Saint Petersburg, one of Russia’s most visited cities, boasts an extensive and efficient public transport system that makes getting around the city both easy and affordable. Whether you’re traveling to iconic landmarks like the Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, or the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, public transport provides tourists with the convenience of exploring the city from metro to buses, and trams to water transport. This guide will walk you through the different modes of public transport in Saint Petersburg and how to make the most of them during your visit.
1. The Metro (Subway)
The Saint Petersburg Metro is one of the most efficient and widely used modes of transport in the city. Opened in 1955, it is one of the busiest metro systems in the world and covers a significant portion of the city, making it a great way to get around.
What to Expect:
- Convenient and Fast: The metro system has five lines that are well connected to major tourist attractions. It’s the fastest way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.
- Stunning Stations: Some stations in the Saint Petersburg Metro, such as Kirovsky Zavod and Admiralteyskaya, are renowned for their grand interiors with beautiful chandeliers, marble walls, and historic mosaics. They are worth a visit in themselves.
- Coverage: The metro lines cover major districts of the city and extend to suburban areas, making it easy to reach places like Pulkovo Airport or Peter and Paul Fortress.
- Accessibility: The metro is well-equipped for people with disabilities, with elevators and ramps available at many stations.
Tickets and Pricing:
- A single journey ticket costs around 55 rubles, but you can buy multi-ride tickets or rechargeable cards for discounts.
- The Podorozhnik card is a reusable card that can be used for metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. It’s an economical choice for tourists who plan to use public transport frequently.
Insider Tip:
The metro can be crowded during peak hours (8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM), so if you want to avoid the rush, consider traveling outside of these times.
2. Buses and Trolleybuses
Saint Petersburg’s bus and trolleybus networks are extensive and serve almost every corner of the city. They are a convenient option for reaching destinations that are not directly served by the metro.
What to Expect:
- Wide Coverage: Buses and trolleybuses run throughout the city, including the outlying areas, so they are perfect for exploring neighborhoods and attractions that are a bit further from the metro.
- Comfort: While the buses are generally comfortable, they can get crowded during rush hours. Trolleybuses, however, are often a bit more spacious and enjoyable.
- Sights and Routes: Taking a bus or trolleybus ride can also offer a scenic view of Saint Petersburg’s streets, parks, and waterways.
Tickets and Pricing:
- The fare for a bus or trolleybus ride is similar to the metro at about 55 rubles for a single ride. You can also use the Podorozhnik card for bus and trolleybus rides.
Insider Tip:
You can also buy tickets directly from the driver or use contactless payment methods like mobile apps for added convenience.
3. Trams
Saint Petersburg’s tram network is another fantastic way to get around, particularly for short journeys across the city. Trams are a slower but scenic alternative to buses, allowing you to enjoy views of Saint Petersburg’s historic buildings and canals.
What to Expect:
- Scenic Route: Trams are often a great way to see the city at a slower pace, passing by iconic sights like Nevsky Prospekt, the Neva River, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
- Limited Routes: Although the tram system doesn’t cover as large an area as the metro or buses, it still serves important central districts and some suburban areas.
Tickets and Pricing:
- Like buses and trolleybuses, trams cost around 55 rubles per ride, and you can use the Podorozhnik card for discounted fares.
Insider Tip:
Trams may be slower than metro travel, especially during rush hours, but they are great for sightseeing and leisurely travel through the city.
4. Water Transport (Boats)
Given Saint Petersburg’s location on the Neva River and its numerous canals, water transport is an excellent way to experience the city from the water. There are several waterbus services that operate during the warmer months, making travel more scenic and enjoyable.
What to Expect:
- Routes Along the Neva River: Water buses provide a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to take in views of landmarks like Palace Square, the Winter Palace, and the Peter and Paul Fortress from the water.
- Availability: Water transport is available from late spring to early autumn, with routes along the Neva and the canals.
- Ticket Pricing: Prices vary based on routes, but a typical ticket will cost around 100-200 rubles for a single journey.
Insider Tip:
Consider taking a water taxi for a more private and tailored experience, or join a river cruise for a more comprehensive exploration of the city’s waterways.
5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
If you prefer a more private form of transport or need to get to a location that is not easily accessible by public transport, taxis and ride-sharing services like Yandex.Taxi and Uber are widely available in Saint Petersburg.
What to Expect:
- Availability: Taxis are easy to find throughout the city, and ride-sharing apps allow you to call a car directly from your phone, ensuring a convenient and quick ride.
- Pricing: Taxi fares in Saint Petersburg are generally more affordable than in many Western cities, but they can vary based on the distance and time of day. Ride-sharing services often offer fixed pricing, so you can know the cost upfront.
Insider Tip:
Always use trusted apps like Yandex.Taxi for better transparency in fares, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local taxi practices.
6. Bicycles and Scooters
Saint Petersburg has become more bike-friendly in recent years, with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing services available throughout the city. If you prefer an active way of exploring, renting a bicycle or electric scooter is a fun and eco-friendly option.
What to Expect:
- Bike Rentals: You can rent bicycles from Velobike stations scattered around the city. Many of these rentals allow you to use the bike for a set period, such as an hour or the whole day.
- Electric Scooters: There are also services like Yandex.Ride and Whoosh, where you can rent electric scooters for short trips around the city.
- Scenic Exploration: Biking or scooting around Saint Petersburg’s canals and parks provides a unique and enjoyable experience, especially during the warmer months.
Insider Tip:
Always check the condition of the bike or scooter before renting, and be sure to wear a helmet for safety, especially when navigating through busy areas.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s public transport system is a convenient and affordable way to explore this beautiful and historic city. Whether you choose the metro for quick trips, buses and trams for sightseeing, or even the water transport for a scenic route along the Neva River, the city’s public transport network makes getting around easy and efficient. By using multi-ride tickets or a Podorozhnik card, you can enjoy flexible and cost-effective travel throughout your stay. With taxis and bike-sharing services also available, getting around Saint Petersburg is a breeze, no matter where your adventures take you.
