discovering Moscow on their own terms.