Pulkovo Airport

St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) is Russia's fourth-busiest airport and the primary gateway to St. Petersburg, the country's cultural capital. Located 23 km south of the city center, the airport served nearly 21 million passengers in 2024, making it one of Europe's 30 busiest airports.

The airport operates a single modern terminal (Terminal 1), which opened in 2014, replacing the older Pulkovo-1 and Pulkovo-2 terminals. The building is organized across multiple levels:

• Ground floor: Arrivals hall, car rental, some restaurants
• First floor: Check-in counters, departures
• Second floor: Domestic departures (Sector A)
• Third floor: Domestic gates, domestic business lounge
• Fourth floor: International departures (Sector B), international business lounge

The terminal handles both domestic and international flights from a single building, with clear separation between domestic (Sector A) and international (Sector B) operations. The compact design makes navigation straightforward.

Airlines and hubs: LED serves as a hub for Rossiya Airlines (Aeroflot Group) and a focus city for Smartavia. The airport connects St. Petersburg primarily to domestic Russian destinations, CIS countries, and select international routes.

Pulkovo Airport is located 23 km south of St. Petersburg city center. There is no direct rail or metro connection to the airport.

Travel time overview:

• Taxi/Yandex to city center: 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Bus + Metro to Nevsky Prospekt: 50-70 minutes
• Bus to Moskovskaya Metro: 30-35 minutes

The main transport hub is Moskovskaya Metro Station, connected to the airport by frequent bus services.

Yandex Go

Yandex Go is the dominant rideshare platform in Russia (Uber does not operate in Russia). It is the officially recommended service by Pulkovo Airport.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to taxi pickup outside arrivals
• How to book: Download the Yandex Go app (requires Russian phone number for registration)
• Fare to city center: RUB 1,000-1,500 (~$10-15 USD)
• Travel time: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic

Official Taxi

Licensed taxis are available outside the arrivals hall.

Destination	Fare	Time
Nevsky Prospekt	RUB 1,100-1,500	30-50 min
Moskovskaya Metro	RUB 400-600	15-20 min
Hermitage area	RUB 1,200-1,600	35-55 min
Moscow Station	RUB 1,000-1,400	30-45 min

Warning: Avoid unofficial taxi drivers who approach you inside the terminal. These unlicensed operators typically charge significantly more. Use only official taxi stands or book via Yandex Go.

Car Sharing

Car sharing services operate at Pulkovo with pickup/dropoff at parking lots P2 and P3:

• Delimobil
• Yandex.Drive
• BelkaCar

Download apps in advance. Note: Requires Russian driver's license or international driving permit.

There is no metro station at Pulkovo Airport. Buses connect to metro stations on the southern end of the St. Petersburg Metro network.

Bus to Moskovskaya Metro (Line 2 - Blue)

The most popular route for reaching central St. Petersburg.

Bus 39:

• Frequency: Every 5-7 minutes
• Journey time: 30-35 minutes to Moskovskaya
• Hours: 5:15 AM to 1:40 AM
• Fare: RUB 65 (~$0.70 USD)

Bus 39E (Express):

• Frequency: Every 13-20 minutes
• Journey time: 25-30 minutes (fewer stops)
• Hours: 5:15 AM to 1:40 AM
• Fare: RUB 65

From Moskovskaya, take Metro Line 2 (Blue) north to reach central St. Petersburg:

• Nevsky Prospekt: 15 minutes (transfer available to Line 3)
• Ploshchad Vosstaniya (Moscow Station): 12 minutes

Metro fare: RUB 70 (~$0.75 USD)

Total cost airport to city center: RUB 135 (~$1.50 USD)

Bus to Prospekt Veteranov Metro (Line 1 - Red)

Bus 82E:

• Frequency: Every 15 minutes
• Journey time: 25 minutes
• Hours: 6:05 AM to 1:41 AM
• Fare: RUB 65

This route is useful for destinations in the southwestern part of the city.

Buying Bus Tickets

Purchase tickets from:

• Kiosk at the airport bus stop
• Podorozhnik transport card (rechargeable)
• Cash payment to driver

Tip: The St. Petersburg Metro operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Plan accordingly for early morning or late-night flights.

Pulkovo offers multiple parking options with varying proximity to the terminal.

Lot	Distance	Rate per Hour	Daily Max
P8	1 min walk	RUB 500	RUB 1,000
P1	2 min walk	RUB 1,100	RUB 2,100
P2	3 min walk	RUB 400/30 min	Short-term only
P4	10 min walk	—	RUB 1,600

P4 Long-term rates:

• 1 day: RUB 1,600 (~$17 USD)
• 1 week: RUB 10,000 (~$110 USD)

P0 Free Zone: Free parking for stays under 5 minutes, located further from the terminal on Pulkovskoe Shosse.

Drop-off/Pick-up: The terminal approach area is free for stays under 15 minutes. Stays over 15 minutes incur a fee of RUB 2,000.

Tip: Parking tickets provide discounts at select airport shops and restaurants.

Pulkovo Terminal 1 offers a variety of dining options across multiple levels. Most restaurants are located in the central area after security.

Quick Service

• McDonald's: Ground floor, familiar fast food
• Burger King: Fire-grilled burgers, quick service
• PIQNIQ: Grab-and-go snacks and combo baskets

Cafes & Coffee

• Starbucks: 24 hours, ground floor
• Puro Gusto: 24 hours, first floor, Italian coffee and pastries
• Costa Coffee: Quality Italian-style coffee

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Grill & Bar Ranch: Burgers and steaks from Black Angus beef, 10 burger varieties
• Il Patio: Italian restaurant, 24 hours, ground floor
• Planet Sushi: Japanese and pan-Asian cuisine
• O'Reilly Irish Pub: Traditional pub fare, wide drink selection

Specialty

• Craft: Local farm products, wine shop and cafe combined
• Ice Bar: Cocktails, cold drinks, espresso in a stylish setting

Budget tip: Restaurants at the airport are reasonably priced by European standards. Expect RUB 600-1,200 ($6-13) for a meal. Grab-and-go options at kiosks offer cheaper alternatives.

Free WiFi is available throughout Pulkovo Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Pulkovo Free WiFi by OBIT
Registration	Phone number required
Time limit	240 minutes (4 hours)
Speed	Adequate for browsing and messaging

How to connect:

1. Select "Pulkovo Free WiFi by OBIT" from available networks
2. Enter your mobile phone number (international numbers accepted, format: +country code + number)
3. Receive an incoming call (do not answer) - the last 4 digits of the calling number are your access code
4. Enter the code on the authorization page

Note: Phone verification is required per Russian government regulations.

Important 2025 Update: Purchasing SIM cards in Russia has become significantly more difficult for foreign visitors. Since January 1, 2025, Russian regulations require all SIM cards to be linked to the Gosuslugi government services platform, making it nearly impossible for short-term tourists to obtain local SIMs through normal channels.

What to Know

• SIM card kiosks from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and Tele2 are located in the arrivals hall
• Registration now requires passport, biometric verification, and Gosuslugi account linkage
• The process can take several days and may not be feasible for short visits

Alternatives

• Airport WiFi: Free 4-hour sessions throughout the terminal
• eSIM: Some international eSIM providers may offer Russia coverage (verify before travel)
• Roaming: Check if your home carrier offers affordable Russia roaming packages
• Messaging apps: WhatsApp and Telegram work on WiFi without a local SIM

Recommendation: For short visits, rely on hotel and restaurant WiFi rather than attempting to purchase a local SIM.

Currency

• Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
• Symbol: ₽

ATMs

ATMs from major Russian banks are available throughout the terminal:

• Sberbank
• VTB
• Alfa-Bank
• Tinkoff

ATM locations: Arrivals hall, departures area, and near check-in counters.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters are located in the arrivals and departures areas.

Warning: Exchange rates at Pulkovo Airport are significantly worse than in the city center. If possible:

• Exchange only a small amount for immediate transport needs
• Use ATMs for better rates (check your bank's international withdrawal fees)
• Exchange larger amounts at banks in central St. Petersburg

Important Notes on Payment Cards

Sanctions impact: Due to international sanctions, most foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) do not work in Russia. This includes:

• ATM withdrawals
• Card payments at shops and restaurants
• Online transactions

What works:

• Cash (bring USD or EUR to exchange, or RUB if obtainable before travel)
• UnionPay cards (some acceptance)
• Mir cards (Russian payment system)

Tip: Bring sufficient cash in USD or EUR for your entire trip. Major currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices throughout St. Petersburg.

Pulkovo offers duty-free shopping for international departures and a range of retail options throughout the terminal.

Duty-Free

Dufry operates the duty-free shops at Pulkovo:

• Walk-through Duty Free: 1,900 sqm store after passport control in international departures, featuring perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco, confectionery, and fashion accessories
• Duty Free Express: Smaller format in the international departures area
• Duty Free Arrivals: 102 sqm store in the international arrivals hall

Brands: Bacardi, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Macallan, Moet & Chandon, Lindt, Godiva, Dolce & Gabbana, Lancome, Chloe, Burberry, Versace, Gucci, Hugo Boss

Reserve & Collect: Pre-order products at stpetersburg.shopdutyfree.com for collection at the store.

Other Shops

• KIDS concept store: Aviation-themed children's toy store
• Souvenir shops: Russian handicrafts, matryoshka dolls, amber jewelry
• Convenience stores: Snacks, magazines, travel essentials

Tip: The best shopping selection is in the international departures area after passport control.

Pulkovo Airport has several lounge options for both domestic and international passengers.

Aeroflot Lounges

Aeroflot Domestic Lounge (3rd floor):

• Access: Aeroflot Business Class, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi, showers, comfortable seating

Aeroflot International Lounge (4th floor):

• Access: Aeroflot Business Class, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi, showers, comfortable seating

Priority Pass Lounges

Business Lounge (Priority Pass):

• Access: Priority Pass members, pay at door
• Restrictions: Maximum 2-hour stay; intercity flights only
• Amenities: Light refreshments, local beer, select wines, WiFi
• Notes: May restrict access during peak periods

Other Lounges

International Business Lounge (4th floor):

• Access: Pay at door, prepaid lounge passes
• Amenities: WiFi, showers, newspapers, light refreshments, alcoholic beverages
• Price: Walk-in access available

Domestic Business Lounge (3rd floor):

• Access: Pay at door (~RUB 1,652)
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Showers, food, drinks, WiFi

AviaPanorama Business Lounge (Sector B, Level 3):

• Access: Pay at door (~RUB 1,652)
• Amenities: Showers available

SNG Lounge (Sector B, Level 1, near Gate 11):

• Access: Pay at door (~RUB 652)
• Budget option: Basic amenities

Tip: For the best lounge experience, arrive with SkyTeam Elite status or Aeroflot Business Class ticket to access the 24/7 Aeroflot lounges.

Hotels near Pulkovo Airport range from capsule hotels inside the terminal to full-service properties nearby.

At the Airport

Cosmos Saint-Petersburg Pulkovo Airport Hotel (formerly Park Inn by Radisson):

• Connected to terminal via covered walkway
• 200 modern rooms with free WiFi
• Only true "airport hotel" at Pulkovo
• From RUB 6,000/night (~$65 USD)

Aerosleep Capsule Hotel:

• Inside Terminal 1, first floor
• Compact sleeping pods for short stays
• Ideal for overnight layovers
• Hourly rates available

Near the Airport

Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg Airport:

• Free shuttle to terminal
• 294 rooms, full business facilities
• 24-hour fitness center and spa
• From RUB 7,000/night (~$75 USD)

Hilton St. Petersburg Expoforum:

• 7 km from airport
• Modern business hotel
• From RUB 8,000/night (~$85 USD)

Domina Pulkovo:

• Apartment hotel and classic hotel combined
• Spa & Wellness complex with pool (opened 2024)
• Good for extended stays

St. Petersburg is Russia's cultural capital, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring baroque and neoclassical architecture, world-class museums, and an extensive canal network that earned it the nickname "Venice of the North."

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Nevsky Prospekt	50-60 min	Bus 39 + Metro Line 2
The Hermitage	55-70 min	Bus + Metro + walk
Church on Spilled Blood	60-75 min	Bus + Metro + walk
Peter and Paul Fortress	65-80 min	Bus + Metro + walk
Mariinsky Theatre	60-75 min	Bus + Metro + walk/taxi
Moscow Station (for trains)	50-60 min	Bus 39 + Metro Line 2

Must-See Attractions

The State Hermitage Museum: One of the world's largest and oldest museums with over 3 million items, housed in the Winter Palace. Plan at least half a day; seeing everything is impossible in one visit.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Iconic Russian Orthodox church with colorful onion domes and stunning mosaic interiors. Built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated.

Nevsky Prospekt: St. Petersburg's main boulevard, stretching 4.5 km with shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and the 18th-century Gostiny Dvor shopping arcade.

Peter and Paul Fortress: The original citadel of St. Petersburg on Zayachy Island, featuring the Peter and Paul Cathedral where Russian tsars are buried.

Peterhof Palace: The "Russian Versailles" with spectacular fountains and gardens, located 30 km west of the city. Take a hydrofoil from the city center in summer.

Travel Tips

• White Nights: Visit mid-June to early July to experience nearly 24-hour daylight and festive atmosphere
• Metro: St. Petersburg's metro is one of the world's deepest, with ornate Soviet-era stations worth seeing
• Language: English is not widely spoken; download offline Russian translation
• Cash: Bring sufficient cash due to payment card restrictions (see Cash & ATMs section)
• Museums: Many museums are closed on Mondays; the Hermitage is closed on Tuesdays
• Weather: Winters are cold and dark (November-February); summers are mild with long days

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Stay at airport, explore shops and restaurants
• 6-hour layover: Quick taxi to Nevsky Prospekt, see one attraction
• 8+ hour layover: Visit the Hermitage or Church on Spilled Blood
• Full day: Combine Hermitage with a canal boat tour and dinner on Nevsky Prospekt

Day Trips

• Peterhof: 45 min by hydrofoil (summer) or 1 hour by bus, spectacular palace and fountains
• Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo): 30 min by train, Catherine Palace with the famous Amber Room
• Pavlovsk: 35 min by train, neoclassical palace with beautiful English-style park
• Kronstadt: 1 hour by bus, island fortress and naval cathedral

Russian Specialties

• Borscht: Beetroot soup, often with sour cream
• Pelmeni: Russian dumplings with meat filling
• Blini: Thin pancakes served with caviar, sour cream, or jam
• Beef Stroganoff: Sauteed beef in sour cream sauce
• Pirozhki: Stuffed buns with various fillings
• Kvass: Traditional fermented rye bread drink