Pulkovo Airport handles flights throughout the evening and into the early morning. The terminal stays open, but ground transport options narrow after midnight. Plan ahead if your flight arrives late.
What stops and what keeps running
| Option | Last service | Night availability | |--------|-------------|-------------------| | Bus 39E | ~midnight | Not available until ~5:30 AM | | Metro | ~midnight | Not available until ~5:30 AM | | Yandex Go | 24 hours | Available but fewer drivers | | Airport taxi counter | 24 hours | Available | | Pre-booked transfer | 24 hours (if booked) | Driver guaranteed |
After midnight: your real options
Once bus 39E stops and the metro closes (both around midnight), you have three choices: Yandex Go, the official airport taxi counter, or a pre-booked transfer.
Yandex Go continues to operate but driver numbers drop after midnight. Wait times can increase to 15-20 minutes. Surge pricing may apply, especially on weekend nights. If the app works for you and you have patience, this is the cheapest car option at RUB 1,000-2,000 (EUR 10-20).
The official airport taxi counter stays open around the clock. Fixed fares to common destinations are displayed. Expect RUB 1,500-2,500 (EUR 15-25) to the city centre. No app or phone needed. Pay at the counter and walk to the car.
Pre-booked transfers are the most reliable option. The driver tracks your flight, waits regardless of delays, and meets you inside the terminal. No late-night surcharge from most providers. The price is fixed at RUB 1,500-3,000 (EUR 15-30) to the centre.
Winter late-night arrivals
Arriving after midnight in a St Petersburg winter is particularly challenging. Temperatures can be well below freezing, it is dark, and transport options are limited. A pre-booked transfer is not a luxury in these conditions. It is the sensible choice. Standing outside the terminal at 1 AM in minus 15 degrees waiting for a ride-hailing car is not something you want to experience after a long flight.
Terminal facilities at night
The terminal has limited food and drink options after midnight. A few vending machines and a 24-hour shop provide basics. The terminal is heated and safe for waiting. There is no dedicated airport hotel inside the terminal, but several hotels are within a 10-minute drive, including options in the Pulkovskaya area.
Planning advice
For flights arriving after 11 PM, book a transfer in advance. The cost is modest by European standards and the peace of mind is significant. Keep ruble cash as a backup. If you land after midnight and have no advance booking, the airport taxi counter is your simplest fallback.