Pulkovo

Pulkovo Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the first introduction to the majestic city of St. Petersburg. Its modern terminal, designed by the renowned British firm Grimshaw Architects, welcomes travellers with a unique "golden" roof, which on sunny days resembles the domes of St. Petersburg's cathedrals, and from the inside, reflects the curves of the Neva River. The interior space is filled with light and air thanks to glass elements and high ceilings, creating a sense of lightness even during the busiest hours. Here, history intertwines with modernity: the airport code LED still preserves the memory of Leningrad, while the technological equipment of the air harbour looks confidently into the future.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main pride of Pulkovo is its thoughtful architecture and design. The building is constructed to intuitively direct passenger flow, minimising queues and confusion. Special attention is paid to aesthetics: inside the terminal, you can encounter real art objects, for example, the "Aviator" sculpture or the statue of Peter I as a modern traveller, as well as temporary exhibitions organised jointly with city museums.

The airport is distinguished by high transport accessibility. Despite the absence of an aero-express train, you can get to the city quickly and on a budget: buses (route No. 39 and express No. 39Ex) run regularly from the terminal exit, delivering passengers to the "Moskovskaya" metro station in 20–30 minutes. For car owners, covered and open parking zones with flexible tariffs are provided.

Pulkovo's infrastructure is perfectly adapted for a comfortable wait for your flight. There are many cafes and shops with St. Petersburg souvenirs, spacious business lounges, and a capsule hotel for transit passengers. Thanks to the compact location of all services under one roof, transferring from domestic to international flights is as convenient as possible.

• Official Website: pulkovoairport.ru. Here you will find the online flight board, flight schedule, terminal maps, and other up-to-date information.
• Information Service Phone: +7 (812) 337-38-22. A single 24-hour number for information about flights and airport services.
• Airport Address: Pulkovskoye Shosse, Building 41, Litera ZA, St. Petersburg, 196140.
• Email: To contact various airport services, it is recommended to use the feedback form available on the official website in the "Contacts" section.
• Social Media: Operational news and important notifications can be tracked on the airport's official pages on VKontakte and Telegram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you left items in the terminal building, contact the unclaimed luggage room at +7 (812) 337-34-44. For questions regarding luggage lost during a flight, you should contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and support regarding all matters related to your stay at the airport, use the main information service phone: +7 (812) 337-38-22.

Getting to Pulkovo Airport from St. Petersburg, one of the key transport hubs of Russia, is possible in several ways. The most budget-friendly option is public transport. From the "Moskovskaya" metro station (Blue Line, M2), two bus routes run to the terminal: city bus No. 39 and express No. 39Ex. The express reaches the airport without stops in approximately 20 minutes, making it the fastest public transport to the airport. A trip on the regular bus will take about 30-35 minutes. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light and wishing to save money.

For those who value comfort, are travelling with children, or have a large amount of luggage, the best solution would be a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Many popular services operate in the city; a car can be booked via a mobile app. A trip from central districts, for example, from Nevsky Prospect, usually takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the traffic situation. The cost will be higher than the bus, but you get the convenience of door-to-door travel.

Travellers with their own or rented cars can easily reach Pulkovo by following the road signs. Several parking zones operate within the airport territory: from short-term for quick pick-up/drop-off to long-term and covered parking for those leaving their car for the duration of their holiday. We recommend familiarising yourself with the tariffs in advance to choose the most suitable option and avoid unforeseen expenses.

Thus, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. The bus from "Moskovskaya" metro is cheap and predictable in terms of time. A taxi is maximally comfortable, but more expensive and sensitive to traffic jams. A personal car gives freedom but requires parking planning. Important tip: during peak hours (morning and evening on weekdays), allow extra time for the journey to the airport, regardless of the chosen method of travel, to avoid unnecessary haste.

The St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) today represents a single centralised passenger terminal that serves all domestic and international flights. The old terminals Pulkovo-1 and Pulkovo-2 are no longer used for passenger transport, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers. All procedures, from check-in to boarding, take place under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive and logical. The space is divided into several levels:

• Arrivals Zone is located on the first floor. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control for international flights, and exits to taxis, buses, and car parks.
• Departures Zone is located on the third floor. Upon entering here, you will see a large schedule board and check-in counters. After check-in, passengers proceed to the general security screening area.

After passing pre-flight security and (for international flights) passport control, passengers enter the "airside" area. Boarding gates are located in two main galleries (piers) — North and South. Generally, the North gallery serves domestic flights, and the South serves international ones; however, always check your gate number on your boarding pass and information screens. Movement between the galleries is free and does not take much time.

It is worth allowing sufficient time to complete all formalities (check-in, baggage drop, security). For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. During peak hours and at the height of the tourist season, waiting times may increase. Thanks to thoughtful logistics and a clear signage system in Russian and English, navigating Pulkovo is quite simple, even if you are here for the first time.

The history of Pulkovo Airport begins on June 24, 1932, when an airfield named "Shosseynaya" was opened. It was on this day that the first flight with passengers and mail departed from here to Moscow. In the pre-war years, the airfield actively developed, establishing regular connections with key cities of the USSR.

With the onset of the Great Patriotic War, the airfield became a frontline facility and played a crucial role in the defence of Leningrad. Fighter jets defending the city's sky took off from here, as did transport aircraft delivering cargo via the "air bridge" during the blockade. After the war, civil transport was resumed, and in 1951, a new terminal building was constructed.

A landmark stage in the airport's history arrived in 1973, when it received its current name — Pulkovo. Simultaneously, the famous "Pulkovo-1" terminal was opened, which, due to its futuristic architecture with five round light skylights on the roof, received the nickname "five glasses" among the people. This terminal became a true symbol of Leningrad and welcomed participants of the 1980 Olympics. For servicing international flights, the "Pulkovo-2" terminal was later opened in a separate building.

The recent history of the airport is connected with large-scale reconstruction in the 21st century. In 2013, a new centralised passenger terminal was opened, uniting all domestic and international flights under one roof. This modern building, designed by a British architectural bureau, allowed for a significant increase in capacity and comfort levels for passengers. The old terminals "Pulkovo-1" and "Pulkovo-2" were taken out of operation for regular flights, and the historic "Pulkovo-1" building was integrated into the new complex after reconstruction.

Today, Pulkovo is one of the busiest and most modern airports in Russia, a multiple winner of prestigious international awards in the field of service quality. Its history reflects not only the development of aviation but also key events in the life of St. Petersburg, from the heroic pages of the blockade to its transformation into a major international tourist and business centre.

Pulkovo Airport (LED) offers its guests a wide range of services designed to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here for a pleasant start or end to your journey.

For those who wish to have a snack or do some shopping, the terminal features numerous restaurants, cafes, and dining venues to suit any taste — from fast food outlets to restaurants with a full menu. In the numerous shops, including the Duty-Free zone, you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, clothing, and travel goods.

To stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous stands and sockets built into seats, including USB ports, allow you to easily charge electronic devices. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, several business lounges and a VIP lounge operate, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, work, or enjoy snacks and beverages.

The airport has bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, allowing you to settle financial matters right on the spot. In case of need, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point for qualified assistance.

Families with children will appreciate the presence of mother and child rooms equipped with everything necessary for baby care, as well as play areas. For passengers with reduced mobility, special assistance is provided: accompaniment through the airport territory, provision of wheelchairs, and specially equipped rest areas and restrooms.

For business travellers, conference halls and meeting rooms are available, and for those with a long layover or an early departure, several hotels are located near the terminal. This allows you to rest in comfort without spending time travelling to the city.

At Pulkovo Airport, travellers will find many options for a snack or a full meal, designed for any taste and budget. Dining establishments are located both in the public zone before security control and in the "airside" departures area.

In the public zone (before security control), on the first and third floors, coffee shops, fast food outlets, and small cafes are mainly concentrated. This is a convenient option if you are seeing off or meeting loved ones, or arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Here you can drink coffee with fresh pastries, or have a quick snack with a sandwich or burger.

The main variety of restaurants awaits passengers in the "airside" zone, after passing passport and pre-flight control. Here the choice is much wider: from casual burger joints and pizzerias to restaurants with à la carte service. Passengers can enjoy dishes of Russian and European cuisine, as well as visit international style venues to relax before the flight. Many establishments offer a panoramic view of the runway.

If you want to try something from the local cuisine, look for items such as `borscht`, `pelmeni` (dumplings), `beef stroganoff`, or `blini` (pancakes) with various fillings in restaurant menus. For a quick but filling snack, chain coffee shops are ideal, and for a leisurely dinner — Italian restaurants or steakhouses located in the central part of the departure hall.

Passengers with special dietary preferences should study the menu carefully. Vegetarian dishes (salads, vegetable soups, side dishes) are available in almost every establishment. Finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be more challenging, so it is recommended to clarify the ingredients with the restaurant staff. In some cafes, you can find fruit salads or smoothies.

Prices at Pulkovo, as in most major airports, are higher than the city average. However, the price range allows finding an option for any wallet: from a cup of coffee for 300-400 rubles to a full hot meal for 1000-1500 rubles and above. Most establishments in the departure zone work around the clock or on a flexible schedule adjusted to the flight timetable, so you will not go hungry even during a night departure.

To ensure your journey through Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg is as comfortable as possible, use these proven tips. We recommend arriving at the airport 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. Such a time buffer will allow you to pass check-in, drop off luggage, and clear pre-flight security without haste, especially during periods of high traffic.

To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at the check-in counter and proceed immediately to the security zone if you are travelling only with hand luggage. To pass security control faster, take your laptop and other large gadgets out of your bag in advance, and pack all liquids up to 100 ml in one transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a seat by the window is ideal for those who love contemplating clouds and views during takeoff and landing; a seat by the aisle ensures freedom of movement around the cabin; and seats in the front part of the aircraft will allow you to exit faster after landing. regarding hand luggage, standard rules prohibit the carriage of sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. Be sure to check the weight and dimension allowances with your carrier.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again — this is especially relevant when changing from an international terminal to a domestic one. At customs control when departing from Russia or entering the country, follow the "Green Channel" if you have no goods subject to declaration. If you are carrying large sums of currency or goods exceeding duty-free limits, you must pass through the "Red Channel".

To save money, take an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled at drinking fountains after security) and a light snack from home. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First of all, find a representative of your airline to find out about the flight status and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Always keep a power bank, necessary medicines, and documents in your hand luggage.