Quick answer
Pulkovo Airport (LED) is about 17 km south of St Petersburg city centre. There is no direct rail connection to the airport. The main public transport option is bus 39E to Moskovskaya metro station, which takes about 20 minutes and costs almost nothing. From Moskovskaya, the metro reaches Nevsky Prospekt in another 15 minutes. A taxi or pre-booked transfer to the city centre takes 30-50 minutes depending on traffic and costs RUB 1,000-2,500 (EUR 10-25).
What actually happens after landing
Pulkovo has a single modern terminal that opened in 2014. It is clean, well-organized, and manageable in size. International arrivals go through passport control, which can be slow when multiple flights land together. Russian immigration officers are thorough and the process takes time. Allow 20-45 minutes for immigration during peak periods.
Baggage claim is straightforward. Trolleys are free. After clearing customs, you enter the arrivals hall. There are ATMs, currency exchange counters, SIM card vendors, a few cafes, and car rental desks. The terminal has free Wi-Fi.
The bus stop is directly outside the terminal. Taxi services and pre-booked transfer drivers wait in the arrivals hall or just outside. Everything is signed in Russian and English.
Transport options explained honestly
Bus 39 is the regular (non-express) version, making more stops. It takes 30-40 minutes to reach Moskovskaya. Same fare.
Taxis via apps are the standard way locals get to and from the airport. Yandex Go is the dominant ride-hailing app in Russia. A ride to the city centre costs RUB 800-1,500 (EUR 8-15) at normal times. Surge pricing applies during rush hours and bad weather. Other apps like Uber (which merged with Yandex in Russia) work through the same platform.
Pre-booked transfers cost RUB 1,500-3,000 (EUR 15-30) for a sedan to the city centre. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Prices are fixed regardless of traffic. This is the most practical option for visitors who do not have a Russian phone number or the Yandex app installed.
Official airport taxis have a counter in the arrivals hall where you pay a fixed fare before getting in the car. Prices are higher than app-based taxis, typically RUB 1,500-2,500 (EUR 15-25) to the centre. The advantage is that you do not need an app.
Rental cars are available but driving in St Petersburg requires confidence. Traffic is heavy, road signs are in Cyrillic, and parking in the centre is difficult.
Realistic pricing expectations
Transport to St Petersburg city centre (Nevsky Prospekt area):
| Option | Price | Time | |--------|-------|------| | Bus 39E + metro | RUB 135 / EUR 1.35 | 45-55 min | | Yandex Go (off-peak) | RUB 800-1,500 / EUR 8-15 | 30-50 min | | Official airport taxi | RUB 1,500-2,500 / EUR 15-25 | 30-50 min | | Pre-booked transfer (sedan) | RUB 1,500-3,000 / EUR 15-30 | 30-50 min | | Pre-booked transfer (minivan) | RUB 2,500-4,500 / EUR 25-45 | 30-50 min |
To Petrogradskaya Side: similar to city centre prices. To Vasilievsky Island: add RUB 200-500. To Pushkin or Pavlovsk: RUB 800-1,200 (EUR 8-12) by taxi.
Late night arrivals
Bus 39E runs until around midnight, with the last departure varying slightly by schedule. The metro closes at approximately midnight as well. After midnight, your options are taxis (via Yandex Go, which operates 24 hours), official airport taxis from the counter, or pre-booked transfers. Taxi availability remains good because many flights arrive late. Pre-booked transfers are the most reliable late-night option, especially if you do not have the Yandex app set up.
Families and luggage
Bus 39E can handle luggage but it is cramped during peak hours. For families with multiple suitcases and children, a pre-booked minivan is the practical choice at RUB 2,500-4,500 (EUR 25-45). Child seats can be requested when booking. The airport has baby changing facilities and family restrooms. In winter, the walk from the terminal to the bus stop is short but cold. Dress children warmly before stepping outside.
Where you meet the driver
For pre-booked transfers, the driver waits in the arrivals hall near the exit, holding a sign with your name. For official airport taxis, go to the taxi counter in the arrivals hall, pay the fixed fare, and you are directed to a car outside. For Yandex Go rides, the pickup point is at the curb outside the arrivals exit.
Decision helper
Use Yandex Go if you have the app installed with a working payment method and want a cheap, quick ride.
Use the official airport taxi counter if you do not have a Russian phone number or ride-hailing app and want a fixed-price car.
Book a private transfer if you want someone waiting inside the terminal, especially for late flights, families, or your first visit to Russia.
Rent a car if you plan to drive outside the city to places like Peterhof, Pushkin, or Karelia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pulkovo Airport from St Petersburg centre?
About 17 km, which takes 30-50 minutes by car depending on traffic. By bus and metro combined, allow about 45-55 minutes to reach Nevsky Prospekt.
Is there a train from Pulkovo Airport to the city?
No. Pulkovo does not have a direct rail or metro connection. The main public transport is bus 39E to Moskovskaya metro station, then the metro into the city centre.
How much is a taxi from Pulkovo Airport to Nevsky Prospekt?
Via Yandex Go, about RUB 800-1,500 (EUR 8-15) at normal times. From the official airport taxi counter, RUB 1,500-2,500 (EUR 15-25) with a fixed price.
Does Uber work at Pulkovo Airport?
Uber merged with Yandex in Russia and operates through the Yandex Go app. Download Yandex Go before your trip for ride-hailing in St Petersburg.
What currency do I need for transport from Pulkovo?
Russian Rubles (RUB). ATMs in the arrivals hall dispense rubles. International cards may have restrictions due to sanctions. Carry some cash as a backup. Pre-booked transfers can be paid online in advance.
How cold is it arriving at Pulkovo in winter?
St Petersburg winters are harsh, with temperatures often below minus 10 degrees Celsius from December to February. The walk from the terminal to the bus or car is short but bitterly cold. Dress warmly before exiting the terminal.
Can I get a SIM card at Pulkovo Airport?
Yes. MTS, Beeline, and MegaFon have counters in the arrivals hall. A tourist SIM with data costs around RUB 500-1,000 (EUR 5-10). You need your passport to buy one.
How often does bus 39E run from Pulkovo?
Every 10-15 minutes during the day, less frequently in the evening. The journey to Moskovskaya metro takes about 20 minutes. The bus runs until approximately midnight.
Is Pulkovo Airport safe?
Yes. The terminal is modern, clean, and well-staffed. Standard travel awareness applies. Use official taxis or pre-booked transfers rather than accepting rides from unofficial drivers in the arrivals hall.
How much does a pre-booked transfer from Pulkovo cost?
A sedan to the city centre costs RUB 1,500-3,000 (EUR 15-30). Minivans for families or groups cost RUB 2,500-4,500 (EUR 25-45). Prices are fixed at booking.
Pulkovo Airport is well-connected to St Petersburg despite the lack of rail. The bus-metro combination is cheap and efficient. For convenience, especially on a first visit or in winter, a pre-booked transfer takes the uncertainty out of the journey. Transport costs from Pulkovo are very affordable by European standards.