Getting Around Saint Petersburg 2025
Navigate Saint Petersburg like a local with our transportation guide.
Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and its cultural capital, built on 42 islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, it served as the imperial capital for over two centuries and is home to some of the world's greatest museums, palaces, and architectural masterpieces.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Saint Petersburg.
Public Transit
Excellent metro network with 5 lines covers the whole city; cheap and reliable
Taxis
Yandex.Taxi is reliable and affordable; avoid unlicensed street taxis
Car Rental
Not recommended for city travel due to traffic and parking; useful for day trips to palaces
Walking
The central historic area is very walkable; the embankments are particularly pleasant
Getting There
How to arrive in Saint Petersburg.
✈️ By Air
Pulkovo International Airport
Saint Petersburg's only major international airport, serving both domestic and international routes. The modern Terminal 1 handles all flights after a major renovation.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Saint Petersburg.
The metro is the most efficient way to travel across the city. The central historic core is walkable between major attractions. Canal boats offer a scenic summer alternative.
Metro (fastest, most reliable)
Walking (central area)
Bus / Marshrutka (surface routes)
Tram (Vasilievsky Island, center)
Taxi via Yandex.Taxi
Canal boat tours in summer
🚌 Buses
Extensive network covering all districts; $0.40–0.60 per ride; buses share routes with marshrutkas
🛺 Local Alternatives
Metro is faster and recommended for longer journeys; canal boats are available in summer from Palace Embankment and other stops
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Saint Petersburg is connected to Moscow and other major Russian cities by high-speed rail. The Sapsan train runs between Saint Petersburg and Moscow in 3.5 hours.
Long-Distance Buses
Long-distance buses from Obvodny Canal Bus Station; routes to Tallinn, Helsinki, Riga from $20
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxis (blablacar) available to Moscow and nearby cities
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights from Pulkovo to Moscow and major Russian cities from $30
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire with driver from $80/day
Driving in Saint Petersburg
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
International driving permit required alongside home license
Road Conditions
City traffic is heavy; parking is difficult and expensive in the center
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Get a Podorozhnik transport card at any metro station — saves 30% on every ride
The metro closes at 12:30AM — plan your night accordingly or budget for a taxi
Google Maps works for transit directions in Saint Petersburg
Yandex Maps (in Russian) gives more detailed real-time bus information
Download the Yandex.Taxi app before arriving — create an account with your phone number
International bank cards may not work in Russian taxi apps — load rubles in cash
Canal boats operate May–October from Palace Embankment near the Hermitage
The suburban train (elektrichka) from Baltic Station is the cheapest way to reach Peterhof
Useful Apps
Yandex.Taxi
Russia's main ride-hailing app, equivalent to Uber; most reliable way to book a taxi
Yandex.Maps
Best mapping app for Russia with accurate transit directions and real-time traffic
2GIS
Excellent offline maps app with detailed Saint Petersburg coverage and business listings
Citymobil
Secondary taxi app, useful if Yandex.Taxi has surge pricing
Navigate Saint Petersburg Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide