Saint Petersburg, known for its grandeur and imperial history, is home to some of Russia’s most magnificent palaces, each telling the story of the country’s royal past. Whether you’re visiting the stunning Winter Palace, the majestic Catherine Palace, or the opulent Peterhof Palace, Saint Petersburg’s public transport system makes it easy and affordable to visit these royal landmarks.
In this guide, we’ll outline the best public transport routes for exploring Saint Petersburg’s most famous imperial palaces, helping you get from one stunning palace to another without hassle.
1. Winter Palace (Hermitage Museum)
The Winter Palace is one of the most iconic palaces in the world, located along Palace Square and housing the famous Hermitage Museum. Known for its stunning architecture and artistic treasures, this palace is a must-visit for any history or art enthusiast.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Metro: The closest metro station to the Winter Palace is Admiralteyskaya Station (Violet Line, Line 5).
- Station: Admiralteyskaya Station (4 stops from Nevsky Prospekt Station).
- From the station, it’s a short 5-minute walk to Palace Square and the Winter Palace.
- Tram: Take Tram 1 or Tram 5, which both stop near Palace Square.
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Hermitage Museum inside the Winter Palace, as it houses over 3 million works of art, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo.
2. Catherine Palace (Tsarskoye Selo)
The Catherine Palace, located in Tsarskoye Selo, is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture and is famous for the stunning Amber Room. A visit here offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Russian royal family.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Train: The most convenient way to reach Tsarskoye Selo is by suburban train from Vitebsky Railway Station in Saint Petersburg.
- Train Line: Take the suburban train to Tsarskoye Selo Station (approximately 30–40 minutes).
- From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Catherine Palace.
- Bus: Alternatively, you can take Bus 545 from Moskovsky Train Station in Saint Petersburg to Tsarskoye Selo. The bus ride takes around 45 minutes.
Insider Tip: If you have extra time, take a stroll around the Catherine Park behind the palace, which is known for its scenic beauty and royal architecture.
3. Peterhof Palace (Petrodvorets)
Known as the “Russian Versailles”, Peterhof Palace is famous for its magnificent gardens, impressive fountains, and ornate interiors. It is one of the most visited palaces in Saint Petersburg and offers a truly regal experience.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Train: The best way to reach Peterhof Palace is by suburban train from Baltiysky Railway Station in Saint Petersburg.
- Train Line: Take the suburban train to Peterhof Station (about 40 minutes).
- From the station, you can either take a short bus ride or walk for about 15 minutes to reach the palace.
- Bus: You can also take Bus 200 from Avtovokzal (Bus Station) to Peterhof. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Insider Tip: Visit Peterhof during the summer months to witness the famous fountain show, which is one of the most impressive water displays in the world.
4. Yelagin Island (Yelagin Palace)
Yelagin Island is home to the Yelagin Palace, an imperial residence that has been beautifully restored and now serves as a museum. It’s a quieter, more relaxed palace compared to the grander royal estates, but its elegant architecture and beautiful grounds make it a charming destination.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Metro: The most convenient metro station for reaching Yelagin Island is Chkalovskaya Station (Green Line, Line 3).
- Station: Chkalovskaya Station (5 stops from Nevsky Prospekt Station).
- From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Yelagin Palace, which is located on Yelagin Island.
- Bus: You can also take Bus 10, which passes near the entrance to Yelagin Palace.
Insider Tip: The Yelagin Palace is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll after visiting the palace.
5. Smolny Cathedral and Smolny Convent
Though not a palace in the traditional sense, Smolny Cathedral and the Smolny Convent are two of the most important and architecturally stunning religious buildings in Saint Petersburg. Designed in Baroque style, Smolny Cathedral’s blue-and-white facade is one of the most iconic in the city.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Metro: Take Line 5 (Violet Line) of the metro.
- Station: Chernyshevskaya Station (5 stops from Nevsky Prospekt Station).
- From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to Smolny Cathedral and the surrounding Smolny Convent.
- Bus: You can also take Bus 22 or Bus 3, which stop near the Smolny Convent.
Insider Tip: The Smolny Convent is less crowded than other royal residences and offers a tranquil visit, so take the time to appreciate its serene setting.
6. Tsarskoye Selo (Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace)
Tsarskoye Selo, located just outside Saint Petersburg, is home to two remarkable imperial palaces: the Catherine Palace and the Alexander Palace. Both are filled with historical artifacts, magnificent gardens, and royal rooms, offering an immersive experience of Russian imperial history.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Train: From Vitebsky Railway Station, take the suburban train to Tsarskoye Selo Station (around 30–40 minutes).
- From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Catherine Palace and the Alexander Palace.
- Bus: You can also take Bus 545 from Moskovsky Train Station to Tsarskoye Selo, which takes about 45 minutes.
Insider Tip: Consider visiting both the Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace for a full experience of the Russian royal lifestyle. Don’t miss the Amber Room in the Catherine Palace!
7. Pavlovsk Palace
The Pavlovsk Palace is another royal residence, located in the southern suburbs of Saint Petersburg. Known for its beautiful parkland and elegant interiors, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Best Public Transport Routes:
- Train: The best way to reach Pavlovsk Palace is by suburban train from Vitebsky Railway Station.
- Train Line: Take the suburban train to Pavlovsk Station (about 30 minutes).
- From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Pavlovsk Palace.
- Bus: You can also take Bus 303 or Bus 305 from the Moskovsky Railway Station to Pavlovsk.
Insider Tip: After visiting the Pavlovsk Palace, take time to explore the beautiful Pavlovsk Park, which is one of the largest landscaped parks in Europe.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s imperial palaces are some of the city’s most significant and awe-inspiring attractions, offering a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of Russia’s royal past. The city’s public transport system, including the metro, buses, and trains, makes it easy for visitors to reach these remarkable sites. Whether you’re visiting the Winter Palace, Peterhof Palace, or the serene beauty of Pavlovsk Palace, these public transport routes ensure you can explore these royal treasures with ease. By taking advantage of Saint Petersburg’s well-connected transport network, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and splendor of Russia’s imperial heritage.
