Petrozavodsk, Russia
Complete guide to Petrozavodsk International Airport (Besovets) – location, facilities, transport, and what to expect when flying to Karelia, Russia.
5 features verified at Petrozavodsk Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 1 pm — usually busy.
Very clean, new airport. Small, but has everything you will need.
The airport itself is wonderful, the staff are great. But the guy working in the cafe at the entrance is a real jerk. Some children crossed the security line, and he started yelling, used informal language with the adults, ordered them to come over to him (apparently wanting to set up a sparring session), and was simply disgusting. It's very sad that visitors to Karelia have to deal with such unpleasant people. We really hope we don't see him there next time.
It's not even been a year since the new international airport opened in Petrozavodsk. It's undoubtedly become much more convenient to fly within Russia, but who designed and built it? Why are the departure and arrival halls so small, so crowded, it's impossible to keep your distance? Upon arrival, while waiting for your luggage, there's a terrible smell coming from the sewers, and this is the main gateway to the capital of Karelia. The chairs are metal, making it very uncomfortable in winter. The cafe is small, the kaliki are delicious, but they always run out. The parking lot in front of the airport is overcrowded. The airport clearly doesn't meet modern standards. The only plus is the polite staff, which is very important!
Simple, fast, great people work here. Nothing extra. But be prepared to wait for boarding. The flight was delayed by 15 minutes. Such flights are usually delayed from 30 minutes to 2 hours, so they did a great job here. Moreover, we arrived on schedule. We walked to the plane, which was very nice: movement in the fresh frosty air is very useful. Togo
Petrozavodsk International Airport, also known as Besovets Airport, is the main air gateway to the Republic of Karelia in northwestern Russia. Located about 12 kilometres west of the city of Petrozavodsk, the airport primarily serves the capital of Karelia and the surrounding region. While it handles a modest volume of domestic flights, it also accommodates occasional international charter services, particularly to destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean during the summer season. The airport is used by both leisure travellers exploring Karelia’s natural wonders and business passengers visiting Petrozavodsk for commerce or government work. Due to its relatively small size, the airport offers a straightforward, no-fuss experience compared to larger Russian hubs like Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Petrozavodsk Airport sits at 60°44′48″N latitude and 34°09′50″E longitude, near the village of Besovets, after which it is sometimes named. It lies on the western shore of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake, which dominates the geography of southern Karelia. The distance to Petrozavodsk city centre is roughly 12 kilometres, making it a short 20–30 minute drive under normal traffic conditions.
The most common way to reach the airport is by car or taxi. From Petrozavodsk, head west on the M18 highway (also known as the Kola Highway, which runs from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) for about 10 km, then turn north onto the road signposted for the airport. Taxis are available from the city centre; the fare is modest but should be agreed upon in advance. Ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi operate in Petrozavodsk and can be used to book a trip to the airport.
Public bus services connect Petrozavodsk to the airport, though schedules are limited and may not align with all flight times. Route No. 7 runs from the city’s main railway station to the airport, with departures roughly every hour during daytime. Passengers should check current timetables locally or consult the airport’s website for updates. During peak holiday periods, additional shuttle buses may be organised.
The airport has a small parking lot adjacent to the terminal, with spaces for short-term and long-term parking. The parking area is monitored and is free of charge as of current information, but this may change. For those unfamiliar with the area, note that winter driving conditions can be severe, with snow and ice common from November through March.
Petrozavodsk Airport is compact, but it provides essential amenities for travellers. The confirmed facilities include:
Other facilities that may be present (but are not confirmed in the source data) include a small café or snack bar, a waiting area with seating, and a basic shop. Travelers should not expect extensive duty-free shopping or multiple dining options; plan to bring snacks or eat before arriving for flights.
Karelia is a vast, sparsely populated region known for its dense forests, countless lakes, and rugged wilderness. Lake Onega and the smaller Lake Ladoga dominate the landscape, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and island exploration. One of the most famous attractions is the Kizhi Island, home to the Kizhi Pogost – a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the remarkable Transfiguration Church, an all-wooden structure built without nails. Ferries to Kizhi depart from Petrozavodsk during the summer months.
Petrozavodsk itself, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, has a rich history as a centre for ironworking and later as a cultural hub. Visitors can explore the Karelian State Museum of Local Lore, the Maritime Museum, and the picturesque embankment of Lake Onega, lined with modern sculptures donated by twin cities. The region is also a gateway to the Karelia Nature Reserve and the Marcial Waters spa resort, one of Russia’s oldest health resorts.
Winter brings heavy snowfall and opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and viewing the northern lights in more remote areas. The airport sees increased traffic during the summer tourism season (June–August) and around major holidays.
Petrozavodsk Airport is a small but functional facility that serves as a practical entry point to one of Russia’s most scenic regions. Its accessibility features ensure a comfortable experience for passengers with disabilities, and its proximity to Petrozavodsk makes ground transport straightforward. While it lacks the amenities of a major hub, the airport’s efficiency and the beauty of Karelia make it a worthwhile destination in itself.
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Wikipedia
More about Petrozavodsk Airport
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More about Petrozavodsk Airport
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