Pulkovo Airport is one of the busiest transport hubs in the North-West region, which creates special requirements for the organization of parking space. For users of short-term car rental services, such as Yandex Drive, Delimobil or BelkaCar, the issue of proper parking is especially acute due to the strict zoning rules of the airport terminal area. An incorrectly abandoned car can lead not only to fines from the traffic police, but also to blocking your account in the car sharing application.
The area around Pulkovo is divided into several functional zones, each of which has its own restrictions on parking time and cost. Drivers returning a rental car need to clearly understand the difference between short-term parking at terminals and long-term parking. The key point is to choose exactly the zone that is allowed by the car sharing operator to complete the trip, since not all parking spaces at the airport are suitable for this.
In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of car sharing parking in Pulkovo, including current tariffs, the location of special places and the algorithm of actions at the end of the lease. You will learn how to avoid additional costs and ensure that your trip ends without problems with the system.
Zoning of Pulkovo parking space
Pulkovo's parking infrastructure is designed taking into account the intensity of passenger traffic and includes several levels of access. For car sharing cars, two main zones are most relevant: short-term parking directly at the terminals (P1 and P2) and long-term parking (P4). It is important to distinguish between their purpose: the first are intended for quick disembarkation and meeting of passengers, the second - for long-term storage of vehicles.
Short-term parking located within walking distance from the entrances to the terminals. There are high tariffs here, and the first 15-20 minutes are often provided free of charge, which is ideal for the car sharing format. However, staying in such places longer than the established limit (usually 1-2 hours) is not economically feasible and may be regarded by the system as a violation of parking rules if the operator does not provide compensation for such costs.
Long-term parking P4 is located away from the terminals and requires the use of shuttle buses. For car sharing, this option is only suitable if you plan to leave the car for several days or weeks. Sharing operators can set geographic restrictions that prohibit the termination of rentals in remote areas without a special label in the application.
⚠️ Attention: Parking on the sides of access roads to terminals and in public transport turnaround areas is strictly prohibited. Such actions will lead to a quick evacuation of the car by airport services, and the costs of calling a tow truck will be billed to the car sharing user.
Special places for carsharing at the terminals
The Pulkovo Airport administration, together with major car rental operators, organizes dedicated parking spaces. They are marked with special markings and signage with service logos (Yandex Drive, Delimobil). The use of these places is a priority, since they are within the coverage area of geolocation services for the correct completion of the lease.
The location of such places may change depending on the season and repair work, so you should always refer to the current map in the operator's application. They are usually located on the lower level of the parking lot P1 (arrivals) or on the upper level P2 (departures). Completing a trip at a designated location often provides bonuses or reduces the risk of geolocation errors.
If you have not found a specialized place with a logo, you are allowed to park in general short-term parking spaces, observing the marking rules. The main thing is to make sure that you do not block the entry and exit of other cars and do not take up space for people with limited mobility without the appropriate permission.
Always take a photo of the car from four sides and a general parking plan before completing your rental in the application. This will protect you from claims for new scratches that may have appeared while parked at the airport.
Tariffs and parking costs for the end of the rental
The cost of parking in Pulkovo depends on the selected zone and the duration of parking. For car sharing, it is critical to know the pricing for the first hours, since most trips to the airport last less than two hours. Payment is made automatically when leaving through the barrier or through the parking application, if such an option is provided.
Below is a table of current approximate tariffs for Pulkovo parking lots (prices are subject to change, check the latest information at the information desks):
| Parking type | Free period | Tariff (1-2 hours) | Maximum tariff (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 (Terminal 1) | 20 minutes | ~600-800 rub. | ~4500 rub. |
| P2 (Terminal 1) | 20 minutes | ~600-800 rub. | ~4500 rub. |
| P4 (Long term) | No | ~300 rub./hour | ~1500 rub. |
Many users forget that the free parking time (usually 20 minutes) is given for one-time entry If you drive out of the zone to spin, the timer will reset, but the risk of getting stuck in traffic on the driveway is high. For car sharing, it is optimal to do it within the first hour in order to minimize costs, which, however, are often borne by the operator if they have the appropriate subscription or tariff.
How does parking reimbursement work?
Some car sharing tariffs (for example, "Premium" or "Business") include compensation for parking at airports. To do this, you must save the payment receipt (electronic or paper) and upload it through the support form in the application within 30 days. The amount of compensation is usually limited (for example, up to 1000 rubles).
Algorithm for ending a rental at the airport
The process of completing a trip at the airport requires more care than in the city due to poor GPS signal between the concrete structures of multi-level parking lots. Before parking your car, open the app and make sure you are in the permitted zone (green zone on the map).
The sequence of actions should be as follows: park the car strictly within the markings, turn off the engine, check the interior for personal belongings. Then go to end lease mode. If the app takes a long time to think, go to an open area or move closer to a window to catch satellites.
☑️ Checklist before the end of the lease
It's important to remember dimensions your car. Pulkovo parking lots have low ceilings at some levels and narrow passages. Make sure that the chosen seat is suitable for your car class, especially if it is a crossover or minivan.
Problems with geolocation and communication in the parking lot
Pulkovo underground and multi-level parking lots are an area of unstable mobile signal reception. This is a common cause of problems with ending car sharing leases. The system may not see the car or not give a command to close the doors. In such cases, you should not panic and try to end the rental multiple times - this may lead to a technical failure.
It is recommended to make sure in advance (even before entering the parking lot) that you have mobile Internet and your phone is charged. If the signal is lost completely, sometimes it helps to move to the upper open level of the parking lot or go outside to the terminal to send a termination command while the car remains in place.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a car with the engine running or the doors open, hoping that the system will “understand.” This is regarded as theft or a violation of security rules, which will result in account blocking and a fine.
To improve communication, you can use the airport's Wi-Fi network Pulkovo_Free, if it is available at the parking level, although this is not always possible. An alternative option is to use SMS commands, if the operator's application supports such functionality, to complete the trip.
Stable Internet is the main condition for successful completion of the lease. If there is no connection, do not leave until you receive confirmation from the system, otherwise the time and cost counter will continue to increase.
Alternative options: off-airport parking
If the rates for Pulkovo official parking seem too high, and there is still a lot of time before departure, you can consider parking options outside the airport perimeter. There are unofficial park-and-ride sites along Pulkovskoye Highway, but their use is fraught with risks.
Car sharing operators often install geofences, beyond which termination of the lease is prohibited or there is a fine. Before leaving your car in a remote parking lot, carefully study the map in the application. Completing a lease in the “red zone” or outside the city can cost from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles.
A more reliable option is parking at the Moskovskaya or Zvezdnaya metro stations, from where there is a high-speed bus or metro to the airport. This will save on parking, but will require additional time for transfer with luggage.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to leave car sharing overnight in Pulkovo?
Yes, you can leave your car overnight in long-term parking P4 or short-term parking P1/P2, but in the second case it will be very expensive. Make sure that the chosen car sharing tariff allows you to end your rental at airports.
What should I do if the barrier does not open after payment?
Don't try to drive end-to-end. Contact the parking operator via the intercom at the counter or call the Pulkovo parking support service. For car sharing, general departure rules apply.
Does car sharing offset the cost of parking at the airport?
It depends on the specific operator and your tariff. For example, some tariffs Yandex Drive or BelkaCar include compensation, which must be submitted manually via support chat by providing a receipt.
Where can I find a gas station near the Pulkovo parking lot?
Nearest large gas stations (Lukoil, Gazpromneft) are located on Pulkovskoye Highway towards the city. Before returning your car to the airport, be sure to refuel, since refueling in the airport area is either not available or is much more expensive.