Saint Petersburg Bus Routes: The Best Ones for Tourists - Wander Russia 2025 Guide

Saint Petersburg’s bus network is a convenient and affordable way to explore the city, especially for tourists who want to experience more of its unique neighborhoods and landmarks. While the metro is the fastest option for many destinations, buses allow for a more scenic route and can take you to places that are not as easily accessible by other modes of transport. Whether you’re heading to a major museum, a historic district, or a hidden gem, there are plenty of bus routes in Saint Petersburg that will help you get around and see the best of the city.

Here’s a guide to the best bus routes for tourists, highlighting the most scenic and useful routes to help you explore the city like a local.

1. Bus Route 3 – Hermitage Museum and Nevsky Prospect

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Key Landmarks: This bus route connects some of the city’s top attractions, including the Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, and Nevsky Prospect. It’s perfect for tourists who want to experience the heart of Saint Petersburg and visit major historical sites.
• Cultural Hub: The route passes by some of the most iconic cultural and shopping areas in the city, including Nevsky Prospect, which is famous for its cafes, boutiques, and theaters.

Tips:

• Get on at Nevsky Prospect: Start your journey from Nevsky Prospect and take a ride to the Hermitage Museum, or hop off along the way to visit other significant spots like Kazansky Cathedral or St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
• Best Time to Ride: During the day, when traffic isn’t as heavy, this bus route allows you to pass some of the city’s best attractions in comfort.

2. Bus Route 7 – Peter and Paul Fortress and New Holland Island

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Iconic Landmarks: Route 7 takes you past Peter and Paul Fortress, one of the most historic sites in Saint Petersburg, and the New Holland Island, a trendy cultural and recreational area. The bus provides easy access to these iconic landmarks that might be harder to reach by metro or on foot.
• Sightseeing Tour: This route offers a scenic view of the Neva River and the city’s waterfront, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Tips:

• Explore New Holland Island: New Holland Island is a great place to explore once you’re off the bus. It’s home to galleries, restaurants, and green spaces where you can relax after a sightseeing tour.
• Easy Access to Peter and Paul Fortress: Hop off near Petrovsky Bridge to visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and learn more about the city’s history.

3. Bus Route 24 – Vasilievsky Island and the University Embankment

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Scenic Route: Bus 24 travels along the University Embankment and offers stunning views of the Neva River and Vasilievsky Island. This route takes you through some of the more picturesque parts of the city, passing by iconic buildings and offering great opportunities for photos.
• Vibrant Neighborhoods: The route also passes near the Vasilievsky Island, where you’ll find the St. Petersburg State University and several other historic buildings.

Tips:

• Take in the Views: Sit by the window to enjoy the riverfront views as you make your way towards Vasilievsky Island.
• Stop for Culture: If you’re interested in history, hop off at Vasilievsky Island to visit cultural sites like the Kunstkamera or the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg.

4. Bus Route 22 – Pushkin and Catherine Palace

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Day Trip to Pushkin: Bus 22 takes you to Pushkin, the town just outside Saint Petersburg, where the magnificent Catherine Palace and the world-famous Amber Room are located. This is a great route for those interested in seeing royal Russian history and visiting one of the most stunning palaces in the country.
• Easy Access to Tsarskoye Selo: The bus offers a direct route to Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), where the Catherine Palace and Alexander Park are situated, making it a popular option for tourists looking for a half-day or full-day trip outside the city.

Tips:

• Prepare for a Day Trip: Bus 22 takes about 30-40 minutes to get to Pushkin, so make sure you plan for a day of exploring the Catherine Palace, the Amber Room, and the surrounding gardens.
• Return to the City: Once you’re done exploring Pushkin, the bus will take you back to the city center, allowing you to rest after a day of sightseeing.

5. Bus Route 10 – Smolny Cathedral and Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Cultural and Religious Sites: Bus 10 connects you to the Smolny Cathedral, one of Saint Petersburg’s most beautiful Baroque buildings, and the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, an important Orthodox monastery with rich history. This route is ideal for tourists who are interested in Saint Petersburg’s religious and architectural heritage.
• Historic Monasteries: The Alexander Nevsky Lavra is one of the city’s oldest and most important monasteries, and the Smolny Cathedral offers impressive views and a stunning interior.

Tips:

• Get off at Smolny Cathedral: The Smolny Cathedral is an impressive building with distinctive blue and white architecture. Take time to visit its serene surroundings.
• Explore Alexander Nevsky Lavra: After visiting the cathedral, continue to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, where you can explore its beautiful churchyards and historic tombs.

6. Bus Route 39 – VDNH (Exhibition Center) and Kirov Park

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Cultural Exploration: Bus 39 takes you to VDNH (the Exhibition Center), a large area with Soviet-era architecture, museums, and gardens. It’s a great spot for those who want to explore the Soviet past of Saint Petersburg and visit museums like the Russian Railway Museum or the Museum of Cosmonautics.
• Relax in Kirov Park: The route also passes Kirov Park, a spacious and green area perfect for relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing.

Tips:

• Visit the Russian Railway Museum: For those with an interest in transport history, stop at the Russian Railway Museum located near the VDNH.
• Walk Through Kirov Park: After visiting the exhibition center, take a stroll through Kirov Park and enjoy its calm atmosphere.

7. Bus Route 101 – Pulkovo Airport to the City Center

Why It’s Great for Tourists:

• Direct Access from the Airport: Bus 101 is the best choice for tourists who need to get from Pulkovo Airport to the city center. It’s an affordable and straightforward route that connects the airport to Moskovskaya Metro Station, where you can transfer to other metro lines to reach central Saint Petersburg.
• Affordable Option: This bus offers an affordable way for tourists to start their journey in Saint Petersburg, avoiding expensive taxis and private transfers.

Tips:

• Check for Luggage Storage: Be sure to keep your luggage with you or in the designated area for luggage on the bus.
• Combine with Metro: After reaching Moskovskaya Metro Station, use the metro to explore other parts of the city.

Conclusion

Saint Petersburg’s bus network is a tourist-friendly and affordable way to explore the city and beyond. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks like the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, or the Catherine Palace, there are plenty of bus routes that make it easy to reach these attractions. Additionally, bus rides offer a more scenic perspective of the city, allowing tourists to experience Saint Petersburg’s architecture and culture from the comfort of a bus seat. Make sure to check the timetables and plan your route in advance to make the most of the city’s public transport network during your visit!