Payless

Taxis at Terminals 1 and 2 have now joined a structured pricing scheme based on geographic zones, and taxis can be ordered from the service booth in the arrivals hall (Terminal 1 - before baggage claim; Terminal 2 - by the exit door to the street). The fixed price for a taxi to the central district (Nevsky Prospekt/Hermitage area) is 600 RUB, for example, plus luggage surcharges. Traffic is usually quite heavy in the city, so plan on about two hours minimum during the day to get to the city by car. Those who speak Russian and have a cell phone can order a taxi by phone for a lower price than the taxis at the airport. Companies such as 068 or 6000000 (which are also their respective phone numbers) charge about 500-550 rubles for a trip to the city center/Hermitage area. The operator will take the order, then call you back to tell you the license plate number and color/model of the taxi that will meet you. They will also tell you the fare in advance, so there is no need to haggle. If calling from the airport arrival hall, it will take about 15-20 minutes for the taxi to arrive.

A cheaper option is to take a bus to the nearest Metro station, Moskovskaya, which will cost you only 19 rubles (Bus 39 to/from terminal-1, bus 13 to/from terminal-2). You will also have to pay another 19 rubles for a suitcase. From there you can go to any station on the Saint Petersburg Metro for a 22 rubles token. Again, if you have luggage, you must pay 44 rubles and get a different token to allow you through the wide luggage gate. Tokens can be purchased inside of the metro stations at the "Kassa" (касса). Metro station, Moskovskaya is located on the Blue line (line 2) and can be taken directly to the station "Nevsky Prospekt" located just a few blocks from most of the major downtown tourist attractions and many hotels.

Private bus companies also operate full-size buses, which often have more space for large luggage, from Pushkinskaya Metro via Moskovskaya Metro to both airport terminals for about 100 rubles per person.