Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The metro is fully signed in English throughout the system, so it's quite easy
to use even for first-timers in Russia.
A confusing aspect of the St Petersburg metro is that where two lines cross
and there is a
perekhod
(transfer), the two stations will have different names.
For example, Nevsky Prospekt and Gostiny Dvor are joint stations: to all in-
tents and purposes they are one and the same (ie you don't need to go out-
side to change), but each has a different name because it's on a different line.
Bus, Trolleybus & Marshrutka
Buses and particularly
marshrutky
(minibuses) are a very handy way to get
around the city and they tend to cover routes that the metro doesn't, making
them essential for certain areas of town. Most travellers find taking them a bit
daunting, however, as there's no signage in English. On both buses and trol-
leybuses, you get on and then pay the conductor who comes through the bus.
Fares are usually R20 to R25.
Marshrutky
work rather differently: you flag
them down (there are no bus stops for
marshrutky
), open the door yourself
and jump in, then once you've taken your seat you pay the driver (pass the
money via your fellow passengers if you're not sitting within reaching dis-
tance). You'll also need to request the stop you want - usually announcing to
the driver the name of the street or the place you're going to shortly before
you get there. Alternatively, when you want to get off, simply say (or shout!):
'AstanavEEtye pazhalsta!'
(Stop please!) and the driver will pull over as soon
as possible.
Taxi
One of the most enduring Soviet traditions is that of 'catching a car'. The
shadow economy is thriving and numerous people drive the city streets spe-
cifically looking to give people paid lifts in their 1970s Zhigulis and Ladas. See
associated with this form of transport.
Nearly all official taxis are unmetered (though there are plans to introduce
these) so if you do flag one down you'll have to go through a similar process
