While the newly independent state of Belarus advances, as does its transportation. Travelers can explore parts of Belarus by car, train or buses and in Minsk there is an underground metro running throughout the city. Entering Belarus has never been easier. For those visitors flying into Belarus, you are most likely to land at the Minsk-2 International Airport, which is only 40 km (25 mi) from Minsk. For those coming by bus, there are many international bus routes between neighboring countries, including Lithuania and Poland. Also, trains enter from all bordering countries and there are several border crossings open to automobiles.
Discover Belarus with a journey on a charming old train with a wooden frame throughout the country!
We have created the Belarus transportation guide below in order to make traveling easier for you! For some great ways to see Belarus and its surrounds, we have many tours on offer. For information about getting to and from Minsk, check out our Minsk transportation guide.
Belarus Transportation Guide
By plane
For those visitors flying into Belarus, you are most likely to land at the Minsk-2 International Airport, which is only 40 km (25 mi) from Minsk. This airport has connections from all over eastern and western Europe, with major portals such as London, Paris, and Rome and connections to Russia in Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are also two other international airports within the city limits, Minsk-1 and Brest Airport, which serve fewer connections and only with bordering countries. The Belarusian airline is Beravia, fairs and routes can be found here.
The most economical way to arrive to Belarus, however, is not directly. We recommend flying from Lithuania and then going by train. Although the trip will be longer, the traveler can enjoy the beautiful countryside on their way to Belarus!
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By train
Train is the best way to travel to Belarus. Belarus is connected to all neighboring countries through 10 crossings. For long distances, reserve a train with a sleeper car. The main access to and from Poland are Kuźnica-Białostocka/Hrodna and Terespol/Brest. Regional trains travel between the border crossings.
By car
Visitors travelling to Belarus with a car should expect a half to one hour wait at the border crossings due to several controls upon entering and exiting. The main highway to cross Belarus is the M1 and drivers should be ready to encounter toll booths on the way.
By bus
Riding the bus into Belarus is possible through all of the neighboring countries and very simple. Be sure to have your Belarus visa situation sorted before your trip in order to make it hassle-free. We recommend using more popular companies, like Eurolines which has regular bus services.
Getting Around
Flying domestically around Belarus is not a traveler's best option. We recommend using the trains or buses, which run frequently and are not too expensive. Hiring a taxi or renting a car is also a possibility but be wary of the tolls and police checks.
Metro
The metro in Minsk is probably the most convenient way to travel about Minsk. It was built in 1984 and has two lines totaling 25 stops covering about 30 kilometers. It runs every 2-5 minutes from 5:30am to 1:00am. Fares are cheap and a token can be purchased in all stations. Click here for a map of the metro.
Taxis
Taxis in Belarus are cheap, yet not always reliable and consistent. The main rule before entering a taxi in Belarus is to make sure that you negotiate a price before hand or to call one in your hotel ahead of time in order to avoid "foreigner tax" on your fare. Normally, taxis should only cost around $5 to anywhere in Belarus. If you're taking a taxi from the airport, expect to pay around $25. However, public buses are also running from the Minsk-2 airport and are substantially cheaper.
Bus
The bus is the best way to travel within Belarus. They are relatively inexpensive and swift. Travelers can pick up a bus from the Central Train station in Minsk to any of the near towns, however, be aware that the schedule is only in Russian language. The buses run all day and are the most efficient way to travel regionally.
Trains
Trains are also a possibility to travel within Belarus. The stations are becoming more contemporary, however, the trains are still a bit aged. However, this can be charming for those taking a journey throughout the countryside. For a train schedule, click here.
