Minsk National Layover Guide (MSQ)

What are you looking for in MSQ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Minsk Airport (MSQ) is an international airport located near the town of Smalyavichy, about 42 km (26 miles) from downtown Minsk. The airport officially opened in 1982. Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus, known for its Soviet architecture, clean streets, and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a mix of history, green parks, and modern amenities, making it an increasingly attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

Can you leave Minsk Airport (MSQ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Minsk National Airport (MSQ), non-visa-exempt travelers cannot leave the international transit zone without a Belarusian transit (B) visa. Citizens of select countries benefit from a 30-day visa-free entry via MSQ, and holders of a short-term (C) visa may exit airport. Check eligibility and requirements before travel. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Troitskoye Predmestye (Upper Town) Explore the charming historic quarter of Troitskoye Predmestye with pastel facades, cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, churches, and cozy cafes serving traditional Belarusian dishes ideal for photography and leisurely strolls. Enjoy. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro red line to Ploshchad Lenina (approx. 1 h).)
• National Library of Belarus Visit the distinctive diamond-shaped modern landmark boasting an observation deck with panoramic city views, a vast collection of Belarusian literature, multimedia exhibits, and peaceful reading spaces perfect for culture enthusiasts. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro red line to Nemiga station (approx. 1 h).)
• Victory Square Discover the iconic plaza featuring the towering Victory Monument, eternal flame, landscaped gardens, and memorial museum honoring WWII heroes, offering a serene ambiance for reflective moments amid bustling city life. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro to Park Čaliuskintaŭ station (approx. 1 h).)
• Island of Tears Visit the Island of Tears, a small shrine with poignant memorial sculptures, chapel, and landscaped grounds commemorating fallen soldiers, offering a tranquil setting for quiet reflection by the Svislach River. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro to Kupalaŭskaya station and 10-minute walk (approx. 1 h).)
• Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War Explore the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War, featuring multimedia exhibitions on Belarusian WWII experiences, authentic artifacts, dioramas, interactive displays, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic park views. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro to Ploshchad Lenina station and 5-minute walk (approx. 1 h).)
• Independence Square Stroll through Independence Square, an expansive civic space showcasing Government House facades, modern fountains, elegant colonnades, and coffee kiosks, creating an ideal spot for people-watching and photographing Minsk’s administrative hub. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro red line to Ploshchad Lenina (approx. 1 h).)
• Gorky Park (Chelyuskinites Park) Enjoy Gorky Park, a popular urban space featuring a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, scenic walking trails, botanical gardens, and lakeside cafes, perfect for families or solo explorers seeking outdoor relaxation. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then metro to Park Čaliuskintaŭ station (approx. 1 h).)
• Komarovsky Market Browse Komarovsky Market, a lively local bazaar offering fruits, vegetables, Belarusian cheeses, pastries, souvenirs, and street food, creating a vibrant atmosphere for authentic cultural immersion and quick, memorable culinary sampling. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: bus 300Э to Minsk railway station then taxi (approx. 1 h total).)

Things to Do in Minsk Airport (MSQ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Business Lounge on the 4th floor of the departure zone serves priority-class and paid guests with complimentary beverages, snacks and Wi-Fi. Stay up to three hours free; extra hours incur charges. VIP/CIP Lounge offers exclusive meet-and-greet, visa support and premium refreshments by prior application. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
At corporate dormitories 12 km from Minsk city center you’ll find 18 hotel rooms with 42 beds, including single, double and family layouts. Each features air-conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy nearby parks, a reservoir and the year-round Sunny Valley ski center. Reservations via airport website or phone. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Comfortable cabins for sleep in the transit zone past passport control offer private, secure rest by the hour. One cabin is fully accessible for disabled passengers. Open 24/7 with towels and charging sockets provided. Payment accepted at cabin entrance. Reservations and availability via airport service desk contact.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi network “AirportMinsk” blankets nearly the entire terminal, granting three hours of access per device each day. Business and VIP lounge visitors can use the “MSQcatering” network within lounges. Sessions auto-connect after accepting terms. If your session ends, simply reconnect to reset the timer.

SIM/eSIM Card: At airport kiosks in Terminal 2 arrivals, A1, MTS and Life:) sell prepaid SIMs from ~5 USD for 5–7 GB and local minutes; passports required for registration. Booths open 09:00–21:00 daily, staffed by English-speakers. eSIM plans and instant activation are available online via the My A1 app for competitive, convenient service. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Minsk Airport (MSQ) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The official transfer desk on the 1st floor of Arrivals (sector 5/6) offers fixed-rate taxi rides across Belarus. Book in person, online or by calling 7373 or +375 33 631-73-73. English-speaking drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall for prompt, reliable service.

Train: Direct train service to Minsk Airport was suspended on April 7, 2017, and no rail link currently operates. The nearest platform at Šemietava is served by free shuttle buses to the terminal. Future reinstatement plans are under review. (more info)

Bus: Regular-route buses No. 300Э (to Tsentralnyi bus terminal) and 173Э (to Sokol district) depart every 20–40 minutes from stops outside gates 5–6. Fares are ~1 BYN. Bus 300Э runs 24/7; bus 173Э operates 09:00–21:00. Operated by Minsktrans. (more info)

Shuttle: Shuttle buses 1400-TK and 1430-TK run hourly between Minsk’s Central bus station (Tsentralnyi) and the airport. Tickets cost ~3 BYN and can be purchased onboard or booked online in advance. Operators include BusEurocenter LTD and Ecoroutes LTD, ensuring reliable, direct transfers.

Car rentals: Major car-rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) maintain desks in the arrivals hall near gates 1–2 and 3–4. Hours are typically 10:00–19:00. Renters need a passport, valid driver’s license, credit card and must be at least 21. Wide selection from compacts to SUVs; online booking recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: P1 (1 235 spaces): 3 BYN first two hours, 10 BYN per day. P2 (138 spaces): 2 BYN first hour, 48 BYN per day, 336 BYN per week, 1 440 BYN per month. Short-term P3 is closed. Pick-up/drop-off zone is free for 20 minutes, then 10 BYN per hour. Spaces can be reserved via the Oplati™ app.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Storage rooms in the basement at sector 5–6 charge 10 BYN per piece per day. Open 09:10–20:40 and 21:10–08:40, with breaks at 00:00–01:00, 06:00–06:30, 12:00–13:00 and 18:00–18:30. Luggage must pass security inspection before storage. For assistance call +375 17 279 10 53. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Minsk Airport (MSQ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks