Transportation in Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg's public transport is anchored by its efficient metro, a deep and often ornate system that is the fastest way to cover long distances across the city. For surface travel, a dense network of trams, buses, and *marshrutkas* (shared minibuses) fills the gaps, with fares that are a fraction of a taxi. Your essential tool is the rechargeable Podorozhnik smart card, available at metro kiosks. It works across all modes and saves you from fumbling for change. First-time visitors should know that while the metro is superb, station entrances can be discreet. For real-time navigation, the Yandex Maps app is indispensable for plotting combined metro, bus, and walking routes. Do not rely on unlicensed taxis hailed off the street near major tourist sites; instead, use the Yandex Go app for transparent, metered rides. For arrival, the Aeroexpress train from Pulkovo Airport has a quick and budget-friendly link to the city center. If you miss its last departure, your most reliable option is to use the official taxi desk inside the terminal or the Yandex Go app to arrange a ride, always confirm the fare or meter use before getting in the car.