Pulkovo Airport (LED): Bus, Metro and Transfers

• LED is the IATA code for Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg.
• The airport is about 20 kilometres south of the city centre.
• Bus 39 and express bus 39Э connect the airport with Moskovskaya metro station.
• From the metro station, the underground continues into the city centre.
• Taxis and pre-booked transfers offer a direct ride to your accommodation.

Public buses 39 and 39Э run from the airport to Moskovskaya metro station. From Moskovskaya, continue your journey by metro. The airport bus and the metro are therefore two consecutive legs, not a direct metro connection to the terminal.

A taxi or transfer goes directly from the arrivals area to an address in Saint Petersburg. This is a convenient option if your accommodation, luggage or arrival time makes a change difficult. If you take the bus after landing, you can continue from Moskovskaya to your booked accommodation by metro. From the Moskovskaya metro connection, public transport serves destinations across Saint Petersburg; getting around the city involves transfers and local public transport.

A rail journey starts at a railway station in the city, not at the airport. The bus 39 or 39Э and metro connection first takes you to Moskovskaya; from there, travelling to your booked railway station is another leg. Check the location and departure times of the relevant long-distance railway station when planning the connection. This route is part of planning for rail travel and railway stations.

After landing, collect your luggage and exit the airport; your transfer into the city begins after that. The arrival procedures for a flight and airport arrival come before the journey into Saint Petersburg. For your return flight, plan the bus and metro journey to the airport separately from your check-in time. You can note the sequence of arrival, bus to Moskovskaya, metro and return trip to the airport as separate legs in your travel itinerary.

Choose accommodation based on its location in relation to the metro, your destination in the city and the railway station. Use accommodation by destination to choose a location in Saint Petersburg and link it to your arrival route. Offline maps showing your accommodation, metro station and railway station make it easier to find your way if your mobile connection is unavailable.

Keep your passport and personal documents handy for entering and staying in the country. Plan your holiday around the length of your stay and the transport you have booked. For expenses in Russia, consider having a card, cash and a second payment option as separate means of payment.

Airports in western, central and southern parts of the country are repeatedly closed for several hours for security reasons, which can lead to delays and flight cancellations. Direct air traffic between Russia and the EU has been suspended; connecting flights via third countries may change at short notice. Mobile internet and communication services may be temporarily restricted.

Having the address written in Russian and an agreed pick-up point can help when taking a taxi or transfer. You can also save the address, accommodation contact details and any pick-up arrangements offline. In case connecting times change, keep an alternative contact among your back-up options, contacts and Plan B. For general preparations for your flight and airport arrival, also consider how to get to check-in and drop off your luggage.

Does the metro go directly to the airport?

No. Buses 39 and 39Э connect Pulkovo with Moskovskaya metro station. From there, continue by metro.

How do I get to the city centre by public transport?

Take bus 39 or express bus 39Э to Moskovskaya, then continue by metro to the city centre.

Where can I find the official taxi desk?

The official Pulkovo Taxi desk is in the arrivals hall.