2Stavropol

Getting around

Here's how to get to Stavropol and the region's spa towns, and how to get around once you're there. We don't publish schedules, fares or travel times because they change. Instead, we tell you what to check and where.

Getting there

Flying to Stavropol

Stavropol's airport is Shpakovskoye, code STW. Check the official airport website for how to get to the city center.

Flying to the Mineral Waters

The main air gateway to the Caucasian Mineral Waters is Mineralnye Vody airport, code MRV. Convenient if the spa towns are the focus of your trip.

Train

Long-distance and commuter trains run on Russian Railways (RZD) schedules. Check which station your train arrives at.

Bus

Intercity buses connect Stavropol with towns across the region and neighboring regions. Confirm routes and the departure bus station with the carrier.

Around the city and region

Public transport in Stavropol

The historic center is easy to explore on foot; use city transport to reach the parks and forests. Check routes with official sources.

Taxis

Handy for getting to the forests or traveling with luggage. Book through reputable services, not with random drivers.

Trips to the Mineral Waters

Train, bus or a guided tour. Choose based on how many hours you want to spend in the spa town.

Between spa towns

Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Essentuki and Zheleznovodsk are linked by commuter trains and buses; check schedules the day before.

What to check before you go

Which airport you're flying into and out of: Shpakovskoye (STW) or Mineralnye Vody (MRV); the codes are easy to mix up when searching for flights
Which station or bus terminal your train or bus arrives at, and how to get from there to your accommodation
The time of the last return service if you're doing a day trip to the Mineral Waters
Current schedules: only on the RZD, airport or carrier websites, not in old forum posts
Baggage allowances and ticket refund terms

Key terms

Airport codeA three-letter code used to search for flights: STW for Stavropol (Shpakovskoye), MRV for Mineralnye Vody.
KMVShort for Kavkazskiye Mineralnye Vody, the Caucasian Mineral Waters: the spa region of Stavropol Krai (also called Kavminvody).
Commuter train (elektrichka)A local train for travel between towns within the region.

Where to double-check

Official website of Stavropol (Shpakovskoye) Airport
Official website of Mineralnye Vody Airport
Russian Railways (RZD): train schedules
Bus station and carrier websites

Museum hours, train and bus schedules, and opening times for parks and mineral water pump rooms change. Before your trip, check them on the official websites of the venues and carriers.