There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Honuu into a quick city adventure. From MQJ, the local transport can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MQJ:
First, verify that you can enter Russia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 30 minutes into Honuu, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — RUB is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some RUB in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Honuu from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from Moma Airport into town:
- local transport: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Exploring Honuu on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Honuu:
Start with Honuu Kremlin Walls & History Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Then, if time allows, make your way to Arctic Heritage Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at MQJ, check out Arctic Sky Lounge or Siberian Souvenirs & Gifts to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Honuu Teremok and Northern Lights Bistro are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Honuu.
- At the airport: Taiga Cafe and Polar Express Diner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Honuu, budget roughly $23 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $8 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage at MQJ
Dedicated luggage storage at MQJ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Honuu’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MQJ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Honuu itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Russia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at MQJ.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Honuu with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Honuu may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.