Saint Petersburg Pulkovo Layover Guide (LED)

What are you looking for in LED?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Saint Petersburg Airport (LED) is an international airport located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It’s situated about 23 km (14 miles) from the city center. The airport first opened in 1932. Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city and is renowned for its cultural heritage and stunning architecture. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, offering a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque canals for visitors to explore.

Can you leave Saint Petersburg Airport (LED) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Without a visa, transit passengers can remain airside at LED for under 24 h with an onward ticket but cannot exit the airport. To leave Pulkovo and visit Saint Petersburg during a layover, you must clear immigration with a valid Russian visa or an e-visa (Leningrad Region). (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

St. Petersburg: Private 3 Cathedrals Tour

In just 3 hours, this private tour takes you to the city’s three most iconic cathedrals—St. Isaac’s, Kazan and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood—skipping any lines. Enjoy personalized commentary from your expert guide as you admire grand interiors, learn about Russian Orthodoxy and capture stunning photos. » book this tour

St. Petersburg: Private Tour of All Main Sights with Tickets

This 4-hour private excursion covers the Hermitage’s masterpieces, the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and more, with skip-the-line entry included. Ideal for short stopovers, you’ll ride in air-conditioned comfort and enjoy flexible pickup/drop-off right at the airport or cruise port. » book this tour

St. Petersburg: Evening Walking Tour with Vodka Shots

Perfect for a short layover, this 3-hour walking tour guides you through illuminated city streets, stopping at historic squares and hidden courtyards. Sample two classic Russian vodkas in a cozy bar and hear fascinating tales of imperial intrigue as you stroll under the glow of Nevsky Prospekt’s streetlights. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • The State Hermitage Museum Explore the Hermitage Museum’s vast collection of over three million artworks and artifacts displayed in the opulent Winter Palace. Admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo in sumptuous rooms. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Bus K-39 to Moskovskaya metro station then red line to Admiralteyskaya (~45 mins) or taxi (~30 mins))
  • Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood Visit the tiled Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, adorned with colorful onion domes and stunning mosaics commemorating Emperor Alexander II. Experience Russia’s ornate religious architecture in vivid detail. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus to Moskovskaya then metro to Nevsky Prospekt followed by a short walk (~50 mins) or taxi (~25 mins))
  • Peter and Paul Fortress Explore the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, birthplace of St. Petersburg. Wander through ancient ramparts, visit the Cathedral where Romanov tsars are buried, and enjoy views over the Neva River. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus and metro to Gorkovskaya then walk (~50 mins) or taxi (~25 mins))
  • St. Isaac’s Cathedral Ascend St. Isaac’s Cathedral’s golden dome platform to gaze across the city skyline. Inside, admire its grand colonnade, intricate mosaics, and richly magnificent decorated interior, a pinnacle of Russian neoclassicism. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus K-39 and metro to Admiralteyskaya (~50 mins) or taxi (~30 mins))
  • Nevsky Prospekt Walking Tour Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s vibrant main avenue lined with historic palaces, bustling cafes, and elegant shops. Uncover street musicians, grand architecture, and local culinary delights at every turn. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus to Moskovskaya then metro to Nevsky Prospekt (~45 mins) or taxi (~25 mins))
  • Fabergé Museum Discover the world’s largest collection of Fabergé eggs at the renowned Fabergé Museum in Shuvalov Palace. Marvel at exquisite, magnificent jeweled masterpieces and learn about imperial Russia’s luxurious craftsmanship legacy. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro to Nevsky Prospekt then a 10-minute walk (~50 mins) or taxi (~25 mins))
  • Yusupov Palace Tour the lavish Yusupov Palace, famous for its ornate halls and the site of Grigori Rasputin’s assassination. Sumptuously explore stunning frescoes, private theaters, and elegant, beautiful 19th-century aristocratic living spaces. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus and metro to Sadovaya (~50 mins) or taxi (~25 mins))
  • Catherine Palace and Park Journey to Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo to marvel at its exquisitely opulent Rococo façade and the legendary Amber Room. Stroll through extensive baroque gardens, fountains, and serene woodland paths. (Time required: 4–5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~60 mins) or pre-booked shuttle (~90 mins))

Things to Do in Saint Petersburg Airport (LED)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Terminal 1 features two pay-per-use business lounges—one for domestic departures on the 3rd floor, one for international on the 4th—open 24/7. Both offer buffet dining, complimentary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, ample seating, shower suites, meeting rooms and a children’s play area for ultimate pre-flight comfort. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Directly connected to Terminal 1 by a covered walkway, the Cosmos (Park Inn by Radisson) Pulkovo Airport Hotel offers 200 modern rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room tea/coffee facilities and a restaurant. Nearby Airportcity Plaza provides spa and fitness facilities, free parking and a complimentary shuttle to both the terminal and Moskovskaya Metro station. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While the terminal lacks dedicated sleep pods, quiet zones on the 2nd and 3rd floors provide rows of reclining loungers and armchairs. Power outlets and USB ports are scattered throughout, and soft lighting creates a calmer atmosphere. Security patrols run overnight, but travelers are advised to pack earplugs and an eye mask for overnight comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary “LED free Wi-Fi” is available airport-wide. Simply connect to the SSID, complete a brief registration form via browser and enjoy up to 240 minutes per session. Coverage extends across all floors of the terminal, with charging stations and power sockets conveniently located near most seating areas for uninterrupted connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: In the arrivals hall between exits 1 and 2, kiosks from MTS, MegaFon, Beeline and Tele2 sell prepaid SIMs with data, call and text bundles. Operating hours are typically 08:00–20:00 daily. For instant digital connectivity, most international eSIM providers (Airalo, Ubigi, Nomad, etc.) can be activated on arrival via QR code. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A licensed taxi stand outside the arrivals hall offers fixed-rate rides to the city centre (approx. ₽900–1 100), payable by cash or card. Ride-hailing services like Yandex.Taxi, Uber and Gett also operate here. Journey time varies from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic; always use the official airport taxi desk for guaranteed fares.

Train: Pulkovo Airport does not have a direct rail link. Passengers transfer via bus routes 39 or 39Э to Moskovskaya Metro (Line 2), then ride the green line across St Petersburg. For metro maps, schedules and fares, (more info).

Bus: City buses 39, 39Э and 82Э depart the 1st-floor curbside to Moskovskaya and Prospekt Veteranov Metro stations (arrivals on 3rd floor). Single fare is ₽75, with 5–20 minute intervals operating 05:15–01:40. Tickets available at kiosks onboard. (more info)

Shuttle: A free shuttle bus links long-term parking lot P4 to the terminal every 15 minutes (05:00–01:00), taking about 10 minutes each way. Additionally, an off-site free parking lot on Pulkovskoe Shosse (P0) offers a 24/7 shuttle service to the terminal in just 3–5 minutes.

Car rentals: Major rental companies—Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Axcel-Rent—maintain 24/7 desks in the arrivals hall. A full range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs is available. Drivers must present a passport, international or Russian driver’s license and a credit card. Advance online booking is recommended for best rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Six parking zones serve Pulkovo: P1, P8 and P13 (universal); P2 (short-term); P4 (long-term with shuttle); P10 (bus parking); plus a free P0 lot 3 km away. Hourly rates range from ₽400–1 100, daily rates ₽1 600–2 100, with weekly discounts after day 7. EV charging is available at P1 and P2.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

On the 1st floor near the information desk, short- and long-term luggage storage is available. Fees are ₽600 for the first 24 hours and ₽300 per day thereafter. A porter service and baggage trolleys are located adjacent to the storage area, and lost-and-found assistance operates during terminal opening hours. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Saint Petersburg Airport (LED) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks