If you’ve got a layover in Murmansk, don’t let it go to waste sitting at MMK. The city, in Russia, is within easy reach — roughly 100 minutes by Bus 106. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
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 MMK:
First, verify that you can enter Russia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Bus 106 takes about 100 minutes into Murmansk, 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.
How to Get Into Murmansk
You have two main options for getting from Murmansk Airport into town:
- Bus 106: About 100 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 120 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.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Murmansk might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Murmansk, we’d suggest City Center Walk and Local Market. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside MMK, you can spend time at Airport Lounge or try Duty Free Shopping. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Murmansk: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Cafe or Terminal Restaurant. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Luggage Storage at MMK
Luggage storage options at MMK can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Murmansk for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MMK, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Murmansk 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.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MMK, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Murmansk is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Murmansk.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.