Getting Around Veliky Novgorod
Veliky Novgorod is a compact, walkable city on the Volkhov River, and most visitors find they can cover the historic core on foot. For longer hops across town, a solid network of buses and trolleybuses fills in the gaps, supplemented by cheap and plentiful taxis. The city has no metro and no tram system, so your practical choices come down to walking, cycling, public transport, and taxis.
On Foot
Novgorod is a walking-friendly city. If you enjoy long walks, everything in the city is within walking distance, and the reward is a chance to take in the beautiful architecture along the way. For most sightseeing days, your own two feet will be the primary way you get around.
By Bicycle
Bicycles are a perfect way to get around Novgorod. If you would rather not bring your own, bicycle and rollerblade rental is available at the "Shooting Club" on the Main Alley of the Kremlin Park (phone: +7 921 731 74 32).
Buses and Trolleybuses
Novgorod has both bus and trolleybus systems. Buses and trolleybuses run approximately every five minutes and will get you to every part of the city, making them a reliable fallback when a destination is beyond a comfortable walk. Bus and trolleybus route maps and timetables are available online, though in Russian, so it helps to have a translation tool or a local's help when planning a route.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Novgorod are cheap and plentiful, which makes them a convenient option for trips with luggage, late arrivals, or destinations outside the walkable center.
Rail Connections
Veliky Novgorod's railway station sits on Oktyabr'skaya Ulitsa, about 1.5 km west of the city center, and offers left luggage services. Russian Railways operates trains to Novgorod-Na-Volhove station from Saint Petersburg's Moskovskiy Vokzal station and from Moscow's Leningradskii Vokzal station. The trains from Saint Petersburg are all seated and can be uncomfortable, though there is a lot of leg room. The overnight trains from Moscow feature soft berths and compartments available for an additional charge.
Note that there is no metro or tram network in Veliky Novgorod; rail here means intercity trains rather than a local rapid-transit system.
By Bus from Other Cities
The bus station in Novgorod is located across the street from the train station, which makes it easy to switch between the two if your itinerary involves both. Several buses run daily from Saint Petersburg's Main Bus Terminal to Novgorod. Buses from Moscow operate only during the summer, and that trip is long and inconvenient. Buses also operate from Tver, Pskov, Riga, and other cities in the Novgorod region.
Arriving by Air
Novgorod's own airport is not operational; it was a busy airport during the time of the USSR, but it no longer serves travelers. The planned replacement, Krechevitsy Airport, is also not open to civil aircraft. As a result, the closest airport for reaching Veliky Novgorod is Pulkovo Airport (LED), which serves Saint Petersburg. From there, you continue to Novgorod overland, most practically by train from Saint Petersburg's Moskovskiy Vokzal station or by bus from the city's Main Bus Terminal.
Practical Summary
- Best for sightseeing: walking, since the city is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
- Best for longer trips: buses and trolleybuses, which run frequently and reach every part of the city.
- Best for convenience: taxis, which are cheap and plentiful.
- Best for leisure: bicycle rental at the Kremlin Park's Shooting Club.
- No metro or tram: plan around buses, trolleybuses, taxis, and your feet.
- Arriving by air: fly into Pulkovo (LED) near Saint Petersburg, then take a train or bus onward to Novgorod.
- Arriving by rail or bus: the train station and bus station are directly across the street from each other.