Sochi Layover Guide (AER)

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

Sochi Airport (AER) is an international airport located in Adler District, Sochi, Russia. It’s situated about 30 km (18.6 miles) from central Sochi. The airport officially opened in 1945. Sochi is a popular resort city on the Black Sea coast, known for hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics. It’s famous for its mild climate, stunning mountain and sea views, and a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year.

Can you leave Sochi Airport (AER) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Sochi Airport during a layover if you hold a valid Russian entry visa or a valid e-visa issued for Sochi and its region. Transit without visa is not permitted beyond the airport’s international zone. Apply for Russia e-visa online early. Allow at least 24 hours for processing. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Riviera Park Riviera Park offers seaside promenades, amusement rides, charming gardens, fountains, cafés, and immersive entertainment options for families. Enjoy Black Sea scenery, street performers, souvenir stalls, and relaxed coastal ambiance. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 min or bus 105 to Sochi station then bus 51, approx. 45 min)
• Sochi Arboretum The Sochi Arboretum displays exotic plant collections across terraced gardens featuring rare species. Wander shaded pathways, marvel at centuries-old trees, vibrant flower beds, cedar groves, and panoramic Black Sea views. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 min or trolleybus no. 51, approx. 30 min)
• Seaside Promenade Stroll along Sochi Seaside Promenade lined with palm trees, sculptures, and bustling cafes. Pause at decorative benches, sample local street food, capture sunset reflections on the water, enjoy sea breezes. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 min or bus 105 then 5 min walk, approx. 45 min)
• Olympic Park Visit Sochi Olympic Park to explore iconic 2014 Winter Games venues. Walk among Fisht Stadium, Iceberg Skating Palace, Adler Arena, and illuminated fountain shows set against snowy Caucasus mountain backdrops. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Train to Adler station 5 min then 10 min walk or taxi 10 min)
• Sochi Sea Port Explore Sochi Sea Port’s art deco terminal building. Admire maritime architecture, mosaic murals, and luxury yachts. Dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood while enjoying Mediterranean ambiance by the quay. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 min or bus 105 to Sochi central then 15 min walk, approx. 45 min)
• Stalin’s Dacha Museum Tour Stalin’s Dacha Museum in Matsesta to view preserved rooms, personal artifacts, and period furnishings within a pine forest estate. Learn about Soviet leadership history through multimedia exhibits and narration. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 15 min or marshrutka no. 126, approx. 20 min)
• Sochi Art Museum Discover the Sochi Art Museum housed in a restored historical villa featuring regional and international artworks. Browse paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions while enjoying serene courtyard views and cultural ambiance. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi approx. 20 min or bus 105 then 10 min walk, approx. 45 min)
• Sochi Railway Station Admire Sochi Railway Station’s art deco architecture, mosaic murals, and ornate chandeliered halls. Photograph the floral clock, equestrian sculptures, and bustling platforms connecting coastal routes with elegant historical design elements. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Suburban train approx. 30 min or taxi approx. 20 min)

Things to Do in Sochi Airport (AER)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Travelers can unwind in the Comfort Lounge (airside Domestic Departures, 2nd floor Sector B) or the International Business Lounge (airside International Departures, 2nd floor Sector C). Both open 24/7, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, snacks, beverages, reading materials, and pay-at-door access or pass purchase for a peaceful pre-flight experience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Just inside Terminal 2’s Sector B (2nd floor), the Aerolive Rent Capsule offers individual sleep pods for one adult plus child from around 250 RUB per hour. For traditional rooms, Hotel Cube is a five-minute walk with basic amenities but no shuttle. Both cater to short-stay comforts near the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Sochi Airport operates 24/7, allowing overnight stays in public areas, though seating is limited and floors are the only open resting spots. Travelers should bring blankets or use paid, 24-hour VIP lounges for privacy and comfort. Luggage storage offices on the first floor operate around the clock.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout both terminals via the “Airport_Free” network. Note that only devices with a Russian-registered SIM can authenticate. Speeds are sufficient for browsing and messaging but may vary. Charging stations are sporadic; travelers should carry portable power banks to stay connected while waiting for their flights.

SIM/eSIM Card: Passengers can purchase Russian SIM cards from MTS kiosks located in arrival halls post-baggage claim. Prepaid plans offer data and calling packages; registration may require passport. Alternatively, travelers can pre-purchase a Russian eSIM online from providers like Nomad or Airalo, activating immediately upon landing and avoiding airport queues. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official Avtoliga airport taxis operate 24/7 from the ground-floor baggage claim area, offering fixed fares and a central dispatch desk. Independent drivers also wait curbside but require fare negotiation beforehand. Credit cards may not be accepted, so prepare cash in rubles. Travel time to Sochi city center is approximately 40 minutes.

Train: The Aeroexpress “Swallow” train links Sochi Airport directly with Adler and Sochi city stations via a covered pedestrian bridge. Services run roughly every 15 minutes, with the journey to central Sochi taking about 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at station kiosks or online. more info

Bus: Municipal buses operated by Sochi Autotrance serve routes 105 (airport–central railway station–Rosa Khutor), 135 (airport–Adler–Krasnaya Polyana), and 173, 131, 57k to Adler. Stops are clearly marked outside the terminal. Tickets (around 50–100 RUB) are purchased on board. more info

Shuttle: SkyBus resort shuttles link Sochi Airport with mountain resorts such as Gorki Gorod, Laura and Rosa Khutor. Departures align with flight schedules; boarding points are signposted at the arrivals level. Tickets cost about 400 RUB one way and can be bought from drivers. Shuttles operate seasonally, check schedules before travel.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis and Europcar maintain desks inside the terminal lobby, offering online reservation pickups. Drivers need a valid passport, international driver’s license, and credit card. Insurance waivers and fuel policies vary by provider. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs for exploring the Black Sea coast and nearby ski resorts independently. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Sochi Airport offers over 900 parking spaces across short- and long-term lots adjacent to the terminal. Designated disabled bays are available. The first 15 minutes are free, followed by hourly fees; daily rates apply for extended stays. Lots are fenced, CCTV-monitored, and available 24/7 with payment kiosks at each entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A staffed left luggage facility on the ground-floor Sector C operates 24/7, offering lockers and counter service for bags of various sizes. Rates are charged daily, with discounts for longer stays. Oversized items can be stored at the desk. The area is CCTV-monitored and requires ID matching luggage tags for retrieval. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Sochi Airport (AER) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks