Saint Petersburg Travel Forum

I'll be staying in Pribalitskaya hotel between 19th-23rd Dec. I know that the hotel is a bit away from the center but what's the best way to reach the center? Is it a walking distance to the subway station for a good walker? Is it possible to take a tram or bus? If yes, are there night buses as well?

Also it'll be problem to get there from the center i guess. How much should the fare be aprx.? (I've heard that it's necessary to negotiate with the drivers.)

Hello,

It's a long time since I visited StPb last. Quite unlikely that the hotel had moved, though, and in those times it seemed closer to Finland, really. You will see.
I never tried a bus or a tram. I think there was a metro station within a walking distance, will try to find the name.
I would avoid taxies unless loaded with luggage.

The nearest metro station is Primorskaya

the map:
http://www.hotel-pribalt.ru/contacts.html

There are some microbuses that go near to Pribaltiskaya, about 10 minutes to metro. I am sure the concierge can direct you. There is a waterpark there , otherwise you need to get to the center to see the main tourist sites.
Fare is about 15 rubles, plus 14 for metro to get to center. you might catrch a car for 200 rubles to the center ... or 100 for a ride to metro.

Great info! Cheers! The fare for taxi cabs seems to be quite reasonable. What's your opinion about the taxi cabs then in terms of safety? Is it safe to wave to anyone in any street or do you have any suggestions?

Catching a car is pretty safe.
Put your arm out and whe some one stops crack the door, tell them where you want to go and how much you want to pay- in Russian, or you can say Hermitage and hold out 200 rubles and they will understand.
A short hop can be as low as 50 rubles, but in traffic tiems and across bridges it can be slow and drivers ask for more.
Fares are always negotiated in advance. Taxi fares have come down and for some long trips like to the airport the taxi may be cheaper.
Be wary inside airports of guys who offer you taxis for a good price, they are middle men and never give a good price. talk to the driver himself.

About safety, trust your intuition. Never get into a car with more than one person, it is probably a con of some kind. Chastniki, informal drivers are guys with a car who pick up extra money giving some rides when they have time or someone is going their way. Usually it is an older Lada, Russian car. Strictly considered, they are not legal like taxi drivers. The car should be clean and the guy normal looking. Negotiate the price at the door and don't get in unless, driver and price seem okay.
The taxi drivers at the hotels have a reputation for overcharging foreigners. If you get the run around, catch a bus, tram or trolley and Metro inderground, all around 50 cents. Most signs are in Russian, ability to read street Russian signs and a map are very helpful skills in Russia.