Pulkovo International Airport (LED/ULLI) Guide: St. Petersburg’s Gateway to the Cultural Capital
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for St. Petersburg Pulkovo International Airport (LED), the crucial air hub serving Russia’s historic and cultural capital. As the third-busiest airport in the country, Pulkovo is the primary point of entry for millions of tourists eager to explore world-renowned landmarks like the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. This SEO-optimized guide provides travelers with essential, up-to-date information on the airport’s services, connectivity, and facilities, ensuring a smooth transit through LED.
General Airport Overview (LED/ULLI)
Pulkovo Airport, officially known as IATA code LED and ICAO code ULLI, has cemented its position as a major European air transportation link. Its strategic location and continuous expansion make it a key facilitator for both domestic and international travel.
- Location: The airport is conveniently located approximately 23 km south of the St. Petersburg city center.
- Coordinates: 59° 48′ 0” N, 30° 18′ 0” E.
- Passenger Capacity: Demonstrating robust growth, the airport handled nearly 21 million passengers in recent years, making it a pivotal hub in the region.
- Key Hubs: LED serves as a major operational base for prominent Russian carriers, including Rossiya Airlines and S7 Airlines.
Modern Terminals and Comprehensive Facilities
Pulkovo Airport operates from a single, modern terminal building, which was significantly renovated and expanded to efficiently manage high passenger volumes while offering a full spectrum of world-class traveler amenities.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected before or after their flights.
- Retail & Dining: The terminal hosts an excellent selection of duty-free shops for international travelers, along with various dining options. Notable spots include major chains and local favorites like Puro Gusto and Shokoladnitsa, offering choices from quick snacks to full meals.
- Baggage Services: Secure luggage storage facilities are available for travelers wishing to explore the city without their bags.
- Premium Lounges: Access to several sophisticated airport lounges is provided, with entry fees typically starting from approximately 3,500 RUB (Russian Rubles), offering comfort and quiet workspaces.
- Accessibility: The airport ensures full facilities for disabled access, including ramps, elevators, and dedicated assistance services.
- Lost and Found: For misplaced items, the Lost and Found contact number is +7 (812) 337-38-22.
Airlines, Key Destinations, and Global Connectivity
LED connects St. Petersburg to destinations across Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It currently serves over 47 airlines flying to more than 109 destinations.
- Major Carriers: The flight roster is anchored by key airlines such as Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Rossiya Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
- Top International Routes (Sample): The network includes vital global connections to major cities like Moscow (the busiest route), Istanbul, Antalya, and Dubai.
- Flight Frequency: The airport operates approximately 200 weekly flights, with high-frequency services on core routes (e.g., Turkish Airlines maintains daily flights to Istanbul).
- Long-Haul Connections: The longest operational route from Pulkovo is the flight to Phuket, typically lasting around 9 hours.
Seamless Transportation and Parking Solutions
Traveling between Pulkovo Airport and St. Petersburg city center is convenient, offering a range of public and private options to suit every budget.
Public Transport to the Metro
The most popular and cost-effective option is the public bus system connecting directly to the city’s metro.
- Route 39 (Regular Bus): Connects to the Moskovskaya Metro Station (Line M2).
- Journey Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Frequency: Runs every 5-7 minutes.
- Fare: Costs approximately 100 RUB.
- Route 39Ex (Express Bus): Also connects to the Moskovskaya Metro Station, offering a faster service.
- Frequency: Runs every 13-20 minutes.
- Route 82Ex (Express Bus): Connects to the Veterans Avenue Metro Station (Line M1).
- Frequency: Runs every 15 minutes.
Taxi and Car Services
- Taxi: A trip to the city center takes around 20 minutes. Fares typically range between 1,200 and 1,800 RUB. It is highly recommended to use official airport taxi services or pre-book through reliable apps.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental providers, including Sixt, Avis, and Europcar, operate counters at the airport. Booking online in advance is recommended for better rates and availability.
Airport Parking
Pulkovo offers multiple parking zones tailored for various stay durations.
| Parking Zone | Distance to Terminal | Typical Cost | Note |
| P0 (Free) | Further from the terminal | Free | 5-minute limit only for immediate drop-off/pickup. |
| P1 (Universal) | 2-minute walk | 1,100 RUB per hour / 2,100 RUB per day | Ideal for short-term stays and quick pickups. |
| P4 (Long-term) | 10-minute walk | 1,600 RUB per day / 10,000 RUB per week | Best value for extended travel. |
Essential Traveler Services and Tips
For international visitors, Pulkovo offers several essential services designed to facilitate your entry into Russia.
- Currency Exchange: Multiple exchange booths and ATMs are available in both the arrivals and departures areas.
- VAT/Tax Refund: Travelers may be eligible for VAT refunds on purchases made in Russia. Look for the designated Tax Free service counters within the terminal.
- Visa Requirements: Travelers should verify their specific visa requirements (e.g., Turkish citizens currently require an e-visa). Always check the latest entry rules before travel.
- Safety & Security: Security checks at LED are thorough and efficient. Allocate ample time for check-in and security, especially during peak travel seasons.
Latest Airport News & Operational Updates
Pulkovo Airport maintains continuous operations while adapting to global events and managing internal service updates.
- Recent Operational Resilience (2025): The airport has demonstrated resilience in managing various incidents, including temporary flight suspensions due to unforeseen events like a runway incident involving a landing gear malfunction, as well as managing cyber disruptions and drone-related airspace restrictions that occurred in 2025.
- Travel Advice: Always consult the official Pulkovo website or your airline for real-time flight status before heading to the airport.
Contact Information for Pulkovo Airport
For specific inquiries, travelers should use the official contact details below.
- Owner: Pulkovo Airport JSC
- Address: ul. Pilotov 18/4, 196210 St Petersburg, Russia
- Phone (Information): +7 (812) 704-36-11
- Fax: +7 (812) 704-22-67
- Official Website: www.pulkovoairport.ru (Recommended for real-time updates and essential information.)