Pulkovo Airport is about 17 km from St Petersburg's city centre. Transport costs are very low by European standards, making even private transfers affordable.
Full price breakdown
| Transport | Destination | Price | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 39E + metro | Nevsky Prospekt | RUB 135 / EUR 1.35 | 45-55 min |
| Bus 39 + metro | Nevsky Prospekt | RUB 135 / EUR 1.35 | 55-65 min |
| Yandex Go (off-peak) | City centre | RUB 800-1,500 / EUR 8-15 | 30-50 min |
| Yandex Go (rush hour) | City centre | RUB 1,200-2,500 / EUR 12-25 | 40-60 min |
| Official airport taxi | City centre | RUB 1,500-2,500 / EUR 15-25 | 30-50 min |
| Pre-booked transfer (sedan) | City centre | RUB 1,500-3,000 / EUR 15-30 | 30-50 min |
| Pre-booked transfer (minivan) | City centre | RUB 2,500-4,500 / EUR 25-45 | 30-50 min |
| Pre-booked transfer (business) | City centre | RUB 3,000-5,000 / EUR 30-50 | 30-50 min |
What affects the price
Traffic is the main variable. The route from Pulkovo to the centre passes through Moskovskiy Prospekt, which is heavily congested during morning (8-10 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) rush hours. A metered Yandex ride that costs RUB 900 off-peak can reach RUB 2,000 in traffic and with surge pricing.
Winter weather also affects pricing. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility slow traffic and can trigger surge pricing on ride-hailing apps.
Tips for saving money
Bus 39E to Moskovskaya metro is by far the cheapest option at RUB 135 total. The bus is clean, runs frequently, and the metro is efficient. This is what most locals use.
If you prefer a car, Yandex Go during off-peak hours is remarkably affordable. Avoid rush hours and you can reach the centre for under RUB 1,000 (EUR 10).
For groups of 3-4, a pre-booked sedan at RUB 2,000 works out to about RUB 500 (EUR 5) per person, which is barely more than public transport and far more convenient.
Payment considerations
International bank cards may face restrictions in Russia due to sanctions. Carry Russian Ruble cash as backup. ATMs at the airport dispense rubles. Pre-booked transfers paid online in advance avoid this issue entirely. The Yandex Go app may not accept all international cards.