Getting Around Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a large city with a well-developed public transport network. Most visitors rely on a combination of metro, buses, trams, and taxis to navigate the city. Walking is also practical in central areas, particularly around major attractions and along the main streets.
The Metro System
The metro is often the fastest way to move around Saint Petersburg, especially for longer distances. The network consists of several lines that connect different parts of the city. Key stations include Ploshchad Vosstaniya (Uprising Square), Mayakovskaya, Baltiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, and Ploschad Lenina. The metro operates from early morning until late evening, making it reliable for most visitor itineraries.
Buses and Trams
Buses and trams provide extensive coverage throughout the city, reaching areas not served by the metro. These services operate on regular schedules and are particularly useful for traveling to outer neighborhoods and attractions beyond the city center. Bus and tram fares are inexpensive, making them an economical choice for budget-conscious visitors.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Yandex.Taxi is widely available in Saint Petersburg and can be booked through the mobile app. Taxis are a convenient option when you have luggage, are traveling with a group, or prefer door-to-door service. Fares are generally reasonable compared to Western European cities. Avoid accepting rides from unofficial taxi touts on the street unless you have negotiated a price in advance; it is safer to book through official apps or arrange taxis in advance.
Walking
The central areas of Saint Petersburg are walkable, and exploring on foot allows you to appreciate the city's architecture and layout. The historic center around Nevsky Prospekt and near major attractions is pedestrian-friendly and pleasant for wandering.
Getting from Pulkovo Airport to the City
Pulkovo Airport is located approximately 17 kilometers south of the city center. Several transport options connect the airport to downtown:
- Express Bus 39Э: Operates between the airport and Moskovskaya metro station (Line 2) for transfers to the metro network and other buses. Cost is 80 rubles. Service runs from 05:15 to 01:40.
- Bus 82: Provides service from the airport to Prospekt Veteranov station (Line 1) for metro connections. Same cost and operating hours as the express bus.
- Official Taxi: Yandex.Taxi is the official airport taxi service, with fares typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles to the city center. Taxis can be booked via mobile app or at a desk in the arrivals hall. Taxi 068 is another option available for online booking. Pre-booked taxis cost more but offer the advantage of a driver greeting you in the arrivals hall with a nameplate; pre-booking online involves no risk and requires neither credit card information upfront nor pre-payment.
The airport has unlimited free Wi-Fi and business lounges available for a fee. When using taxis, book through official channels rather than accepting offers from unofficial touts, who may overcharge significantly.
Train Stations
Saint Petersburg has five principal train stations serving different routes and regions. Moskovsky Station, located on Nevsky Prospekt at Uprising Square, is the main hub for trains to and from Moscow and other major Russian cities. Baltiysky Station handles suburban and regional trains to destinations like Peterhof and Gatchina. Finlyandsky Station, near Lenin Square, serves some regional routes. Ladozhsky Station is the newest and most modern facility, handling long-distance trains to cities across Russia. Vitebsky Station serves trains to Pushkin and Pavlovsk, as well as select regional destinations. All stations are accessible by metro and bus.