Saint Petersburg is a major travel hub with several important train stations that connect the city to destinations across Russia and beyond. Once you arrive at one of the city’s major train stations, you’ll likely need to use public transport to get to your hotel. The good news is that Saint Petersburg’s public transport system—which includes the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses—is efficient, affordable, and well-connected, making it easy to navigate from the train station to your accommodation. This guide provides everything you need to know to use public transport for a smooth journey to your hotel.
1. From Moskovsky Railway Station (Moscow Station)
Moskovsky Railway Station is the busiest and most famous train station in Saint Petersburg. It is located near the city center and provides excellent access to public transport.
Metro Option:
- Closest Metro Station: Ploshchad Vosstaniya (Red Line, Line 1)
- How to Get There: The metro station is located directly beneath the train station, so it’s incredibly easy to access. Once you exit the train station, simply follow the signs to Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station.
- Directions: From Ploshchad Vosstaniya, you can easily reach popular destinations like Nevsky Prospekt, Palace Square, and the Hermitage Museum. If your hotel is located near a different metro stop, take the metro to the nearest station, and from there, walk or take a bus or tram to your accommodation.
Bus Option:
- Closest Bus Stops: Outside Moskovsky Station, there are several bus stops where you can catch local buses that go to various parts of the city.
- Routes to Consider: Buses 7, 24, and 3 go to Nevsky Prospekt and other key central locations. If your hotel is near one of these stops, you can easily hop on a bus.
Insider Tip:
- Luggage: If you have large luggage, the metro might not be the most convenient option during rush hours. In this case, a taxi or ride-sharing service like Yandex.Taxi might be a more comfortable choice.
2. From Ladozhsky Railway Station
Ladozhsky Railway Station is located in the northeast of Saint Petersburg and is another major transport hub, especially for trains coming from Moscow and the Russian north.
Metro Option:
- Closest Metro Station: Ladozhskaya (Blue Line, Line 2)
- How to Get There: The Ladozhskaya metro station is directly connected to the train station via an underground passage, so you can easily access the metro.
- Directions: Take the Blue Line (Line 2) and travel toward the city center. The journey to Nevsky Prospekt takes around 10-15 minutes, making it quick and easy to reach central areas.
Bus Option:
- Closest Bus Stops: There are also several bus stops around Ladozhsky Station, where you can take buses to different parts of the city.
- Route to Consider: Bus 48 can take you to the central districts of Saint Petersburg.
Insider Tip:
If you have a lot of luggage and need to go to a hotel located on Nevsky Prospekt or near Palace Square, taking the metro is the fastest and most convenient option.
3. From Vitebsky Railway Station
Vitebsky Railway Station is one of the oldest stations in the city and is located near the Pulkovo highway and Vasilievsky Island.
Metro Option:
- Closest Metro Station: Sennaya Ploshchad (Blue Line, Line 2) or Sadovaya (Green Line, Line 3)
- How to Get There: Both stations are within a short walk from the train station.
- Directions: From Sennaya Ploshchad, you can take the Blue Line (Line 2) toward the city center. If you’re heading to Vasilievsky Island or St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Sadovaya station is a good option.
Bus Option:
- Closest Bus Stops: There are several bus stops around Vitebsky Station, where you can catch local buses to other parts of the city.
- Route to Consider: Bus 3 connects to Nevsky Prospekt and other key central areas.
Insider Tip:
If you’re staying on Vasilievsky Island or near the Nevsky Prospekt area, metro and bus services from Vitebsky Station are both very convenient.
4. From Finland Station (Finlyandsky Railway Station)
The Finland Station is located in the western part of the city, near Vasileostrovsky Island, and is well connected to the metro system.
Metro Option:
- Closest Metro Station: Vasileostrovskaya (Green Line, Line 3)
- How to Get There: Vasileostrovskaya is just a few minutes’ walk from Finlyandsky Station. The walk is straightforward, and signs in the station will direct you to the metro.
- Directions: From Vasileostrovskaya, take the Green Line (Line 3) and head toward the city center. Nevsky Prospekt and St. Isaac’s Cathedral are just a few stops away.
Bus Option:
- Closest Bus Stops: You can find several bus stops near Finlyandsky Station with routes heading to the city center.
- Route to Consider: Bus 27 travels to Nevsky Prospekt, making it an easy option if your hotel is in this area.
Insider Tip:
- The Vasileostrovskaya metro station is deep underground, and the walk can be a bit tiring, especially if you’re carrying heavy luggage. If you’re not in a rush, consider taking a bus for a more comfortable ride to your hotel.
5. From Pulkovo Airport (LED)
Though not a train station, Pulkovo Airport is an important arrival point for tourists and is just a short distance from the city center. Here’s how to get to the city via public transport.
Metro and Bus Option:
- Closest Metro Station: Moskovskaya (Blue Line, Line 2)
- How to Get There: From Pulkovo Airport, you can take a bus (Route 39) directly to Moskovskaya Metro Station, which takes around 30-40 minutes. From there, you can transfer to the Blue Line to reach the city center.
- Cost: The bus fare is typically 50-70 rubles, and the metro fare from Moskovskaya is 55 rubles.
Taxi Option:
- If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to your hotel.
Insider Tip:
Taking the bus to Moskovskaya is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach the city center. However, if you’re in a rush or have a lot of luggage, a taxi or ride-sharing service can be more convenient.
Conclusion
Using public transport in Saint Petersburg is an affordable, efficient, and easy way to get from the train stations to your hotel. Whether you arrive at Moskovsky, Ladozhsky, Vitebsky, or Finlyandsky, you’ll find that the metro, buses, and even taxi options are well-connected to key areas in the city. By using the metro or buses, you’ll not only save money but also get to experience the city’s daily rhythm and culture while heading to your hotel. Make sure to plan your route in advance and enjoy your stress-free journey through Saint Petersburg!