How to Get Around Northwestern Russia

Getting in is the difficult part. Direct flights from most Western countries have ceased, and routings go through Istanbul, Dubai or the Gulf. Land crossings from Finland have been closed. A visa is required for almost all nationalities; the electronic visa scheme for Saint Petersburg has been suspended at various points, so check current rules.

In Saint Petersburg: the metro is deep, fast and cheap, with some of the deepest stations in the world. Buses, trams and ride-hailing apps cover the rest.

Between cities: the high-speed train to Moscow takes about four hours; ordinary trains reach Petrozavodsk, Veliky Novgorod, Pskov, Arkhangelsk and Murmansk, and overnight sleepers are the normal way to cover distance.

To Kizhi and Valaam: hydrofoils in summer from Petrozavodsk and Sortavala; ice roads and hovercraft in winter.

Karelia needs a car or a tour.