# St Petersburg Airport Transfer Guide (LED) Practical guide to getting from Pulkovo Airport to St Petersburg centre. Real taxi, bus, and transfer prices, and what to expect after landing. **Airport:** LED **City:** St Petersburg **Country:** Russia **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led **Last updated:** 2026-03-27 --- ## Main Guide ### 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)**. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### 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 39E** runs from the airport to Moskovskaya metro station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs around **RUB 65 (EUR 0.65)**. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day. From Moskovskaya, you take the blue metro line to the city centre (Nevsky Prospekt, Ploshchad Vosstaniya). The metro costs **RUB 70 (EUR 0.70)**. Total journey time to Nevsky Prospekt is about 45-55 minutes. This is the cheapest and most reliable option. **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 **Take bus 39E and the metro if** you are travelling light, comfortable with public transport, and want to spend almost nothing. **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. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary 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. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving late at night at Pulkovo Airport: your real options **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/late-night 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. --- ### Pulkovo Airport: taxi vs pre-booked transfer compared **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/taxi-vs-transfer Getting a car from Pulkovo involves three main options: Yandex Go (the dominant ride-hailing app), the official airport taxi counter, or a pre-booked transfer. Each works differently and suits different travellers. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | Yandex Go | Airport taxi counter | Pre-booked transfer | |--------|-----------|---------------------|--------------------| | Price to centre | **RUB 800-1,500 / EUR 8-15** | **RUB 1,500-2,500 / EUR 15-25** | **RUB 1,500-3,000 / EUR 15-30** | | Pricing model | Dynamic (surge) | Fixed at counter | Fixed at booking | | Wait time | 5-10 min | 5-15 min | Driver waiting | | Meet and greet | Pickup at curb | Directed to car | Yes, inside terminal | | Payment | App (card issues possible) | Cash or Russian card | Card at booking (intl) | | Language | Russian mostly | Russian mostly | English arranged | | Vehicle choice | Economy to comfort | Standard sedan | Sedan, minivan, business | ## When Yandex Go is the best choice If you have the app installed with a working payment method and some Russian language ability, Yandex Go is the cheapest and quickest car option. Prices are transparent, you see the estimate before confirming, and drivers are tracked in real-time. The catch is that international cards may not work due to sanctions, drivers rarely speak English, and you need mobile data immediately after landing. ## When the airport taxi counter works The official taxi counter in the arrivals hall offers fixed prices to common destinations. You pay at the counter, receive a receipt, and are directed to a car outside. This requires no app or phone. The price is higher than Yandex but lower than a pre-booked transfer, and it is straightforward. Drivers are vetted and the cars are decent. ## When a pre-booked transfer makes sense For most international visitors, especially first-time visitors to Russia, a pre-booked transfer is the practical choice. You pay online before your trip (avoiding the international card issue in Russia), the driver waits inside the terminal with your name, and basic English communication is arranged. Transfers are especially valuable for winter arrivals when you do not want to figure out logistics in minus 15 degrees, for families needing child seats, and for late-night flights when other options thin out. ## The language factor This matters more in Russia than in most European countries. Very few taxi drivers speak English. Street signs, metro maps, and apps are in Cyrillic. A pre-booked transfer with an English-speaking driver (or at least English-language communication) removes a significant barrier, especially when your hotel address needs to be communicated clearly. ## Avoiding unofficial taxis Do not accept rides from people approaching you in the arrivals hall offering taxi services. These are unofficial and unregulated. Use only the official counter, Yandex Go, or a pre-booked transfer. This is a standard precaution in Russian airports. --- ### Getting from Pulkovo Airport to St Petersburg with kids and family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/family-and-kids Pulkovo Airport is manageable with children. The terminal is modern and compact. The main consideration for families is the weather (winter arrivals require serious preparation) and the language barrier when arranging transport. ## Winter arrivals with kids St Petersburg winters are severe. From November to March, temperatures regularly drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius, sometimes reaching minus 20 or colder. The walk from the terminal to a bus or car is short, but children need proper winter clothing before stepping outside. Dress them inside the warm terminal, not at the door. For winter family arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is strongly recommended. The driver waits inside the terminal, you walk straight to the car, and there is no standing outside in the cold waiting for a bus or ride-hailing car. ## Best transport option for families A pre-booked minivan costs **RUB 2,500-4,500 (EUR 25-45)** and comfortably fits a family of 4-5 with luggage. The driver meets you inside the arrivals hall and helps with bags. Child seats can be requested at booking. Specify the child's age and weight for the correct seat type. Russian traffic regulations require child restraint seats for children under 12. Standard taxis and Yandex Go cars do not carry them. If you need a child seat, a pre-booked transfer is your only reliable option. ## Public transport with kids Bus 39E to Moskovskaya metro is feasible with older children and light luggage. The bus is reasonably comfortable and the metro is clean and efficient. However, the metro involves stairs and escalators, which is challenging with strollers and heavy bags. There are no elevators at Moskovskaya station. For families with strollers, skip public transport and use a transfer or taxi. ## Airport facilities Pulkovo has baby changing rooms and family restrooms in the terminal. There is a pharmacy and small shops for basic supplies. A children's play area is available in the departure zone but not the arrivals area. The terminal is fully accessible with ramps and elevators. ## Timing advice Avoid rush hour arrivals (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM) when Moskovskiy Prospekt is heavily congested. The journey to the city centre can double in duration during peak traffic. Weekend and midday arrivals are smoother. During the White Nights season (late May to mid-July), St Petersburg is at its most beautiful and family-friendly, with long daylight hours and mild temperatures. This is the best time to visit with children. --- ### How much does it cost to get from Pulkovo Airport to St Petersburg? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/cost-to-city 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. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/led/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at St Petersburg (LED). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.