Cheap flights to St. Petersburg are now becoming increasingly popular, as the tourists wise up to the fantastic opportunities the city offers for short stay breaks. Pulkova airport is just a brief journey of around 10 miles into the city center, which takes no more than 30 minutes. Both the 39 bus from outside arrivals hall number one, and bus 13 from outside terminal 2, take the route required for a very reasonable price. For a slightly higher outlay there are shuttle buses that are a little quicker from the domestic terminal. Numbers K3, K113 and 39a all provide the service. Taxis are more expensive, and not REALLY any faster, but obviously if a number of people share the cost, then it might be most convenient. There are also three major car rental dealerships at the airport if you plan to travel a little further afield.

Why it took so long to realize this city's fabulous potential is anyone's guess, but in comparison to Moscow, the flights to St. Petersburg are not only faster, but since it is much more accessible, it also has a much more touristy feel to it. It is so compact that walking is by far the best option for visitors. Trams and buses are available, but to be honest everywhere can be reached quicker on foot. Taxis really should be avoided unless absolutely necessary as they tend to charge a high tariff. For exploring outside the city boundary, then the metro is a clean, and reliable service.

More and more people are finding out just how beautiful this famous old Russian city is, and the architecture alone is worth the airfare to St. Petersburg. The magnificent archway above the entrance to Nevsky Prospekt – the wide main street, is just the beginning. The striking gold steeple of the fortress founded by Peter the Great should not be missed. That is also true of the Hermitage (the art museum), and St Isaac's, the impressive cathedral. You may also board Cruiser Aurora on the Fontanka River, where the first shot of the Russian Revolution was fired. There are boat trips every half an hour in the summer months and the stunning bridges, particularly the 19th century Anchkov Bridge, are a popular sight.

With St. Petersburg flights encouraging more visitors, shopping opportunities continue to grow; but Bolshoy Gostiny Dvor, the large yellow colored building on the main street, remains the star attraction. Nike's factory store offers bargain priced quality too, so it is always popular. Eating out is improving, although Carrols is still regarded as the best in town for their burger and fries, not typical Russian fare. The restaurant Tandoor near the cathedral is always popular, and for a true Russian meal Suvorov's cannot be beat. There are many bars and clubs that attract the revelers, including Galernaya Ulitsa and Tribunal; but the many theatres and concert halls and also very popular.

• Transaero Airlines 60% recommend
• Aeroflot 67% recommend
• Rossiya - Russian Airlines 100% recommend

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• St. Petersburg is 9 miles from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg, Russia).
• Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg, Russia)
• Right now, 67 airlines operate out of Pulkovo Airport.
• Pulkovo Airport offers nonstop flights to 144 cities.
• Every week, at least 1,379 domestic flights and 1,407 international flights depart from Pulkovo Airport.