Transport in St Petersburg

A busy five-million large Russian metropolis, Saint-Petersburg possesses an excellent public transportation system. In addition to the vast metro network, there are trams, buses, trolleybuses, taxis, route taxis, and private cars. Suburban trains run from the city to all surrounding areas.

Metro

Launched half a century ago (1955), St Petersburg metro is the deepest and among the most impressive subways in the world. At present it has four lines in operation, with 59 stations, marked with a large “M” and having separate doors for entrance and exit. Metro stations are open daily from 5:30a.m. to 1 a.m. You can transfer from one line to another until 0:15 a.m. Trains run every one to two minutes during peak periods, and three to five minutes at night. Tokens as well as plastic discount cards are available at all stations. You pay the same price for any ride, irrespective of its length. The four metro lines are #1 (red), #2 (blue), #3 (green) and #4 (orange). Line one is particularly renowned for its spectacular stations.

Trams

It is quite appropriate to call St. Petersburg the “city of trams”: it has more trams than any other city in the world and trams have been a constant presence in the city since 1862. Tram stops are marked with a “T” on signs above the traps. All trams have conductors on board who you should pay in cash, unless you have a monthly pass. Trams run from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Buses

The bus network in St Petersburg is extensive and fairly efficient. Bus stops are marked by signs with the letter “A” which stands for “autobus” There are several types of buses: regular municipal buses, which have conductors on board; T-buses (taxi-buses) that accept cash only; E-buses (express buses) – larger and more comfortable, and twice as expensive as the metro. You can find express busses now on all major routes. Also popular are commercial vans, or route taxis, called in Russian “marshrutniye taksi” or “marshrutki”. Perhaps the most efficient means of transport in the city, these carry 10-15 people and stop only for the passengers to get on or off.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses are essentially electric buses that get power from electric wires. Along with trams, trolleybuses and the most environmentally-friendly public transport in St. Petersburg , though not the fastest. They can get crowded at times, particularly during rush-hour. Trolleybus stops are marked with the blue letter “T”. The fare on trolleys is the same as on trams and municipal buses. Trolleybuses also generally run from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Taxis

St. Petersburg does not have as many cabs as New York or London, but there are still plenty available in the center. Nowadays there are both official taxis with a checked logo on the doors and a dome light on the roof, and private taxis that come in all shapes and sizes. They usually work either with tourists or with well-off Russians at airports, railway stations, hotels, restaurants and clubs, and rates vary. Though many cars are equipped with meters, not all, so, it is important to determine the cost of transportation before the trip.

Water taxis

A wonderful, romantic trip inside the city center is available by water taxi. These travel on all central St Petersburg canals and cost between 150 and 300 rubles, great value for accessing the enchanting views of the city from the water.