TRANSPORTATION
IN ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
St Petersburg is a big city with a well developed
system of public vehicles. Public transport facilities allow
you to save a lot on traveling around the city.
Metro
St Petersburg has a good system of underground
trains connecting all parts of the city. In Russia the subway
is called "Metro". The Metro sign (the capital letter
M) means that there is the entrance to the metro station.
To use metro, one should use a token or a metro pass. You
can buy this in a kiosk at metro station. If you intend to
use metro often, it is advisable to buy a pass that will often
save your time and money using St Petersburg's metro.
At the end of the month, as well as at the beginning and
in the midst, there is often a long line of people you wouldn't
like to join. So it is better to have some tokens at hand
if you going to use metro such busy days.
Even if you will not use metro, it is recommended to see
it. The metro in St Petersburg is very different from many
Western subways. Metro stations often remind of palace halls
and have real architectural value.
Buses, Trolleybuses, and Trams
Buses, trolleybuses, and trams are widely
in use in St Petersburg. These vehicles are the cheapest way
to get around. You should buy a ticket from a controller on
a bus. Sometime it is quite difficult or almost impossible
to get into a bus during peak hours.
Mini-buses
A good alternative to buses and trams is
mini-buses that are widely in use in St Petersburg. The network
of mini-buses is developed thanks to private owned companies
that provide city transportation services. The fare for using
mini-buses is just a little more than on regular buses. Mini-buses
allow you to travel around the city not using metro as connect
the central parts of St Petersburg with its sleeping areas.
Taxis
Perhaps, you have heard that every car in
Russia is a taxi. This is partly true. A lot of people who
have a car earn additionally providing taxi services without
license. But this situation is quite normal, so don't be surprised
if a car without the "taxi" sign stops. Free-lance
drivers usually charge less but it is better to negotiate
on the price in advance as you driver may not speak English.
It is common to hail a taxi in the street. Official (legal)
taxis have a sign on the top of a car. Your trip can be quite
expensive, so you don't need to tip your driver.
Car Hire
St Petersburg is quite a big city. If you
visit it for the first time it will be difficult to drive
here. We recommend using public transport or cars with drivers
to first time visitors.
Boats
St Petersburg is the city on the Neva. It
is often referred to as the "city of canals" and
compared with Amsterdam on this point. Taking a boat trip
along St Petersburg's rivers and canals can be a very fascinating
experience. The most popular places for starting your trip
are the Fontanka River and the Moika (right near Nevsky Prospect).
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