Delphi373

Hi all,

I am interested in traveling to Russia this coming Spring, ideally in May or June. I would like to spend two weeks there between Moscow and St. Petersburg. What are general prices I can expect in flights? Also, does anyone know the going rate on train rides from Moscow to St. Petersburg? I would like to take an overnight train with my husband.

Thanks in advance!

Intrepid1

The "general" prices you can expect will already be available by using one of the various search engines for flights and i suggest you do more than just Expedia, for example.

Nobody can tell you when there will be a sale or exactly when the prices will be lowest. If they do, and you believe it, then there's this bridge for sale in Brroklyn you might be interested in.

www.mobissimo.com
www.itasoftware.com
www.onetravel.com

Delphi373

Thank you! Those are useful search engines. I understand the rates can vary and no one can predict when sales and such will arise, I was just looking for ball-park figures. Rates now for May for example, seem to be around the $800 dollar range - which seems reasonable. I guess I was curious if ever they get below that or is $800 (including taxes and fees) a really good rate.
Thanks again.

bardo1

That's an excellent price for May/June. Unless you fly out of NYC in which case you could find something in the $700 range (Aeroflot). Prices are not likely to drop any lower.

Marc_David_Miller

As others mentioned, $800-900 is a typical price for May-June to Russia from New York, no matter when you book this, based on the last few years of pricing tickets (I don't know from where you are flying based on your postings). There are no non-stop flights from St. Petersburg to the US, so we usually recommend that clients travel through one of the European gateway cities (i.e., CDG for Air France, Helsinki for Finnair, LHR for British Airways, etc.) if they want to visit both Moscow and St. Petersburg. Often Aeroflot effectively includes the excursion to St. Petersburg but it is inconvenient to transfer at Moscow's Sheremetyevo.

The overnight trains run from about $100-250 per person, depending on where you book it from and on which train, for two people to a compartment (except for the high luxury train).

Delphi373

Thanks All!
I'll be flying out of Boston and to Moscow fyi. Ok, so looks like that's a good rate. Thanks also for info. on the train. Can those tickets for the overnight train be purchases ahead of time online, or is that best done upon arrival somewhere?

Marc_David_Miller

There is no real-time system to purchase the train tickets; it's easiest to get then in advance (as often particular dates do sell out in advance, especially during holiday periods (May 1-9) and June. Tickets go on sale approximately 45 days in advance of your train ride.

Delphi373

Ok sounds good!

Thanks so much for all your help!

KESinMN

Delphi-

Iceland Air flies out of Boston. Every flight has a layover in Iceland. It's a great chance to stretch your legs and move around. Iceland Air also offers you the additional option at no cost for a layover (up to 3 days but it now might be 7 days)in Iceland.

I am planning a trip to Russia on Iceland Air via Helsinki. I hope to catch the overnight train to Moscow and ferry from St. Petersburg back to Helsinki.

Marc_David_Miller

KESinMN, I would verify the ferry schedule both during the planning phase of your trip and immediately before, as many of the ferry services to and from Russia have periodically been suspended; allow for a flight or train as a backup.

AAFrequentFlyer

Just a reminder. US citizens need a visa for Russia. Don't forget!

Have a great trip!