Sochi International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (AER)

The Sochi International Airport serves the main Russian Black Sea resort, host of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

International traffic to this airport is now heavily concentrated on Russia, CIS, and some non-Western countries, given the collapse of connections with Western Europe since 2022.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: aer.aero/en

How to get to Sochi International Airport

The center of Sochi is a few kilometres from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the center of Sochi in approximately 20-30 minutes.

By Train

A suburban rail connection links the airport to several city stations.

By Bus

Several public bus lines connect the airport to the city centre and the ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana.

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Tips International credit cards do not work in Russia: bring sufficient cash in a major currency outside the EU for any travel.

Average travel time to AER

TrainSuburban rail service available

Shuttle busService available

Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes

Parking near Sochi International Airport

A multi-level parking structure is located adjacent to the terminal.

Rates are in line with standards for a major tourism hub, but verify accepted payment methods.

How to get to Sochi from AER

By Train

A suburban railway connection serves the airport and some city stations.

By Bus

Several public bus lines connect the airport to the city center and to the ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait at the ranks in the arrival area; agree on the fare or check the meter, as international payment cards are often difficult to use.

Need an airport transfer?

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Car rental at Sochi International Airport

Some car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, which is useful for reaching the ski resorts of Krasnaya Polyana.

A driving license, passport, and cash are required; verify in advance that your international credit card will be accepted.

Hotels near Sochi International Airport

Numerous hotels and resorts are located along the coast of Sochi and in the Krasnaya Polyana ski resort.

Beachfront hotels (20–30 minutes, prices subject to change due to currency volatility) are convenient for the sea; Krasnaya Polyana (about one hour) offers skiing in winter. Always verify the latest security advisories from your government before traveling.

Airport services

The airport is the main gateway to Russia's Black Sea coast, with connections today primarily domestic and to certain non-Western destinations.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers a mix of local and international products.

Lounges & relaxation

Reserved lounges welcome business-class travelers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi signal reaches only specific zones within the terminal.

Families & Children

The terminal features play areas for children alongside standard family services.

Terminal guide

The terminal, home to the 2014 Winter Olympics, handles predominantly domestic traffic and some destinations outside the West.

For flights, it is recommended to arrive with ample time in advance, also considering possible delays linked to temporary closures for drone alerts, as Sochi is relatively close to areas of conflict.

Map of Sochi International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Did Soči host the Olympics?

Yes, the 2014 Winter Olympics, with facilities still active in the nearby Krasnaya Polyana ski resort.

Q. How far is Krasnaya Polyana from Soči airport?

About an hour, the area's main ski resort, reachable by car, bus or taxi.

Q. Are there frequent airport closures in Soči?

Given the relative proximity to conflict areas, drone attacks caused repeated temporary closures of Russian airports in 2026: always check the current operational status before any trip.