Saint Petersburg, a city known for its beautiful canals and the mighty Neva River, offers a unique way to explore its stunning waterfront and scenic landmarks through its public transport ferries. These ferries provide a leisurely and picturesque way to see the city, offering both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience Saint Petersburg from the water, without the hustle and bustle of city streets. Whether you’re visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Hermitage Museum, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Neva, using public transport ferries is an unforgettable experience.
1. Overview of Public Transport Ferries in Saint Petersburg
Convenient and Scenic Travel Option
Saint Petersburg’s public transport ferries are a part of the city’s extensive water transport system, designed to connect different parts of the city while offering spectacular views of its historical buildings, palaces, and bridges. These ferries are especially popular during the summer months, when the city is at its most vibrant, and they provide an eco-friendly, scenic alternative to trams, buses, and the metro.
What to Expect
- Service on the Neva River: The public transport ferries operate on the Neva River and its surrounding waterways, with multiple routes available, connecting central districts, islands, and key tourist destinations.
- Affordable and Accessible: The ferries are inexpensive and work on the same ticketing system as buses and trams, which means tourists can use the same Podorozhnik card or tourist passes for the ferries.
- Frequent and Reliable: While ferries typically run on set schedules, they operate frequently and regularly during the summer, with some routes offering service from early morning until late evening.
- Insider Tip: If you’re planning to explore the Neva River, check the ferry schedule ahead of time, as services may be more limited during the winter months due to weather conditions.
2. Key Ferry Routes for Tourists
Explore the Best Landmarks by Water
Several ferry routes pass by the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering a unique view of Saint Petersburg’s architecture and scenic vistas. Here are some of the key routes for tourists:
What to Expect
- Route 1: Neva River Central Route
This is the most popular route for tourists. It travels through the heart of the city, offering breathtaking views of famous landmarks like the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, Palace Embankment, and Nevsky Prospect. This route provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to see the city’s majestic bridges and historical buildings from the water. - Route 2: Vasilyevsky Island and the Historical Center
This route connects Vasilyevsky Island to the historic center of Saint Petersburg. It’s perfect for tourists visiting the Hermitage Museum and Peter and Paul Fortress, as it offers a direct connection to these key attractions. The ride also provides beautiful views of the Vasilievsky Island architecture and Zayachy Island, where the fortress stands. - Route 3: Winter Canal and Moyka River
This route runs along the Winter Canal and Moyka River, taking you through some of the city’s quieter, picturesque waterways. This is a great route if you want to see Saint Petersburg from a more intimate, lesser-known angle, passing by elegant bridges, historic mansions, and lovely gardens. - Route 4: Neva River to New Holland Island
If you’re interested in exploring New Holland Island, a vibrant cultural and artistic district, this ferry route will take you directly there. The island itself is a hub for galleries, cafes, and public events, so hopping on this ferry will allow you to enjoy both the water and the lively atmosphere of the island. - Route 5: Lower Neva to Kronstadt
For those who wish to venture a bit further, this route travels down the Lower Neva, providing a scenic route to Kronstadt, a historically significant town located on Kotlin Island. Although this is a longer journey, it offers views of Saint Petersburg’s harbors and the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral, an iconic site of Russian naval history. - Insider Tip: For a photographic tour, consider taking Route 1 during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon), when the lighting creates magical views of the Neva River and its landmarks.
3. Using the Public Transport Ferries
How to Board and Navigate
Navigating the public transport ferries in Saint Petersburg is simple and accessible, making it a convenient choice for tourists. These ferries are easy to board, and the overall experience is smooth and pleasant.
What to Expect
- Ticketing: Just like other public transport options, you can use a Podorozhnik card, tourist pass, or single ride tickets to pay for your ferry ride. Simply tap your card on the ticket reader at the pier or buy a ticket directly from the ferry’s staff if you don’t have a travel card.
- Boarding the Ferry: Once you’ve purchased your ticket, proceed to the boarding area, where you will see signs marking the ferry routes. The ferries are typically equipped with comfortable seating and covered areas for bad weather. Most ferries also have open-air decks, offering great views.
- Ferry Stops: The ferry stops are located along the Neva River and its branches, with convenient connections to metro stations, trams, and bus stops, so you can easily continue your journey after disembarking.
- Insider Tip: Check for any special ferry services that may be running for events or festivals, as Saint Petersburg often holds seasonal boat tours or themed events that offer unique views of the city.
4. Best Times to Use Public Transport Ferries
Enjoy the Ride at Your Own Pace
While public transport ferries are available throughout the day, the best times to ride are when the weather is pleasant and the waters are calm. Since Saint Petersburg’s climate can vary significantly throughout the year, the ferry schedules are often adjusted according to seasonal demand.
What to Expect
- Summer Months (June-August): Ferries run frequently during the summer months, with extended hours from early morning until late evening. This is the perfect time to enjoy the sights, as the city is full of life and the weather is ideal for a boat ride.
- Spring and Autumn: During the spring and autumn, ferry services are still available but with slightly reduced hours. The weather can be unpredictable, so check the schedule for any changes. These seasons offer a quieter experience on the water, perfect for those looking for a peaceful sightseeing trip.
- Winter Months (November-February): Public transport ferries run less frequently during the winter months, especially if the weather is particularly cold or icy. However, certain routes may still operate depending on demand.
- Insider Tip: Mid-morning to early afternoon is the best time for a relaxing ride, as crowds tend to be smaller, allowing you to enjoy the views at your own pace.
5. Benefits of Using Public Transport Ferries
Eco-Friendly, Relaxing, and Scenic
Taking the public transport ferries in Saint Petersburg offers several advantages, especially for tourists wanting to experience the city from the water.
What to Expect
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Ferries are a sustainable option for getting around the city’s waterways, contributing to reducing traffic congestion and pollution in the city.
- Relaxing Experience: Unlike the more hectic metro or tram systems, the ferries offer a relaxing and scenic way to travel, allowing you to take in the beauty of Saint Petersburg at a slower pace. This is a great way to combine travel with sightseeing.
- Access to Unreachable Areas: Ferries can provide access to areas of Saint Petersburg that are difficult to reach by land, such as New Holland Island or the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral.
- Insider Tip: Consider taking a ferry during the “White Nights” in summer, when the city experiences long twilight hours. It’s one of the most magical times to be on the water, offering a chance to see Saint Petersburg under a unique, ethereal light.
Conclusion
Exploring Saint Petersburg by public transport ferries offers a unique and scenic experience that combines the convenience of public transport with the beauty of the city’s waterways. From the Neva River to the Winter Canal, these ferries allow you to experience the city from a different perspective, all while connecting you to some of the most iconic landmarks in Saint Petersburg. Whether you’re enjoying the views of the Hermitage Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress, or New Holland Island, the ferries are an essential part of the city’s charm and offer a memorable way to see the sights.