Author of materials about St. Petersburg, travel, excursions, and city routes.
Accredited guide for St. Petersburg, its suburbs and excursions for families with children.
The connection between St. Petersburg and Moscow is deep and unbreakable. These cities, being territorial neighbors, have been linked by the main road of the empire since the 18th century. Historically, their fates have been inextricably intertwined from the moment Peter the Great moved the capital in 1712 until its return to Moscow in 1918.
A modern symbol of their unbreakable unity was the 2013 memorial sign with the images of the patron saints of both capitals – Alexander Nevsky and Daniel of Moscow, embodying the unity of the capitals.
Why Muscovites should go
The combination of the unbreakable historical bond of Russia's "two hearts" and the most accessible transport connections makes St. Petersburg an ideal destination for Muscovites, allowing them to exchange the bustle of the capital for the unhurried rhythm and "European" architectural aesthetics of the city on the Neva in just a few hours.
Check out ready-made tours to Saint Petersburg from Moscow with accommodation, excursions and programs for 1–5 days. If you're not sure which format to choose, a Leningrad-Tour manager will help you select a tour for your dates, budget and group composition.
In a single trip you can see the grand center, the Neva, the Hermitage, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Kazan and St. Isaac's Cathedrals, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and also relax in the suburbs of Petersburg – Peterhof or Tsarskoye Selo.
Muscovites will be drawn to the drawbridges, the white nights and the unique atmosphere of numerous themed bars and book cafes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views.
How to get from Moscow to Saint Petersburg
There are several ways to get from Moscow to Saint Petersburg, including air travel, high-speed trains and branded night trains, or to drive yourself by car. You can choose the most convenient option by studying the comparison table.
| Method | Features | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | arrival in the center of Petersburg at Moskovsky railway station, which is convenient for quick check-in at a hotel and departing from here for excursions. | 4 hours | Basic and economy – 2800-4000 rubles. Business – from 8000 rubles |
| Night train | You can depart in the evening and start the excursion program in the morning. | 7–9 hours | Platzkart – 3000-3500 rubles. Coupe – 6000-7500 rubles |
| Airplane | Here you need to allow extra time for travel to the airport and from Pulkovo. | 1.5 hours | Average cost – 3000-6000 rubles depending on the season and airline. |
| Car | You can tailor the route to yourself, but it takes more time and effort; you can choose a free or toll road to St. Petersburg. | 6-9 hours | Personal car – free + fuel costs. Car sharing – 3,500-7000 rubles |
What's included in the tour?
The standard tour program from Moscow to St. Petersburg includes accommodation in a hotel in the city center, breakfast meals, transport services, and the accompaniment of a professional licensed guide.
The tour also includes sightseeing tours around St. Petersburg and its suburbs, visits to the main attractions, with all necessary entrance tickets already included in the price. Additionally, tourists are given free time for independent walks around the city.
The exact composition depends on the chosen tour: before booking, it's worth discussing everything with our manager to find an option that suits your budget and interests.
How much does a tour from Moscow to St. Petersburg cost
The cost depends on the season. A tour to St. Petersburg from May to August will cost more than in autumn or winter, as accommodation is about 20% more expensive. A short weekend tour is usually cheaper than a 6-7 day trip with a packed excursion program and visits to the suburbs.
The price is also affected by the season: during the white nights, May holidays, school vacations, and New Year, demand is higher, so booking a tour in advance is better.
If you want to choose a program for specific dates, budget, and group composition, it's best to check the exact cost of a tour from Moscow to St. Petersburg with a Leningrad-Tour manager.
Booking recommendations
To save budget and guarantee spots, it is recommended to book tickets from Moscow to St. Petersburg and hotels in advance, especially in the high spring-summer season, when prices can rise and tables at popular restaurants are booked weeks ahead.
When purchasing a tour, it's also worth discussing the arrival time with the manager in advance, so that if necessary, an extra day at the hotel can be booked to rest before the morning excursions begin
Conclusion
Despite the eternal friendly rivalry between Moscow and St. Petersburg, it's impossible to say which city is better or more interesting. Each has its own history, rhythm, architecture, and atmosphere, but together they form an important part of Russia's cultural and historical memory. It's better to simply visit each other: Muscovites discovering the city on the Neva, and Petersburgers taking a fresh look at Moscow.
Ready-made tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a tour to St. Petersburg from Moscow?
Hotel accommodation, excursions, a guide, transport along the route, and entrance tickets to museums. The exact inclusions depend on the specific tour.
Can I go to St. Petersburg from Moscow for a weekend?
Yes, it's one of the most convenient formats. You can leave on Friday evening, spend Saturday and Sunday in St. Petersburg, and return to Moscow before the work week begins.
What's the best way to get from Moscow to St. Petersburg: by train or by plane?
For a weekend tour, the train is often more convenient: it arrives in the center of St. Petersburg. A plane may be cheaper, but you need to factor in the trip to the airport and from Pulkovo.
How many days is best for a first trip to St. Petersburg?
3 days is optimal. In that time you can see the center, visit a museum, take a trip to Peterhof or Tsarskoye Selo, and still have time for a stroll.
Are there tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg for schoolchildren?
Yes, for school groups we can arrange an educational program with museums, a city tour, the suburbs, and transport support.
Can the tour program be changed?
In an individual or group format, the program can be adapted to your dates, the age of the participants, interests, and budget.
