Travelling to Saint Petersburg and its drawbridges: everything you need to know

Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and one of the most popular destinations for visitors. It is famous for its historic palaces, canals and drawbridges, which have become a symbol of the city.

How to get to Saint Petersburg

If you are in Moscow, there are several ways to get there:

Sapsan high-speed train

The most popular option among tourists.

• The journey takes about 4 hours
• Comfortable seats and excellent service
• Several departures a day between Moscow and Saint Petersburg

Prices usually start from about 3,000 to 8,000 roubles, depending on the season, booking date and class.

Night trains

A good choice if you want to save on a hotel night and travel while you sleep.

• Journey time: about 8 to 10 hours

Different classes are available, including seats, private compartments and family cabins.

By plane

There are many daily flights between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The flight takes about an hour and a half, but once you add the time to reach the airport and check in, many travellers prefer the high-speed train.

The drawbridges of Saint Petersburg

One of the city's most famous sights is the raising of the bridges over the Neva at night to let large ships pass.

From roughly late April until autumn, several main bridges are raised every night according to a fixed schedule.

Thousands of tourists gather to watch this event, which has become one of the city's best-known symbols.

The best places to watch

• Palace Bridge (Dvortsovy Bridge)
• The embankment near the Hermitage Museum
• Vasilyevsky Island
• Admiralteyskaya Embankment

Important tips

• Check the bridge schedule every day, as it can change.
• Plan to be back at your hotel before the bridge is raised if you stay in another part of the city (read our article on the best areas to stay in Saint Petersburg to learn how the bridges affect where you sleep and how you get around).
• Book a night river cruise if you want to see the bridges from the water — it is a very special experience.

Watching the drawbridges open is an experience you should not miss, and one of the reasons Saint Petersburg is unlike any other city in Russia.

If you need help booking hotels or planning your trip to Russia, we will be happy to help you choose the best options for your budget and program, so you can enjoy a comfortable trip without complications or surprises.