Best Cities for Transfers on the Way to Europe

The question "where to Europe without transfers?" sounds rhetorical today. Direct flights are a thing of the past, but does that mean European holidays are canceled? Not at all. Routes have simply become more interesting, and journeys a little more thought-out. Convenient connections through friendly countries have replaced direct flights, and hub cities have become new "windows to Europe."

Now the main question for travelers is where to make a transfer so that it is as comfortable, fast, and, if possible, cost-effective as possible. A correctly chosen transit hub not only solves the problem of how to reach the final destination with a transfer but can also be a pleasant bonus – an opportunity to see another city in a few hours. We have studied all options and selected the best cities for connections on the way to Europe.

Istanbul, Turkey

If you don't know where to make the best transfer, start looking for options in Istanbul. Today, it is, without exaggeration, the main transit hub connecting Russia with the rest of the world. The huge, ultra-modern Istanbul New Airport (IST) is a landmark in itself, but the main thing is its route network.

The giant Turkish Airlines is based here, with flights to almost anywhere in Europe – from Lisbon to Helsinki. In addition, one of Europe's largest low-cost carriers, Pegasus Airlines, operates from the city's other airport, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), offering very attractive prices.

Why is this convenient?

• Huge choice of destinations. From Istanbul, you can fly to any major and even many regional airports in Europe.
• Flight frequency. Flights to key destinations operate several times a day, making it easy to find a convenient connection.
• Visa-free entry. Russian citizens do not need a visa for Turkey, which allows them to confidently explore the city during a long layover.
• Stopover Program. Turkish Airlines offers a Stopover program: for long layovers, they can provide a free hotel.

Often, the easiest way to get to the desired city is to buy tickets to Istanbul on Kupi.com, and from there – to the final destination.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is not only the capital of beach holidays but also a powerful international airport (AYT), which especially in the summer season turns into a bustling transit hub connecting Russia with Europe. Besides Turkish Airlines and Pegasus, SunExpress and many European low-cost and charter airlines (Eurowings, Condor, and others) actively operate here.

Why is this convenient?

• Focus on Germany and Western Europe. Antalya has a colossal number of flights to cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
• Access to low-cost carriers. This is an excellent way to "catch" an inexpensive ticket to Europe, especially during high season.
• Relaxed atmosphere. Unlike business-oriented Istanbul, Antalya Airport has a more resort-like and calm atmosphere. During a long layover, you can manage to get to the nearest beach.
• Visa-free entry. As throughout Turkey, a visa is not required for Russians.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a unique option that allows for a transfer already within Europe, but outside the Schengen area. This significantly simplifies logistics. The main carrier is the national airline Air Serbia, which has significantly expanded its route network across Europe in recent years.

Why is this convenient?

• Direct access to Europe. From Belgrade, it's convenient to get to Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, and other countries.
• Visa-free entry. Russians do not need a visa to visit Serbia, which allows them to easily explore the city.
• Comfortable airport. Nikola Tesla Airport is not as gigantic as Istanbul's, making transfers quicker and less stressful.

Belgrade is an excellent choice for those looking for a balanced option and wanting their journey with transfers to Europe to be as "European" as possible.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE

UAE airports are synonymous with comfort, impeccable service, and futuristic architecture. A transfer here is not just waiting for a flight, but part of the journey. In Dubai, giants Emirates and low-cost carrier Flydubai are based, in Abu Dhabi – Etihad Airways.

Why is this convenient?

• Highest level of comfort. Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) airports are entire cities with shops, restaurants, and recreation areas.
• Excellent connections to major capitals. It is especially convenient to fly to major European cities via the UAE: Paris, London, Rome, Munich.
• Visa-free entry. The opportunity to go into the city and see the Burj Khalifa is a strong argument in favor of a long layover.

Yerevan, Armenia

In recent years, Yerevan has become an important and very convenient transit hub, especially for those looking for more budget-friendly ways to get to Europe. From Yerevan, many airlines fly, including FlyOne Armenia, as well as major European low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air, Transavia, and others.

Why is this convenient?

• Access to low-cost carriers. This is Yerevan's main trump card. From here, you can fly cheaply to Vienna, Milan, Paris, Prague.
• Geographical proximity. The flight to Yerevan is shorter than to Istanbul or Dubai.
• Visa-free entry and no language barrier. You can enter Armenia with an internal Russian passport, and almost everyone in the city speaks Russian.

Often, the combination of "St. Petersburg – Yerevan tickets plus a European low-cost carrier ticket" turns out to be the most advantageous option for reaching the desired European city with a transfer.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, like Yerevan, has become an important Caucasian hub, offering convenient and often advantageous routes to Europe. From Tbilisi, the national carrier Georgian Airways flies, as well as European airlines, including Eurowings and Lufthansa.

Why is this convenient?

• Convenience for Southern Russia. This option is especially convenient for tourists flying from Sochi, thanks to its geographical proximity.
• Direct flights to key hubs. From Tbilisi, you can fly directly to Munich, Berlin, Paris, which opens access to the entire route network of major airlines.
• Visa-free entry. Russians can stay in Georgia without a visa, allowing them to enjoy the famous hospitality and cuisine during a long layover.

Casablanca, Morocco

This is a less obvious, but very interesting option, especially for those heading to Spain, Portugal, or France. The main carrier is Royal Air Maroc, a member of the prestigious Oneworld alliance.

Why is this convenient?

• Ideal for the Iberian Peninsula. Geographically, Casablanca is very conveniently located for flights to Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona.
• Alliance benefits. Oneworld status allows you to accumulate miles and fly with through check-in on partner flights (e.g., Iberia).
• Visa-free entry. A visa to Morocco is not required for Russian citizens, which makes a long layover with city exploration simple and accessible.

Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan

Air Astana has earned a reputation as one of the best carriers in the region, offering a high level of service and convenient connections at its base airports. Airlines – Air Astana and low-cost carrier FlyArystan.

Why is this convenient?

• High level of service. Air Astana regularly receives high ratings for its on-board service quality.
• Good network in Europe. The airline flies to key hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London.
• Visa-free entry. Russians do not need a visa to visit Kazakhstan.
• Convenience for regions. This option can be especially convenient for residents of the Urals and Siberia.

When planning a trip today, it's important to remember that a transfer is not an obstacle, but a new opportunity. It's a chance to break up a long journey, get acquainted with a new culture, and make your way to Europe even more rich and memorable.