Way to Russia Talk Lounge

IrenaSerbia · Just Starting Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Can anyone tell me the cheapest way to travel from Moscow to St. Petersburg ( round trip)? I' m traveling to Moscow at the end of April. Can't wait Very Happy

camarks · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:19 pm Post subject:

It depends somewhat on what you definition of cheap is. I like the overnight trains because I save a night in a hotel and don't give up any time I could be sightseeing or doing something else productive. The trains are also a great way to interact with the natives. Prices vary considerably depending on the schedule and level of comfort you desire.

There now appear to be some very cheap flights inside Russia and there may be buses, but overall I don't think one can do better than the trains.

dwood10

The all-in price of $599 from Houston to Moscow and back is a short term bargain; click the promotions button or the price is higher. We've got our space, land at 8:05 PM (20:05) May 2nd, and need to know how to get from Domodadova airport cheaply to St. Petersburg. The only late flights go from SVO. (23:09) How long does the transfer between the airports take; does that leave enough time in advance of flight; or to the Leningradski station to catch the midnight sleeper train? There are 3 similar sleeper trains within 45 min, different classes. We will be very tired and wonder if 1st class is worth the $100 each, price difference? I think we'd really like a hotel/hostel at the DME airport and take the cheap flight the next day. Any recommendations?

camarks · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject:

You don't have time to get to a 23:09 flight out of SVO. The train station is easier to get to, and you don't have to be there until just before departure. I don't think you'll be as tired as you think at that time and if you take the train immediately, you'll get your travel over with (you won't sleep well in a hotel that first night anyway and in the morning you'll be faced with more travel). Going to a hotel also involves two tranfers, while going on the train only one. The costs of the hostel/hotel, transfer, and airfare can add up and it also takes more time and effort. For me, taking the overnight train is the easy choice. I traveled 1st class to and from St. Petersburg during my wife's first trip to Russia but probably wouldn't do it over again. Second class is fine; I have traveled this way many times. Even the platzcart to St. Petersburg could be considered a hostel on wheels, if saving money is that important. However, I have never traveled this way. Good luck,

IrenaSerbia · Just Starting Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Yes, I think that you're right about traveling by train. It' s probably the best way to travel. I'll do that. Thank you Wink