Metro
The most popular and convenient method of travel is the metro. Tickets cost RUB 45 (EUR 0.70) and are purchased at the metro stations. St. Petersburg has around 70 metro stations and runs from approximately 05:45 to 00:45 every day. The metro is a very convenient way of getting around the city. However, the trains can be very crowded especially during rush hour.
Bus, Trolleybus & Marshrutky
Buses in St. Petersburg can be slow but are better for shorter distances in areas without good metro coverage. Trolleybuses are the slowest method of public transport. Each trolleybus has a conductor on board, and you can either pay them for a single journey or use a magnetic travel card, which you need to check on a card reader as soon as you board. Marshrutky are the private sector’s contribution – fast, fixed-route minibuses that pick up and drop off anywhere along their routes.
Taxis
Taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging. Make sure you agree on the price of the fare before getting in. Most drivers speak only Russian. There is no need to tip as the fare is either agreed to before you get in or is metered.
Some taxi companies are:
- New Yellow Taxi: +7 812 600-8888
- Taxi 777: +7 812 777-1777
- Welcome Taxi: +7 812 643-4273
- Daily Express: +7 911 757-9877
Useful Telephone Numbers
Russia uses the universal European emergency number 112 for Police/Fire/Ambulance.
Currency
Russia’s currency is the rouble (RUB). The exchange rate as of 1 February 2017 was EUR 1 = RUB 65.
ATMs
ATM machines are available throughout St. Petersburg. Try to stick to ATMs of either large foreign institutions or major Russian banks, e.g. Citibank, Sberbank, VTB 24 or Alfa Bank.
Electricity
EU standard: 220V 50 Hz — round two-pin plugs, type C and F.
Time Zone
In May, St. Petersburg operates on UTC+3.
Weather
In May, the average temperature is around 12 degrees Celcius.
