04/07/2019
Arriving in a new city can often bring a mix of excitement and a touch of apprehension, especially when it comes to navigating your way from the airport. For those landing at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan, Armenia, rest assured that reaching the vibrant city centre is remarkably straightforward. Whether you prioritise speed, convenience, or budget, there are excellent options available to ensure a seamless transition from your flight to your accommodation.
Zvartnots International Airport, a comfortable and well-connected mid-size facility, is located approximately twenty-five minutes from the Armenian capital. While the airport itself is newly built, it stands as a modern successor to the iconic, architecturally unique Soviet-era Zvartnots International Airport. Its manageable design makes navigation easy upon arrival, and with new flight routes and low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizzair increasing accessibility, getting to and from Yerevan has never been simpler. This guide will detail your best options for reaching the city centre, focusing on the efficiency and affordability that awaits you.
- Taxi Services: The Quickest and Most Convenient Option
- The Airport Express Bus #100: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
- Comparative Overview: Taxi vs. Bus
- Other Essential Airport Services at Zvartnots
- Important Considerations for Your Journey
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a taxi from Yerevan Airport to the city centre cost?
- Is there a bus from Zvartnots Airport to Yerevan?
- How long does it take to get from Yerevan Airport to the city centre?
- Can I get a SIM card at Yerevan Airport?
- Is there WiFi at Zvartnots Airport?
- Are there trains to Yerevan Airport?
Taxi Services: The Quickest and Most Convenient Option
For a quick, reliable, and direct transfer service from Yerevan Airport to the city centre, taking a taxi is arguably your best option. Taxis offer a door-to-door service, eliminating long waits and ensuring you arrive directly at your hotel or desired destination with minimal fuss. This is particularly appealing after a long flight, or if you're travelling with significant luggage.
Official Aerotaxi Stand
Upon exiting the arrivals area on the ground floor, you will quickly spot a dedicated stand for taxis called 'Aerotaxi'. This service provides a fixed price and reliable transport, helping you avoid potential haggling or uncertainty with private drivers. A journey with Aerotaxi will typically cost around 5000 AMD, which is approximately $11 USD. While slightly more expensive than app-based alternatives, it offers peace of mind with a pre-set fare.
Ride-Hailing Apps: GG Taxi & Yandex Taxi
For those looking for the most efficient and often the most affordable taxi option, downloading a local ride-hailing app like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi is highly recommended. These apps are widely used by locals and offer competitive pricing. Depending on demand and traffic conditions, a ride to the city centre ordered via one of these apps can range from 2000-2500 AMD (approximately $5-7 USD). It's even possible to find rides for as low as 1500 AMD during off-peak times. The convenience of seeing the fare upfront and tracking your driver makes these apps an excellent choice.
You'll find good working Wi-Fi at Yerevan Airport, which you can log onto without needing an Armenian phone number. This is a great option if you wish to book a taxi independently through an app upon arrival.
Pre-arranged Airport Transfers
If you prefer to have your transport completely sorted before you even land, pre-arranged Yerevan Airport transfers are an excellent choice. These services can be booked ahead of time, often offering one-way or roundtrip options, freeing your mind from any worries about finding transport upon arrival. This is especially beneficial if your flight arrives at late or "ridiculous hours," when other transport options might be less frequent or less appealing.
The Airport Express Bus #100: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
For travellers on a tighter budget, the Airport Express Shuttle Bus #100 is a fantastic and highly affordable option. This bus service runs daily between Yerevan city centre and Zvartnots Airport, making it a popular choice for many visitors.
Bus Schedule and Frequency
The Yerevan Airport Express buses depart every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM. During the night hours, from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, the bus runs hourly. This consistent schedule ensures that you won't have excessively long waits, regardless of your arrival time.
Finding the Bus at the Airport
After collecting your luggage and exiting the arrivals area on the ground floor, you will immediately see a sign that says ‘Express Bus’. This sign will guide you between the taxi stand and the regular parking lot, which is where you’ll find the Yerevan Airport Express bus stop.
Cost and Journey Details
A ticket for the Airport Express Bus #100 costs a mere 300 AMD, which is less than $1 USD. You have the flexibility to pay for your ticket with either cash or credit cards. The bus ride typically lasts about 40 minutes, taking a direct route into the city centre.
Bus Route to the City Centre
The Airport Express #100 bus passes through several key areas in Yerevan, making it convenient for various city centre accommodations. Its route includes France Square, Mashtots Avenue, Victory Bridge, Isakov Avenue, Yerevanyan Street, and Gasparyan Street. If your hotel is located near any of these points, the bus offers a very convenient drop-off.
Returning from City Centre to Airport by Bus
To get from the city centre back to Zvartnots Airport, you simply take the same Bus #100 going in the opposite direction. The pick-up points in the city are clearly marked along its route.
Comparative Overview: Taxi vs. Bus
To help you decide which option best suits your needs, here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Taxi (App-based) | Aerotaxi (Official Stand) | Airport Express Bus #100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (approx.) | 2000-2500 AMD (~$5-7) | 5000 AMD (~$11) | 300 AMD (under $1) |
| Journey Time (approx.) | 25-30 minutes (no traffic) | 25-30 minutes (no traffic) | 40 minutes |
| Convenience | High (door-to-door, on-demand) | High (door-to-door, fixed price) | Moderate (fixed stops, not door-to-door) |
| Luggage Friendly | Excellent | Excellent | Good (but might be challenging with very large/multiple bags) |
| Frequency | On-demand (via app) | Always available at stand | Every 30-60 minutes |
| Payment Options | Cash/Card (via app) | Cash/Card | Cash/Card |
Other Essential Airport Services at Zvartnots
Beyond transportation, Zvartnots Airport offers several other convenient services that can enhance your arrival experience:
Luggage Storage
Should you need to store your luggage at Yerevan Airport, it's a straightforward process. Upon exiting arrivals, take an immediate left, and you will quickly see the luggage storage area. If no one is present, simply ring the bell. The prices are affordable, costing 1500 AMD daily per bag (approximately $3 USD).
Getting a SIM Card
If you wish to purchase a local SIM card, you're in luck. There are three major mobile companies – MTS Vivacell, Beeline, and UCom – with kiosks located around the clock by the arrivals area. SIM cards in Armenia are extremely affordable compared to many other countries, and you'll find various tariffs to suit your needs. Many travellers, including myself, find Vivacell to be a reliable choice.
Wi-Fi Availability
As mentioned earlier, Yerevan Airport provides good working Wi-Fi. You can easily log on without needing an Armenian phone number, and it's available for your leisure. This is particularly useful for connecting with loved ones, checking your hotel booking, or, as highlighted, independently booking a taxi through a ride-hailing app.
Important Considerations for Your Journey
It's worth noting that there are no trains connecting Yerevan Airport to the city centre. The only options for public or private transport are those detailed in this guide (buses and taxis/transfers), apart from rental cars. Also, be aware that many flights arrive at Zvartnots Airport at less convenient hours, particularly late at night or early morning. In such instances, pre-arranged transfers or app-based taxis often provide the most secure and comfortable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a taxi from Yerevan Airport to the city centre cost?
An official Aerotaxi from the airport stand costs around 5000 AMD (~$11 USD). Using ride-hailing apps like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi can be more affordable, typically costing 2000-2500 AMD (~$5-7 USD), depending on demand and traffic.
Is there a bus from Zvartnots Airport to Yerevan?
Yes, the Airport Express Bus #100 runs regularly between Zvartnots Airport and the city centre. It costs 300 AMD (under $1 USD) and takes approximately 40 minutes.
How long does it take to get from Yerevan Airport to the city centre?
By taxi, the journey typically takes 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The Airport Express Bus #100 takes about 40 minutes.
Can I get a SIM card at Yerevan Airport?
Yes, there are kiosks for three major mobile companies (MTS Vivacell, Beeline, UCom) located near the arrivals area, operating around the clock. SIM cards are very affordable.
Is there WiFi at Zvartnots Airport?
Yes, Yerevan Airport offers good working Wi-Fi that you can access without needing a local phone number.
Are there trains to Yerevan Airport?
No, there are no train services to or from Yerevan Airport. The primary transport options are buses and taxis/private transfers.
With these comprehensive options, getting from Zvartnots International Airport to the heart of Yerevan is a simple and stress-free part of your journey. Whether you opt for the speed and convenience of a taxi or the budget-friendliness of the express bus, you'll be settled into your Armenian adventure in no time. Enjoy your stay in Yerevan!
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