Exploring Moscow and St. Petersburg
Introduction to Russian Exploration
Russia’s heavyweight cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, are power-packed with history, culture, and a kick of modern flair. If you’re trotting over from Austria, slap these cities on your checklist, pronto! With Moscow’s grand Red Square and St. Petersburg’s swanky Hermitage Museum, there are stories and sights at every corner. Here are the niftier angles to explore Moscow and St. Petersburg on a jaunt from Austria.
Travel Planning Tips
Documents and Visas
Before setting off on your Russian escapade, make sure your papers are sorted. Austrian jetsetters need a visa for Russia, so shake a leg and apply early because the process might take a few weeks.
Flights and Arrival
Your breeziest bet is to catch direct flights from Austria straight to Moscow or St. Petersburg. Those flights from Vienna to Moscow’s Sheremetyevo or St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo take the same time as a good nap, about 3 hours. Book early to snag decent fares and a wider choice.
| Route | Average Duration | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna to Moscow | ~3 hours | Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines |
| Vienna to St. Petersburg | ~3 hours | Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines |
Accommodation
Both Moscow and St. Petersburg have spots to crash for every budget—whether you’re living it up at plush hotels or chilling in budget hostels. Staying close to the main attractions is a savvy move to save on commute time.
| City | Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow | Ritz Carlton | Marriott | Hostel Kremlin |
| St. Petersburg | Four Seasons | Radisson | Hostel Russia |
Getting Around
Getting around without hiccups makes for a sweeter trip. In Russia, many of ways are available:
- Sapsan Train: Zoom between Moscow and St. Petersburg with the Sapsan bullet train in under 4 hours. It’s comfy, kind on the wallet, and less hassle.
- River Cruises: Check out Vodohod or Viking River Cruises for fancy river rides along the Volga from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
Public Transport
- Metro Systems: Fancy a subway ride? The metro grids in Moscow and St. Petersburg are slick and even double up as art galleries. Check out the dazzling station designs while you’re at it.
- Car Rentals and Car Sharing: Hit up services like Sixt, Europcar, and Avis at the airports. For quick jaunts, car sharing saves you the headache of long-term car rentals.
Want more travel goodies? Swing by our guide on exploring St. Petersburg’s coolest spots for Austrians and top must-see wonders in Moscow for Austrian jetsetters.
Getting Around in Russia
Roaming the humongous stretches of Russia, and particularly hopscotching between Moscow and St. Petersburg, calls for a bit of brainpower. Dive into some nifty travel tricks and extraordinary ways to see the sights.
Efficient Transportation Options
One can’t talk travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg without mentioning the trusty Sapsan high-speed train. This bad boy zips across the two cities in less than four hours flat. Quick, comfy, and easy on the wallet if you snag those tickets early. Plus, you skip the whole airport hassle, making it a win-win. And, if you’re curious about what to do once you land, swing by our handy attractions in Moscow for our Austrian pals guide.
| Transport Mode | Duration | What’s Cool About It |
|---|---|---|
| Sapsan Train | less than 4 hours | Snazzy, speedy, budget-friendly |
| River Cruise | Route-dependent | Eye-popping views, posh vibes |
| Metro Systems | Within city | Fast, sprawling, jaw-dropping design |
Hop onto any metro in the big cities, and it’s like stepping into an underground art gallery. Both Moscow’s and St. Pete’s metro systems double as cultural gems you have to see to believe. Peek at our detailed guide to Moscow’s wonders to get more scoop.
If you prefer steering your own ship, car rentals are at your beck and call at the airports. You’ll find names you trust like Sixt, Europcar, Avis, and Rentalcars. Or, if it’s all brand spanking new to you, why not book a ride with a driver? They know the lay of the land and can steer clear of the traffic jams (Visit Russia).
Unique Travel Experiences
Floating down a river on a cruise is as relaxing as it sounds. Luxurious boats from companies like Vodohod, Mosturflot, Viking River Cruises, and Volgadream glide from Moscow to St. Petersburg along the scenic Volga. From May through October, live the high life with style and top-notch service (Visit Russia).
For a ride that will make your heart skip a beat, try a hydrofoil. A quick sprint from St. Petersburg to Peterhof in 40 minutes, where the Neva River meets the Gulf of Finland. It’s like taking a history lesson on water wheels from May to September with companies such as Neva Travel and Peterhof Express leading the line-up (Visit Russia). Get the juice on the primo sights with our exploring St. Petersburg guide.
| Unique Adventure | What’s the Deal? | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| River Cruises | Swanky ride from Moscow to St. Petersburg | Plush cabins, sweet service, deep dive into culture |
| Hydrofoil Rides | Speedy zip from St. Petersburg to Peterhof | Breathtaking landscapes, rapid travel, only during certain months |
With these travel tidbits tucked under your belt, your trip between Moscow and St. Petersburg is bound to be unforgettable. Need more juicy travel tidbits? Peek at our articles on cultural dip into St. Petersburg or, quite differently, pro tips for keeping your hair in check.
Must-Visit Attractions in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Russia, with its stunning history and vibrant culture, is a treasure trove of attractions. If you’re coming from Austria, or anywhere for that matter, these are places you don’t want to skip.
Hermitage Museum and General Staff Building
The Hermitage Museum is not just big; it’s monumental. With art from legends like da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo, this place is an art lover’s paradise. The Winter Palace, part of the complex, used to be home to Russian royals. Talk about posh!
Across the street, the General Staff Building is also part of the Hermitage. It’s where classic meets contemporary with modern art exhibitions. Its massive arch and sunshine-yellow walls are picture-perfect.
| Attraction | Highlights | Suggested Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hermitage Museum | Masterpieces galore, Winter Palace grandeur | 4 – 6 hours |
| General Staff Building | Modern art, architectural marvel | 2 – 3 hours |
Want more tips for your visit? Our full guide here has got you covered.
Peterhof and St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Peterhof, known as the “Russian Versailles,” is a mix of sparkle and elegance with its baroque style and dreamy gardens. The fountains, especially in summer, are quite a highlight. You’ll want to spend a good chunk of the day here to soak it all in.
And don’t miss St. Isaac’s Cathedral. The views from the top are incredible, and inside, the décor is out of this world with mosaics and sculptures that could mesmerize anyone.
| Attraction | Highlights | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Peterhof | Fountain show, lush gardens | Summer (May – October) |
| St. Isaac’s Cathedral | Stunning city views, rich interior | Anytime! |
For more cultural goodies, check out our top cultural experiences in St. Petersburg for Austrian visitors.
By checking out these spots, you’re not just a tourist, you’re an explorer delving into what makes St. Petersburg tick. From art that speaks to architecture that awes, this city has a bit of magic for everyone.
Making the Most of Moscow
Max your Moscow visit with these must-know tips for getting around and sights worth seeing in Russia’s buzzing capital.
Sapsan Train and River Cruises
If you’re heading between Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Sapsan Train is your best bet. In under four hours, this slick bullet train zips you from one city centre to the other. You skip the hassle of airports and grab yourself some extra sightseeing time. Book those tickets ahead of time to save a bit of cash—trust me, your wallet will thank you.
| Train Option | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sapsan Train | Less than 4 hours | €50 – €130 |
Looking for a leisurely adventure? Hop on a River Cruise. These scenic cruises drift from Moscow to St. Petersburg, with tons of pampering and swanky suites. Check out options from Vodohod, Mosturflot, Viking River Cruises, and Volgadream, each with their own fancy perks. The season typically sets sail in May and wraps up by October.
| River Cruise Companies | Season | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vodohod | May – October | Lavish comfort, scenic views |
| Mosturflot | May – October | Top service, various routes |
| Viking River Cruises | May – October | Culture-packed trips, tasty treats |
| Volgadream | May – October | Chic vibes, cool itineraries |
Metro Systems and Car Rental Services
The Moscow Metro isn’t just transit—it’s a showpiece dripping in Soviet-era flair. Think of it as a museum that gets you where you wanna go. The metro weaves through the city, linking you to loads of tourist magnets. Wanna know more about the metro’s hidden gems? Check our guide on Moscow’s iconic landmarks.
If four wheels are more your style, car rental services are all over Moscow, from airports to downtown. Sixt, Europcar, Avis, and Rentalcars offer everything from budget to luxury options. If you’re new to these roads, a car with a driver could be a lifesaver for navigating traffic chaos and hunting down shortcuts. Car-sharing services also offer snap-and-go rentals—perfect for those who like a bit of commitment phobia.
| Rental Service | Starting Point | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sixt | Airports, City | Loads of car choices, upmarket rides |
| Europcar | Airports, City | Budget-friendly, wide array |
| Avis | Airports, City | GPS, kid extras available |
| Rentalcars | Airports, City | Easy peasy online booking, hot deals |
Whether you’re on the fast track with the Sapsan Train, floating on the river waves, soaking up the metro’s grandeur, or cruising the streets, Moscow and St. Petersburg have it all. Discover more gems in Moscow’s must-see attractions and the best sites in St. Petersburg for Austrians.