Pulkovo Airport Transfers: Taxis & Public Transport

Navigating your way to or from an airport in a foreign city can often be a daunting task, especially when language barriers and unfamiliar transport systems come into play. St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport (LED), the city's sole aviation hub, serves as the primary gateway for millions of travellers each year. Located approximately 20 km south of the city centre, near iconic landmarks like Nevsky Avenue and Dvortsovaya Square, and just 9 km from the crucial Moskovskaya metro station, understanding your transport options is key to a smooth arrival or departure. This guide aims to demystify the journey, providing clear, practical advice on all available modes of transport, with a particular focus on taxi services, ensuring you can plan your trip with confidence.

This page has been UPDATED on January 4, 2020.

Understanding Your Transport Choices to/from Pulkovo Airport

When planning your journey to or from Pulkovo Airport, it's essential to be aware of the various options available. Unlike many major international airports, Pulkovo does not currently have a direct rail or express train connection. All public and commercial transport routes converge at the Moskovskaya subway station, which acts as a pivotal interchange point for onward travel into the city centre and other districts. There are broadly four primary ways to reach the airport:

• By private car
• By taxi
• By city public bus
• By commercial minibus (marshrutka)

Each option presents its own set of advantages regarding cost, convenience, and travel time. It's important to note that public transport services generally operate from 5:30 am until 1:00 am. Outside of these hours, typically between 1:00 am and 5:30 am, taxis become the sole viable option for airport transfers.

Public Transport: An Economical Approach

For budget-conscious travellers, St. Petersburg's public transport system offers a reliable and cost-effective way to connect with Pulkovo Airport. The airport operates a single terminal serving both domestic and international routes, making arrival and departure straightforward. Upon exiting the arrivals hall on the ground floor, you'll find the dedicated bus stops for routes heading into the city.

Bus Routes to Moskovskaya Metro Station

The primary public transport link from Pulkovo to the city is via bus routes that connect directly to the Moskovskaya metro station. This station is a crucial hub, from which you can easily access the vast Saint Petersburg metro network.

• Bus №39: This standard city bus operates frequently, typically every 10-15 minutes. It makes several intermediate stops, offering a more traditional bus service experience.
• Bus №39Э (Express): The express version of the №39 bus runs at slightly longer intervals but offers a faster journey as it bypasses intermediate stops.
• Commercial Minibus K-39 (Marshrutka): These private minibuses also run every 10 minutes, mirroring the route of the public buses to Moskovskaya. They are generally quicker due to fewer stops but can be less spacious.

The travel time for all these options from Pulkovo to Moskovskaya is consistently around 20-25 minutes. The fare for buses №39, №39Э, and minibuses K-39 is 50 rubles, with the same fare applying to any large luggage you bring onboard. It's crucial to remember that payments on public transport must be made in Russian rubles only; credit cards, Euros, or Dollars are not accepted. Therefore, ensure you have local currency exchanged at the VTB24 bank outlet on the ground floor of the airport upon arrival.

Onward Travel from Moskovskaya Metro Station

Once you arrive at the bus stop near the entrance to the Moskovskaya metro station, your journey into the heart of St. Petersburg or other districts becomes seamless. The metro provides the fastest way to navigate the city, with a journey to the city centre (e.g., Nevsky Avenue) taking approximately 15 minutes by subway.

From Moskovskaya, you can also access various land routes:

• K-11: Connects to Lomonosovskaya and Ploterarskaya subway stations.
• №3 (Public Bus): Important distinction here – this is a public bus, not to be confused with K-3. It travels towards Moskovsky (Moscow) railway station, Vosstanya Square, and Nevsky Avenue.
• K-3 and K-213: Commercial lines heading towards Sennaya Square.
• K-350: Services Vasilievsky Island via Sennaya Square.
• №180: Provides a route to the town of Pushkin.

Be vigilant about the difference between public bus routes (e.g., №3) and commercial lines (e.g., K-3), as their routes and fares can differ. If you have a significant amount of luggage, the public №39 or №39Э buses are often preferable as they offer more space compared to the K-39 minibuses.

Getting to Pulkovo Airport from the City

To reach Pulkovo Airport from the city, you'll again utilise the Moskovskaya metro station as your starting point. Buses №39, №39Э (express), and K-39 all depart for the airport from this location. When exiting the Moskovskaya metro station, note that there are four exits. You need to locate the stops situated near the McDonald's building, nestled between the buildings at Moskovsky Prospekt №195 and №197.

For subway users, finding this spot is straightforward with a little guidance. After exiting your metro train, follow the arrows on the wall that direct you. Once through the turnstiles, proceed to the end of the tunnel and turn left to find the bus stops. While the road to Pulkovo is rarely heavily congested, it's a wise precaution to allow ample time – approximately two hours before your scheduled departure – to account for travel time, security checks, and customs control at the airport.

Taxi Services: Convenience and Comfort

For many travellers, especially those with significant luggage, families, or simply seeking maximum convenience, a taxi remains the preferred mode of transport to and from Pulkovo Airport. While offering greater comfort and direct service, it's crucial to approach taxi services in St. Petersburg with a degree of awareness to ensure a fair price and reliable journey.

Avoiding Unofficial Taxis and Scams

A key piece of advice for arriving passengers is to book a taxi by phone or through a reputable online service rather than accepting offers from drivers soliciting clients directly at the airport exit or bus stops. These unofficial drivers often quote significantly inflated prices, and some may even display signs mimicking official airport taxi services when they are, in fact, private individuals operating outside regulated fares. While Pulkovo Airport does have its own designated taxi service, the city of St. Petersburg itself does not have "official," "municipal," or "state" taxis. All taxi operations within the city are run by private companies.

Estimated Taxi Fares

Official fares for airport taxis vary depending on your final destination within the city. Here are some approximate fares:

• From Pulkovo to Moskovskaya Metro Station: Approximately 650 rubles.
• From Pulkovo to Nevsky Avenue (City Centre): Typically ranges from 1050 to 1200 rubles.

While many private taxi companies in St. Petersburg do accept credit card payments, it's worth noting that finding an English-speaking driver can be challenging. If language is a concern, consider pre-booking a private transfer where language support might be guaranteed.

Private Transfers: The Premium Option

For ultimate peace of mind, especially when travelling with children, a large group, or extensive luggage, booking a private transfer online through an international aggregator is highly recommended. These services allow you to:

• Secure your payment: Often in your own currency, eliminating exchange rate worries upon arrival.
• Choose your vehicle: From economy cars for 4 passengers to minibuses accommodating up to 19, you can select the car class that best suits your needs.
• Request extras: Child seats or boosters can be pre-ordered for families.
• Guaranteed meet-and-greet: Your driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall with a nameplate upon your flight's arrival, assisting with luggage and ensuring a comfortable, direct journey to your hotel or destination.

This option provides a stress-free experience, knowing your transport is pre-arranged and paid for, avoiding any potential haggling or confusion at the airport.

Comparative Overview: Public Transport vs. Taxi

To help you decide which transport option is best for your needs, here's a comparative table:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a direct train or express service from Pulkovo Airport to St. Petersburg city centre?

A: No, Pulkovo Airport does not have a rail, aviaexpress, or other direct train connection. All public and commercial transport routes from the airport lead to the Moskovskaya metro station, from where you can take the subway or other land transport into the city.

Q: Can I pay for public transport from Pulkovo with Euros or US Dollars?

A: No, you are not permitted to pay in any currency other than the Russian ruble. Credit cards are also not accepted on public buses or minibuses. It's essential to exchange money at the airport upon arrival if you plan to use public transport.

Q: Are there any night transport services from Pulkovo Airport?

A: Public buses and minibuses typically operate from 5:30 am until 1:00 am. There are no night public transport services. If you arrive or depart during the night hours (approximately 1:00 am to 5:30 am), a taxi is your only transport option.

Q: How far is Pulkovo Airport from the St. Petersburg city centre?

A: Pulkovo Airport is located approximately 20 km south of the city centre, which includes key areas like Nevsky Avenue and Dvortsovaya Square. The nearest metro station, Moskovskaya, is about 9 km away.

Q: How can I avoid being overcharged by taxi drivers at Pulkovo Airport?

A: It is highly recommended to book your taxi by phone through a reputable local company or use an international online transfer aggregator in advance. Avoid accepting services from taxi drivers who wait for clients near the exit or at bus stops outside the terminal, as they are likely to offer inflated prices and may not be legitimate "official" taxis.

Q: Do St. Petersburg taxis accept credit cards?

A: Many private taxi companies in St. Petersburg do accept credit cards, but it's always advisable to confirm this with the driver or the booking service beforehand. Having some Russian rubles cash on hand is also recommended, especially for smaller fares or if card payment is unavailable.

Conclusion

Getting to and from Pulkovo Airport doesn't have to be a source of stress. Whether you prioritise affordability, speed, or comfort, there's a suitable option for every traveller. For those on a tight budget, the efficient public bus and marshrutka services to Moskovskaya metro station offer an excellent, low-cost solution, provided you have Russian rubles ready. For convenience, directness, and peace of mind, particularly with luggage or children, opting for a pre-booked taxi or private transfer is undoubtedly the superior choice. By understanding the available options, their costs, and potential pitfalls, you can ensure your journey to or from St. Petersburg is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on the delights of this magnificent city.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pulkovo Airport Transfers: Taxis & Public Transport, you can visit the Taxis category.