Getting around St. Petersburg is more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s part of the adventure. Underground, the metro hides marble palaces; above ground, buses, trolleybuses, and trams wind through historic neighborhoods, while marshrutkas zigzag along lesser-known routes. And if you’re after comfort, taxis and ride-hailing apps are always within reach. In this article, I’ll explain how the city’s public transportation works, what your options are, how much they cost, and the best way to get around depending on your trip.
1. The St. Petersburg Metro
The best way to get around St. Petersburg is by metro, as it’s the fastest, most efficient, and most reliable means of transportation, especially for longer distances. While it’s not as famous or as grand as the Moscow Metro, St. Petersburg’s metro also features some truly stunning stations—architectural gems that are worth a visit on their own. Some of the highlights include Ploshchad Vosstaniya, Tekhnologichesky Institut, Baltiyskaya, Narvskaya, Kirovsky Zavod, and above all, Avtovo, known for its decorated glass columns and often ranked among the most beautiful stations in the world.
- Website: http://www.metro.spb.ru/en/
The St. Petersburg metro holds several records: it’s the deepest metro system in the world (with stations more than 80 meters underground) and the second longest in Russia, just behind Moscow’s. The network currently has five lines and over 70 stations, covering most of the city and its outskirts. Each line has an official name, but locals usually refer to them by their map color: red, blue, green, purple, and yellow. Thanks to this network, you can easily move between top tourist spots like Nevsky Avenue, the Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress, and the main train stations.
The metro runs daily from around 5:45 a.m. to midnight, with very frequent trains—every 2 to 3 minutes during peak hours. Stations are well marked, and while announcements are usually only in Russian, station names are displayed in both Cyrillic and Latin letters, making it easier for tourists to navigate. Plus, many ticket machines have an English language option.
One unique feature of the St. Petersburg metro is the length of its escalators. Because of the stations’ depth, some escalators can take up to 3 minutes to go up or down—something to keep in mind if you’re in a hurry. Security checks and metal detectors are also common at station entrances, as part of standard safety measures.
Using the metro is simple and affordable. You can pay per ride with a single-use token (жетон) or get a rechargeable card like the Podorozhnik, which offers discounted fares and also works on buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Another great option if you plan to travel frequently during your stay is a multi-day transport pass, allowing unlimited rides on the metro and surface transport for 1, 3, or 5 days (I explain this in more detail below). Whichever option you choose, taking the metro is not only practical but also gives you the chance to enjoy some of Europe’s most artistic and unique stations, turning each trip into a mini cultural experience.
The Most Beautiful Metro Stations to See in St. Petersburg
Getting around St. Petersburg by metro isn’t just the fastest and cheapest way to explore the city—it’s also an opportunity to discover these architectural gems that blend history, art, and culture. If you have time, it’s worth hopping off at these stations, even if they’re not on your direct route. Each one is like a small underground museum that will surprise and impress you.
1. Avtovo: A Glass Underground Palace
Avtovo is arguably the most spectacular metro station in St. Petersburg and one of the most beautiful in the world. Its stunning main hall is supported by 46 columns, 16 of which are covered in carved glass that sparkles in the light, while the rest are made of marble. The station’s design pays tribute to the defense of Leningrad during World War II, with a huge mosaic dedicated to victory and details like swords and laurel wreaths on lamps and chandeliers.
In 2014, The Guardian named it one of the 12 most beautiful metro stations in the world. It has also appeared in films, such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (1980), where it portrayed an abandoned English station.
What to see near Avtovo:
- Peter Semenenko Square.
- “Anna Akhmatova. The Silver Age” Museum.
- Avtovo Circus.
2. Narvskaya: Soviet Worker Pride
Narvskaya is a tribute to the Soviet worker. Its walls are decorated with reliefs depicting workers, peasants, soldiers, and engineers. Every detail reflects the collective spirit and industrial effort of the USSR. The station’s monumental style and use of marble showcase the socialist ideal of glorifying the worker.
What to see near Narvskaya:
- Narva Gate, a triumphal arch.
- Yekateringof Park, a green haven with ponds.
3. Ploshchad Vosstaniya: The Underground Revolution
Located on Uprising Square, this station blends elegance and historical tribute. Its lobby is lit by chandeliers and adorned with a large mosaic about the October Revolution. It’s a key station, directly connecting to Moskovsky Railway Station and bustling Nevsky Avenue.
What to see near Ploshchad Vosstaniya:
- Uprising Square and its obelisk.
- Moskovsky Railway Station.
- Galeria Shopping Mall.
- Nevsky Avenue.
- Hero City of Leningrad Obelisk.
4. Kirovsky Zavod: Temple of Industry
At Kirovsky Zavod, everything revolves around heavy industry and Soviet technology. The station’s reliefs and sculptures depict factories, gears, and workers, creating a solemn and powerful atmosphere. It feels like a museum dedicated to Russia’s industrial past, with unmistakable Stalinist aesthetics.
What to see near Kirovsky Zavod:
- Kirov Industrial Plant and its history museum.
- Church of St. Nicholas of Myra.
5. Admiralteyskaya: A Deep Station with a Naval Soul
Admiralteyskaya isn’t just the deepest station in the St. Petersburg metro (a whopping 86 meters underground!)—it’s also one of the most elegant. Its décor is inspired by the maritime world: mosaics with ships, anchors, and helms; floors with compass roses; and details that evoke the city’s naval spirit.
What to see near Admiralteyskaya:
- The Hermitage Museum.
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
- Palace Square.
- The Admiralty.
- Alexander Garden.
6. Zenit: The Soccer Station
Zenit, formerly known as Novokrestovskaya, was opened in 2018 for the FIFA World Cup and is located next to the Gazprom Arena stadium. Its design pays tribute to the Zenit St. Petersburg football club, featuring trophies and details that reflect the city’s passion for soccer. The walls are lined with dark blue stone and white accents symbolizing the waves of the Gulf of Finland.
What to see near Zenit:
- Gazprom Arena stadium.
- Maritime Victory Park.
- Divo Ostrov amusement park.
7. Alexander Nevsky Square-2: Golden Scales Underground
This station stands out with its walls covered in golden metallic panels resembling armor or a scale mesh. When a train arrives, the lights reflect off the walls, creating a magical effect. In the transfer area between lines, there’s a famous mosaic featuring riders—a fun detail is that there are five riders but only four horses, a quirky mistake locals like to point out with humor.
What to see near Alexander Nevsky Square:
- Alexander Nevsky Lavra Monastery.
- Necropolis of famous Russians (Lomonosov, Fonvizin, Witte).
- The start of Nevsky Avenue.
St. Petersburg Metro Fares – 2025
The St. Petersburg metro offers a wide variety of tickets and transport cards to fit different needs. From single-use tickets for occasional rides to multi-day passes or rechargeable cards with discounted fares, there’s an option for every type of traveler. Here’s a clear and simple breakdown of the main choices and which one is best if you’re visiting the city.
1. Single ticket (жетон)
- Price: 81 rubles
- Includes: one metro ride
- Extra luggage fee: 81 rubles. In theory, you’re supposed to pay an extra 81 rubles for large bags, but this rule is rarely enforced.
2. Unified tickets (valid on metro + bus + tram + trolleybus)
Daily passes:
- 1 day: 311 rubles
- 3 days: 598 rubles
- 5 days: 1058 rubles
90-minute ticket:
- Price: 90 rubles
- Includes 1 metro ride and unlimited surface transfers within 90 minutes.
3. Metro passes
- General monthly pass: 3105 rubles
- Students: 851 rubles
4. “Единый билет” (Unified Ticket) rechargeable card
- Discounted fare per trip with card: 56 rubles
- Note: If you tap twice within a short time, the full fare of 81 rubles is charged.
5. Payment with bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Мир) at turnstiles
- Visa, Mastercard, Mir (contactless): 81 rubles
- Mir EKP (St. Petersburg city card): 56 rubles
Practical summary for tourists (5 days in St. Petersburg):
For foreign tourists staying 5 days, the main options are:
- 5-day unified ticket → 1058 rubles (~€11-12)
- Allows unlimited rides on the metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus.
- Purchase at metro station ticket counters or machines.
- Best if you plan multiple trips per day.
- Rechargeable EB card (like Podorozhnik):
- Card price: 80 rubles (deposit).
- Per ride: 56 rubles (discounted vs. 81-ruble single ticket).
- Recommended if you make only 2-3 trips daily.
If you plan to explore the city intensively, visiting several tourist spots each day, the 5-day unified ticket (1058 rubles) is the most convenient and cost-effective option in the medium term.
If you only use the metro once or twice a day, it may be slightly cheaper to pay with the EB card (56 rubles/ride), though you’ll lose the freedom of unlimited travel.
Another convenient option is to pay directly with your Visa or MasterCard at the turnstiles, so you don’t even need to buy a ticket at the counter. The problem is that currently, due to international sanctions, foreign cards don’t work in Russia—only Russian Mir cards are accepted.
2. Buses, Trolleybuses, and Trams
Since the St. Petersburg metro doesn’t reach everywhere and its station network isn’t very dense, you’ll need to combine it with buses and perhaps also trolleybuses or trams. The bus fare is 75 rubles and is usually paid when boarding, either in cash or by card. There are bus lines that go to some tourist attractions outside the city center, like the Peterhof Gardens or the Catherine Palace.
As for payment, buses have two main options. If you pay directly to the driver or the conductor on board, the single ticket currently costs 75 rubles per ride. However, you can also use a unified pass or a rechargeable card like the Podorozhnik by tapping it at the reader when you board.
One big advantage of buses is that they reach tourist sites without direct metro access. For example, to visit Peterhof, you can take the metro’s red line to Avtovo Station and, upon exit, catch bus No. 200 or 210, which goes straight to the Peterhof Palace entrance. These buses are part of the municipal transit system, so you can use the same Podorozhnik card or transport pass at no extra cost.
The same applies if you want to go to Catherine Palace in Pushkin: take the blue metro line to Moskovskaya Station and then bus No. 187 or 342, which are also part of the public network.
Buses generally operate from around 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., although frequency varies depending on the line and time of day. Main stops usually display line numbers, although most signage is in Russian. To plan your routes, Yandex Maps is very useful, showing in real time which bus to take and where to get off.
In short, St. Petersburg buses are an affordable and accessible option for tourists. They let you get around the city and reach destinations like Peterhof or Catherine Palace without needing taxis or organized tours. If you plan to use them frequently, it’s best to get a unified pass for metro and bus:
- 1 day: 311 rubles
- 3 days: 598 rubles
- 5 days: 1058 rubles
3. Marshrutkas
Marshrutkas (маршрутки) are shared minibuses that are very popular in St. Petersburg, operated by private companies. While their fares can be slightly higher than municipal public transport, they offer direct routes and higher frequency, making them a convenient option for getting around the city.
Marshrutka fares in 2025
- Standard price: around 75 rubles per ride.
- Payment: directly to the driver, usually in cash.
- Variable rates: depending on the route and operator, some marshrutkas may charge slightly higher fares.
Important considerations
- Private companies: marshrutkas are not integrated into the municipal public transport system, so they don’t accept cards like Podorozhnik or transport passes.
- Specific routes: they cover routes that are sometimes not well served by traditional public transport, reaching peripheral or less accessible areas.
- Flexibility: although they have fixed stops, passengers can usually request to get off at intermediate points, adding flexibility to the service.
Recommendation for tourists
If you plan to visit specific or less accessible areas of St. Petersburg, marshrutkas can be a useful option. However, for general city travel and tourist visits, the municipal public transport system (metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses) is more economical and better integrated, especially if you use cards like Podorozhnik or transport passes.
4. Taxi
Finally, another way to get around St. Petersburg is by taxi, which can be especially useful if you need to comfortably reach the outskirts, are traveling with large luggage, or prefer to avoid public transport at certain hours. Taxis are practical for trips like going to or from Pulkovo Airport, visiting distant places like Peterhof Gardens or Catherine Palace in Pushkin, or simply getting around at night when the metro is closed.
Both traditional taxis and ride-hailing services operate in St. Petersburg. The most recommended option is to use digital platforms like Yandex Go (formerly Yandex Taxi), which works similarly to Uber and lets you order a taxi from your phone, see the estimated fare before confirming the trip, and pay directly through the app or in cash. This app usually offers lower prices and avoids the problem of overcharging or haggling that sometimes happens with taxis hailed on the street. Another alternative, if you prefer to book in advance in English or from abroad, is Intui Travel, which lets you arrange private car transfers with a fixed rate and a driver waiting for you with a sign at the airport or your hotel.
Taxi prices in St. Petersburg are quite affordable compared to many European capitals. For example, a ride within the city center can cost between 300 and 500 rubles (~€3–5), depending on distance and traffic. A taxi from the center to Pulkovo Airport usually costs between 1000 and 1500 rubles (~€10–15) with Yandex Taxi, while Intui Travel rates tend to be a bit higher since they’re pre-booked with extra services. To reach Peterhof or Pushkin, expect to pay between 1200 and 2000 rubles, depending on the time and app used.
If you decide to take a taxi directly on the street, make sure it’s an official vehicle (with a taximeter and visible license), as “unofficial taxis” or informal drivers may charge exorbitant rates to tourists. Also, it’s uncommon for taxi drivers to speak English, so it’s a good idea to show the address written in Russian or in the app.
A useful tip: taxi apps in Russia are integrated with the local payment system, so Visa or Mastercard cards issued outside Russia may not work. It’s safest to carry cash in rubles or link the app to a compatible card or alternative payment method. Overall, Yandex Go is the most popular choice among locals and visitors for its reliability, pricing, and extensive city coverage.
In short, taking a taxi in St. Petersburg is a comfortable, affordable, and safe option if booked through an app or official platform. It’s especially recommended if you’re traveling with luggage, need to reach places outside the center, or want comfort during nighttime hours. If you plan to use it multiple times, downloading the Yandex Go app before your trip is a very smart move.
I hope this guide has been helpful in planning your travels around St. Petersburg. Have a great trip and enjoy the city!
