St Petersburg Bus Tours
DISCOVER THE Top Attractions OF THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF RUSSIA the Easy Way!
Our St Petersburg Bus Tours are the perfect way to discover the imperial city. You can join a pre-scheduled city sightseeing tour or go on your own. Read more!
To explore the outstanding cultural treasures of St. Petersburg you can choose from the following options: take the well-known Hop on Hop off Bus Tour, jump onboard a City Bus Tour, or Rent a Modern vehicle (bus, van or car) and enjoy an all included city tour ride individually.
The first option (Hop On/Off Bus also known as the Double-Decker Red Bus) it works like in Europe. The bus lets you get off and on at any of the given stops dotted around the most popular sites of the city within a fixed time schedule, and you can only listen to an audio-recorded commentary in several languages, English included.
The second option (City Bus Tour), is a local version of the Red Bus Tour and let you see all the top attractions of the city along with living commentary from a real local guide. A fixed route and schedule apply with no chance to get off as you please.
The third option (Renting a modern Car or a Van with a driver) lets you see the city key sights and its surrounding areas privately and at your own pace of life with or without an expert local guide.
All three options from our St Petersburg Bus Tours presented on this page give you a great introduction to the city, but among all the three we recommend renting a vehicle with a driver just for yourself. This way you'll be touring the city in comfort, see more, and enjoy more flexibility because you decide where and when to stop, and most importantly, what to see.
top ST PETERSBURG BUS TOURS you can book now
Check out below our list of the best St Petersburg Bus Tours. Click on the links below or scroll down the page to learn more about each of them.
Hop on - Hop off city Bus Tour
Take our Russian version of the Red Bus Tour that you see all over Europe and get to all the main attractions of the city in less than two hours, or in one, two, or even three days according to what type of ticket you purchase. This tour will take you through the heart of the city from the comfort of a modern double-decker bus. You will be able to hop on and off at 19 conveniently located stops around the city over 1, 2, or 3 days. With this sightseeing bus tour, you will see the many impressive buildings, statues, parks, and canals that give this city its uniqueness. Included in the price are a pair of headsets and a map of the city.
Itinerary: Within the framework of your bus excursion (there are 19 stops) you will be visiting the historical center of St. Petersburg, the Strelka of Vasilyevsky Island, and even the Petrograd side, so you will hit all the key sights.
Schedule: From May to September the bus runs every 30, 40 or 60 minutes; from October to April the bus runs every hour or two. (Time schedule vary each year)
Ideal for: Low budget travelers and people who enjoy a traditional hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Pro: Medium flexibility; This is one of the cheapest St Petersburg Bus Tours.
Con: No live audio commentary; fixed route;
TOUR DETAILS
Departure Point: From Isaac's Cathedral - Just look for the red bus
Returning Point: Back to the original point of departure
Departure Time: Every 30 mins from 10 am till 5:30 pm
Duration: 1.30 Hours (Variable)
When: Through all the year but it also depends on the season and weather conditions.
Type of Tickets: You can buy a bus ticket for 24hrs or 48 hrs or 72hrs.
Available Languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Swedish, Dutch, Finnish and Russian (audio pre-recorded).
Bus Stops: St. Isaac's Cathedral; The Admiralty; Palace Square; Kazan Cathedral; Grand Guest Yard; Anichkov Palace and Bridge; Nevsky Ave/Liteiny Prospekt; Moscow Railway Terminal; Vosstaniya Square; Nevsky Ave-/Liteiny Prospect; Eliseyev Brothers’ Emporium; Singer House; Arts Square; Grand Ciniselli Circus; Summer Garden; Palace Square; Palace Embankment; Admiral Embankment; Bronze Horseman
Price:
- Adults 2000Rubles; Students: 1800Rubles; Children 1600Rubles for a 24hrs bus ticket;
- Adults 2200Rubles; Students: 20000Rubles; Children 1900Rubles for a 48hrs bus ticket;
- Adults 2500Rubles; Students: 2300Rubles; Children 2100Rubles for a 72hrs bus ticket;
(Keep in mind that the price may changes).
Where to Buy Tickets: You can buy tickets from the driver right before the trip; online; or at the office on Nevsky pr. 22, floor 4, office 6. Payment in cash or by credit card.
Note: In order to get in the bus you must show your printed e-ticket if you buy the ticket online.
INTERESTED?
CITY BUS TOUR & more by eklektika
Eklektika is an old Russian tour company with over 25 years of working experience. They sell a wide range of tours for Russian customers. However, some of their tours are also offered in English, so if you are looking for a cheap and basic open bus tour give it a try. From the comfort and safety of a large bus (see photo above), you’ll be taken around Saint Petersburg and listen to an informative live English commentary onboard. The bus tour will go through scheduled routes and stop at three of the most popular landmarks for taking photos. Please note that the same company also arrange bus tours to Peterhof and Tsarskoye Selo, as well as pre-scheduled city tours by night.
Itinerary: General city tour of the city by day and by night; day trip to Peterhof and Tsarskoye Selo.
Sights covered on the tour: The main city's attractions and the city's suburbs.
Ideal for: Low budget travelers; people who have limited time, love comfort and want to get the essential background of the city with an expert local guide at an affordable price.
Pro: Live commentary in English on board included in the price; This is one of the cheapest St Petersburg bus tours.
Con: This tour is not customizable; fixed route, open tour; Russian style.
TOUR DETAILS
Departure Point: Gostiny Dvor (Nevsky Prospekt, 33)
Returning Point: Back to the original point of departure
Departure Time: Each day of the week, starting at 12:00 (noon)
Duration: 2 hours
When: All year round and once a day
Available Languages: English and Russian (live guide aboard)
Seats available: Up to 45 passengers
Bus Route: Nevsky Prospekt; Gostinny Dvor (Guest Yard); Sadovaya st. (Garden st.); Gorohovaya st.; Malaya Morskaya st. (Small Sea st.); St. Isaac\'s cathedral (a 5 minutes stop); The monument to Nicolas I; the Horse Guards riding-hall; the Bronze Horseman; the State Admiralty; the Winter Palace; Konjushennaja (the Stable) sq.;The cathedral of the Holy Savior on the Spilt Blood (a 5 minutes stop); Mars\' field; Michael\'s castle; the Summer Garden; The monument to A.V. Souvorov; the Troitsky (the Trinity) bridge; the log cabin of Peter I; The cruiser Aurora (a 5 minutes stop); The house of Matilda Kshesinskaya; Troitskaya (Trinity) sq.; Gostinny Dvor (Guest Yard).
Bus Stops: St. Isaac's Cathedral; the Church of the Savior on the Spilt Blood; the Cruiser Aurora); Nevsky Prospekt.
Price: Adults 1200Rubles; Students 900Rubles; Children 700Rubles; Free of charge for kids under 3 years old (Price is approximate and may vary).
Where to Buy Tickets: You can buy tickets from the driver right before the trip; or at the Kiosks outside the Metro Station Gostiny Dvor/Nevsky Prospekt.
PRIVATE MINIBUS, MINIVAN & CAR CITY TOURS
Avoid large groups of people and rent a modern air-conditioned private minibus, minivan or car for a few hours, a day or even longer, and get the chance to explore St. Petersburg downtown and its famous imperial suburban residences at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to plan your own itinerary according to your schedule and interests, and visit the city together with your partner, friends, family or whoever else you wish. Hire a professional local guide to help you get the most out of your Russian holidays. Compared to all other St Petersburg bus tours, this one is the most recommended!
Itinerary: You'll be collected at your hotel and from there we will take you around the city according to your itinerary which we'll define together prior to your arrival. During the tour, you'll discover all the major sights of Saint Petersburg like any other city sightseeing bus tour, but privately. And, if you let us provide you with a local guide you'll also hear interesting stories and historical events.
Sights covered on the tour: Tailored to suit the destination chosen.
Options: If you prefer you can just rent a vehicle with a driver and tour without a local guide, though hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
Ideal for: Independent minded-travelers, families, couples, friends and small or large groups of people or anyone looking to tour independently in comfort.
Pro: Full autonomy; high comfort; personalized service; competitive price. This is one of the best St Petersburg bus tours.
Con: The price differs from the first two tour options.
TOUR DETAILS
Pick Up: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Drop Off: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: To be agreed
When: All the year round
Available Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Seats available: Up to 4 passengers for a car; up to 6 passengers for a minivan, up to 20 passengers for minibus (extra seats available on a big bus for large groups).
Inclusions:
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off service;
- Private Service Transport by car, minivan or minibus;
- Professional Russian Driver;
- Petrol and Parking Cost;
- Professional Local Guide and Entrance Tickets upon request;
- Visa tour vouchers for cruise passengers if needed;
- Headphones for large groups only.
Exclusions: Food and Drink; Tips to the guide and driver.
Destinations: City center; City outskirts; Peterhof; Tsarskoye Selo; Pavlovsk; Oranienbaum; Kronshtadt; Gatchina; Strelna.
Price: Depends on the tour, chosen destination, means of transport and hours of renting/touring.
Reservation Request: From 14 to 60 days in advance
INTERESTED?
PRIVATE MINIBUS, MINIVAN & CAR TOURS FROM ST PETERSBURG
Rent a modern and air-conditioned minibus, minivan or car for one day and discover some of the oldest cultural centers in Northern Europe. Escape from the bustle of the city and enjoy typical Russian towns, such as Novgorod, Vyborg, Pskov, and Staraya Ladoga. Travel a few hours away from the city to experience the beautiful Russian countryside such as forests, lakes and old villages. Start a wonderful journey into the old times of Russia and enjoy the freedom to travel individually according to your time and interests.
Itinerary: After being collected at your hotel we'll reach your chosen destination., which can be Russian cities such as Great Novgorod, Vyborg, Pskov, Staraya Ladoga, Strelna, and Oranienbaum. Prior to your road trip, we'll also define a tour itinerary related to the city you have chosen to visit.
Sights covered on the tour: Tailored to suit the destination chosen.
Options: If you prefer you can just rent a vehicle with a driver and tour without a local guide, though hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
Ideal for: Independent minded-travelers, families, couples, friends and small or large groups of people or anyone looking to tour independently in comfort and safety.
Pro: Full autonomy; high comfort; personalized service; competitive price. This is one of the best St Petersburg bus tours.
Con: 3/4 hours of traveling are required to reach such cities, so a whole day is needed to enjoy this tour.
TOUR DETAILS
Pick Up: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Drop Off: Your Hotel or any other location in the city
Departure Time: To be agreed
Duration: To be agreed
When: All year round
Available Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Bulgarian, Russian.
Seats available: Up to 4 passengers for a car; up to 6 passengers for a minivan, up to 20 passengers for minibus (extra seats available on a big bus for large groups).
Inclusions:
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off service;
- Private Service Transport by car, minivan or minibus;
- Professional Russian Driver;
- Petrol and Parking Cost;
- Professional Local Guide & Entrance Tickets upon request;
- Visa tour vouchers for cruise passengers if needed;
- Headphones for large groups only.
Exclusions: Food and Drink; Tips to the guide and driver.
Destinations: Velikiy Novgorod; Vyborg, Pskov; Staraya Ladoga, Strelna, and Oranienbaum.
Price: Depends on the tour, chosen destination, means of transport and hours of renting/touring. Please ask!
Reservation Request: From 14 to 60 days in advance
INTERESTED?
Please note that if you decide to book one of our St Petersburg Bus Tours listed on this page we recommend booking in advance. Thanks!
From St Petersburg Bus Tours return to St Petersburg Sightseeing Tours or go to the Home Page
You might like these
Tour St Petersburg Russia | Hire a Local Tour Guide
Planning a trip to Saint Petersburg Russia? If so, tour St Petersburg with us and get the most out of your visit.
Best St Petersburg Tours | 11 Top Private Tours Worth Booking
Discover the cultural capital of Russia with the best St Petersburg Tours. Tour the city's top attractions & landmarks!
Trip to St Petersburg Russia | Plan Your Trip With Two Locals
Need help planning a trip to St Petersburg Russia? If so, ask for our help here and avoid any frustration or time loss.
DO YOU LIKE ST PETERSBURG ESSENTIAL GUIDE? HAVE YOU FOUND THIS PAGE HELPFUL?
If you do, please help others to find out about it. If you have a blog or website, or know someone who does, consider linking to us. Share the link on Facebook, Tweet it... you get the idea. Every link helps!