How to get to Veliky Novgorod

When planning a trip to Veliky Novgorod, you are choosing a journey to the origins of Russian statehood and the unique architecture of the North-West. You can reach this ancient museum-city in various ways: by using rail connections, intercity buses, or a private car along picturesque highways.

Since the city's own airport does not currently serve regular passenger flights, it is most convenient for air travelers to fly via Saint Petersburg. Pulkovo Airport, located 165 kilometers away, receives aircraft from all over the world and serves as the main transit hub for trips to this region.

As alternative options, you can consider a flight to Pskov or Estonian Tartu, however, the logistics from there may be slightly more complex. From any chosen airport, the final leg of the journey will have to be covered by ground transport.

Rail connection is one of the most comfortable ways to get to Veliky Novgorod. Daily high-speed "Lastochka" trains run from the station in Saint Petersburg, allowing you to reach the city center in just a few hours.

There is also a convenient direct connection with the capital: a night train from Moscow delivers passengers to the Novgorod station early in the morning. If direct tickets are sold out, you can use a route with a transfer via Chudovo station, where "Sapsan" trains stop.

Bus transportation remains an affordable and popular option for tourists. The most intensive traffic connects the city with the metropolis of Saint Petersburg: the travel time is about 4 hours, and trips depart regularly throughout the day.

For those planning a trip from Estonia, there is a route from the city of Tartu. It should be noted that this is a long journey: covering a distance of more than 500 kilometers takes about 14 hours, including time for border crossing.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the views. A trip from the city of Saint Petersburg along a modern highway will take only about 2.4 hours (192 km), making this route ideal for a weekend tour.

It is also comfortable to get there from neighboring regional centers; for example, from the city of Pskov, the road will take approximately 2.8 hours. The journey from the Estonian city of Tartu will require more time — about 4.9 hours of pure driving time, excluding customs control.

To ensure your acquaintance with the city of Veliky Novgorod is flawless, we have prepared several important recommendations considering local features.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The historic center is paved with cobblestones, so comfortable flat shoes are mandatory. The climate here is changeable, so even in summer, it is worth carrying an umbrella and a windbreaker.
2. Transport. The Kremlin and the Trade Side are best explored on foot. For trips to distant monasteries or the "Vitoslavlitsy" Museum of Wooden Architecture, it is convenient to use city buses or taxis.
3. Finances. The main currency is the Russian Ruble. Cards are accepted in most establishments, but cash will be useful for buying souvenirs from street artisans and at markets.
4. Visiting Religious Sites. Please observe the dress code in functioning churches: women are recommended to cover their heads with a scarf, and men should remove their headwear.
5. Souvenirs. Do not leave without the region's gastronomic brands: printed gingerbread, local honey, and Novgorod kvass (a traditional bread drink), as well as birch bark crafts.
6. Connectivity. Mobile internet works stably, and many cafes have free Wi-Fi. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance for navigation.

Observing these simple rules will help you focus on the main thing — immersing yourself in the amazing history of Ancient Rus'.