Navigating Saint Petersburg’s public transport system is made easy and affordable with the use of public transport cards, which offer tourists a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city. Whether you’re exploring the historic Hermitage Museum, visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress, or simply strolling along the Neva River, these cards allow you to travel seamlessly on buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the metro. Here’s everything you need to know about getting and using a public transport card in Saint Petersburg.
1. Types of Public Transport Cards for Tourists
The Main Cards for Tourists
Saint Petersburg offers several types of public transport cards to suit the needs of tourists, ranging from single-ride passes to unlimited travel cards for longer stays. Each option provides a different level of flexibility, so you can choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
What to Expect
- Podorozhnik Card: The Podorozhnik card is the most common reloadable smart card for public transport in Saint Petersburg. It works on the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You can top it up with any amount and pay for individual rides as you travel. It’s available for tourists who plan to use public transport multiple times during their stay. This card also offers a discounted fare compared to buying single tickets.
- Saint Petersburg Tourist Card: If you’re a tourist staying for a few days and planning to do a lot of sightseeing, the Saint Petersburg Tourist Card offers unlimited travel for a set number of days (1, 3, or 7 days). It includes unlimited rides on all forms of public transport (metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses) and provides discounts to various museums, attractions, and tours in the city.
- Single-Ride Tickets: If you’re only planning on using public transport a few times, you can purchase single-ride tickets for the metro, buses, and trams. However, these tickets can be less convenient and more expensive than using a Podorozhnik card or tourist pass, especially if you’re traveling frequently.
- Insider Tip: If you’re staying for more than a few days and plan to explore the city extensively, the Saint Petersburg Tourist Card is the most economical option as it gives you unlimited travel and discounts to attractions.
2. Where to Get Public Transport Cards
Convenient Locations for Purchasing Cards
Saint Petersburg offers multiple locations where you can purchase and top-up your public transport cards, whether you’re arriving at the airport, train station, or simply exploring the city.
What to Expect
- Metro Stations: The easiest and most convenient place to purchase a Podorozhnik card or tourist card is at any metro station. Ticket vending machines and customer service desks at the metro stations allow you to buy and top up your card. This is ideal if you’re planning to travel on the metro frequently.
- Kiosks and Newsstands: You can also buy public transport cards at kiosks or newsstands around the city, particularly those near major metro stations and tourist hubs.
- Tourist Information Centers: Some tourist information centers also sell Saint Petersburg Tourist Cards and provide assistance for purchasing the best card for your needs. They can offer guidance on which transport option is most suitable depending on your itinerary.
- Saint Petersburg Airport: If you’re arriving at Pulkovo Airport, you can purchase a public transport card at one of the kiosks inside the terminal or at the airport’s transport desk. This is a great option to have your card ready as soon as you land.
- Insider Tip: For convenience and quick access, it’s often easiest to buy a Podorozhnik card at the metro station as soon as you arrive. You can easily top up the card at vending machines throughout the city.
3. How to Use the Public Transport Cards
Simple and Convenient to Use
Using public transport cards in Saint Petersburg is simple and hassle-free. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, trams, buses, or trolleybuses, the process is almost the same across all modes of transport.
What to Expect
- Metro: To use the Podorozhnik card or tourist card on the metro, simply tap your card on the turnstile reader when entering and exiting the metro. The fare will automatically be deducted from your card. You don’t need to tap your card twice, just once when entering and once when exiting.
- Buses and Trams: When boarding a bus or tram, tap your card on the reader near the door. If you’re traveling with a tourist pass, you can tap it to access unlimited rides, just as you would with the Podorozhnik card.
- Ferries: The Podorozhnik card and tourist pass also work on public transport ferries, so you can enjoy a scenic trip along the Neva River and other waterways without worrying about separate tickets.
- Insider Tip: Always tap your card when you enter and exit, especially on buses and trams. Failing to tap out may result in overcharging for your ride.
4. Top-Up and Recharge Your Public Transport Cards
Easy Options for Recharging
Top-up options are simple and convenient, ensuring that you never run out of credit while exploring the city.
What to Expect
- Metro Stations: Top-up kiosks and ticket vending machines at the metro stations are the most common places to reload your Podorozhnik card. You can recharge the card with any amount of money, and it’s a fast and easy process.
- Kiosks and Newsstands: Many kiosks around the city also offer card recharging services. If you find yourself low on credit while sightseeing, simply visit a nearby newsstand to top up.
- Mobile App: If you prefer to recharge digitally, you can also use the official Saint Petersburg public transport app to reload your card. This app is available for both iOS and Android and allows you to manage your card balance without visiting a kiosk or station.
- Insider Tip: If you’re staying for a few days, you may want to top up your card in advance to avoid last-minute recharging at kiosks.
5. Cost and Value of Public Transport Cards
How Much Will It Cost?
Public transport cards are an affordable and convenient way to travel around Saint Petersburg. Whether you’re staying for a short visit or a longer stay, there’s a card option to suit your needs.
What to Expect
- Podorozhnik Card: The Podorozhnik card costs around 40 rubles for the card itself. When you top it up, the fare for each metro ride is around 45-60 rubles, depending on your journey. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses cost around 45 rubles per ride, but the cost will decrease with larger top-ups.
- Saint Petersburg Tourist Card: The Saint Petersburg Tourist Card provides unlimited travel for 1, 3, or 7 days and costs approximately:
- 1-day pass: 500-600 rubles
- 3-day pass: 1,300-1,500 rubles
- 7-day pass: 2,500-3,000 rubles This card also offers discounts at various museums, restaurants, and attractions, making it a good value if you plan to visit multiple sites.
- Single-Ride Tickets: Single ride tickets cost about 55-60 rubles for the metro. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses are similarly priced, but single-ride tickets are typically not the best value if you plan to travel more than a few times.
- Insider Tip: For frequent travelers, the Saint Petersburg Tourist Card or Podorozhnik card will offer better value compared to single-ride tickets, especially if you’re exploring multiple tourist attractions.
6. Benefits of Using Public Transport Cards
Convenience and Savings
Public transport cards are designed to make getting around Saint Petersburg as easy as possible. Here are the key benefits:
What to Expect
- Unlimited Travel: The Saint Petersburg Tourist Card offers unlimited rides for the duration of your stay, allowing you to hop on and off at major attractions without worrying about buying tickets for each ride.
- Discounts to Attractions: The Tourist Card offers significant discounts to many of Saint Petersburg’s top museums and cultural sites, including the Hermitage Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress, and Catherine Palace.
- Time-Saving: Using a public transport card saves time, as you don’t need to stand in line at ticket machines or worry about having the correct change for individual rides.
- Insider Tip: If you’re using the Podorozhnik card for multiple trips, the card offers discounted fares compared to single-ride tickets, making it a cost-effective option for tourists.
Conclusion
Getting a public transport card in Saint Petersburg is the best way to navigate the city’s metro, buses, trams, and ferries with ease. Whether you opt for the Podorozhnik card for flexible travel or the Saint Petersburg Tourist Card for unlimited access and museum discounts, these cards are both practical and cost-effective. Purchase your card at metro stations, kiosks, or tourist information centers, and enjoy your time exploring the stunning sites and attractions Saint Petersburg has to offer without worrying about transport logistics.
