If you’ve got a layover in Ufa, don’t let it go to waste sitting at UFA. The city, in Russia, is within easy reach — roughly 90 minutes by Public Bus (Routes 101/110/110C). Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of UFA:
- Can you legally enter Russia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 90-minute journey each way by Public Bus (Routes 101/110/110C), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the RUB. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some RUB in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From UFA, the Public Bus (Routes 101/110/110C) gets you to Ufa in around 90 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 110 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Public Bus (Routes 101/110/110C) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Ufa layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$9 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$24 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At UFA, you’ll find bag storage at Luggage storage (Kamera Khraneniya) is typically available in the main terminal, often near the arrivals area or at the information desk..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
Exploring Ufa on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Ufa, two standouts are:
- Salavat Yulaev Monument — A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
- Monument to Friendship (Druzhby Monument) — History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside UFA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Ufa International Airport Business Lounge
- Duty Free Ufa
Where to Grab a Meal
In Ufa
If you make it into town, Bashkiria Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Jai.
Inside UFA
If you’re staying in the terminal, Shokoladnitsa (Chocolate House) is your main option. BlinBerrY works too if you want something quick.
Resting at the Airport
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 UFA.
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.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at UFA for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Ufa or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Ufa exploring the streets or relaxing at UFA, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.