Minsk International Airport
The main gateway for visitors traveling direct to Belarus, Minsk International Airport welcomed more than 1.2 million passengers in 2010. Previously known as Minsk 2 Airport, it has been an international airport since 1989 when it replaced Minsk 1 Airport. It is located 26 miles away from downtown.
Some of the major airlines serving Belarus include national carrier Belavia, Etihad Airways, Aeroflot, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. There are no direct flights to the US, so American travelers need to connect via a major European city such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Moscow, or London, which all have regular flights to Minsk.
The single-terminal facility houses a restaurant, a bar, and a duty-free store, in addition to a business lounge. It is linked to the capital by the M2 motorway, with buses, taxis, and car rental available, the latter through well known firms such as Sixt and Europcar. Buses take between one and two hours to reach the capital from the airport.
Vilnius International Airport, Lithuania
Located about 122 miles from Minsk, Vilnius International Airport is the third busiest airport in the Baltics. It welcomes more than 1.7 million passengers each year. National carrier Aurela offers seasonal charter routes to Belarus, while Wizz Air, Tranaero, Ryanair, and Aer Lingus operate year-round flights to numerous destinations, primarily in Europe. US visitors are advised to connect through a major European city such as London, Rome, or Moscow, all of which have frequent service to Vilnius.
The public facility offers the usual amenities, including bars, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. There is a direct link to Vilnius city center, taking just seven minutes, while highway connections to Belarus are easily accessible. Major vehicle rental firms, including Europcar and Avis, operate at the airport. Buses also take travelers to downtown, while shuttle buses serve select cities in neighboring Latvia.
Kiev Zhuliany International Airport, Ukraine
Located about 260 miles from Minsk, Ukraine’s largest airport is relatively convenient for visitors continuing on to Belarus. Most carriers fly to regional and European cities, with the most notable being Wizz Air Ukraine, UM Airlines, and Sky Wings. US visitors can connect through Athens, Moscow or London, all of which have service to Kiev.
The facility offers limited services, including a bar, a restaurant, and a duty-free store. Each year, it sees around 470,000 passengers. The terminal is located about a mile away from Kiev-Volynskyi rail station, while a highway joins the single-terminal facility with Ukraine’s capital, from where buses and trains run directly to Belarus. Major vehicle rental firms, including Europcar and Avis, operate at the airport.