The journey to the plane always begins long before takeoff, and one of the first questions faced by the driver is the choice of the place to take off. parking. St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport offers several options for transport accommodation, but getting confused in zones and tariffs is very easy. The wrong choice can cost you thousands of dollars or, worse, nerves when searching for a place during rush hour.
In this article, we will analyze all available options: from VIP-terminals to budgetary transfers. You will learn how the system works. number-recognitionWhere you can leave the car for free for 15 minutes to disembark passengers and whether to book a seat in advance through the mobile application.
The relevance of the information is critical, as the tariffs are reviewed annually. We have prepared a detailed guide that will help you save time and money by choosing the best option for your trip.
Kiss & Fly Zone and Short-Term Stop
The most popular request among drivers is “where to drop off passengers quickly”. There is a special area in Pulkovo for this purpose. Kiss&FlyIt is located directly at the entrance to the terminal. There is a strict time limit: the first 15 minutes of parking are absolutely free. This time is enough to unload the suitcases and escort travelers to the security zone.
However, it is necessary to be extremely careful. The system of fixing the time of entry and exit works automatically, and even a minimum delay beyond the allotted limit will entail paying the full tariff of the first hour, which is significantly higher than the average market. If you plan to escort passengers to the screening or help with the design, this option is not suitable for you.
⚠️ Warning: Cameras record entry and exit times to within seconds. Don’t count on the “human factor” – the automatic fines in the Kiss & Fly zone work flawlessly, and it will be almost impossible to challenge the account.
For those who need to spend more time with loved ones, it is better to consider the hourly parking P1, which is within walking distance. There, the tariff is more loyal for long standing, and to the terminal go only a couple of minutes.
Multi-tiered parking lots P1 and P2: fares and location
The main array of cars travelers leaves in covered parking lots P1 and P2. These zones are located as close as possible to the terminals, which is especially valuable in winter or in rainy weather. The parking lots are equipped with modern navigation systems that show the number of vacant seats at each level in real time.
Payment is made automatically upon departure. The system reads the number of the car at the entrance and exit, and the calculation is made based on the time spent. For those who fly away frequently, it makes sense to consider the option. prepayment Through an app that in some cases gives a small discount or guarantees a seat in high season.
- 🚗 Convenient location: entrance to the terminal is 2 minutes walk.
- 💳 Payment: terminals on the road, mobile application, contactless cards.
- 🛡️ Security: 24/7 video surveillance and secure perimeter.
- 🚙 Dimensions: there are spaces for cars with roof trunks and minibuses.
It is important to note that on holidays such as the May or New Year holidays, P1 and P2 occupancy rates reach 100% well before the start of the weekend. During such periods, the airport administration recommends using alternative accommodation options.
P4 and P5 parking: Savings for travelers
If you’re away for a week or two, leaving your car on a P1 or P2 becomes economically inefficient. For such cases, zones are provided at Pulkovo airport long-term parking - P4 and P5. They are located a little further from the terminals, but the difference in cost per day can be two-fold and even three-fold.
The main advantage of these zones is the availability of free bus-transferIt runs between parking lots and terminals at intervals of 10-15 minutes. The buses are comfortable, with a place for luggage, and they go around the clock, which allows you to fly or fly at any time of the day without unnecessary costs for a taxi.
These parking lots also have an automatic number recognition system. When you enter, you receive a ticket (or the system fixes the number), and when you leave, you pay only the actual parking time. This eliminates the need to calculate the exact time of vacation in advance – if the flight is delayed, you will pay exactly as much as you stood.
| Type of parking | Distance to the terminal | Transfer | Optimal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1, P2 (Covered) | 50-100 meters | Not required | Short trips (1-3 days) |
| P4, P5 (Open) | 1.5 - 2 km | Free shuttle | Long-term holidays (from 4 days) |
| VIP parking | At the entrance to the VIP lounge. | Personal transfer | Business travelers |
| Outside parking lots | 3-5 km | Included in the price | Maximum savings |
When booking a long-term P4/P5 parking online in advance, you often fix the price and guarantee yourself a seat, which is especially true in the summer season.
Third-party parking and interception areas
There are many private parking complexes around Pulkovo Airport. They often offer lower fares than the airport's official zones and include minibus transfers in the cost. Popular operators provide services of washing, cleaning the cabin and even recharging the battery during your absence.
When choosing such a parking lot, you should carefully read the reviews about the waiting time for a transfer. Unlike the official Pulkovo shuttles, which run on schedule, private carriers can wait for the minibus to fill up, which will increase the journey time to the terminal by 20-30 minutes.
Risks should also be taken into account. Official airport parking lots are fully liable for the vehicle, while the terms of the contract in private parking lots may be less transparent. Always check for security and video surveillance before leaving your keys.
☑️ Check before renting the car to the parking lot
Payment and modern technologies
The parking payment process in Pulkovo is fully automated. You don’t need to look for a cashier or terminal inside the building – all operations are done on the road. The cameras read the license plate and the system offers payment options on the barrier screen or through a mobile application.
For smartphone users, the official airport application is available, where you can not only pay for parking, but also book a place in advance. This is especially convenient if you are flying during the holiday period and don’t want to risk all seats being occupied. The application also allows you to link a bank card for non-stop travel (Free Flow technology).
If you have problems with payment or the gate does not open, there is an operator call button on each rack. You can also use self-service terminals located in waiting areas before leaving to pay for parking in advance and safely bring luggage to the car.
⚠️ Note: If you have lost your parking pass (in the areas where they are issued), data recovery and the issuance of a duplicate may take considerable time and require payment of the maximum rate per day. Keep the ticket safe until you leave.
Tips for safety and safety of the car
Leaving a car in any parking lot, even guarded, should adhere to basic safety rules. First of all, make sure all windows are closed and the doors are locked. Do not leave bags, electronics or documents in the salon in prominent places that may attract the attention of intruders.
Before a long parking, it is recommended to check the technical condition of the car. Make sure the battery is charged and there is enough fuel in the tank to drive to the nearest gas station after returning. If you leave your car outdoors for a long time, it makes sense to use covers or at least fold the wipers if snowfall is expected.
What to do if your car is damaged in the parking lot?
If you find damage upon return, do not leave the place. Immediately contact the administration of the parking lot for registration of the act. Having a CCTV record is critical, so the sooner you report an incident, the better the chances of finding the culprit and getting compensation.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost in Pulkovo per day?
The cost varies depending on the zone. On short-term parking P1/P2 day can cost from 1500 to 2500 rubles. On long-term P4/P5 price is about 600-800 rubles per day. It is better to check the exact fares on the official website before the trip.
Is there free parking at Pulkovo Airport?
There is no free parking for long periods of time. You can stand for 15 minutes in the Kiss & Fly area for free. There are also external interception parking lots in remote areas that need to be reached by public transport.
How does the transfer from P4 and P5 parking lots work?
Transfer is free for all parking customers. Buses run along the route every 10-15 minutes around the clock. The stops are marked with “Shuttle Bus” signs. The journey time to the terminal is about 5-7 minutes.
Can I pay for parking with a card on the road?
Yes, all exits have terminals that accept bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, MIR) and payment via NFC (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay work with Russian cards through Mir Pay). Cash payments are also possible at some points, but cards are prioritized.
Booking a place in the official parking lot of Pulkovo through the app is the most reliable way to guarantee the availability of space and fix the price in high season.