Saint Petersburg is surrounded by many beautiful and historically significant places that make perfect day trips. Whether you’re interested in imperial palaces, beautiful parks, or scenic riverside towns, public transport offers a convenient and affordable way to visit these attractions without the hassle of driving or booking tours. Here’s a guide on how to use public transport for day trips from Saint Petersburg to nearby destinations.
1. Peterhof Palace (The Grand Palace)
Known for its stunning gardens, fountains, and opulent interiors, Peterhof Palace is one of the most popular day trips from Saint Petersburg. Often referred to as the “Russian Versailles,” it was built by Peter the Great and is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland.
How to Get There by Public Transport:
- Metro: Take the Red Line (Line 2) to Kirovsky Zavod station.
- Bus: From Kirovsky Zavod, transfer to Bus 200, which takes you directly to Peterhof Palace.
- Alternative: You can also take Bus 300 from Avtovo Metro Station.
- Total Travel Time: Around 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Key Attractions at Peterhof:
- Grand Palace: Marvel at the lavish interiors and magnificent architecture.
- Fountain Complex: The famous Grand Cascade with its gilded statues and fountains.
- Lower Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens along the coastline.
Tips:
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Consider buying your tickets for the palace and gardens online in advance to skip the long lines.
- Walking: The park grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
2. Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin)
The Catherine Palace is another must-see destination near Saint Petersburg. Located in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), this rococo palace was the summer residence of the Russian tsars and is famous for its lavish rooms, particularly the Amber Room.
How to Get There by Public Transport:
- Metro: Take the Blue Line (Line 1) to Moskovskaya station.
- Bus: From Moskovskaya Metro Station, take Bus 345 or Bus 71 to the Catherine Palace in Pushkin. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Train: You can also take a suburban train from Vitebsky Station to Pushkin (about 30 minutes), followed by a 20-minute walk to the palace.
Key Attractions at Catherine Palace:
- Amber Room: The most famous feature of the palace, known for its stunning amber panels.
- State Rooms: Opulent halls and chambers that demonstrate the grandeur of the Russian imperial family.
- Catherine Park: A picturesque park surrounding the palace, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Tips:
- Book Tickets Early: The palace can get crowded, so try to book your tickets ahead of time.
- Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and artistry of the palace.
3. Pavlovsk Palace and Park
Located in the town of Pavlovsk, about 30 minutes from Saint Petersburg, Pavlovsk Palace and its vast park are perfect for those looking to experience royal life in a more tranquil setting. The palace was the residence of Tsar Paul I and offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded Peterhof and Catherine Palace.
How to Get There by Public Transport:
- Metro: Take the Red Line (Line 2) to Kupchino station.
- Bus: From Kupchino, take Bus 132 to Pavlovsk.
- Train: Alternatively, you can take a suburban train from Vitebsky Station to Pavlovsk Station. The train ride takes around 30 minutes, and the palace is a short walk from the station.
Key Attractions at Pavlovsk:
- Pavlovsk Palace: The summer residence of Tsar Paul I and the birthplace of his son, Tsar Alexander I.
- Pavlovsk Park: One of the largest landscape parks in Europe, featuring beautiful walking paths, ponds, and historical sculptures.
Tips:
- Comfortable Shoes: The park is vast, and walking is the best way to explore it, so make sure to wear comfortable footwear.
- Visit the Pavilion: Don’t miss the Pavilion in the park, a beautiful structure where you can take a relaxing break.
4. Peter and Paul Fortress
Located on an island in the Neva River, Peter and Paul Fortress is Saint Petersburg’s birthplace. It is home to the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Russian tsars are buried, and offers spectacular views of the river and the city skyline.
How to Get There by Public Transport:
- Metro: Take the Green Line (Line 5) to Admiralteyskaya or Gorkovskaya stations.
- Walk: From Admiralteyskaya, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the fortress. If you exit at Gorkovskaya, it’s a 15-minute walk along the Neva River.
Key Attractions at Peter and Paul Fortress:
- Peter and Paul Cathedral: The final resting place of the Russian emperors.
- Trinity Bridge: One of the most beautiful bridges in Saint Petersburg, connecting the fortress to the rest of the city.
- Fortress Museums: Explore the museums inside the fortress, including the prison and historical exhibits.
Tips:
- Visit the Cathedral: Don’t miss the chance to visit the cathedral, especially to see the royal tombs.
- Take a Ferry: A scenic way to approach the fortress is by ferry. Ferries often depart from Vasileostrovskaya station.
5. Kronstadt
Kronstadt is a historic naval town located on Kotlin Island, just off the coast of Saint Petersburg. It’s known for the magnificent Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and its historic maritime significance.
How to Get There by Public Transport:
- Metro: Take the Blue Line (Line 1) to Kirovsky Zavod station.
- Bus: From Kirovsky Zavod, take Bus 405 or Bus 404 directly to Kronstadt. The bus ride takes approximately 1 hour.
- Alternative: You can also take a ferry from the city to Kronstadt during the summer months.
Key Attractions in Kronstadt:
- Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas: A grand and beautifully restored cathedral with intricate mosaics and stunning architecture.
- Kronstadt Marine Plant: A fascinating place for those interested in the history of Russia’s navy.
- Kronstadt Fortress: Explore the remnants of the town’s military fortifications and coastal defense systems.
Tips:
- Plan for the Journey: The trip to Kronstadt can take up to an hour, so it’s a good idea to start early if you want to make the most of your visit.
- Summer Ferries: Consider taking a ferry for a more scenic journey.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s proximity to several historic and scenic destinations makes it easy to take day trips to nearby attractions. Whether you want to explore grand palaces, peaceful parks, or historic naval towns, using public transport allows you to travel affordably and efficiently. From the Peterhof Palace to the Kronstadt Fortress, the city’s public transport system—whether by metro, bus, or ferry—makes visiting these fantastic sites both convenient and enjoyable. With a little planning, you can easily take full advantage of Saint Petersburg’s surrounding beauty.