Pulkovo Airport
Also known as: St. Petersburg Airport, Saint Petersburg Pulkovo Airport, Pulkovo International Airport. Formerly Shosseynaya Airport.
Private transfer from LEDSee pricesSee pricesAbout Pulkovo Airport
Pulkovo Airport (LED) is the airport of Saint Petersburg, Russia. It sits on the Pulkovskoye Highway about 23 km (14 miles) south of the city center, and handled about 20.8 million passengers in 2025.
Rossiya Airlines has its main base here, and Aeroflot, Pobeda, Smartavia, Nordwind Airlines and Ural Airlines also fly from Pulkovo. Domestic routes link Saint Petersburg with Moscow and cities across Russia, and international flights reach Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Central Asia, the Caucasus, China, Belarus, Serbia and Egypt, flown by airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, flydubai, Uzbekistan Airways and Air Serbia.
All flights use one passenger terminal, Terminal 1, which opened in 2013 and joins a new building with the reconstructed older terminal, with separate areas for domestic and international flights.
Most travelers head to the historic center around Nevsky Prospekt and the Hermitage, to hotels along Moskovsky Prospekt, or on to the palace towns of Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo), Pavlovsk and Peterhof. Buses link the terminal with Moskovskaya metro station.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Air Gates of the Northern Capital (Northern Capital Gateway), since 2009
- Owner
City of Saint Petersburg
- Runways
Two parallel runways (10R/28L and 10L/28R)
- Passengers per year
About 20.8 million in 2025
- Opened
1932, as Shosseynaya Airport
Arrival tips for Pulkovo Airport
All flights arrive at Pulkovo's single terminal, so there is no terminal to check. On an international flight you go through passport control, collect your bags and pass customs; there is one route from passport control to baggage claim and on to the exit. Most foreign visitors need a Russian visa or the unified e-visa, so carry the documents your nationality requires.
In the arrivals hall, the official Taxi Pulkovo service has desks in the baggage claim area and the arrivals hall, with kiosks outside the terminal. Buses 39 and 39E leave from outside arrivals for Moskovskaya metro station on Line 2 (blue), which runs into the center. Walk past anyone who approaches you offering taxis or help with luggage. Pre-booked drivers usually wait in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
Saint Petersburg is on Moscow Time (UTC+3) all year, and Russia uses the ruble.
Ground transportation
Buses to the metro are the cheapest way into the city but stop overnight; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage or late at night.
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Book a transfer from LEDBus 39 and 39E to Moskovskaya metro
Buses leave from outside arrivals for Moskovskaya metro station on Line 2 (blue); express 39E takes about 20 minutes and regular 39 about 35. They run from early morning until after midnight, but the metro closes around 1:00.
Taxi Pulkovo
The official airport taxi service has desks in the baggage claim area and the arrivals hall, with kiosks outside. The ride to the center takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Ride-hailing apps
Apps such as Yandex Go also pick up at Pulkovo; walk past people who approach you offering rides.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups, the palace towns and late arrivals.
Car rental
Rental desks are on the second floor of the terminal, with the Pulkovskoye Highway leading north into the city.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The only passenger terminal, opened in December 2013. It handles all domestic and international flights, in separate areas.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aeroflot, Air Serbia, AJet, Azerbaijan Airlines, Azimuth, Belavia, Centrum Air, China Eastern Airlines, Emirates, flydubai, Georgian Airways, Hainan Airlines, NordStar, Nordwind Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Pobeda, Red Wings Airlines, Rossiya Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, S7 Airlines, SCAT Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Smartavia, Somon Air, Turkish Airlines, Ural Airlines, Utair, Uzbekistan Airways, Yamal Airlines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
ATMs
ATMs are available in the terminal.
Medical center
A medical center with a 24-hour ambulance service is in the terminal.
Mother and child room
A mother-and-child room with changing areas is in the terminal, along with play areas and children's rooms.
SIM cards
Mobile operator counters in the terminal sell local SIM cards.
Shops and duty free
The terminal has cafes, restaurants, shops and duty-free shops.
Car rental
Car rental desks are on the second floor of the terminal.
Lost and found
A lost-and-found desk handles items left in the terminal.
Printing
A document printing service is available in the terminal.
Airport lounges
Only the domestic lounge's details were confirmed; access rules can change.
Business lounge, domestic departures
In the domestic departure area. After its renovation in December 2025 it was open to business-class passengers, with loyalty-program members due to follow after a second stage in January 2026.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure; the airline passes your needs to the airport. You can also send the airport's passenger form to PRM@pulkovo-airport.com.
Accessible parking
Passengers with special needs park free, with dedicated spaces in all parking zones.
Medical help
The medical center in the terminal has a 24-hour ambulance service.
Parking
Rates depend on the zone and the length of stay; check the airport's website before you travel.
Short-term parking
Paid short-term parking is next to the terminal, for drop-offs and short waits.
Long-term parking
Paid long-term parking zones are near the terminal.
Free parking
A free car park is about 5 minutes' drive from the terminal.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Pulkovo Airport from central Saint Petersburg?
Pulkovo is about 23 km (14 miles) south of the city center, on the Pulkovskoye Highway. The drive to Nevsky Prospekt usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, and buses 39 and 39E connect the airport with Moskovskaya metro station for the ride into the center.
How many terminals does Pulkovo Airport have?
One. All domestic and international flights use Terminal 1, which opened in 2013 and joins a new building with the reconstructed older terminal. Domestic and international flights have separate areas inside it, so follow the signs for your flight type when you arrive for departure.
How do I get from Pulkovo Airport to the metro?
Take bus 39 or express bus 39E from outside the arrivals hall to Moskovskaya metro station on Line 2 (blue), which runs north to Nevsky Prospekt. The express takes about 20 minutes and the regular bus about 35. The metro closes around 1:00, so late arrivals need a taxi or a pre-booked car.
Is there a train from Pulkovo Airport?
No. Pulkovo has no railway or metro station of its own. Buses 39 and 39E link the terminal with Moskovskaya metro station on Line 2, and from there the metro reaches the historic center and the city's main railway stations.
Where is the official taxi at Pulkovo Airport?
Taxi Pulkovo, the official airport taxi service, has desks in the baggage claim area and the arrivals hall, with kiosks outside the terminal. Ride-hailing apps such as Yandex Go also work at the airport. Walk past anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride.
Is Pulkovo the airport for St. Petersburg, Florida?
No. Pulkovo Airport (LED) serves Saint Petersburg in Russia. St. Petersburg, Florida, in the United States is served by different airports, St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE) and Tampa International (TPA). Check the airport code on your ticket if you are unsure which city you are flying to.
Do I need a visa to fly into Pulkovo Airport?
Most foreign visitors need a Russian visa or Russia's unified e-visa, which is applied for online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, evisa.kdmid.ru, and lists Pulkovo among its entry points. Rules differ by nationality, so check the requirements for your passport before you fly.
Are there lounges at Pulkovo Airport?
Yes. Pulkovo has a business lounge in the domestic departure area, renovated in December 2025 and open to business-class passengers, with loyalty-program members due to follow after a second stage of work. Access rules can change, so check with your airline before you fly.
Can I get wheelchair assistance at Pulkovo Airport?
Yes. Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure, and the airline passes your needs to the airport. You can also send the airport's passenger form to PRM@pulkovo-airport.com. Passengers with special needs park free in dedicated spaces in all parking zones.
Is there parking at Pulkovo Airport?
Yes. Paid short-term parking is next to the terminal and paid long-term zones are nearby, while a free car park is about five minutes' drive from the terminal. Rates depend on the zone and the length of stay, so check the airport's website before you travel.
Can I buy a SIM card at Pulkovo Airport?
Yes. Mobile operator counters in the terminal sell local SIM cards, and ATMs are available if you need rubles. The terminal also has cafes, restaurants and shops, a medical center with a 24-hour ambulance service and a mother-and-child room for families with small children.
What time zone is Saint Petersburg in?
Saint Petersburg and Pulkovo Airport are on Moscow Time (UTC+3) all year, with no daylight saving time. Check that your phone has switched to local time after landing, especially if you have a connecting flight or someone is meeting you.