St Petersburg has an extensive public transportation network, although it's probably fair to say that it isn’t especially user-friendly on account of its resources being somewhat overstretched. The tram system is the city's most efficient form of public transport and is ideal for medium and long distance journeys, while trams, buses, trolleybuses and taxis provide options for shorter journeys.

St Petersburg provides air travel links to and from Pulkovo Airport, which is located 10 miles south of the city. The airport is a busy dual-terminal facility, serving around four million passengers per year, and it is well equipped with essential passenger amenities such as bureaux de change, internet access, restaurants, shops and disabled persons’ facilities.

Ground transfer options from Pulkovo Airport to St Petersburg include public bus services, which connect passengers with Moskovskaya Metro Station, and shuttle services, which run to the same station and into central St Petersburg. Meanwhile, regular taxis can be taken from outside both terminals and Marshrutnoye taksis, which are akin to small minibuses and relatively cheap, are available at the same places.

Passengers already booked into one of St Petersburg's reputable hotels will more often that not be met at the airport by a courtesy vehicle that will provide free and comfortable transportation to the establishment of their choice. Passengers are advised to check the availability of these services at the time of booking, either independently or via their travel agent.

While not as extensive as Moscow's Metro, the St Petersburg Metro system is still the most efficient means of getting around the downtown area. There are four lines in operation, which cover some 50 plus stations, providing coverage of most of the city's most significant destinations. Services start daily at 05:30 and conclude at 01:00, running every two to three minutes at busy times of the day. Fares are relatively cheap and are paid via a token system, with token vendors available at every station.

Trams cover a reasonably large proportion of the city and are also quite cheap. Services run from 06:00 to 01:00 and fares are payable in cash to the conductor on board. Both local government and privately operated buses are available and visitors can recognise bus stops by the signs marked with a letter ‘A’. Trolleybuses, which are similar to trams, are also in operation.

Taxis are quite easy to come across in St Petersburg, although for visitors, recognising them can be a problem on account of their complicated colour scheme. As a brief guide, some are bright yellow; some are undistinguished except for an orange checkered light on the roof; others are distinguishable only by a green light in the top left corner of windshield; while others have ‘Taksi’ printed on their roof. Journeys are metered and passengers usually pay per kilometre travelled.

Driving in St Petersburg can be something of a harrowing experience if you are not a seasoned traveller. Roads are in poor condition, petrol stations are hard to find and the general standard of driving among the locals is fairly low. You will need a valid driving licence from your own country and an international driving permit to drive a vehicle of any description in Russia, keeping your licence handy at all times, as police do stop and check vehicles regularly. Also keep any car hire documents with you if you are driving a rental vehicle. Be warned that traffic police are notorious for lining their pockets with money from fines imposed on tourists for alleged driving offences.

If you plan to cross the border for any reason, then be aware that on re-entry to the country, you will be required to show a passport with a valid Russian visa, vehicle ownership paperwork and valid insurance documents, or relevant car hire documentation. Parking in the city centre can a nightmare, since there are no organised paid parking areas.