Lake Baikal is located in the southern part of Siberia, roughly in the middle of Russia, half way from east to west of it. The lake lies between Irkutsk Region at the northwest and Buryatiya (Buryat Republic) at the southeast. 

Most of the travelers visiting Lake Baikal arrive to Irkutsk international airport which is only 65 km (41 miles) west from the lake. As soon as transport infrastructure is rapidly developing during last decades, one can also reach the east coast from the city of Ulan-Ude (Lake Baikal International airport) located about 100 km (62 mi) east of the lake. Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude are both international airports. However, we have few international flights here, and those are mostly to the nearby Asian countries. 

Probably, the easiest way to fly to Lake Baikal from Europe is to make connection in Moscow. There are numerous flights from Irkutsk to all of three major Moscow airports (currently 7 flights per day) and 1 or 2 flights per day from Ulan-Ude. Leading Russian airlines offer further connecting flights from Russia’s capital to the most destinations around the globe. Air flight from Moscow to Lake Baikal takes approximately 6 hours. 

There are two airlines that have flights from Irkutsk international airport to Beijing (China). Beijing in turn is also a huge hub for almost anywhere in the world. Most foreign visitors do not need entry or transit visas to China if they are flying to a third country within 24 hours. However, many choose to stay for a longer period time in Beijing after their trip to Siberia. Flight from Beijing to Irkutsk lasts a little over 2 hours.

In August 2010, Mongolian air company AeroMongolia resumed regular service to Irkutsk from Ulan-Bator (Ulaanbaatar) which is also a very popular destination that travelers try to cover together with Russian Lake Baikal. The flight is currently scheduled on Mondays and Fridays, however, it often changes throughout the year. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Irkutsk from Mongolian capital.

Starting from summer 2010, another Mongolian airline company Eznis Airways operates the direct flight from Ulan-Bator to Ulan-Ude. The flight is 4 days a week making it very convenient for short stopover tours to our area.

In summer 2011, Korean Air, the national carrier and the largest airline company in South Korea, started its first service to Siberia. Irkutsk became the only city in Siberia that is enjoying a direct connection with Korean capital city Seoul (Incheon International airport). Korean Air provides passengers further transfer flights to the most destinations around the globe. By now its international division serves over 140 cities in 45 countries which allow visitors from Asia and Pacific Rim countries to fly directly to Irkutsk rather than commuting here from Moscow or Vladivostok and back.

Irkutsk airport also offers international flight to Bangkok (Thailand) operated by S7 Airlines with air tickets easily available through the booking engines.

Located here at Lake Baikal we have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding air transportation to our area. Please, contact our operator with your enquiry, and we will suggest you the most convenient travel options for your itinerary and advise fares. 

Most of the air companies use e-tickets that we can easily e-mail to our customers. However, if any of the air companies issue a regular ticket or if you would prefer a hard copy of it, we can deliver it right to your door by DHL express service or with our courier to your hotel in Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude or Ulan-Bator.

Irkutsk International Airport Flight Schedule

Ulan-Ude (Baikal International Airport) Flight Schedule