Saint Petersburg is a bustling city with numerous ways to get around, and taxis offer a convenient, comfortable, and direct mode of transportation, especially when you’re in a hurry or carrying luggage. Whether you’re exploring the city’s stunning architecture, heading to the airport, or reaching distant locations, there are several reliable taxi services available in the city. This guide will introduce you to the best taxi services in Saint Petersburg, how to use them, and important tips for ensuring a smooth and safe ride.
1. Yandex.Taxi
Overview:
Yandex.Taxi is one of the most popular and widely used ride-sharing services in Russia. It operates similarly to Uber, offering competitive pricing, real-time tracking, and cashless payments. It’s an excellent option for tourists due to its ease of use, transparency, and English-language interface.
Key Features:
- Available via App: You can easily download the Yandex.Taxi app (available in English) on your smartphone.
- Real-Time Tracking: Track your ride and see the estimated time of arrival for your taxi.
- Transparent Pricing: The fare is calculated before your ride, meaning you’ll know how much you’ll pay in advance.
- Cash or Card Payment: You can pay either with your credit card through the app or cash directly to the driver.
- Multiple Ride Options: Choose from budget-friendly options or premium cars depending on your preference.
How to Use:
- Open the app and enter your pick-up location and destination.
- Choose the type of ride you want (standard, premium, or budget).
- Confirm the details and book the ride.
- Pay via the app or in cash.
Insider Tip:
- Yandex.Taxi offers English support and is a great choice for those who don’t speak Russian. The app also provides an option to track your driver, ensuring you feel safe during your ride.
2. Uber
Overview:
Although Yandex.Taxi is the dominant ride-sharing service in Russia, Uber is still available and widely used in Saint Petersburg. Uber operates similarly to its global services, with easy app-based booking, competitive pricing, and English-speaking drivers.
Key Features:
- App-Based Booking: Uber’s interface is user-friendly and available in English, making it perfect for tourists.
- Transparent Fares: Uber shows you the fare estimate before you confirm the ride.
- Credit Card Payment: You can pay via credit card or PayPal through the app, which eliminates the need for cash.
- Multiple Ride Options: You can choose between UberX (standard ride) and UberBLACK (premium service).
How to Use:
- Download the Uber app, input your pickup location and destination, and choose the type of car.
- Confirm your ride and wait for your driver to arrive.
- Pay automatically through the app or give cash directly to the driver.
Insider Tip:
- Although Yandex.Taxi is more widely used in Russia, Uber is still a good option for tourists, particularly for those who are familiar with the app and prefer its interface.
3. Gett Taxi
Overview:
Gett is a reliable taxi service that offers safe, transparent pricing, and quick rides. While not as popular as Yandex.Taxi, it is still widely used by locals and tourists alike. Gett is known for its reliable customer service and affordable pricing.
Key Features:
- Easy App Booking: The app is available in English, making it easy for non-Russian speakers to book a ride.
- Fixed Price: You’ll know the fare before the ride begins, and the price is fixed, meaning there are no hidden charges.
- Cash and Card Payment: You can pay with credit card or cash at the end of the ride.
- Multiple Ride Options: Choose from standard taxis or premium services for a more comfortable ride.
How to Use:
- Download the Gett app, enter your pickup location and destination, and select your ride option.
- Confirm the booking, and track the driver’s arrival in real time.
- Pay via the app or in cash once your trip is complete.
Insider Tip:
- Gett taxis are great for short trips within the city and often have shorter waiting times during rush hour.
4. Taxi Maxim
Overview:
Taxi Maxim is one of the largest and most well-known traditional taxi services in Saint Petersburg. With reliable service, fixed fares, and 24/7 availability, it’s a solid option for both tourists and locals.
Key Features:
- Phone Booking: You can call Taxi Maxim directly to book a ride by phone or use their app.
- Fixed Fares: Taxi Maxim offers fixed prices to ensure no surprises when paying at the end of your ride.
- Reliable Service: It’s one of the most trusted taxi services in the city, with experienced drivers and well-maintained cars.
- Multiple Payment Methods: Pay via cash or card.
How to Use:
- Call Taxi Maxim by phone or book through the app.
- Agree on a fixed price before starting the trip if you are using a traditional taxi.
- Enjoy your ride and pay at the end.
Insider Tip:
- Taxi Maxim is particularly good for long-distance trips within Saint Petersburg or to areas like Pulkovo Airport.
5. Taksi Yandex
Overview:
Another arm of Yandex, Taksi Yandex offers affordable and reliable taxi services in Saint Petersburg. It’s a traditional taxi service available 24/7 for those who prefer to use an established company without relying on ride-sharing services.
Key Features:
- App-Based: Book your ride easily through the Yandex.Taxi app, available in English.
- Metered Fare: Fares are generally metered, though the app may provide an estimated fare before you book the ride.
- 24/7 Service: Available around the clock, Taksi Yandex ensures you can get a ride whenever you need it.
- Cash and Card Payment: Pay via the app or in cash.
How to Use:
- Download the Yandex.Taxi app and choose Taksi Yandex as your taxi service option.
- Select the pickup location and destination.
- Pay with a credit card or cash when the ride is over.
Insider Tip:
- Taksi Yandex is a great option if you prefer traditional taxis but still want to book them through an app.
6. Taxi Services from Pulkovo Airport
If you’re flying into Pulkovo Airport, there are several official taxi services that can take you to downtown Saint Petersburg or your hotel. These taxis offer fixed rates for trips from the airport, which means no surprises when it comes to fare.
How to Get There:
- Official Taxi Stands: Once you exit the arrivals area at Pulkovo Airport, follow the signs to the official taxi stands.
- Ride-Sharing: Alternatively, use Yandex.Taxi or Uber from the airport’s designated pick-up zones.
Insider Tip:
- Official airport taxis have fixed fares, which are generally around 800-1,000 rubles for trips into the city center.
Conclusion
Using taxis in Saint Petersburg is an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city. Whether you choose a traditional taxi like Taksi Maxim, prefer the convenience of ride-sharing services like Yandex.Taxi or Uber, or rely on the official taxi service at Pulkovo Airport, you’ll find plenty of options for comfortable travel. With the Yandex.Taxi app and other services available in English, it’s easy for tourists to navigate the city with confidence. Make sure to check the prices, payment methods, and reliability of the services you choose, and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free ride around Saint Petersburg!
