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Zvartnots Layover Guide (EVN)

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Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Zvartnots Airport (EVN) is an international airport located near Yerevan, Armenia. It’s situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) west of downtown Yerevan. The airport officially opened in 1961. Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The city offers stunning views of Mount Ararat and a dynamic mix of ancient landmarks, museums, and lively cafés, making it a unique destination to explore.

Can you leave Zvartnots Airport (EVN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Zvartnots (EVN) can clear Armenian immigration and leave the terminal if they hold a valid passport and entry authorization. Citizens of visa-exempt countries, e-Visa applicants or those eligible for visa-on-arrival need no prior visa. All other travelers must obtain a visa before arrival. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins Marvel at the 7th-century UNESCO World Heritage site’s striking stone columns and soaring arches amid lush lawns. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi 10 min or bus H-5 to Etchmiadzin stop + 5 min walk)
• Etchmiadzin Cathedral Visit the oldest cathedral in the world, seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with magnificent frescoes and sacred relics. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: taxi 12 min or bus H-5 to Etchmiadzin central)
• St. Hripsime Church Explore this 7th-century gem known for ornate stone carvings and serene courtyard gardens just steps from Etchmiadzin Cathedral. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: taxi 12 min or bus H-5)
• St. Gayane Church Admire elegant domes and colorful khachkars at this UNESCO-listed 7th-century basilica dedicated to Saint Gayane. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: taxi 12 min or bus H-5)
• Etchmiadzin Treasury Museum Discover priceless church treasures, ancient manuscripts, chalices and royal regalia in the museum’s well-curated collection. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: taxi 12 min or bus H-5)
• Armenian Carpets Workshop Observe master weavers crafting traditional Armenian carpets, learn about symbolic motifs and shop authentic souvenirs. (Time required: 40 minutes / Airport to here: taxi 15 min)
• Lavash Bakery Tasting Sample freshly baked Armenian lavash and local pastries at a family-run bakery in Etchmiadzin’s pedestrian zone. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: taxi 12 min or bus H-5)
• Zvartnots Airport Observation Deck Enjoy runway views, watch aircraft land and depart, and shop duty-free for souvenirs and local delicacies. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: inside terminal)

Things to Do in Zvartnots Airport (EVN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Zvartnots has two pay-in lounges beyond security on Level 4: the Business Lounge (24/7 access, AC, TV, Wi-Fi, showers, refreshments and workstations) and the VIP Lounge (private suites, dedicated check-in, personalized service, snacks, drinks and quiet zones). Both offer comfortable seating, charging points and newspapers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no on-site hotel at Zvartnots. The nearest properties—Aero Hotel Tour, Galstyans Home, Otyak Hotel and Luxe Plaza—sit within 2 km of the terminal. Most provide free shuttle transfers, 24-hour front desk service, Wi-Fi, en-suite bathrooms and simple breakfast options for early departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Zvartnots lacks dedicated rest zones or nap pods in the public terminal. Standard seating areas by the gates offer basic benches and power outlets. Travelers seeking privacy often pay for a few hours in a lounge. Earplugs, an eye mask and a travel pillow are recommended for overnight stays in the terminal.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free, unlimited airport Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas and lounges. Simply connect to the “ZV_FREE_WIFI” network and register via SMS or social login. Speeds are generally sufficient for browsing and messaging, though peak-hour performance can slow; premium lounge Wi-Fi offers higher bandwidth.

SIM/eSIM Card: Local SIM and eSIM packages are sold at kiosks in Arrivals by Beeline, VivaCell MTS and Ucom. Prepaid starter packs include data, local minutes and SMS for around 2 500 AMD. eSIM profiles can be purchased online via provider apps before arrival. ID or passport registration is required. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Zvartnots Airport (EVN) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official Airport Taxi and Yandex Taxi counters sit curbside at Arrivals. Fares to downtown Yerevan average 2 500–3 000 AMD; cars are metered but it’s best to confirm rates before boarding. Ride-hail apps (Yandex.Taxi, GG) operate here too and may offer lower rates and card payment options.

Train: There is currently no rail link to Zvartnots Airport. A proposed Yerevan Metro extension and suburban train connection remain at the planning stage. Passengers must use bus, taxi or shuttle services for surface transport. more info.

Bus: The Elitebus Express No. 201 connects Zvartnots with central Yerevan every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 23:00 (hourly overnight). Travel time is about 30 minutes; one-way fare is 300 AMD, payable onboard. Stops include Amiryan Street, Mashtots Avenue and Republic Square. more info.

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels (e.g., Aero Tour, Galstyans Home) offer free shuttle transfers on request. Independent shared minibus services also operate between Zvartnots and select city hotels. Bookings are arranged directly via hotel websites or third-party shuttle providers; schedules vary by operator.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt) maintain desks in the Arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs; drivers must present an international driver’s license or local equivalent, passport and credit card. Rental desks are open throughout scheduled flight hours. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Zvartnots provides short-term (covered P1) and long-term (open-air P2) lots within walking distance of the terminal. Rates start at 200 AMD per hour, with a daily maximum around 5 000 AMD. Payment machines accept cash and cards; overflow parking is available off-site with shuttle links.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No automated lockers are installed. Luggage storage is available at the airport’s Lost & Found office in Arrivals for a fee (~1 000 AMD per item per day). Opening hours align with flight schedules; service includes basic security seals but no 24-hour unattended storage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Zvartnots Airport (EVN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks