best inflatable travel foot rest pillow

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10 Best Inflatable Travel Pillows

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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The best inflatable travel pillows allow you to fall asleep even in a packed economy section. If you’ve tried basic U-shaped inflatable travel pillows with no success, you’ll want to read about these revolutionary options that actually prevent the dreaded head-bob.

Inflatable Travel Pillows to Get the Best in-Flight Sleep

These pillows all have unique features that address the most challenging upright-sleeping problems.

Eagle Creek Exhale Neck Pillow

It’s amazing that a tiny little buckle can make such a big difference in comfort— Eagle Creek’s Exhale Neck Pillow takes the standard U-shape neck pillow and adds a small clip in the front that draws the two front ends together, thus eliminating that awkward empty spot that allows your head to fall forward and wake you up. It’s pretty genius.

6 Hacks for Maximum Airplane Seat Comfort

Travelrest Pillow

If you’re a side sleeper, the Travelrest is the best inflatable travel pillow for you. This unique design looks like a cushioned seatbelt—it can be attached to the side of your airplane seatrest, headrest of a car, or just worn across your body. Even though the pillow is large, it inflates quickly and deflates into a small package that’s easy to pack.

Xflyee Inflatable Travel Pillow

Xflyee’s Inflatable Travel Pillow is designed to provide neck support and is easy to store when not in use. The pillow is also slip resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your head sliding around in the event of turbulence.

12 Cozy Travel Blankets to Bring on the Plane

TETON Sports ComfortLite Self-Inflating Pillow

Don’t love blowing up your inflatable pillow on a crowded plane? TETON Sports Self-Inflating Pillow fills with air with just a quick twist of the side vent. It has two sides—a grey, non-slip side to keep your pillow in place while you sleep and a soft, orange microfiber side for maximum comfort.

HOMCA Travel Pillow

If you just want to put your head down and go to sleep, the HOMCA Travel Pillow actually allows you to do that (assuming the person in front of you hasn’t reclined all the way back). It inflates to a height of 21 inches, so you can rest your head face-down. There’s a face cradle in the top (like a massage table) that allows you to breathe, and arm holes in the side, so you can hug the pillow to keep it in place.

Sleeping on Planes: 13 Tips for Travelers

AirComfy Inflatable Travel Pillow

This insanely comfortable pillow from AirComfy has a removable micro-velvet case for easy washing and comes with a handy carrying case for easy packing. This product also features a built-in air pump, so you can inflate it without having to blow into a tube.

Maliton Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow

So far we’ve covered the best inflatable neck pillows, but we’d be remiss not to mention this inflatable foot rest from Maliton . This pillow’s height can be adjusted to fit any body type and is designed to align with the dimensions of an airplane seat.

6 Embarrassing Travel Gadgets That Actually Work

Hoodie Pillow

The Hoodie Pillow feels like sleeping in your favorite sweatshirt—if your favorite sweatshirt offered an eyeshade and neck support. A cozy hood with adjustable drawstrings can be pulled over your eyes to block out light and keep your head warm (and also separate you from a less-than-clean plane or train seat), while the attached inflatable pillow supports your head.

Trekology Inflatable Camping Pillow

Looking for the best inflatable travel pillows for camping? This one from Trekology  is ultra-lightweight (just 3.1 ounces) and folds up to be smaller than a soda can, so you will barely notice it in your pack. It inflates quickly to be a full-size pillow, and is ergonomically designed to cradle your head while you sleep.

Klymit Pillow X

Upgrade your airplane seat with the Klymit Pillow X , which makes for a much more comfortable seat cushion. The Klymit’s x-pattern also makes it a great camping pillow, as it centers your head and will prevent neck pain.

Caroline Morse Teel can’t sleep on a plane without one of these inflatable travel pillows. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for style and travel photos.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Best Airplane Footrest for Travelers to Ease Back Pain and Get Rest

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If your long-haul flights leave you with an aching back, sore feet, and cramped legs, then an airplane footrest might be in order to help you sleep and feel relaxed. These are the best footrest for travelers as recommended by our awesome readers!

Best Travel Foot Rest

Written By: Tae Haahr

Table Of Contents

Some travelers just can’t get comfortable on a flight and that can be due to sitting for long periods of time, or other physical limitations. Sometimes it helps to elevate the feet, but that’s usually not an option since aircrafts are not built to accommodate this.

Rather than suffer from travel footrest airplane issues, you can bring along a mobile footrest to help make your trip way more comfortable. Especially if you often experience back, foot, or leg pain during your flights. They can also aid you in sleeping better on-board.

TFG readers share their top picks and tips on a footrest for travel, and this is what they said.

What Is the Best Travel Footrest to Feel More Comfortable on Flights?

Best airplane foot hammock.

Andyer Portable Travel Footrest

Andyer Portable Footrest

The Andyer is a budget-friendly, lightweight, and compact choice. Just hang this foot hammock and you’re ready to settle in!

One reader shares how a foot hammock for airplane trips worked for her. “I tried one of these footrest slings on a recent 15-hour flight to Dubai. I give it a big thumbs up! It hangs from your tray table and doesn’t affect the person seated in front of you.

You can get this one for under $10 on Amazon and another reader advises to “get the cheapest, less padded version. It takes up less room on the flight, easier to pack and just as effective.”

In this post you’ll learn how to stay warm on a long haul flight!

Petutu Foot Rest Hammock

Petutu Airplane Footrest Hammock

The Petutu is easy-to-clean, reversible, and effortless to pack with a handy storage bag. It comes recommended by TFG readers and one shares, “I travel with this and it makes a difference.”

You can use it on an airplane, train or coach. Or you can throw this under your office desk when you’re home. We love multi-use and this one seems to be!

Readers share their top tips on how to have a stress-free flight!

Anxingo Footrest Hammock Sling

Anxingo Hammock Sling

The Anxingo foot hammock is easy to use and packs up nice and tight to ensure you have foot and leg comfort without taking up a ton of valuable carry-on real estate.

One reader got relief during her last journey, saying, “It worked great for me on an 8-hour flight. Rolls up into something smaller than a burrito so I was happy.”

Simply slip this onto the handles of the tray table, while it’s folded up or down, and it’s ready to use. When you’re done with it, pack it into the carrying bag to keep it compact and toss it into your personal bag. Voila!

See these reader recommendations of the best travel pants for the airplane!

Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest

Sleep Ride Footrest

Readers say the Sleepy is a sound foot hammock for plane journeys to help support the feet, legs, and lower back. Hang it over the tray table and adjust the straps to your comfort.

One reader recalls she “used one of these on a recent trip to Paris and really liked it,” adding that “it helped her lower back to be able to stretch legs out and have her feet supported.”

Once the flight is over, simply throw it in its bag and stuff it into your travel purse. It’s lightweight and compact, ideal for any, or all your trips!

The Trtl travel pillow, is it good? Find out here !

Best Portable Footstool

North Coast EWH Portable Foot Rest

North Coast Compact Portable Folding Footrest

Portable footrests work well because they’re durable and long-lasting. The North Coas t is small enough to fit in an in-flight bag or your carry-on making it super travel-friendly.

One reader shares, “I’m short, so when your feet don’t always reach the floor it can be very uncomfortable. I have a foldable foot stool that I take on long flights, it folds nicely and fits in the front pocket of either my suitcase or backpack. I’ve had mine for 16+ years.”

Just slip this handy stool out of your bag and pop it up when your flight takes off. It’s easy to fold up and move when you need to get up for a stretch or pack away when your trip is done!

Check out these  flight essentials !

Econo High Folding Travel Footrest

Econo-High Portable Folding Footstool

The Econo-High is portable because it folds neatly and fits into a travel pouch. Readers point out this one is a bit more solid to keep your feet comfortable, then a plastic model and can actually fit in your carry-on.

One reader says she brings a “little folding bench for her footrest and carries it with her everywhere and always uses it when she flies.”

Here’s a round-up of the best travel pillow for more restful in-flight naps!

Best Travel Foot Rest Pillow

Guass Inflatable Foot Pillow

Guass Inflatable Pillow

A very portable footrest airplane solution is an inflatable one. The Guass pillow is under $15 and TFG readers rave about how well it works for them.

One reader shares just that, saying, “I’ve used one of these footrests and would do so again. It helped to give my body a better position in the seat and relieve the pressure from my legs.”

Readers emphasize a pillow like this makes a real difference. As a bonus, an inflatable foot pillow can also double for use under your desk (at work or home), or while traveling on a bus or in a car. Truly, a versatile option!

This is how to choose the best in-flight travel purse !

STYDDI Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow

STYDDI Inflatable Travel Footrest Pillow

The STYDDI is a packable foot rest that can help relax your feet and has PVC flocking for full comfort during your flight. 

One TFG reader shares the wonders of pillows. “I have short legs so I just use a little inflatable foot rest. It keeps my legs from swelling and my knee from hurting.”

This model has a two-layer mouthpiece that can help the pillow both inflate and deflate. Once deflated, this travel accessory can pack easily into your carry-on suitcase.

Find out our foolproof formula for long-haul flights or short weekend getaways!

Best Airplane Footrest Comparison Chart

Should i consider an airplane footrest.

A footrest can be a useful tool for travelers with frequent foot and leg pain or those that are on the shorter side. They help personalize travel to the needs of your body and make the flight more comfortable.

Many readers especially recommend this option if you’re under 5’3” because it gives you a little height. One reader shares, “I’m really short and having a footrest helps my legs feel more comfortable on long flights.”

They are equally as important if you’re flying with an injured foot or leg. Not only do they help with foot and leg pain, but one reader shares that they also help relieve back pain. “It helps offset pressure on my back during the flight.”

Alternative Footrest Solutions

Maybe you don’t have room in your carry-on or simply don’t want to take up space with an additional travel accessory. In that case, there are a few things you can use to help prop up your feet that you probably already have.

Use Your Under Seat Bag

One way to elevate your feet is to use your under-seat bag as a footrest. Since you’re bringing it along anyway, it can serve a secondary purpose.

A reader shares this tidbit, saying, “I always use my under-seat bag (usually a full backpack) as a footrest. This allows me to scoot it around to extend each or both of my legs as needed, and I can scoot it out of the way.” 

Use a Detachable Strap as a Sling

If you favor the sling method of resting your feet, then there is a DIY way you to achieve a similar experience. How you ask? 

One TFG reader shares this tip! “I use the detachable shoulder strap from my bag as a foot sling.” This means you don’t have to bring along anything extra but can still obtain comfort.

Use Your Travel Pillow

If you’re already packing a travel pillow for your flight, it can also double as a footrest (pending you’re not already using it for under your head). Which could be the perfect solution to avoid packing extra.

A reader recounts her DIY foot rest pillow trick. “Try a blow-up neck pillow , place it on the floor, and put your feet on it. It will add about 4-inches of floor height.” 

It’s not only inflatable pillows that can do the trick. Another reader offers another option, adding, “I have a wedge travel pillow that can double as a footrest. I love it!”

Taking a red eye flight? Heed these tried and tested tips !

Other Helpful Tips

Keeping your feet elevated is a good start, but there are other tips and tricks that readers recommended to keep your feet and back comfortable during air travel.

Use Compression Socks

Compression socks are designed to add pressure to your legs to maintain blood flow, along with reducing swelling or discomfort. 

They are widely celebrated by TFG readers and make most travel accessory top lists. If you anticipate sitting through a long flight, then you might want to check a pair of these out.  

Want the right pair? Check out the best compression socks for air travel.

If you’re on a particularly long-haul flight, one way to keep your feet and legs comfortable is to get up and walk around every so often. Getting up on your feet can help get the blood flowing and stretch them out.

You might also want to consider doing some exercises to help stretch your feet and legs. Movement can help keep your legs pain free (or at least less) on lengthy air journeys. 

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Pack Your Footrest

Who says packing cubes are limited to clothing? Many of our readers use them to pack much of what they bring on their trips, as they allow you to organize by number and color, so you know what’s in each bag.

Not only do these handy cubes allow you to keep your things organized and compact, but they can also be used to store a footrest into your carry-on, so when you embark on the plane, it’s easy to take out. Watch the video below for more.

You can learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video !

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

What do you think is the best airplane footrest? Share and comment below!

For more airplane travel essentials, please read:

• 5 Airplane Skin Care Essentials to Upgrade Your In-flight Beauty Routine
• Airplane Essentials: Top Items to Make Flights More Enjoyable
• Business Travel Essentials: 15 Products to Simplify Your Life
• Travel Fashion Talk: Editor-in-Chief Alex’s In-Flight Clothing Essentials

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Best Inflatable Footrest For Travel - Reviews 2023 - 2024

Table of Contents

• Suitable for aircraft, travel, etc.

• Comfortable Journey: get your legs up for a good rest and better circulation.The foot rest pillow be become a perfect companion for any of your flights.
• Traveling with Kids: The inflatable foot rest pillow may greatly improve the quality of sleep on the journey, can also try to let the children lay down to rest or sleep, comfortably like a bed on a regular airplane seat during flights.
• Soft PVC Flocking: Friendly Material, Healthy and Hygenic.SIZE-Inflated:15.2inch x 11.4inch x 18inch; Deflated: 7.1inch x5.1inch
• Airport Waiting and Flight Connections: can be used also as stool or a chair while waiting for a flight in the airport, adults can lay down their head on it as a big pillow during wait time.
• Easy to Carry: can be compressed to small size and light weight. The Leg Rest Pillow will be perfect for longer trips.

• The best companion for a long journey - This footrest pillow is flexibly adjustable. You can choose to use one, two or three layers. So it can help you to enjoy your feet on the plane or in car at its best. In addition, it can be used as a bed on the airplane in which children can sleep or used as a seat when you are waiting for a car.
• Packaging and size - The package contains a inflatable travel pillow, a floor cover against dust and a sleep mask. Size: three-layer inflatable: 30cmx40cmx46cm (15.8 "x11.8" x18.1 "), Deflated portable packing size: 20cmx8.5cmx8.5cm (7.9" x3.5 "x3.5").
• It is very easy to inflate it and let it out - Only takes one minute to inflate the foot rest pillow. (You can blow directly with your mouth or use an air pump). Please open the nozzles, wait a few seconds, then you can let the air out. After that, please fold it and place it in a portable bag before using it again next time.
• Soft and comfortable to use - Our foot rest pillow is made of PVC flocking fabric. This material is an environmentally friendly material which is not harmful to the human body. Moreover, there is no unpleasant odor and inconvenience in the use.
• One year warranty and good customer service - customer satisfaction comes first, if you are not satisfied with our products, you can immediately send us an e-mail, our customer service team will give you a satisfactory response as soon as possible.

This product is unavailable on Amazon and eBay.

Choosing the Best Inflatable Foot Rest

If you have yet to try a foot rest that is inflatable, then you are probably wondering what benefits they offer. There are actually quite a few. Here are just a couple of examples to give you a better idea.

• Reduces Pressure on your Legs – One of the issues that everyone will face on a long haul flight is the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Obviously, this is something that you want to avoid at all costs. One of the ways that you can reduce your risk of developing DVT is to use an inflatable foot rest .
• More Comfortable – Another problem that you will find with long haul flights is that the seats can often be uncomfortable. This is especially true if you are shorter than average because you won’t be able to rest your feet properly. By using an inflatable foot rest you can rest your feet which will be far more comfortable.
• You Can Adjust the Height – The big issue with plane seats is that you simply cannot adjust the height of them. If you’re a tall person then this is likely not going to be an issue for you, but if you are shorter then it is going to be uncomfortable. With a footrest that you can inflate, you are able to adjust the height until it is comfortable.

When it comes to choosing the best inflatable foot rest, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. One of the best things that you can do is to make sure that you read some thorough customer reviews so that you are able to make an informed decision on which is the best foot rest for you. We have taken some of the work out of this for you by testing and reviewing some of the most popular ourselves. Please see below for our reviews.

Top 3 Inflatable Foot Rests

3. comfort ninja.

• 1 Year Warranty
• Extras: Floor Cover, Sleep Mask
• Inflated: 30cmx40cmx46cm
• PVC Flocking

• Comes with a sleep mask.
• Comfortable and sturdy.
• It seemed to deflate a little too quickly.

Maliton Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow for Plane, Toddler Airplane Travel Essentials, Car Seat Foot Rest for Kids, Adjustable Height Leg Pillow for Travel, Office and Home (Grey, 1Pack)

When it came to inflating this foot rest, we had no problems at all. It has two parts to inflate from and they both filled up very quickly indeed. One thing that we really liked is how firm the foot rest is when it is filled to capacity.

The PVC flocking material is really comfortable to use, both with or without shoes which is perfect for traveling long distances. The price range that you can expect to pay for this foot rest is very affordable and the extra sleep mask is a really nice extra touch.

The only issue that we seemed to have with this one is that it started to deflate quite soon into the journey. This may be just one faulty foot rest or it might be a common problem. Either way, it was a little frustrating. However, it is a very affordable product so it is worth considering for a one off.

2. AirGoods Inflatable Travel Pillow

• Extras: Dust Cover, Carry Pouch
• Inflated: 40.6cmx30.5cmx45.7cm

• Very comfortable.
• Affordable.
• The height can't be adjusted.

Travel Foot Rest Pillow - Kids Plane Bed | Inflatable Kids Travel Pillow for Expanded Airplane Leg Rest, Car or Train Travel

Upon taking the inflatable foot rest out of the packaging, we were able to inflate it within a matter of seconds. When trying it out, we were really pleased to notice how firm it is. You can tell that it is really supportive, especially on the ankles.

One thing that we really liked about this one is how soft the PVC flocking is. Even after using the foot rest for an hour it didn't feel uncomfortable in the slightest and we didn't notice it feeling hot at all which you do get with flocking sometimes.

The only drawback with this one is that the height of it cannot be adjusted. We felt that it would have been much better if it could be inflated to different heights to accommodate for taller and shorter people. Aside from that, this is a great product.

1. FengNiao Foot Rest Review - Our Top Choice

• 24 Month Warranty
• Deflated: 7x5.1”

• Really lightweight foot rest.
• Very easy to inflate.
• Three height settings.

Tecare Travel Pillow for Leg Foot Rest with Sleep Mask, Inflatable Multi-Function for Kids to Lay Down or Sleep on Long Flights,Suitable for Airplanes, Cars, Buses, Trains, Office Napping, Camp

Our first impressions of this foot rest were great. The PVC flocking material is very soft to touch and feels really comfortable. When we first took the inflatable foot rest out of the packaging, we were a little concerned that it might take a long time to inflate. This was not the case; it took us a matter of minutes to inflate it to the highest level.

One of the things that we really liked about this one is that it can actually be used for multiple things. You can either use it as a foot rest, a pillow for your back, or even a comfy bed for smaller kids. It is also suitable for use around the home as well as other long distance travel other than plane.

We didn't have any issues with this foot rest at all. It remained firm throughout our use and didn't start to deflate at all, which is why we have made this one our top choice.

Hopefully now you have a better idea of the right inflatable foot rest for your next journey. Each of these three are great products and well worth considering.

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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

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• Tips for Buying
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Travel + Leisure

Sitting upright for hours on end can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight or taking the train, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested 24 travel pillows based on traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, and train rides. Our top pick for the best travel pillow overall is Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3. We love that this pillow folded down into its own, compact carrying case and comes with a washable cover to keep it fresh between trips. We also found the best pillow choices for travelers who like a softer or firmer pillow along with styles that are perfect for middle seats and budget-conscious travelers, too. 

Best Overall

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place and prevents painful neck cramps.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy, yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted although it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Portable case | Machine washable

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cushion lab ergonomic travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 4 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that allows travelers to adjust the amount of support needed.

It can have a snug fit.

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow can make your trip much more comfortable, whether in the middle seat of a plane or a car. With an ergonomic design, one side of the pillow is larger than the other to support the chin if your head tilts while sleeping, and the back has a cushion that is contoured to keep the head in an upright position. During testing, the neck pillow provided a comfortable rest for the chin, and we didn’t feel too hot while wearing it. Although the cushion fits snugly around the neck, it didn’t take long to get used to it, and we could nap comfortably during a train and car ride. The buckled strap was easy to adjust, and we liked having the ability to spin the pillow around to use the asymmetrical sides and back to find the most comfortable position for sleeping in the window and middle seats. With a soft, recycled polyester exterior and Cushion Lab’s extra-dense memory foam, the quality of the travel pillow is luxurious and sturdy, and it folds into a small ball to fit inside a carrying bag that can clip onto a backpack or a suitcase.

The Details:  Polyester, Hyperfoam   | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4 /5

It molds to the shape of your neck to prevent bobbing.

The cover can't be removed and washed.

The Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow is a no-frills option that offers generous neck support for a budget-friendly price. It is filled with tiny microbeads that quickly mold to the shape of your neck and prevent your head from bobbing around while sleeping. We appreciated its lightweight but sturdy feel, and that there were no signs of damage after using the neck pillow or when clipping it onto a suitcase to transport. Although the cover can’t be removed, we noted that the fabric is easy to touch up with instructions to spot clean the surface as necessary. Cozy and breathable, the travel pillow did a solid job of regulating temperature and keeping the neck warm during cold flights and cool during hot flights.

The Details: Polyester, microbeads | No portable case | Machine washable

Best Splurge

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort, allowing us to get more rest on a flight than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it rolls up to fit in a compact drawstring sack. The pillow holds its shape despite being in the bag for long periods, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and can be machine washed, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allowed for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

• Quality 4.5 /5

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers that get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up as you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric, and said we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable-feeling carrying case), and the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. This pillow quickly unfolds to its original shape despite being rolled up and going in and out of the compact case as well.

The Details: Memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Best Sustainable

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

It’s made of recycled and upcycled materials that are comfortable and breathable.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and it compresses down to be easily transported whether you’re flying or camping. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | No portable case | Machine washable

Best for Window Seats

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

It’s easy and intuitive to use for resting your chin and head.

It could be more supportive when you’re leaning against a window.

The J-Pillow Chin-supporting Neck Pillow has a J-shape that wraps around the neck to support the chin and the front, back, and one side of the head. Despite the different design than a typical U-shaped travel pillow, it is easy to use and fits securely while sleeping or resting during travels. The pillow comes with a compact case that can be attached to a piece of luggage to make traveling with it effortless. After being folded up in the carrying case for some time, the J-shape didn’t falter, and remained supportive and soft. We think the J-Pillow is ideal for any type of traveler since it's very portable and lightweight.

The Details: Polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

• Durability 4.5 /5

It’s supportive without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck, and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the circular carrying case that can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The holder also has a frontal slip pocket for storing the earplugs and eye mask that are included with the travel pillow. After a trip, the carrying case can be unzipped and machine washed, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Side Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

This pillow is soft and durable.

The suede-like outer material has a tendency to pick up lint.

This travel pillow was designed to keep your head and neck supported for even the longest of flights. Not only is the semicircular pillow adjustable, so you can get the shape perfect for you, it also features and adjustable seat strap to prevent your head from dropping while you rest. Right out of the box, we loved the high-quality of the memory foam, which makes it supportive and soft, and the cover material feels great against the skin. It gives users a great balance of softness and support. To keep your pillow protected and prevent any risk that it will end up getting dragged across the airport floor, this also comes with a compact carrying case that compresses down to fit into carry-on luggage.

The Details: Polyester, microsuede, memory foam | Portable case | Machine- washable

Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

To protect your hair and skin throughout your travels, a silk pillow is the way to go.

It's 12 x 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories , but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but can still be used in bed in a pinch and is perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your carry-on bag. After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

While we were able to narrow down the travel pillows for our best list, there were some that almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses noted by our testers. 

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Gingerlily Silk Travel Neck Pillow : We love that this pillow is high-quality and made with luxurious material, but it doesn't come with a carrying case, which we think you would need to keep this pillow protected.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

We sent out 24 travel pillows to our testing experts to use during their upcoming trips. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched popular options to fit a variety of comfort preferences, including pillows made of memory foam and microbeads, and tested different shapes, too. 

On a scale of one to five, our testers rated the pillows based on comfort, quality, durability, and portability. The pillows with the best comfort scores met or exceeded our expectations for special features, including cooling, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer. Our testers used the pillows for several hours at a time, if not longer, to see how comfy they were while sleeping, reading, or watching a movie while traveling. We asked our testers to note if they were able to sleep with the pillow on, if it caused any neck pain or discomfort, and how warm or cool the pillow felt around the neck. To check for quality and durability, our testers examined the build of the pillow to feel how well-made it appeared. After using the pillows during trips, they judged durability based on their functionality after several uses. The pillows with the highest score for portability were able to compress down into carrying bags that allow travelers to transport the pillow with exceptional ease. The best pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it restricts your breathing and can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or over-pack, a travel pillow that compacts into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station.  

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a more firm pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Generally, washing instructions will be included with the purchase of a travel pillow or on its tag. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our testers opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth or rag dipped into soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that wraps around the neck to support the neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability. Finally, while traditional pillows might be better suited for a traveler in the window seat, there are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna participated in this real-world product test and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel pillows based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train this summer.

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Best Inflatable Foot Rest for Travel that Actually Work

John Parker

There have been many products that have come onto the market designed to make flying, particularly in economy class, more comfortable. One of the newest of these is the inflatable leg rest for flights.

Between my wife and I, we have tried a few of these over the last few years. This includes inflatable, and the newer foot sling types and have certainly found them to make flying more comfortable. They also have the added health bonus of reducing the risk of contracting DVT.

What are inflatable foot rests?

Inflatable footrests provide something to put your feet or legs on while sitting in an economy class seat rather than having them just sitting on the floor. Inflatable footrests come in a number of different designs but all are inflated once on board. They can then be deflated and stored in your hand luggage when no longer required (or prior to landing).

Some are a single fixed height, others are height adjustable and some come in two separate parts.

Top 3 inflatable foot rests for flights and alternatives

Flypal inflatable foot rest.

Although there are many different ones available, I think that the FlyPal version offers the most flexibility. It comes in two separate parts so you can opt to just use the small part as a low foot rest, use the larger part to raise your legs higher or use both together to be at the same height as your airplane seat – so a choice of three different heights.

They are also good if you are traveling with a companion. You can then share it and use one part each so you don’t need to take two with you. Particularly useful for my wife and I (one tall and one short) as I use the small one and she uses the larger one.

It certainly won’t turn your economy class seat into a first class seat but it will certainly help. It deflates very quickly so you can remove it and put it away when you are starting to descend.

You can read more about the FlyPal Inflatable Foot Rest and check the reviews and price on Amazon .

Alternatives – the Sleepy Ride Foot Rest

A foot hammock is a different concept from the inflatable leg rest for flights. It clips onto the bracket of your food tray on the back of the airplane seat in front. You can then put your feet on it, or put your legs further through it, enabling you to sit comfortably.

The height is adjustable to adapt to your particular leg length. They are particularly useful for tall people like me, with long legs, who cannot easily use a large inflatable device like the one above, as your feet/legs can still go under the seat in front so you are not cramped up.

It is also very light, weighing just 0.25lbs, so doesn’t use up too much of your cabin bag allowance. You would not be able to use this if you were in a seat immediately behind a bulkhead as you would have no seat food tray in front of you to attach it to.

You can read more about the Sleepy Ride Foot Rest and check the reviews and price on Amazon .

STYDDI Small Inflatable Foot Rest

This is similar to the full size inflatable footrest but small enough to sit under the seat in front. This allows people of all heights and leg length to use it comfortably.

Personally, it is the device I use the most and have done for a number of years.

It is cheap, it packs up really small and is quick and easy to inflate and deflate.

It can certainly make your long flight more bearable.

You can also use it as a pillow for your head if you want to try and get some sleep, which is a bonus. But don’t lend it to someone with smelly feet before you do!

You can read more about the STYDDI Travel Foot Rest and check the reviews and price on Amazon .

Are inflatable foot rests a good thing?

There is little that is worse than having to sit for hours on end in an uncomfortable aircraft seat. So anything that can make you more comfortable on a long flight has got to be a good thing.

Aircraft seats, well economy seats anyway, are not adjustable in any way other than being able to recline them a bit. You can’t raise or lower them to suit whether you are tall or short and neither can you move them backward and forward to allow for long or short legs. They are built for “the average person” whatever they may be.

Some aircraft do have a foot rest built into the seat in front, although I seem to see them less and less lately – no doubt some kind of cost-saving exercise. When they are available they can help to make the seat fit you better, particularly if you are shorter or have short legs, and so help to make you more comfortable. Mind you, they are rather hard so can be uncomfortable when used for hours.

But as well as the increase in your comfort, using airplane footrests can also have health benefits by relieving some of the pressure on your legs.

Where built-in foot rests aren’t available, or they are too hard, the alternative is to use an inflatable travel footrest or some other form of leg rest such as a leg hammock.

These are some of the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide whether to buy one.

Advantages of an inflatable footrest

An inflatable footrest can help reduce the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). They do this by raising your legs and relieving the pressure that they experience during a long flight.

Research: Deep vein thrombosis and air travel

Of course, on long flights you should also consider wearing flight compression socks to reduce the risk of DVT, particularly if you may be prone to it by having a recent procedure, broken bone etc. These are the most popular on Amazon .

Obviously, as already stated, they can help make you more comfortable, which is an advantage in anyone’s book.

If you should be traveling with a young child then they can effectively create a small toddler travel bed when combined with the seat so they can sleep properly. If your child sleeps then not only you will appreciate that but also your fellow passengers around you too.

Disadvantages of an inflatable footrest

The first has got to be that you obviously need to carry it in your cabin baggage. Although they do deflate and fold up fairly small, it is all extra bulk and weight.

If you are tall, like me, with particularly long legs, you certainly won’t be able to use one of the types that inflate to the height of the seat as your knees will be bent double.

If you are in an aisle or middle seat and the person in the window seat wants to get out to go to the toilet or whatever then it is a pain trying to move it out of the way. So the best seat on a plane to use one is a window seat.

Are you looking for the best footrest for your next plane journey? Look no further! We have the perfect solution for you. Introducing the best inflatable footrest for plane travel. Designed specifically for the comfort of frequent flyers, this footrest is the ultimate accessory to elevate your travel experience.

Why settle for uncomfortable seating when you can have the best airplane foot rest? Our inflatable footrest for planes is meticulously crafted to provide optimal support and relaxation during long flights. Say goodbye to restless legs and hello to a comfortable journey.

When it comes to choosing the best footrest for a plane, an inflatable option tops the list. It combines portability, functionality, and comfort into one compact package. Inflate it in seconds, attach it to the seat in front of you, and enjoy the luxury of stretching your legs whenever you desire.

We understand the importance of finding the best airplane footrests that meet your specific needs. That’s why our inflatable footrest for planes is adjustable, allowing you to customize the height according to your preference. Whether you’re tall or short, this footrest ensures a perfect fit for you.

Experience the unparalleled comfort of the best airplane footrest by investing in our inflatable option. It provides excellent support for your legs, reduces swelling, and promotes better circulation during long flights. Don’t let cramped seating ruin your travel experience; take control with our inflatable footrest for planes.

So, why wait? Upgrade your travel essentials with the best foot rest for plane journeys. Choose our inflatable footrest and experience the epitome of comfort and relaxation while flying. Say goodbye to uncomfortable flights and hello to blissful travel with our top-rated inflatable footrest for planes.

Further articles

Best gadgets to make flying more comfortable in 2019

How to sleep comfortably in Economy Class – My top tips

You may be interested in my thoughts on How air travel has changed in the last 40+ years – for the worst!

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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Inflatable Travel Foot Rest Pillow Portable Adjustable Height Foot Stool for Airplanes, Cars, Home, Trains, Office to Lay Down or Sleep on Long Flights with Pump (Blue)

( $29.99 / count )

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• Perfect Choice for Travelers - The foot rest pillow supports your legs stretching or curling with a good rest. It can be used as a chair when waiting for flights, can also use it to sleep for kid's
• Skin-Friendly Material - Made from washable soft flocked PVC, an airtight rubber that has the feel of fabric. Healthy and hygienic, no unpleasant smell and comfortable touching.
• Lightweight & Portable - Only 0.77lb (350g) weight, the packed size is 5.9"L*3.9"W (15x10cm) with a bottom dust cover and storage bag. It be compressed into a very small and light size which will easily to jam package into the luggage.
• Health Manager: Improve your blood circulation and reduce swelling by raising your legs. Help to relieve back and neck pain from sitting for long period of time.
• A Good Gift - Definitely perfect companion on journey is one of the good gifts you can give parents and elders, colleagues and friends.

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Important information

Legal disclaimer.

Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than what is shown on our website. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product.

Product Description

inflatable foot rest pillow is great for travel, car, trains, home and office. It is easy to inflate and takes up relatively little space. If you are traveling with small children you will not regret buying this. The height lined up well enough with American Airlines Seats.They will sleep better and it’s much easier on you because they won’t be spread out on your lap or tossing and turning. Helps your feet and leg to rest on airplanes and can be used as kid's bed to lay down flat on flights.

Provide Comfort to Your Leg Area When you sit in the seat for long periods of time, the leg flexion time is too long and muscles without rest for a long time, which causes poor blood flow, numbness or pain in the legs. The leg rest pillow supports your legs stretching or curling, helps decompress tight joints, promote blood flow, and relieve pressure.

inflatable footrest weights only lb (500g). It packs down very small, light,inflates fast, deflates fast. Absolutely, it is the right size inflated as a foot rest or toddler bed on airplane, train, car, home and office.

Bottom Dust Cover

This inflatable foot rest pillow is the perfect solution! Served as a nice foot rest and a way to elongate the seat for comfort. Helps your feet from welling up; This extender was very helpful for travel. Worth getting for your little one for trains and planes rides, especially for a long haul flight. They are comfortable enough where he won’t waken and gets enough rest; It also comes with a bottom dust cover which is great cover. If you used the foot pillow outside, It definitely protects it from sharp things or dirty. Because the cover is easier to wash than the pillow.

High Quality, Convenience and Comfortable

Specifictaion

Inflated: 17.7*15.7*11.4in（adjustable）

Package Weight: 0.8lb (365g) .Packed:6*4in

Package Include

1x Foot Rest Pillow

1x Washable Bottom Dust Cover, 1x Small Pouch .1x hand pump

Product information

Technical details, additional information, product details.

• Is discontinued by manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Parcel Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 32.29 x 23.3 x 9 cm; 365 g
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ Dec 4 2018
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ ZIQIAN
• Place of Business ‏ : ‎ Hinton, AB T7V 1Y8,CA
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L3CGVS3
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ pillow
• #167 in Travel Pillows

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The Best Travel Pillow

By Sabrina Imbler

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give. It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow. It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit. Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace. The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size. Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep. The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly. While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me. While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood. In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.” In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

• Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
• Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
• Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
• Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
• Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
• Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
• Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
• Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
• Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off. The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl. But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest Ultimate’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest Ultimate with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a newer model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks. The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau. Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy, which we talk more about below .

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable, and it is pricy.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a later addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs nearly twice as much.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a newer version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front. Also, one of our former freelance writers recently reported that when she pulled her pillow out of storage, after a few years of not using it, its internal bladder disintegrated in her hands.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow: A First-Class Sleep Experience in Economy

by Dorie Chevlen

This travel pillow is so great you won’t even care if you look silly wearing it.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

by Elissa Sanci

You might look funny while wearing the one-sided Trtl travel pillow in flight, but you won’t care when you land at your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The 31 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech and Dorie Chevlen

Here we present practical and whimsical finds to delight any intrepid traveler.

Best Inflatable Footrest for Airplane in 2023

The inflatable footrest is an excellent tool to make boring long hours of flight relaxing and comfortable.

To beat off jet lag, you need an inflatable footrest to accompany you throughout the journey.

The haul of selecting the best inflatable footrest for airplane before boarding a flight is a great concern for some, while others are unaware of its existence.

If you are one of the unaware travelers, I have got your back. I have researched and picked some of the finest ones that can come in handy even at home or on road trips.

Without further ado, let’s check them out and find the finest.

Table of Contents

Why Inflatable Footrest?

The primary reasons are that these footrests are inflatable and provide you with the comfort that your body would expect in long-haul flights.

Easy to carry in planes. You can inflate it anytime you want to have a good nap. Imagine sleeping in an economy class seat of a plane like you would sleep on your bed, legs stretched straight.

Aching in the back, legs, or even the entire body can be caused if you sit in one position for a long time. Flight hours are no exception in this case. If you are a frequent traveler or uncomfortable sitting in one place for a long time, you should get one footrest for yourself.

Also Read: 6 Most Comfortable Sleep Mask for Air Travel.

Top 4 Best Inflatable Footrest for Air Travel

If you are looking for the best inflatable footrest airplane, you’ll surely be benefited from my airplane footrest reviews that I’ve put together. So, please scroll down to know more about them.

1. Sunany Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow for Airplane Travel

This inflatable footrest can be adjusted in three different heights accordingly. With its ergonomic design, it will help you prevent leg or knee pain while you are on a flight haul. You can use it for multipurpose like setting your foot or using it as a nighttime bed for your child.

Material: Made from PVC flocking, this footrest feels soft and plushy when you rest your foot on it. Durable enough to last for years, while valves make the inflate and deflate process effortless. It will maintain its shape for days once inflated as it is a leak and tear-proof tool, and will provide you with multipurpose usability.

Dimension: This footrest is 7×4.2 inches in size once deflated. Once inflated, it weighs around 0.8lbs and measures 17.7x15x9 inches in dimension which is adequate to work as a footrest on the plane without blocking the aisle. Its three adjustable heights are 45cm, 30cm, and 15cm— making it easily convertible.

Portability: You will receive a drawstring pouch with the purchase to carry it along. At home, office, car, train, or plane— it will fit inside your carry-on bag without taking up much space. You can blow up the footrest by your mouth, no need to carry a heavy and noisy air pump.

WHY I LOVE IT:

• 3 adjustable heights.
• Soft on skin.
• Good for physical comfort.
• Multipurpose use.
• 2 earplugs, 1 eye mask, 1 dust cover included.
• Easily portable.
• Not machine washable.
• Not approved by all airlines.

2. Maliton Inflatable Travel Foot Rest Pillow for Airplane

Maliton footrest is the one you can use as a pillow or ottoman while at home or office. It is a big footrest block that will take up the entire foot space in front of your plane seat, making it an ideal bed for kids to sleep in.

With its purchase, you will get a 6-month after-sales service from the manufacturer in case of any malfunction.

Material: High-quality PVC flocking fabric is used to make this footrest block. Feels soft and smooth on the skin, its fabric will resist your leg from sliding away from its position. Durable against wear and tear, you will also get a 6-month after-sale service from the makers if any malfunction occurs.

Dimension: After compression, it weighs 0.8lbs. and measures around 8.5x6x2.5 inches in dimension. You can carry it compact inside the drawstring pouch that is provided with the purchase. Once inflated, it measures 17x12x18 inches which takes up the entire front space of an economy seat.

Portability: It is a multipurpose use footrest that you can use for camping, office, home, car, or flying comfortably. In the drawstring bag that comes with the purchase, you can fit in the compressed footrest and put it inside your carry-on bag.

• After-sale service available.
• Compact and portable.
• For all age

3. Koala Kloud Inflatable Adjustable Airplane Footrest

This cylindrical-shaped footrest is a great pick for long-haul flights or home use. You will get a footrest that is tested for 24 hours before shipment.

No need to carry a pump to inflate the block as you can blow it by your mouth within 1 minute.

Material: This airplane footrest is also made from premium quality PVC flocking fabric and includes a dust cover to save it from germs and dirt. The block’s fabric is eco-friendly soft, smooth, and plushy that lets you rest your feet comfortably. Its air-tight valves intake and inflate the block in 1 minute, faster than other footrests.

Dimension: A lightweight leg rest that measures only 4x4x7 inches when compressed. Upon inflating, it measures 12x17x18 inches, a perfect fit as a toddler’s bed. The three levels of height are 18″, 13″, and 7″. You can adjust the height accordingly and enjoy your journey.

Portability: You can pack it inside the drawstring bag and carry it in your hands or put it in your carry-on bag. It is not suitable only for air traveling but also using at home, office or anywhere necessary. A great travel accessory for kids as well.

• Easily adjustable levels.
• Convertible as kids’ bed.
• 30-days money back.
• Fits in small bags.

4. Maliton 2 Pack Inflatable Travel Foot Rest Pillow for Air Travel

This Maliton 2-pack offer includes 2 footrest pillows that can easily fill the space in front of 2 seats. Your kids can play, sleep or just sit on the footrests, looking over the plane window comfortably. With a 6-months promised warranty, you can trust this accessory to be of service for years ahead.

Material: Maliton footrest is made from quality PVC flocking fabric with 2 durable valves. While the fabric is eco-friendly and comfortable on the skin, the valves are designed to intake air without wasting time. 2 covers are included with the footrests to save them from dust, dirt, or marks.

Dimension: Both the pillows measure 17x12x18 inches when inflated. After deflating them within seconds, these will compress to 8.5x6x2.5 inches and weigh near 0.8lbs. each. Perfect for parents and kids, you can adjust the height levels by inflating 1, 2, or all the chambers at once.

Portability: Carry them in the drawstring bags provided with the purchase. You can fold them like paper, and they will not take up much space inside any small or big luggage. Suitable for multipurpose use, you can carry these 2 footrest pillows with you and your family whenever you are on the go.

• 2-footrest pack.
• Fits in any luggage.
• Easily inflatable.
• For all age.
• 3 adjustable levels.

How to Select the Best Inflatable Footrest for Air Travel?

To select the best inflatable leg rest for flights, there are some important aspects you should consider before purchasing.

Your choice of height, angle, or purpose of getting one are the main ones. Go for the ones that include an adjustable height feature.

Some are usable by all age travelers, from kids to elderly. These inflatable leg rest or footrest are portable easily inside carry-on bags and you can inflate it once inside the airplane. Many provide a storage pouch with the purchase while many don’t.

Some footrests are usable at home, office, or in your vehicle. If you wish to buy a multipurpose one, the main thing you should look for is the size of the footrest.

Read Also: A List of TSA Approved Bow Case for Airline Travel.

FAQs about Inflatable Footrest for Plane

A footrest is used to maintainproper and comfortable postures while sitting in a place for a long duration. Footrest helps you relieve jet leg fatigue, knee pain, and other physical aches that are caused from sitting in a stiff position.

Yes, but not in all planes. Some airlines allow using inflatable footrests between takeoff and landing, while some do not allow at all.

Yes. Footrests are allowed on many airlines but not all. As the footrests differ in size and can block aisle and walkway sometimes, you should check with your airlines if they allow one on-board.

Yes, footrests help in eliminating back pain as they help in maintaining a proper, comfortable, and relaxing posture during long hours of working or traveling.

45cm in width and 35cm in depth footrest is ideal for use. It should be adjustable up to 11cm and have a surface with 5˚-15˚ adjustability.

Final Words

As you can see, footrests are not only an essential tool for travelers but also for people who work for long hours sitting in one place.

In your quest to find the best footrest for air travel, I hope my article helped you with all the necessary information you need to know to find the finest.

You May Also Like:

A list of My Favorite Ice Packs for Air Travel.

6 Finest Face Mask for Your Next Plane Travel.

6 High Quality Travel Neck Pillow for Sleeping on Plane.

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The $20 Travel Accessory That Makes Sitting in Economy Bearable

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A few years back, a targeted ad got me to pause my Instagram scroll: It showed off an airplane “foot hammock,” meant to make sitting in an economy seat a bit more comfortable. The accessory looks like an oversized sleep mask; on either side of the adjustable straps, there are clips to buckle your hammock into place in-flight. With a few quick moves—namely, strapping the hammock around your tray table, then folding the tray back up—you’d have a place to rest your feet, taking the pressure off your lower back and keeping your legs and feet from getting stiff throughout the flight. As the ad proclaimed, “This will make your flights first class!”

Naturally, someone in the Traveler office had already purchased a very similar product: the Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest, made of a thick, memory foam material and available on Amazon for $20. This model packs into a small drawstring bag (included with the footrest) that can be tossed into a tote or carry-on en route to the plane.

Since this is the kind of product that warrants skepticism—namely, is it worth the inevitable side-eye from nearby passengers?—we've had a handful of editors of very different heights put it to the test on flights over the last couple years—below, their honest thoughts on the product.

Dimensions: 20" x 7.5" x 0.5"

Weight: 7 ounces

Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest reviews:

Works like a charm.

I purchased the SleepyRide foot hammock in a moment of weakness, before embarking on an intense week of travel that would involve five flights over five days. I was pretty skeptical about whether it would work, but the idea of a 14-hour flight in economy was enough for me to spend $20 on a product that I had heard others raving about. At 5'2", I have no problems with leg room on planes, but I do feel the need to elevate my legs, even on a short flight.

The foot hammock ended up working like a charm. I didn't get any weird looks from my fellow passengers when I set it up on my tray table, and the person sitting in front of me made no indication that they could feel my legs hanging from it. I was able to place my legs in a variety of positions, from stepping on the hammock with my knees bent to reclining with my legs extended.

It works best when there are no bags under your seat, so I'd recommend using it in a window seat where you can prop your carry-on against the wall during the length of the flight, or stowing bags in the overhead compartment.

The foot hammock has now entered my trusty airplane sleep kit that I bring on every flight, along with my collapsible travel pillow , eye mask , and compression socks . It might seem like a lot to pack in your carry-on, but for me, it's worth it to get some decent shut-eye on a long flight or a red-eye. —Stephanie Wu, former articles director

Depends on the flight

I don’t have a hard time sleeping on planes . I’m a very average height of 5’5” and am generally able to twist myself into a position decent enough to drowse. But the pain after waking from whatever strange orientation I’ve contorted myself into is the issue—from my neck to my knees—so I was thrilled to test out the foot hammock on my recent honeymoon trip to Rio de Janeiro .

My partner and I took an overnight flight down from New York, planning to sleep through the night and wake up fresh and ready once we arrived in Brazil. We lucked out with a three-seat row all to ourselves. Once settled, I pulled out the hammock and looped it over the tray table. It was perfect. With my feet propped, I felt the pressure relieve from my back, and my knees remained free from entanglement. I woke up hours later, refreshed, pain free, and prepared to become a foot hammock evangelist.

On our return flight, I brandished my foot hammock again, but was disappointed when I realized that so much of the comfort depends on the space between seats. Our first flight had a bit more room, which allowed me to stretch my legs. Our return flight’s seats were tighter, meaning I had to bend my knees to rest my feet on the hammock—which somewhat negates the purpose. My point? Research the seats before you fly, and if the flight’s on the roomier side (or you’ve got shorter legs), I think it’s worth the space in your carry-on. —Mercedes Bleth, global associate director of social

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

I've taken the Sleepy Ride on several flights, and it really does come down to what kind of space you're working with. I was excited to have it with me on a recent ITA Airways flight to Rome , but between the fully-reclined folks in front of me and the personal item I had with me, the setup just wasn't working. However, on a JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to New York (in economy), it was perfect. I could sit stretched out, with my heels on the footrest, or plant my feet fully on it so my legs were still in a 90-degree angle, but elevated.

It's not a cure-all to economy's tight quarters, but it does give you more ways to get comfortable. I move around a lot, so sometimes I'd have one foot on it and the other elongated under my seat (I'm 5'6", for reference). And while I'm always nervous to bother the person in front of me, they've never seemed the wiser. Unless I'm really packing light, I'll bring it along—and I'm always glad to have it. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

My test flight for the foot hammock was a dream scenario. On an Aer Lingus flight back to New York from Dublin , I had an entire two-seat row to myself to fully sprawl, with no worry about odd looks from my seatmate as I wriggled around trying to find a comfortable position in the hammock. At 5'9", I usually scrunch down a little in my seat when it comes time to sleep, and rest my feet comfortably on the metal bar of the seat in front of me. With the foot hammock, I was flush for positions: I could tighten it up so my feet were lifted from the ground, loosen it to form a makeshift calf support, or pop my feet into the hammock so that my knees were parallel to my waist. None of them were comfy.

What was comfortable—and a direct result of the fairly empty flight—was putting the hammock over the tray table of the seat next to me and sitting sideways with my feet up in the stirrup, knees resting on that seat’s back. Since my armrest didn’t go all the way up, it was a way for me to spread out comfortably while being supported by the hammock—a configuration that is only possible in an empty row. I’m a ride-or-die aisle person and I can only imagine how impossible it would be to extricate myself from the hammock each time one of my seatmates were to need the bathroom or a walk down the aisle. Final verdict? If your feet already touch the ground, you can pass on this accessory. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor

The verdict

Overall, Amazon reviewers lean the same way as our editors. Of the more than 3,400 customer ratings, 58 percent gave it five stars, with another 27 percent giving it three or four stars. The one-star reviews say there wasn't enough room in their coach seat to raise their legs (to note, all of our editors tested it in coach). Many people who didn’t love it say it doesn’t work well for tall people, while those who wrote glowing reviews frequently mentioned it’s a game-changer for short people. Clearly, height is the determining factor, though as always, there are some outliers, including reviews from people who are 5'8" to 6' and found it useful and ones from shorter people who said there wasn’t enough room under their seat to stretch out their legs. Our recommendation: If you’re around 5'6" or shorter and fly often, or are embarking on a long-haul flight , it’s worth trying out, especially given the price point.

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10 top-rated travel pillows for long trips

Between crowded seats, crying babies and limited leg room, traveling on long flights can be exhausting and uncomfortable. A perfect pillow makes the trek slightly easier to bear and can help you get some sleep during those travel periods. To help you narrow down which travel pillow is right for you, we consulted sleep and travel experts about what to know before shopping, plus we compiled highly rated options to consider.

SKIP AHEAD What are the benefits of travel pillows? | How we picked the best travel pillows | The best travel pillows to consider in 2024 | How to shop for travel pillows

Selected. Our top picks

What are the benefits of travel pillows?

Whether your airplane seat is too small or your bus ride endures several bumps, it may be difficult to relax on a long trip. Add noisy conversations and frequent overhead announcements and you have multiple barriers in your way to getting a good nap.

One of the main reasons people struggle to sleep while traveling — especially on international flights with time changes — is because they’re trying to sleep at a time with “low circadian and homeostatic drive” (a time when they would not normally sleep, so they’re not as tired), says Dr. Andrew Varga, a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center . The other factor, according to Varga, is the sleeping space, which is usually cramped and doesn’t let you lie recumbent or change positions, except in typically pricey business- and first-class cabins.

“Not everyone is an equally deep sleeper, and people with any sleep issues at baseline will often have a harder time sleeping in a louder and less comfortable environment — such as an airplane,” says board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu . He noted that posture plays a big role in the discomfort we feel — and as anyone who has slept on a plane knows, “the head tends to fall off to the side or forward, which is both uncomfortable and can cause neck pain, and [can] even make breathing less efficient.”

“Sleeping upright is not at all a natural position,” says Dr. Mayank Shukla , a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City. “Our head weighs almost 10 pounds and flops around the neck when sleeping upright, leading to aches and pain with all that muscle strain.”

Experts noted that travel pillows can provide support for the neck and head, alleviating some pain and discomfort when combating an upright sleeping position while traveling. They’re typically portable, lightweight, ergonomically designed and come in different sizes to fit every type of person, plus some have additional high-tech features like temperature regulation. This is an ideal tool for frequent flyers who hope to maintain a semi-regular sleeping schedule.

How we picked the best travel pillows

The best travel pillows are ones that are comfortable, supportive and easy to carry around, according to our experts. When shopping for a quality travel pillow, they recommend considering the following factors:

• Inflatable vs. non-inflatable : You can adjust inflatable pillows to your desired firmness, and easily store them away when deflated. With non-inflatable pillows, on the other hand, you can fill them with more cushioned materials to promote comfort including memory foam and poly-fiber fill.
• Portability : Look for features like straps (that you can attach to your luggage ) or an accompanying pouch (that you can pack it down into) for ease while on the go.

select Minimize chaos on your next trip with these expert-approved accessories

The best travel pillows to consider in 2024.

Below, we rounded up a selection of the best travel pillows based on NBC Select staff recommendations, ratings and expert advice.

Best overal travel pillow: Cabeau

Cabeau evolution s3 sleep pillow.

• Straps allow for attachment to headrests
• Adjustable drawstrings
• Comes with carrying case
• Large size may be uncomfortable to some

Former NBC Select editor Christina Colizza says she loves this travel pillow from Cabeau because it prevents slouching by attaching to the plane’s headrest. “As someone who is [very tall], I’ll take all the help I can in getting some sleep while flying, and this pillow makes a huge difference,” she says. “Plus, it compresses down into a small pouch, which makes it convenient enough to schlep around airports.” The headrest attachment also makes this an ideal option for long road trips. This travel pillow comes in five colors and patterns including indigo and galaxy.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 7,652 reviews on Amazon  

Best splurge travel pillow: Ostrichpillow

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

• Full 360-degree neck support
• Compresses for easy packing
• Fit around neck may vary

Ostrichpillow offers a variety of unique pillow alternatives, from a napping option to a mini hand pillow . This memory foam one has raised edges for neck support and comes with a velcro strap that allows you to customize its fit. The travel pillow can also compress down to snugly fit inside the included travel bag.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4-star average rating from 1,876 reviews on Amazon

Best versatile travel pillow: Huzi

Huzi infinity travel pillow.

• Very versatile
• Bulky: can be hard to carry
• May be difficult to store

If you’re looking for a pillow with versatility, this option from Huzi may be just what you need. It’s made from a soft, anti-bacterial nylon bamboo that keeps you cool and airy as you sleep, according to the brand. The best part, however, is its scarf-like, 360-degree design — you can move and adjust the pillow however you’d like to target specific areas like your neck, back, chin and more. It can also be wrapped around your head to help muffle noise, or used as support when resting against a plane or car window.

Fill material : Microfiber | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : None | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 6,307 reviews on Amazon

Best travel pillow for chin support: Bcozzy

Bcozzy chin supporting travel pillow.

• Stops your head from falling forward
• Good value for price
• Full wrap around can feel constrictive

Few things can jolt you awake faster than your head falling forward while you’re seated. This ergonomic neck pillow offers an adjustable front loop for chin support and a flat back to avoid pushing your head forward. It includes a snap strap that you can hook to your luggage or hang up in your car. The pillow comes in multiple colors and you can choose between various sizes ranging from kids small to extra-large .

Fill material : Polyester | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Snap closure  | Rating : 4.2-star average rating from 29,016 reviews on Amazon

Best travel pillow for back support: SmartTravel

Smarttravel inflatable lumbar travel pillow.

• Easily inflates and deflates
• Can be used on back as well as neck
• Hand-wash only

NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg says she likes a lumbar pillow for added back support during long flights. This inflatable pillow serves as both a neck and back pillow, and is designed to fit your body’s natural curves and reduce pressure on the spine and neck, according to the brand. It also comes with an expandable mounting band to easily fasten it to headrests.

Fill material : Inflatable | Machine-washable cover : No | Portable features : Travel bag  | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 1,262 reviews on Amazon

Best inflatable travel pillow: Sunany

Sunany inflatable neck pillow.

• Comes with accessories
• Quickly inflates and deflates
• Not very soft

Designed to follow the natural curve of your neck and body, this travel pillow’s ergonomic shape can soothe discomfort and reduce pressure points around your head and neck, according to the brand. You can also place your arms and head inside one of the four holes to support a sleeping position that’s most comfortable for you. It comes with a pouch for storage, along with a matching eye mask and earplugs.

Fill material : Inflatable | Machine-washable cover : No | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4.2-star average rating from 6,696 reviews on Amazon

Best travel pillow for single-side sleepers: Trtl

Trtl travel pillow.

• Soft, cozy exterior
• Lightweight and easy to pack
• Only supports one side at a time

For those who don’t find enough support from traditional U-shaped travel pillows, this uniquely-shaped option comes with a hidden inner support that can hold your head and neck at any position that’s comfortable for you. You can adjust the support to contour your neck, shoulder or jaw, while the fleece exterior is soft and machine-washable.

Fill material: Mesh fabric | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Flat design for easy packing | Rating : 4.0-star average rating from 35,371 reviews on Amazon

Best budget travel pillow: Wolf Essentials

Wolf essentials microfiber neck pillow.

Wolf Essentials Microfiber Travel Pillow

• Very affordable option
• Machine-washable
• Thickness may cause fit issues

This neck pillow’s fleece cover provides soft, thermal comfort, which is perfect for when the plane or vehicle gets cold. It’s entirely machine-washable (not just the cover) and comes with a snap closure to keep it from sliding off of your neck or to connect it to your luggage. 

Fill material : Polyester blend | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Snap closure | Rating : 4.4-star average rating from 10,911 reviews on Amazon

Other travel pillows we love

Crafty world travel neck pillow.

• No on-neck fastener

This option comes with a removable and machine-washable cover, so you can easily wash it. It’s made with a memory foam interior and a velour fabric exterior for a soft and comfortable feel, according to the brand. The pillow also has an elastic strap to help you connect it to your suitcase for extra portability. It comes in four colors — black, blue, gray and purple. 

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Elastic strap | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 5,558 reviews on Amazon

Mlvoc Travel Pillow

• Includes eye masks, earplugs and carrying bag
• Affordably priced
• Bulky; may have issues with fit

With its ergonomic, curved design for neck and head support, this travel pillow comes wrapped in a cover that is both machine-washable and sweat-resistant. The travel pillow comes with a contoured eye mask and earplugs, and can fold down to half its size to fit neatly into the included travel bag. Plus, the built-in snap strap can also latch onto your suitcase for easy portability.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 33,692 reviews on Amazon

select Whether you’re going away for a week or a weekend, there’s a highly-rated bag on Amazon for you.

How to shop for a travel pillow.

The best travel pillow is one that you find the most comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Ideally, Dimitriu recommends testing out the pillow beforehand to see whether it’s comfortable and how it changes shape.

“The emphasis for most users should be to see how comfortably the pillow lets you rest with your back to the seat and without your head falling forward,” he says. And while larger pillows tend to provide more cushioning, he noted “airplane seats are tight, and there is such a thing as too much pillow.”

Below, we highlighted two of the most important considerations when shopping for travel pillows: inflatability and portability.

Inflatable vs. non-inflatable

When going on a long-haul trip, most travelers don’t want another thing to lug around. “Inflatable pillows may allow for more cushion and can fold to a smaller size,” Dimitriu says, adding that they won’t take up too much space in your luggage. They’re also typically more adjustable — you can change the amount of air to get more or less firmness, depending on your comfort level.

Non-inflatable travel pillows include various types of filling material including memory foam, polyester fiberfill and microbeads. While the different materials can make it easier to find a more comfortable fit, non-inflatable pillows tend to be bulkier than inflatable ones. When it comes to cleaning, both inflatable and non-inflatable pillows typically have removable covers that you can machine wash or spot clean.

Portability

If you’re on a multipart journey or backpacking through Europe, for example, the size and portability of your travel pillow may be just as important off a plane as it is on it. Some travel pillows have straps that you can attach to your luggage, while with others you can fold to fit inside a small bag.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Andrew Varga is a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center .
• Dr. Alex Dimitriu is a board-certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California.
• Dr. Mayank Shukla is a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City.

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at Select and covers a range of sleep topics including weighted blankets , sunrise alarm clocks and blackout curtains .  Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select covering skin care, lifestyle and more. For this story, Godio spoke to three sleep medicine experts to get their recommendations on how to shop for travel pillows and their benefits. She also researched dozens of travel pillows on the market that are in line with experts’ guidance.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

Travel aids that could help you sleep on a plane

Getting quality sleep on a plane when not in a fully reclining seat can be tricky. Neck and back pain, cramped legs and having nothing to lean your head against can all result in getting no shut-eye.

For children, helping them get comfortable enough to sleep is often the difference between a good flight and a bad one for parents. From travel pillows and footrests to inflatable beds and seat extenders, here are 10 products designed with the intention of helping adults and children get some quality sleep in the air.

Trtl travel pillow

For those who don’t have space for a bulky neck pillow, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a compact and lightweight option. Available in a range of sizes (the Pillow Plus is height adjustable) and colours, it comprises a scarf that wraps around the neck. The manufacturer says the shoulder support is designed to allow the head to rest in a more natural sleeping position. The product claims to alleviate pressure on the neck and spine that can come from sleeping upright.

Dh188 for children, Dh225 for adults; Trtl Travel; www.mena.trtltravel.com

Footrest hammock

Stretching out your legs on a flight can often prove tricky, yet having a comfortable place to rest your feet can be the difference between getting some and no sleep on a flight. A footrest hammock is designed to achieve a more natural sleeping position, allowing you to lengthen your legs and be supported.

Manufacturers suggests that gently swinging your feet in the hammock while awake can relieve back pain and lower chances of leg and ankle swelling . This is an accessory best suited to grown-ups or tall children.

Dh40; Angemay; www.amazon.ae

Inflatable air pillow

For those who prefer to lean forward when they try to get some sleep, this inflatable air pillow supports the face, neck and shoulders. Inflate the pillow and place on your tray table to sleep at a forward angle.

There’s space for the ribs as you lean into it as well as holes for the arms to rest naturally. Conveniently, the pillow deflates to fit flat in hand luggage.

Dh42; Homarket; www.amazon.ae

Hood travel pillow

For a more sensory-depriving sleep aide, this travel pillow fits over the head like a hood, and is designed to offer inflatable support on both sides. The manufacturer says built-in memory foam adds structure at the neck to minimise head-bobbing, while front-adjusting Velcro straps let you tighten the hood as necessary. Made from soft fabric, the hood is also designed with the intention of helping to block out light from neighbouring screens.

Dh174; Roamwild; www.desercart.ae

Bed in a box

Not only does this carry-on piece of luggage let little ones ride and slide through the airport and feature additional space inside for travel essentials, but it also contains a travel bed for toddlers. Comprising a mattress and side panels, the bed uses the mini-suitcase as a base and unpacks to turn a plane seat into a bed aimed at children aged two to seven.

Dh919; Stokke Jetkids Bedbox V2; www.mumzworld.com

Inflatable footrest

This blow-up travel accessory aims to do double duty, as both a footrest for awake-time comfort and as a pillow for sleeping. Designed for adults and children, it is height-adjustable and packs flat to store in hand luggage.

Dh50 for a pack of two; Maliton; www.amazon.ae

Tray table nap pillow

Little ones can fall asleep in all positions and at all angles, leaving parents worrying where their head might loll next. The Mideer Kids Tabletop Nap Pillow has a non-slip base to sit on the tray table and unfolds to let children lean forward to sleep.

Made from memory foam, the gap for the face is designed to allow for easy breathing and there are four adjustable angles. It is recommended for children aged three and over.

Dh99; Mideer; www.mumzworld.com

Toddler seat extender

Parents will know that most things you give a toddler on a flight end up on the floor, meaning mums and dads spend much of their time squeezing between the gaps in seats to retrieve them. This seat extender is suggested for keeping toys and games off the floor when the child is awake, and also serves as a hammock-style bed for sleeping. It's waterproof and is said to be easy to clean for drink and snack spills.

Dh119; Yangshilei; www.desertcart.ae

Body pillow

Littles ones can quietly drift off sometimes without mum or dad noticing, and this body pillow aims to let them fall asleep in supported comfort. The H-shaped design is said to stop the head from flopping while also supporting the body, preventing children from falling forward. Made from cotton, the pillow is suitable for children aged three and over, as well as adults.

Dh160; Cartbae; www.amazon.ae

Blow-up bed

The inflatable Flyaway Kids Bed comes in a travel pouch with its own pump. Apparently inflating in 90 seconds, the bed uses the plane seat as its base, with an additional inflatable stand that rests on the ground.

Designed to be waterproof and wipe clean, it can be also used, according to the manufacturer, during awake time to provide more space for toys and snacks. Fitted muslin sheets are also available.

$159; Flyaway Designs; www.flyawaydesigns.com

Check with the airline before you travel to ensure these items are permitted on flights

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• Best Camping Pillows

With a warm sleeping bag, a supportive sleeping pad or cot, and a comfortable camping pillow, you can get a great night’s sleep out in the backwoods and wake up refreshed and ready for a day of outdoor recreation.

Camping pillows come in a variety of different types. Some are ultralight and packable, while others are almost as plush and comfortable as the pillow you use at home. In this guide, we break down the best camping pillows based on factors like size and weight, fill type, and price. We also relied on first-hand camping experience, conversations with outdoor gear experts, extensive research, and a close reading of reviews left by verified (and satisfied) buyers. If you choose a camping pillow below, you’ll soon count yourself among them.

Table of Contents

• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Klymit Drift Camping Pillow  »

Reversible cover

Soft shredded foam fill

Soft cotton jersey feel

Machine washable cover

Fabric tears too easily

The Klymit Drift Camping Pillow is as comfortable as many of the pillows you use every night at home. It’s large enough to offer support to side sleepers and belly sleepers and soft enough to cradle the head and neck of someone in any sleeping position. Granted, this is a rather heavy camp pillow that is still on the larger side when packed down, so it has no business on a hiking trip, but it’s a great choice for car camping, paddle camping, or RV or van camping trips. The comfort comes thanks to a filling made of shredded memory foam and a soft cotton jersey cover.

But the true selling point of the Drift pillow is the fact that its cover is reversible. You can invert it, revealing a tough polyester layer that repels water and keeps dirt, bugs, and more away from the soft cotton fabric that will be touching your face. And when the camping trip is over, you can remove the cover entirely, run it through the washing machine, and then tumble dry it on a low setting. Klymit’s Drift camp pillow is contributor Steven John’s preferred choice whenever gear weight and size are not an issue.

Hikenture Camping Pillow  »

Great price point

Removable cover

Inflates with 3 to 5 breaths

Air seeps out over time

Compact when deflated and rolled down, lightweight, and priced to sell, there’s a lot to love about the Hikenture Camping Pillow. It inflates with just a few breaths and, once fully inflated, it’s thick enough to be used by side sleepers, offering plenty of support for the head and neck. If you prefer a softer pillow, you can always leave the pillow less than fully blown up. There is a removable and washable cover, and the polyester surface of the pillow itself can be wiped down and spot-cleaned as needed.

Many users report this pillow as being rather noisy, a common complaint with inflatable pillows and sleeping pads alike, so be aware of that if you’re a light sleeper. Some Hikenture Camping Pillows also let air slowly leak out over the course of each use, so be ready to top off the pillow halfway through the night. Overall, this is an affordable and well-reviewed pillow that is lightweight and packable enough for use on backpacking trips and that doubles as a lumbar support pillow as you drive or sit in a chair at home.

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow  »

Weighs just 2.1 ounces

Inflates with 3 breaths

Internal baffling creates contoured surface

Too small for some users

The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow packs down to be about the size of half a soda can, and it weighs a mere 2.1 ounces. If you are looking for an ultralight pillow you can bring along on a multi-day thru-hike or a mountaineering adventure where every ounce of gear weight counts, you are looking in the right place with the Aeros. This compact camping pillow inflates with just two or three breaths, and it is well-sealed, remaining firm all night long.

A perfect size for tucking into the hood of a mummy sleeping bag, this pillow may be a bit too small for some people. And if you move around a lot when you rest, it’s likely going to annoy you at times, as it’s quite noisy. But for the less active sleeper who is not sensitive to sound, this packable and durable pillow is a great choice that can come along on any outdoor adventure and won’t take up any appreciable storage space at home.

TCOMF Dual Cover Travel Pillow  »

Soft and supportive

Perforated for ventilation

Washable removable cover

Poor quality carrying bag

The TCOMF Dual Cover Travel Pillow is made from solid memory foam rather than being stuffed with shreds of foam. That means it is a soft but stable and supportive pillow that offers comfort and proper neck and head alignment as you sleep, and that’s true no matter your preferred sleeping position. While heavy and only viable for car camping, cabins, or vehicle use, this is one of the most comfortable pillows you can get for said purposes.

You can adjust the thickness of the pillow to achieve even more custom comfort; just zip it open and stuff in the included insert for a thicker pillow or remove it to go thinner. Good luck getting the pillow packed down and stuffed back into its included carry bag, though: The bag is too small and poorly made, easily tearing. That’s not a reflection on the pillow itself, though, which is well-made, durable, and offers plenty of support, bringing comfort to users even when sleeping on the hard, cold ground.

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow  »

Adjustable firmness

Eco-friendly materials

Too thin for some users

Rather bulky when packed

A Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow feels almost like a regular, full-sized pillow when it’s open and fluffed up, and its firmness can be adjusted based on how tightly you cinch its compression strings. Some people find the pillow too thin and floppy when it’s fully open, but most users love the soft feel of the shredded foam filling and the soft fabric that lines the exterior of the pillow. The foam within Therm-a-Rest’s Compressible Pillow is sourced from excess material used to produce sleeping pads, and the polyester cover is 60% recycled material.

A bit too bulky to logically bring along on a backpacking trip even when packed down, this pillow is still relatively lightweight at just over 10 ounces, so it could by all means come on a paddling or cycling trip. And it’s machine washable when you get back home.

Exped Mega Pillow  »

Large size but light weight

Eyelets to attach pillow to sleeping pad

Removable washable cover

Exped’s Mega Pillow lives up to its name with its 20.9-inch length, 12.6-inch width, and 4.7-inch height, which is plenty of depth for side sleepers who need shoulder clearance. Granted, there are bigger camping pillows out there, but not that weigh a mere 6 ounces and pack down small enough to go into a hiking pack. Also note that, when deflated and rolled up, this pillow measures just 5 by 4 inches. It’s on the pricey side, but the size difference between its inflated size and its weight and packability make up for that.

You may be a bit annoyed by the crinkling and rustling noise from the pillow if you move around a lot. What won’t annoy anyone is the support and stability this reliable camping pillow offers night after night, trip after trip. Plus, you can remove the inflatable interior of the pillow and machine wash and dry the soft, brushed nylon cover, keeping things good and clean.

NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow  »

Uses air and padding

Precision valve

Lightweight and packable

Lifetime warranty

Too thin for side sleepers

A NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow is nearly a “best of both worlds” situation in that it uses both air and physical material to create a soft, supportive camping pillow. We say “nearly” because many users wish it had an even thicker layer of PrimaLoft insulation in its removable cover, but were there more of that soft material added, the weight of the pillow would be increased, and it weighs a mere 3 ounces. That low weight and a packed size of just 4 by 3 inches means this hybrid camping pillow can come along for your thru-hiking adventures.

At only 3 inches deep even when fully inflated, this pillow is just too shallow for side sleepers; it creates an uncomfortable angle to the neck in that position. But for belly sleepers or back sleepers, the Fillo Elite provides a soft yet supportive place to rest one’s head that’s lightweight and packable enough to bring anywhere and everywhere. Plus, the removable cover can be tossed in the washing machine. Before you bed down with this pillow, take a second to dial in its firmness with the “micro adjustable” twist and push air valve, which can bleed air out slowly and precisely, or drain all the air out fast.

The Bottom Line

The Klymit Drift Camping Pillow is our pick for the best camping pillow overall because its removable, reversible case keeps the pillow clean and dry when not in use and flips to reveal a soft cotton cover when it’s time to bed down. Each of the other camping pillows on our list has properties that might make it your best choice, so consider each one closely while also contemplating your sleep habits and the type of camping you do.

Things To Consider When Buying Camping Pillows

Support and Comfort: Weight, packability, durability, and all other factors aside, a camping pillow is of little use to you if you don’t find it comfortable. Your pillow must offer proper support for your head and neck in your preferred sleeping position, and you must find it comfortable enough for unimpeded rest. Consider how you create a comfortable sleep space at home and choose the camp pillow that will best mimic that while remaining compact and portable.

Pillow Type: Camping pillows come in several different types, with the most common being inflatable camp pillows, compressible pillows filled with memory foam, or hybrid pillows that use both inflation and added padding. Inflatable pillows are the lightest and most packable but are arguably the least comfortable; hybrid pillows offer a good middle ground but may still lack the comfort some sleepers need; all-foam pillows are comfortable and supportive but are also heavy and bulky.

Size and Shape: “A pillow that’s soft, lightweight, and compact makes for the perfect camping pillow,” says former Scoutmaster and experienced woodsman Roy Widgeon. But beyond those basics, you need a pillow that will fit into your sleeping bag if you use a mummy-style bag and that will accommodate your sleeping position. This latter consideration can be affected by a pillow’s contours and flexibility or lack thereof.

Weight and Packability: “For backcountry camping, portability is key, so finding something that is inflatable, compact, and lightweight will be your best bet,” says lifelong outdoorsman Eric Hockman. “When car camping or setting up in the back of your vehicle, an ultralight pillow will of course work, but since this style of camping lends itself to packing bulkier gear, you have some added flexibility. It can be tempting to bring along your pillow from home, but the downsides to this are lack of packability – home pillows are huge – and the risk of outdoor conditions damaging the pillow you use at home.”

Ease of Cleaning: Ideally, you can find a camping pillow that meets all your needs in terms of comfort, weight, and packability and also has a removable, washable cover. When that’s not the case, look for a pillow that can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Make sure air valves are tightly sealed when you do this to avoid getting liquid into the pillow’s cavity where it can lead to mold growth.

How We Chose the Best Camping Pillows

While a good night of rest is always welcome, it’s all the more important when you’re away from the comfort of your bed at home. A camping pillow, along with a good sleeping bag and sleeping pad or cot, can help you get the sleep you need to enjoy fun, activity-filled days out in nature, but you have to choose the best camp pillow for your sleeping style and camping conditions.

In selecting the camping pillows to be included on this list, U.S. News & World Report contributor Steven John considered how pillow shape and size relate to various sleeping positions, how packable and lightweight various types of camp pillows are, the durability of material in varying conditions, and the price range of camping pillows. An experienced camper and outdoorsman himself, John also wanted to get input from other outdoor gear experts.

John spoke to lifelong outdoorsman Roy Widgeon of USA Kayak Fishing Magazine and outdoor industry professional Eric Hockman of Moving Through Pines for insights into how to choose the best camp pillow. Both Widgeon and Hockman offered specific product recommendations as well as tips on choosing the right camping pillow based on personal comfort preferences and the conditions present with various types of camping trips.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

As mentioned, our contributor Steven John is an experienced camper, and he has used many different camping pillows on a variety of camping trips. His experience using camp pillows himself did much to inform the writing of this article. John also has more than 13 years of experience testing and reviewing products of all different types. In addition to his writing with U.S. News & World Report, John also contributes to Forbes, NY Magazine, Dad Gear Review, Architectural Digest, Business Insider, The Daily Beast, and other publications.

“Every camper wants to sleep well – finding the correct pillow is the challenge,” says Widgeon. You need to think of how a given pillow will accommodate your sleeping style. Belly sleepers may do best with foam pillows, as inflated pillows can be too firm on the face. Side sleepers need a pillow with more height and support. And everyone needs a pillow with a surface they find comfortable. So, think about pillow type, size, and materials as you look for the best camping pillow for your needs.

A memory foam or shredded foam-filled pillow is usually going to offer the most comfort, but that comes at the cost of weight, packed size, and usually expense, as well. Inflatable camping pillows do have their benefits, though: They are lightweight and packable and can have their firmness levels adjusted. However, if an air-filled pillow is punctured, it is useless until a repair can be made, whereas foam pillows can’t be easily damaged.

“When choosing a camp pillow, it may seem obvious, but the first step is to identify what style of camping you’re planning on – car camping, backcountry camping, or sleeping in a camper setup – as this will dictate the style of pillow you’ll want to bring along for a restful night,” says Hockman. If you will be carrying your pillow in a backpack, then size and packability are key, and inflatable camping pillows that can flatten out and then be rolled are going to be the best choice. Even the most compressible foam pillow still has weight when packed down.

As with so many pieces of camping gear, camp pillow care and maintenance really come down to keeping the pillow clean and dry when it’s not in use. Many camp pillows have machine-washable covers, and they should be laundered after a camping trip. Others need to be spot-cleaned using a mild detergent and warm water. In either case, make sure your camping pillow completely dries out before you stow it away. Periodically treating the pillow with a brief UV light sterilization can help prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Always store inflatable pillows with their valves open to promote interior drying.

Inflatable camping pillows use air-filled chambers to create the support needed for your head. Their firmness levels can be adjusted, though inflatable pillows will never feel as soft as foam-filled pillows. A compressible camp pillow is made either with shreds of viscoelastic memory foam or from panels of foam. They are soft, supportive, and good at temperature regulation, but they are heavy. Hybrid pillows use an air-filled core with a layer of padding around it, achieving a softer feel than an inflatable pillow with less weight than one that’s foam-filled.

About Our Team

Steven John

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

When is the best time to visit Moscow? | Weather, budget, events by month

• July 14, 2023

Discover when is the best time to visit Moscow. In this blog post, I will talk about weather, budget and other things to know to choose the best time when to go to Moscow for you. I cannot account the times when we went in Moscow. Here are the pros and the cons of each month taking all main criteria into account!

I will first describe the main criteria that will help you choose when to go to Moscow:

• Climate in Moscow: temperatures and weather

Special events in Moscow

• Budget and visa

Then I will talk about each season (go directly to this party if you already have an idea of ​​the desired departure date):

• Advantages and disadvantages month by month

The weather cannot be the only criterion to decide when is the best time to visit Moscow for you. Even if the temperatures drop low, Moscow in December is just magical! This is why I advise to take into account several criteria at the same time. Also remember that it takes at least a month to get the Russian visa.

When to go to Moscow: climate and weather

The seasons are well marked. The mid-season months are not necessarily the best for the weather. However, they are not necessarily to be avoided, because, as we will see later, Moscow is a city that changes all the time and the prices can be more attractive. For example, for a lot of people winter is the best time to visit Moscow.

Weather in Moscow. Moscow is inland, making the city “more protected” from changing weather. For example, the weather is much more changeable in St. Petersburg. On the other hand, the weather in Moscow is more and more scorching in summer, we can then easily reach 30 degrees (for the Russians, it’s already the heat wave).

Moscow temperatures

As soon as you think of Russia, you want to do “Brrrr”. Let’s prepare our down jackets! Indeed, the Russian climate is not the mildest on the planet. However, it all depends on the region, because the country is very large. Moscow is almost at the same latitude as Copenhagen. As Moscow is relatively far from the coast, there is a pronounced continental climate. It is hot in summer and cold in winter.

In addition, global warming is there. For several decades, annual average temperatures have always been recorded above the past. I suggest you look at the averages over the past five years to be as close as possible to reality:

Sunshine and precipitation

Sunshine. This is surprising, but there is more sunshine in Moscow than in Paris or even in Berlin: 1,731 hours in Moscow, compared to 1661 in Paris and 1626 in Berlin.

Duration of the day in winter. We had questions about the length of the day in winter. So, here are a few things. As in Europe, the shortest days are in December. In Moscow, at the end of December, the sun rises around 9 a.m. and sets around 4 p.m. Then the day gets bigger until the end of June, when the day is the longest.

Precipitation. There is more precipitation in Moscow than in Paris (705mm against 637mm).

When is the best time to visit Moscow: interesting events

Moscow is a city that moves a lot. It is even said that this city never sleeps. So there are a lot of events, forums, exhibitions, conferences. Here I’m going to talk about the main recurring events that punctuate the year and that may help you decide when to go to Moscow.

End of year celebrations in Moscow

December 31 rather than Christmas. The Russians are eagerly awaiting the holiday season. Here on December 31 is like Christmas with us. Religion, “opium of the people” according to Marx, and, above all, its official absence marked the country during the Soviet years. This then reinforced the celebration of December 31, while Orthodox Christmas is January 7.

Russian calendar. In addition, it should be known that the first week of January is a bank holiday. Many Russians therefore do not work during this period. Europe also greatly influences the habits of Muscovites. Consequently, the Christmas markets start in early December and, for some, continue until early February!

Fairytale atmosphere. If you are wondering when to go to Moscow and you love the holiday mood, then the end of December – early January, and even February, is for you! There are many things to do during this time: for example, Christmas markets, decorations, winter games, skating rinks. In 2016, Moscow opened the largest ice rink in Europe. In short, the city is doing a lot of entertainment during this period and the general atmosphere is at the top! However, everything comes at a cost. You can see more detail below in the article, month by month.

Find our more in this blog post: Christmas and New Year in Moscow .

Visit Moscow in May

May 1 and 9 are two big festivals in Russia. Both dates are known worldwide. May 9 in Russia is May 8 with us in France. The signature that marks the end of the Second World War. The shift day is explained by … the difference in time zone.

The May 9 holiday is a very important holiday for the Russians. The Soviet human losses amounted to millions. So there are many families who have been directly affected by the war. The first big parade was organized by Stalin on June 24, 1945 in Red Square in Moscow. Later each year the USSR and then Russia organized a parade on May 9. Here is the video of the first parade dating from 1945 in color, then the last – that of 2016.

A disadvantage of the beginning of May. For the planned events, Red Square will not be completely empty. There are always installations for May 9, but also rehearsals. So, to the question “when is the best time to visit Moscow”, I would not say that May is the best one. You can find out more in the article “Moscow in autumn” below.

Throughout the year, the Moscow City Hall organizes free events (festivals, small markets, concerts, etc.) in the Red Square and in the streets of the city center. For example, there are two major interesting events:

• Festival of Lights “Around the World”: in 2019, it was from September 28 to October 4.
• Anniversary of the city of Moscow always celebrated the first weekend of September.

When is the best time to visit Moscow: budget, price seasonality, visa

Most touristy periods. Many travelers come to Moscow from May to October. This is the period when we see the most tourists in Moscow. In addition, many are also those who come at the end of December and at the beginning of January for the New Year. The beginning of May and the first week of January are also strongly requested, in particular by the Russians (school holidays, public holidays).

Accommodation. Hotel rates therefore necessarily increase during these periods of the year. But they do not go so far as to triple. To give an idea, count at least 80 euros in the city center for a double room with breakfast. You can read more about the districts of Moscow in my article: Where to stay in Moscow?

Guides and tours. Also take into account that during these periods it will be more difficult to find a guide at the last moment. It’s best to do it 2-3 months in advance. There will be more waiting or difficulty obtaining tickets during the months of high tourist influx: late December, early January, May, June, July, August.

Visa for Russia. The cost of the visa does not change depending on the month of the year. On the other hand, the deadlines can be longer if you make the request for the high tourist season (from May to October). Allow about a month. Getting the Russian visa is not complicated, there is a procedure to follow.

In Russia, the seasons are divided as follows:

• Fall: September, October, November.
• Winter: December, January, February.
• Spring: March, April, May.
• Summer: June, July, August.

Discover Moscow in autumn: when is the best time to visit Moscow in autumn?

From the beginning of September, we feel that the temperatures begin to drop gradually, especially at night.

Moscow in September

More and more travelers are choosing the month of September to go to Moscow. Because it is not cold yet and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Prices drop slightly, but remain higher than in the lean months of the year. There is also the city’s birthday on the first weekend in September, but also the “Around the World” festival towards the end of the month.

Moscow in October

You are likely to come across the colors of autumn from the beginning of October. The accommodation prices are starting to drop gradually. There is less waiting in the places to visit. Temperatures are not very low: during the day they are generally around +6 degrees. On the other hand, the only negative point can be the cost of plane tickets, if you leave during the French school holidays.

Moscow in November

It’s one of the least calm! Temperatures drop and can approach zero during the day in mid-November. Hotel rates are low, there are few tourists, and therefore less waiting in museums. It’s easier to get tickets for the Kremlin Palace of Armor, which can be very difficult in the summer. Guides also have more availability. So why not go to Moscow in November?

Discover Moscow in winter: when is the best time to visit Moscow in winter?

Winter is a very nice time to go to Moscow, because the Christmas and New Year decorations are installed from the beginning of December and are not removed until the end of February. To learn more about the different activities in winter, read this article: What to do in Moscow in winter? If winter temperatures scare you, check out Moscow in the spring (see below).

Moscow in december

Normally, negative daytime temperatures set in, although the weather can vary significantly from year to year. In general, from mid-December the snow is durable. It is from December 20 that more and more travelers come to Moscow. December 31st is celebrated like Christmas in France. Accommodation rates are higher from mid-December. It’s also more complicated to find a guide at the last moment. Furthermore, as in Europe, the days of December are the shortest of the year. But if you want to mark New Years Day, you will have lots of memories!

Moscow in january

January is also a very festive month. The first week of January is a public holiday in Russia. Besides, it’s also a week of Russian school holidays. There are more people in the streets, museums and everywhere in the city. To find out more about this time of year (Christmas markets, itineraries, etc.), read: Christmas and New Years in Moscow . Prices remain high during this week, but drop from mid-January.

Moscow in February

It’s the second quietest month of the year. In February, winter clearly takes its ease. The temperatures are the lowest, it’s a real winter! The days are longer in February than in December. So we’re enjoying the day more, and with the snow it’s really nice, because the weather in Moscow in February is pretty sunny. Accommodation rates are at their lowest, and the decorations are still there. So, if you are looking for when to go to Moscow, if the cold does not scare you and you appreciate the snowy landscapes, why not consider the month of February?

Discover Moscow in spring: when is the best time to visit Moscow in spring?

Spring is a contrasting period between March, which is still quite cold, and May, when we really feel the arrival of summer.

Moscow in March

The ice and snow begin to melt around mid-March. Winter is coming in March, but spring is not quite there yet. It’s the third quietest month of the year. It is therefore possible to visit the city more quietly. Accommodation prices are low, guides are available. The weather in Moscow in March is milder than in February. In addition, the days are longer, so you can take many walks.

Moscow in April

It is only from mid-April that we begin to feel the beginnings of sunny days. The weather in Moscow in spring and April in particular is getting milder and colder: we can expect +7 during the day. In addition, there are not many travelers yet and we fear to enjoy the places more quietly, but we feel that the start of the tourist season is approaching. Accommodation rates are lower than in May.

Moscow in May

The early May holidays attract many travelers to Moscow. There are also many Russians who come to the capital on public holidays. It is therefore advisable to plan visits in advance to avoid queuing once there. Red Square can be closed or partially closed for rehearsals for the May 9 parade, the same day and one or two days after. More info in: Moscow in May: events, budget, what to do?

Discover Moscow in summer: when is the best time to visit Moscow in summer?

All summer months are great, if you take temperatures into account. The weather in Moscow in summer is quite pleasant. However, in recent years, there have been great heat peaks or heat waves in July (30 degrees during the day).

Moscow in June

From June, you can take long walks in the city’s parks, very numerous and much appreciated by the locals. Boat trips are more enjoyable from June. On the other hand, the prices of accommodation in Moscow are higher than in the lean months. There are also more tourists. Book your hotel, tours and activities in advance.

Moscow in july

July is the hottest month, but we’re not on +40. Moscow is a city inland and therefore there is little fresh air, if it is very hot. We can do lots of walks to discover the city. We have written several complete itineraries so as not to miss anything of Moscow in our special Moscow travel guide. It also contains tips to save time and enjoy the city off the beaten track, as there are so many tourists during this time of year.

Moscow in August

Temperatures are starting to drop gradually, but there are still so many people. In order to be sure of the choice of accommodation, I advise you to book in advance. The same goes for guided tours or entrance tickets to the Kremlin. It’s also a good time to discover the city differently by going to places that are less touristy and more frequented by locals.

When is the best time to go to Moscow? In summary!

The best time to discover Moscow depends on the criteria you want to favor: the weather, the budget, the tranquility of the visits, the special events to be experienced on site.

In summary:

• The peak tourist season in Moscow begins in early May and ends in late September.
• Late December and early January is the best time to experience the holiday mood, but it comes at a cost.
• End of January, February, March, beginning of April, November are the quietest months of the year, when you can visit the city more calmly and on a reduced budget.

So, have you decided when to go to Moscow? 🙂 Do you plan to visit Moscow in spring, summer, autumn or winter?

Travel idea! As in all cases you will get a visa and there is only 4 hours by train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, why not visit both cities? Read an example of a route here: Moscow to Saint Petersburg in one week.

If you still have doubts, take a look at what you can visit in Moscow in order to choose the best period: Things to do in Moscow in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.

For a great trip to Moscow:

• Visit Moscow and St Petersburg in one week: itinerary
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa

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• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow

• #Russian History
• #Special Interest
• #Suburbs of Moscow

Moscow offers tourists many great sights to see, but if you ask locals, they will tell you that Moscow is not all there is to Russia, so it’s worth getting away sometimes. Without exploring further, you miss something of the Russian unique character. If you wonder what to visit near Moscow, we recommend you 10 places where a tourist can go for a refreshing recreation, new impressions, and acquaintance with Russian history and culture.

01 Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is one of the most beautiful towns located around Moscow. It’s not only famous for its monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, but also for the fact that it’s the only town in the Moscow Region that is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities. Its cities and towns influenced the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. But the main thing which one should visit Sergiyev Posad is the Lavra for sure. You may spend there all day, walking around and enjoying the sense of its power and strength. You absolutely have to buy some honey cakes as souvenirs for friends and feed Lavra’s pigeons when entering the monastery. Besides, you may visit Sergiyev Posad State History and Art Museum-Reserve, which has quite an impressive collection, take a look at the displays in the National Museum of Toys, and taste truly Russian food in local cafes and restaurants.

You can reach Sergiyev Posad by suburban electric train, by bus, or by car. The electric train departs from the Yaroslavsky rain terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts for an hour and a half. You may take a bus near the ‘VDNKh’ metro station, and you’ll be in Sergiyev Posad in an hour and a half at least and in two hours at most. Your car will take you there in an hour and a half at most, too. You should drive the Yaroslavskoye highway. 

If you want to look at a city that combines hi-tech and historical past, you should absolutely visit Kolomna. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in Russia, a beautiful port on the Oka River. Kolomna has its own Kremlin, which is made of red brick, like the Moscow Kremlin. Inside it, you may find many monasteries and churches, including the one in which Dmitry of the Don, Prince of Moscow, and Grand Prince of Vladimir, had his wedding to the Grand Duchess of Muscovy Eudoxia of Moscow. There is still a reserved residential area which is called Posad, right in the Kremlin territory. The buildings date back to merchants’ times. There are some interesting churches, too. In 2006, the Kolomna Speed Skating Center, known as the Kometa Ice Rink, was opened. Its futuristic look contrast the picturesque views of the ancient Kolomna Kremlin and its beautiful churches.

The best way to reach Kolomna is an electric train that departs from the Kazansky rail terminal. The trip lasts for two and a half, or one hour and forty minutes by the Ryazansky express. You can also choose a bus from the Vykhino metro station (1.4 to 4 hrs due to traffic jams) or a car.

03 Shakhmatovo

Shakhmatovo was a manor of the well-known Russian lyrical poet Alexander Blok. His grandfather Andrey Nikolaevich Beketov bought it, and young Blok used to spend it there every summer. Later, he moved there with his wife Lyubov Mendeleeva, who was the daughter of the famous chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. Blok’s grandfather decided to buy Shakhmatovo because of its picturesque views. They are really very nice, and the better time to visit this place is spring and summer. According to his own project, Blok’s mansion is a wooden house built by the poet but burnt by peasants in 1921. It was rebuilt in 2001, and since that time, it often holds big events and excursions. There is also a stable in Shakhmatovo territory, and everyone interested may ride a horse, or rent a bicycle in the summertime, or ski in wintertime.

Shakhmatovo can be reached by car because other options combine train departs from the Leningradsky rail terminal, then changes to bus till the Tarakanovo manor, then goes by foot, or bus from the Vodny stadion metro station, and then also by foot. Travel time is 1.4 hrs.

04 Zakharovo

It is a manor located in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, where everybody interested may learn more about the greatest Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. In 1804, Zakharova was bought by his grandmother Mariya Alexeevna Gannibal, and young Pushkin was brought here every summer from 1805 through to 1810. He recalled Zakharovo in his poems as well. Now, the house which Pushkin visited as a child doesn’t exist anymore, but it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century on the former basis. Now it is a quiet and nice place with a museum dedicated to the famous poet's childhood, where one may spend a day enjoying the spirit of the time when young Pushkin ran across manor’s paths. From that time, linden park, approach alleys, and pond were saved. Not very far away from Zakharovo, another place connected to Pushkin’s name is located. It’s called Bolshiye Vyazyomy, and there the young Pushkin’s brother Nikolenka was buried after his death at the age of six.

The best way to go there is by train, which departs from the Belorussky rail terminal and goes to Zvenigorod. You should leave at the Zakharovo station. Travel time is an hour and a half.

05 Borodino

Borodino is truly a sacred place for all those who honor the great Russian past. The Borodino Battlefield held the most important fighting during the Patriotic War of 1812. This place was made a museum area in 1839, just after 27 years after the battle. More than two thousand memorable things are stored in the museum, including some monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, and fortification facilities. Besides, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the famous novel ‘War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, who visited Borodino in person and described this battle in his book. Every year, reconstruction events occur in Borodino, which is considered the best for visiting. But if you want to feel the spirit of the battle past, it’s better to visit it in more quiet time.

To go there, you should take a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, leave in Mozhaysk, and then change to the bus. The whole travel time is about 2 hrs.

06 Melikhovo

Melikhovo is considered one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, one of the brightest Russian writers and playwrights. Chekhov had been living in Melikhovo from March 1892 until August 1899 with his parents and close relatives. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “Uncle Vanya” and “The Seagull.” He sold this manor before going to the Crimea, and it became vague after the revolution. But in 1939, it was decided to establish a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew initiated the process, and the museum opened its doors in 1941. Now Melikhovo shows the path of Chekhov not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. Some paintings of famous artists such as Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends, are being stored. It’s a nice place to visit to learn more about Chekov’s life and work.

The best way to reach Melikhovo is by bus, which departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station, and goes to Protvino, Obolensk, or Serpukhov, or by the direct 365 bus. Also, you may choose an electric train from the Kursky rail terminal. Travel time is 1,5 hrs.

07 Abramtsevo

This is another manor connected to the lives of important Russian people — not only writers but also artists. Abramtsevo, located close to Sergiev Posad, was a property of Sergey Aksakov, a writer and a Slavophiles, and later of Savva Mamontov, a well-known patron of the arts. Abramtsevo used to be visited by writers Ivan Turgenev and Nikolay Gogol, poet Fyodor Tyutchev, and such artists as Isaac Levitan, Vasily Polenov, and Mikhail Vrubel, and by the great Russian singer Fyodor Shalyapin as well. The exhibition in the museum is dedicated to famous Abramtsevo owners and guests. It was made a museum in 1917, and its first curator was Alexandra Mamontova, Savva Mamontov’s daughter. The main sightseeing view is a wooden building made in the 18th century and saved in Savva Mamontov's form in the 19th century. There are also some bright buildings such as hut pavilion or hut bath-house. You have to remember that the main manor house may be visited only with an excursion group on the weekend.

Electric train to Abramtsevo departs from the Yaroslavsky rail terminal and goes to Sergiyev Posad or Aleksandrov. You may reach Abramtsevo by bus as well. Travel time is an hour and a half.

08 Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana is known as a place of residence of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. He was born there, wrote his novels ‘War and Peace’ and ‘Anna Karenina,’ died and is buried. He’d been living in this manor for fifty years. Yasnaya Polyana is located in the Tula Region, 200 km from Moscow to the south. This manor consists of many interesting and significant objects. For example, the interior of the main house where Tolstoy lived is being kept like it was in 1910 — it was the last year for the writer. All things in the house are considered to be personal belongings of Tolstoy and his family. Besides the main house, the Yasnaya Polyana ensemble includes the so-called Volkonsky house — the house of Tolstoy’s grandfather, the Kuzminskiye wing, which is a part of the oldest house where Tolstoy was born, now non-existent, the birch alley made by Sofya Andreevna, Leo Tolstoy’s wife, stable, ponds, and favorite Tolstoy’s bench. Leo Tolstoy’s tomb is located close to the ravine's edge — it’s where he wanted to be buried.

The whole travel time to Yasnaya Polyana is about 4 hrs as long as it’s located near Tula. It can be reached by train, or by car. First, you should go to Tula by train from the Kursky rail terminal or by bus from the Tsaritsyno, Domodedovskaya, Prazhskaya, or Ulitsa Akademika Yangelya metro stations, and then change to bus, or by trolley bus for Yasnaya Polyana.

09 Polotnyany Zavod

This place which title can be translated into Russian as ‘linen factory,’ is known for its connection to the Goncharov family, from which Natalia Goncharova, Alexander Pushkin’s wife, originated. The real linen factory was built on the bank of the Sukhodrev River in the Kaluga Region in 1718 by Peter the Great order. Goncharov, Natalia’s great grandfather, was one of the companions who participated in the factory’s development. Every companion built his own manor close to the factory’s building, and even for those times, it was quite an uncommon situation. Polotnyany Zavod was visited by the empress Catherine the Great, the Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, and Nikolay Vasilievich Gogol. In 1999, when everybody celebrated the bicentennial of Alexander Pushkin, Polotnyany Zavod was made a museum, and now it welcomes many guests who come to see dramatized excursions and to learn more about Pushkin times. The poet himself visited this place two times, in 1830 and 1834. Polotnyany Zavod has the most picturesque panoramic view in the Kaluga Region.

To go to Polotnyany Zavod, you should take a bus from the bus station near the Tyoply Stan metro station, and go to Kondorovo. It takes a little more than three hours.

Tarus is just another little town in Kaluga Region, which is considered to be typical Russian. It’s located on the left bank of the Oka River and has really magnificent views. It feels like time stands still there. Tarusa managed to preserve the best from the past, and even now, it consists mostly of one-storeyed houses made of wood or stone. They say it’s because Tarusa residents declined railroad construction. This town became popular among Russian intellectuals at the beginning of the 20th century when famous artist Vasily Polenov discovered it and told about Tarusa to anyone in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tarusa is known to be a hometown for Russian writer Marina Tsvetaeva, whose family spent summertime there. Tsvetaeva museum is a museum every guest of Tarusa should visit for sure. Besides, Konstantin Paustovsky, another famous Russian writer, lived there till his death and was buried in Tarusa. The absolutely must-do in Tarusa is to walk along the embankment of the Oka River.

The best way to reach Tarusa is by direct bus which departs from the bus station near the ‘Tyoply Stan’ metro station. Travel time is about two hours.

• Baikal Lake read
• 25 Reasons to Visit Russian Regions read
• Top places to watch the Northern Lights in Russia read
• Kamchatka peninsula read
• 7 Top Things to Do in Karelia Region read
• The Altai Mountains read
• Siberia read
• Mountain Elbrus read
• 1. Sergiyev Posad
• 3. Shakhmatovo
• 4. Zakharovo
• 5. Borodino
• 6. Melikhovo
• 7. Abramtsevo
• 8. Yasnaya Polyana
• 9. Polotnyany Zavod

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

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