06/02/2019
Your Gateway to Belarus: A Traveller's Essential Guide
Embarking on a journey to Belarus offers a unique opportunity to explore a nation rich in history and culture, nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe. Whether you're drawn by its stunning natural landscapes, its burgeoning cities, or its significant historical sites, understanding the best ways to get there is paramount. Fortunately, Belarus is increasingly accessible, with convenient travel options connecting it to the wider European and CIS regions. This guide will navigate you through the primary methods of entry, ensuring your arrival is as smooth as possible.
Arriving by Air: Minsk National Airport - Your Primary Port of Entry
For most international travellers, the most common and straightforward way to reach Belarus is by air. The Minsk National Airport (MSQ) serves as the country's principal gateway, boasting modern facilities designed to cater to a global clientele. Upon arrival, you'll find essential amenities such as banks, a variety of restaurants, and retail outlets, ensuring your initial experience is comfortable. As the national airport, it handles a significant volume of international traffic.
Airlines Serving Minsk National Airport
The national carrier, Belavia, operates a comprehensive network of flights, connecting Minsk with numerous destinations across the globe. Their daily flights include key cities such as Astana, Baku, Dubai, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Istanbul, among others. Beyond Belavia, several other major airlines provide services to Minsk, enhancing connectivity and offering diverse travel options. These include:
- Aeroflot (Russia)
- Air China
- Flydubai
A notable development in air travel was the launch of the first direct air service between Belarus and China in May 2015. The route connecting Beijing, Minsk, and Budapest, operated by Air China, established itself as the longest route for the airline, underscoring Belarus's growing importance as a transit and destination hub.
Getting from Minsk National Airport to the City Centre
Located approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre, Minsk National Airport provides several efficient options for onward travel. Once you have completed passport control, you can choose from:
- Bus: Hourly bus services offer an economical way to reach the city.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available, with fares typically around €25 for the journey to the city centre. It's advisable to confirm the fare before commencing your journey.
- Car Hire: For those who prefer to drive themselves, car hire services are conveniently located within the Arrivals hall, offering flexibility for exploring the country at your own pace.
For travellers coming from Europe and the CIS countries, driving into Belarus is a viable option. The country features several border crossings and an extensive road network. If you plan to drive, it's important to be aware of the local regulations:
- International Driving Permit: An international driving licence is required to drive in Belarus.
- Driving Side: Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road.
- Speed Limits: The general motorway speed limit is 110 km/h.
- Road Signs: While road signs are predominantly in Cyrillic, major junctions are usually supplemented with Latin script for easier navigation.
Vehicle Insurance and Tolls
It is crucial to note that very few foreign travel insurance policies are recognised in Belarus. Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase insurance at the border. Charges typically start from 5 euros for a 15-day coverage period. This ensures you are adequately covered during your stay.
Belarus utilises a toll system on a significant portion of its motorway network. The total length of toll roads amounts to approximately 1,786 km. Key routes subject to tolls include:
- Motorway M1/E30: Brest (Kozlovichi) – Minsk – Russian border (Redki) (610km)
- Selected sections of other motorways: M2 (Minsk – National Airport Minsk), M3 (Minsk – Vitebsk), M4 (Minsk – Mogilev), M5/E271 (Minsk – Gomel), M6/E28 (Minsk – Grodno – Polish border (Bruzgi)), M7/E28 (Minsk – Oshmyany – Lithuanian border (Kamenny Log))
- Various regional roads such as P1 (Minsk – Dzerzhinsk), P21 (Vitebsk – Russian border (Liozno)), P23 (Minsk – Mikashevichi), P28 (Minsk – Molodechno – Naroch), P99 (Baranovichy – Volkovysk – Pogranichny – Grodno), and the road from P99 to the Polish border (Berestovica).
The BelToll system manages passage along these motorways. Charges apply to vehicles registered outside the Customs Union, specifically:
- Vehicles with a technical total weight of 3.5 tonnes and less (cars, passenger minibuses).
- Vehicles with a technical total weight of over 3.5 tonnes (trucks, buses, mobile homes).
Vehicles from Customs Union countries (Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) with a technical total weight of 3.5 tonnes and less are exempt from tolls. Certain other vehicles are also exempt, including scooters, motorcycles, Belarusian-registered wheeled tractors and self-propelled vehicles, emergency vehicles, buses used for urban passenger transport, and vehicles used for defence, law enforcement, emergency medical aid, disaster mitigation, or humanitarian cargo transport.
Tariffs for using Belarusian motorways vary based on the vehicle's technical total weight and the number of axles, ranging from €0.114 to €0.171 per kilometre. A mandatory onboard unit must be present in the vehicle to use the toll roads.
Travelling by Rail: Connecting Through Minsk Central Station
Belarus boasts an excellent international rail network, making train travel a comfortable and efficient option. You can easily take a train to Minsk from virtually any major city across Europe and the CIS. Minsk's Central Station is a modern facility, one of the largest in Europe, and operates 24 hours a day. It offers a wide array of amenities for travellers, including:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Shops
- Pharmacy
- Lockers
- Games room
This comprehensive range of services ensures that even during longer waits or layovers, passengers are well-catered for.
International Bus Travel to Belarus
For those opting for bus travel, most international arrivals in Belarus terminate at the Central Bus Station in Minsk. While the bus station itself may have limited facilities, its prime location adjacent to the Central Train Station allows travellers to conveniently utilise the extensive amenities available there.
Arranging Travel Within Belarus
Once you've arrived in Belarus, you might wonder about arranging further travel or local transportation. Several travel agencies within Belarus can assist you with your journey planning, offering services for domestic and international travel. For convenient point-to-point transfers, services like ride-sharing or private transfers can be booked. If you have specific or unusual transfer needs, creating a ride request form can help you find suitable options. Many services aim to respond to such requests within 12 hours, ensuring prompt assistance.
A Note on Recent Events: Demonstrations and Taxis
In light of recent political events, it's worth noting that demonstrations have occurred in Belarus. There have been reports of individuals using taxis to evade authorities during these times. One notable incident involved a protester allegedly jumping into a taxi outside Puškinskaja Station in Minsk. Social media widely hailed the taxi driver as a hero for his actions. While such situations are not the norm for everyday travel, it highlights the dynamic nature of the country and the resourcefulness of its citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main airport in Belarus?
A: The main airport is Minsk National Airport (MSQ).
Q2: Which airlines fly to Minsk?
A: Belavia, Aeroflot, Air China, and Flydubai are among the major airlines serving Minsk National Airport.
Q3: How do I get from Minsk Airport to the city centre?
A: You can take a bus (hourly), a taxi (approx. €25), or hire a car.
Q4: Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Belarus?
A: Yes, an international driving permit is required.
Q5: Are there toll roads in Belarus?
A: Yes, several major motorways and sections are subject to tolls under the BelToll system, primarily for vehicles registered outside the Customs Union.
Q6: Is travel insurance required for Belarus?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase insurance at the border as few foreign policies are accepted.
Q7: Can I travel to Belarus by train?
A: Yes, Belarus has excellent international rail links with major European and CIS cities.
Q8: Where do international buses typically arrive in Minsk?
A: Most international bus services terminate at the Central Bus Station in Minsk, which is located next to the Central Train Station.
By understanding these travel options and requirements, your journey to Belarus should be well-planned and stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your visit to this fascinating country.
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