Pulkovo Airport

Pulkovo Airport (LED) sits 20 kilometres south of St Petersburg's historic centre, serving as the primary air gateway for Russia's second-largest city. With a single modern terminal that replaced the old Pulkovo-1 and Pulkovo-2 buildings in 2015, it handles around 20 million passengers annually, connecting the Baltic region to domestic and international destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport's compact layout makes navigation straightforward, though its busiest periods — oddly concentrated around 10 pm on Monday through Thursday — can create bottlenecks at security and baggage claim.

Getting There

The most efficient way to reach Pulkovo from central St Petersburg is the Aeroexpress train, which departs from Moskovsky Vokzal (Moscow Station). The journey takes 30–35 minutes and runs every 30–60 minutes depending on the time of day. Tickets cost around 500–700 RUB (roughly $5–$8) and can be purchased online or at the station. The train arrives at the airport's lower level, directly below the check-in hall — an escalator ride away from departures.

Taxis are widely available but require negotiation or use of ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi or Uber. From the city centre, expect a 40–60 minute trip depending on traffic, with fares typically between 1000–1500 RUB. Public buses also serve the airport: routes 39 and 39E run from Moskovskaya Metro station to the terminal, taking about 20–30 minutes. The metro ride from the city centre to Moskovskaya adds another 20 minutes. For drivers, Pulkovo is accessible via the Pulkovskoye Highway (M-20), with paid parking lots located directly in front of the terminal. Parking costs vary, but short-term options start at around 150 RUB per hour.

Inside the Terminal

Pulkovo's single terminal handles both domestic and international flights, with check-in counters arranged by airline. The building is modern and clean, with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light. Signage is in Russian and English, though English translations are not always complete — passengers who do not speak Russian may need patience or a translation app.

Confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilet, and changing tables — making the terminal reasonably equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. The baggage storage service is located on the ground floor near the arrivals area, charging around 400–600 RUB per day depending on bag size. Toilets are available throughout, and are generally well-maintained.

Security screening is efficient during off-peak hours but can slow down around the 10 pm rush. Prepare for full-body scanners and carry-on size restrictions typical of Russian airports. After security, the departures area offers a range of shops (duty-free, souvenirs, convenience stores) and eating options including local chain cafes and fast food. Seating is adequate but fills up quickly near peak times. Power outlets are available near some seating areas, though adapters for European two-pin plugs may be needed.

Arrivals proceed to a baggage claim hall with two carousels, then into a wide arrivals hall where drivers and taxi touts cluster. The information desk is staffed during most flight times and can provide assistance in English. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal — connect to the "Pulkovo_Free" network, which requires a simple registration via SMS or social media login.

Pulkovo Airport and St Petersburg

St Petersburg is not just a stopover — it is one of Europe's most compelling destinations. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 on a marshy delta at the head of the Gulf of Finland, the city was built to be Russia's "window to the West." Its planned layout, with wide avenues and canals, earned it the nickname "Venice of the North." The city served as the imperial capital for over two centuries, until the Bolsheviks moved the government back to Moscow in 1918.

Traces of that imperial grandeur are everywhere. The State Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace and adjacent buildings, is one of the world's largest art museums — a visitor could spend weeks exploring its three million exhibits. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, built on the site of Alexander II's assassination, dazzles with its onion domes and interior mosaics. Nevsky Prospekt, the main thoroughfare, runs from the Admiralty to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, lined with palaces, churches, and shops. For a sense of scale, Peterhof (Peter's summer palace) sits 30 kilometres west of the city and features a Grand Cascade of fountains that rivals Versailles.

Culturally, St Petersburg is the heart of Russian ballet, opera, and classical music. The Mariinsky Theatre, under the direction of Valery Gergiev for decades, remains a world-class venue. During the summer, the White Nights festival (late May to July) brings near-24-hour daylight and a packed schedule of performances, including the Scarlet Sails celebration. The city's geography — built on dozens of islands in the Neva River delta — means that bridges are a defining feature. From April to November, the drawbridges open at night to allow ships to pass, temporarily cutting off parts of the city. Visitors staying on the wrong side of a bridge after 1 am may need to wait until morning to cross.

History runs deep here too: the 900-day Siege of Leningrad during World War II killed over a million residents, and memorials like the Piskaryovskoye Cemetery offer a sobering reminder. Yet the city today feels dynamic, with a vibrant cafe culture, contemporary art galleries, and a nightlife scene that thrives despite the northern latitude. For many travelers, St Petersburg is the highlight of a Russian trip — more intimate and walkable than Moscow, with a distinct European character that sets it apart.

Practical Information

Pulkovo Airport is open daily, though some services (shops, baggage storage) may have reduced hours overnight. The busiest times are Monday through Thursday at 10 pm, when multiple international flights depart simultaneously — plan to arrive at least three hours before departure if flying during these windows.

• Website: https://pulkovoairport.ru/
• Phone: +7 812 337-38-22 (24-hour information line)
• Address: 41 Pulkovskoye Shosse, St Petersburg, 196140

The airport has no hotel on site, but several options are within a 10-minute drive, including the Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovskaya and the Holiday Inn St. Petersburg Pulkovskoye. For currency exchange, the terminal has several bank kiosks, but rates are better in the city — withdraw cash from ATMs inside the terminal for convenience.

One concrete piece of advice: if you are taking the Aeroexpress train, buy your ticket online through the official website or app to skip the queue at the station's ticket counters. The digital ticket scans directly at the turnstile, saving 10–15 minutes that can make a difference during the busy 10 pm windows.