Saint Petersburg has a well-developed and affordable public transport system, which makes it easy for tourists to explore the city on a budget. Whether you’re taking the metro, buses, trams, or water transport, there are several ways you can save money while navigating the city’s public transport network. This guide will help you make the most of your budget without sacrificing convenience.
1. Use the Podorozhnik Card
The Podorozhnik card is a rechargeable transport card that offers the most cost-effective way to use public transport in Saint Petersburg, including the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, and sometimes water transport.
Why It Saves Money:
- Discounted Fare: With the Podorozhnik card, you pay 50 rubles per ride on the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, instead of the regular 55 rubles fare for a single ticket. This small discount can add up quickly if you’re planning to use public transport frequently.
- Flexible: You can top up the Podorozhnik card with any amount you choose, making it ideal for tourists who will be using public transport for a short stay. You can purchase and refill the card at ticket machines and kiosks at metro stations.
- Multi-Mode Travel: The card allows you to use it across different modes of transport (metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses) with no additional charges, making it a very convenient and cost-efficient option for tourists.
Where to Buy:
- You can purchase the Podorozhnik card at metro stations, ticket machines, or kiosks located in metro stations.
Insider Tip:
If you’re staying in Saint Petersburg for a few days, the Podorozhnik card will help you save money and avoid the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for each journey.
2. Consider a Multi-Ride Ticket or Travel Pass
If you’re planning on staying in the city for a longer period, consider purchasing a multi-ride ticket or travel pass, which can offer substantial savings compared to individual tickets.
Multi-Ride Ticket Options:
- 10-Ride Ticket: This option offers a discounted price for purchasing 10 single rides in advance, which can save you a small percentage per ride. You can use the ticket for the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
- Weekly or Monthly Passes: For tourists staying for a week or longer, weekly or monthly travel passes may be more economical. These passes allow unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses for a set period.
Why It Saves Money:
- These tickets and passes offer bulk savings and allow you to avoid individual ticket purchases, especially if you plan on using public transport multiple times a day.
Where to Buy:
- You can purchase these passes and tickets at ticket machines, kiosks, or metro stations. If you prefer, you can buy online passes in advance through official transport apps.
Insider Tip:
Consider a weekly pass if you’re planning on using public transport every day. It offers unlimited rides, which can be more economical for extended stays.
3. Take Advantage of Free Travel for Children
Saint Petersburg offers free travel for children under the age of 7 on all public transport, including the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, and water transport.
Why It Saves Money:
- Traveling with children under 7 years old means you don’t have to pay for their fare on public transport, helping you save money on your trips.
Insider Tip:
Children between 7 and 14 years old receive discounted fares, which are about 50 rubles per ride, significantly cheaper than the standard ticket price for adults.
4. Travel During Off-Peak Hours
Public transport fares are fixed, but you can avoid the crowds and have a more comfortable experience if you travel during off-peak hours. Traveling during less busy times can make your journey more pleasant and reduce the stress of crowded trains, trams, and buses.
Why It Saves Money:
- While fares won’t change based on peak or off-peak times, avoiding rush hours means you’ll have a quieter and more comfortable ride, making your travel experience less stressful. You can take your time, especially with children, and avoid pushing through crowded spaces.
Insider Tip:
Rush hours in Saint Petersburg are typically 8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM. Try to travel during the late morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds.
5. Use Water Transport for Scenic and Budget-Friendly Travel
Saint Petersburg’s water transport provides a scenic way to explore the city, and it can be a cost-effective alternative to taxis or other forms of transport.
Why It Saves Money:
- Waterbuses and ferries typically cost around 100-150 rubles per ride, which is cheaper than taxis. Kids under 7 travel for free, and those aged 7-14 get a discounted fare.
- You get the added benefit of enjoying stunning views of Saint Petersburg’s rivers and canals, which is a unique experience compared to other modes of transport.
Insider Tip:
Water transport operates mainly during the warmer months (April to October). Check the schedules to ensure availability and take advantage of this fun way to get around the city.
6. Plan Your Routes to Maximize Efficiency
If you’re trying to save money, plan your public transport routes in advance to minimize the need for multiple transfers. Saint Petersburg’s metro and bus routes are well-integrated, allowing you to travel directly from one attraction to another without having to pay for additional rides.
Why It Saves Money:
- Direct routes help avoid unnecessary transfers and the need to buy multiple tickets. The more efficient your route planning, the fewer rides you’ll need to pay for.
Insider Tip:
Use apps like Google Maps or Yandex.Transport to plan your journey, and check for the most direct routes that connect major attractions.
7. Look for Discounts on Group Travel
If you’re traveling with a group or family, some metro stations and transport services offer group discounts for larger parties. It’s worth inquiring about these options at ticket kiosks.
Why It Saves Money:
- Group discounts can significantly reduce the cost of transportation for families or larger groups of tourists, allowing you to travel affordably together.
Insider Tip:
If you’re traveling with children or large groups, ask at the station if there are any group discounts available to you.
8. Walk When Possible
Saint Petersburg is a walkable city, and many of its top tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is completely free and provides a great opportunity to explore hidden gems of the city that are not visible from the metro or buses.
Why It Saves Money:
- Walking eliminates the need for any transport fares and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm, including its historic streets, canals, and parks.
Insider Tip:
If you’re staying in the city center, many famous sites such as the Hermitage, Palace Square, and Nevsky Prospekt are within walking distance.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg offers a variety of affordable public transport options, and with the right strategies, you can save money while exploring this beautiful city. By using a Podorozhnik card, purchasing multi-ride tickets or travel passes, and taking advantage of free travel for children, you can reduce your travel costs. Additionally, planning your routes efficiently, traveling during off-peak hours, and even walking when possible can help you explore the city on a budget while enjoying all the cultural treasures Saint Petersburg has to offer.