Airlines Flying Out Of Minsk, Belarus: Comprehensive Guide

Minsk, Belarus, is a cultural hub, boasting many theatres, museums, and cathedrals. The city is served by Minsk International Airport (MSQ), the largest airport in the country. There are 10 airlines that fly to Minsk, including Belavia, Red Wings, and Severstal, which operate most flights to the city. The airport is 42km from the city centre, which can be reached by bus, train, taxi, or private transfer.

Airlines flying to Minsk

Minsk National Airport (MSQ) is the largest airport in Belarus and the country's main international airport. There are 10 airlines flying from Minsk to 88 airports around the world.

The most popular flights to Minsk depart from Moscow Sheremetyevo, Saint Petersburg, and Dubai. The most popular airlines flying to Minsk include:

• Belavia: the largest airline operating out of Minsk, with around 123 scheduled take-offs every week.
• Aeroflot: the second most popular airline, with 283 flights to Minsk from Moscow and Saint Petersburg each month.
• Red Wings: the second biggest airline in terms of operated flight routes to Minsk.
• Azerbaijan Airlines: offers flights from Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Azerbaijan, as well as Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, and Istanbul and Dubai International Airports.
• Uzbekistan Airways: offers seasonal flights from Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
• Turkish Airlines: offers flights to Minsk from Istanbul.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: offers flights to Minsk, serving Minsk National Airport (MSQ).
• FlyDubai: offers year-round flights from Dubai.
• Severstal Air Company: offers flights from Cherepovets Airport.
• Azimuth Airlines: offers flights from Moscow Domodedovo Airport.
• Air China: the only airline flying non-stop from China to Minsk, with year-round flights from Beijing.

Getting to Minsk city centre from the airport

Minsk National Airport is about 40-45 km from the city centre, and there are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre. Here are some options:

By Public Transport

Take the shuttle bus 300Э or the 1400TC/1430TC minibus from the airport to the city centre. The bus and minibus tickets cost 4.90-5 BYN (€1.6-1.9, $2.1, £1.4-1.8, 100-120 RUR) and can be purchased at the airport terminal, from the driver, or online. The bus ride takes about an hour, with the final stop at the Central Bus Station (Centralniy), located 100 metres from the Central Train Station. The bus also stops at the Urucca metro station.

By Taxi

The airport is 33 km from the closest metro station, Uručča, and 42 km from the centre of Minsk. A taxi ride will take around 30-40 minutes and costs €10-12 to Uručča and €13-15 to the city centre. You can book a taxi in advance via Uber, or go for the airport's transfer service, which promises English-speaking drivers, 24/7 service, and the possibility to book a car in advance. The price is fixed at €13-16 for a premium class automobile or 6-seater, and €48 for a minibus with 17 seats.

By Car

You can also rent a car at the airport, with prices starting from €40-50 per day for an economy class car and going up to €200 for a luxury car or Tesla.

The best way to get around Minsk

Minsk International Airport (MSQ) is located 30 miles from the city centre, so you'll need to travel a fair distance to reach downtown Minsk.

For longer journeys, you can take the train. Minsk is well-connected to other European cities, with trains running to and from Berlin, Frankfurt, and Moscow.

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are several intercity bus routes that service the area. You can also easily rent a car to explore the city and its surroundings.

For a unique perspective of the city, consider joining a guided Minsk pub crawl. These typically take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, starting at 8:30 pm, and will take you to various bars and clubs in central Minsk.

Minsk is also a walkable city, with many notable landmarks located along its central avenue, Independence Avenue. This 15-kilometer-long street connects five of the most important squares in Minsk: Kalinin Square, Yakub Kolas Square, Victory Square, October Square, and Independence Square.

So, whether you choose to walk, take public transportation, or join a guided tour, there are plenty of options for getting around and exploring all that Minsk has to offer.

Things to do in Minsk

Minsk, Belarus is served by Minsk International Airport (MSQ), the largest airport in the country. There are 10 airlines that fly into MSQ, including Azerbaijan Airlines, Aeroflot, and Belavia.

Now, here is some information on things to do in Minsk:

Museum Strana Mini

An excellent choice for tourists, this museum showcases 22 key Belarusian attractions, with English-speaking tour guides available. The museum also features a souvenir shop, a virtual reality zone, and free high-speed wi-fi. Each ticket includes photos and an audio guide.

Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

The greatest national depository of material and spiritual monuments of the 1941-1945 war history, this museum is a must-visit to learn about the rich history of Belarus. The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 and is closed on Mondays.

Money Museum Groshi

This museum, located in the historical center of Minsk, showcases the evolution of coins, banknotes, and other monetary instruments used in Belarus from ancient times to the present. Visitors can also see the banknotes and coins of all countries of the world, including those that no longer exist. The museum's professional guides provide fascinating insights into the history of Belarus and other countries through the lens of money.

Church of Saints Simon and Helena

Also known as the Red Church, this impressive red-brick church is located in Independence Square. It was built in 1910 by aristocrat Edward Woyniłłowicz to commemorate the premature death of his two children, Simon and Helena, and was consecrated in their memory. The church is an important center of religious, cultural, and social life in Minsk.

National Library of Belarus

Designed as a gigantic diamond, the 23-storey National Library of Belarus is a symbol of the precious knowledge contained within its walls. It hosts a museum of rare books, including original Bibles published in the early 16th century. The library also offers a viewing platform at the top, providing stunning views of the city.

Minsk-Arena Complex

Built in 2010, this modern 15,000-seater complex is primarily used for ice hockey games but also hosts other sports and entertainment events. It has hosted several notable performers, including Scorpions, Linkin Park, and Elton John.

Holy Spirit Cathedral

Located in the historic Upper Town, overlooking the Svisloch River, this cathedral is one of the most visible churches in Minsk. It is the most important Russian Orthodox church in the city, with a history dating back to the 17th century when it served as a Catholic Bernardine monastery.

The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus

Housing a rich collection of Russian and Belarusian art, this museum is a great place to appreciate the cultural heritage of the region. It is located within walking distance of the city's downtown area.

Independence Avenue

One of the landmarks of Minsk is Independence Avenue, which stretches for 15 kilometers, making it one of Europe's longest city thoroughfares. The avenue is known for its architectural ensemble built in Stalin's Empire Style in the 1950s. Along the avenue, you'll find notable squares, government buildings, universities, and cultural institutions, including the Belarusian State Circus and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

Gorky Central Children's Park

Located near the Belarusian State Circus along the bank of the Svisloch River, this park offers rides and attractions during the warm season, including an Observation Wheel that provides a wonderful view of the city.

Loshitsa Estate and Park

The Loshitsa Estate, built in the 16th century, has a rich history of hosting prominent figures. Today, it is a beautiful place to walk along the old alleys and visit the residence-museum. The park features exotic plants, and the estate has been elegantly restored to its 19th-century interior decoration.

The weather in Minsk

Minsk National Airport (MSQ) is the largest airport in Belarus. There are 10 airlines flying from Minsk to 88 airports around the world. These include Aeroflot, Air China, AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, flydubai, Pegas Fly, Pobeda, Red Wings, Severstal Aircompany, and Uzbekistan Airways. Azerbaijan Airlines offers flights from Istanbul, Dubai, and Tbilisi International Airports to Minsk.

Now, onto the weather in Minsk. The summers are comfortable and partly cloudy, and the winters are long, freezing, snowy, and overcast. The temperature typically varies from 18°F to 74°F throughout the year, and it rarely goes below -1°F or above 85°F. The warm season lasts for about 3.6 months, from mid-May to early September, with an average daily high temperature above 65°F. The best time to visit Minsk for warm-weather activities is from late June to late August. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 74°F and a low of 56°F. The cold season, on the other hand, lasts for about 3.9 months, from mid-November to mid-March, with an average daily high temperature below 37°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 19°F and a high of 28°F.

The clearest month in Minsk is typically July, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 57% of the time. In contrast, the cloudiest month is December, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy 79% of the time. June is the wettest month, with an average of 10.3 days of rain, while February is the driest, with an average rainfall of 0.4 inches.

Frequently asked questions