Traveling in russia

By train: Train is relatively fast way of traveling to Russia. Border formalities are practically taken care of at the same time as ticket checks inside train. For example, traveling from Helsinki to St. Petersburg by train takes approximately 5,5 hours, while Helsinki - Moscow takes 13 hours.

By bus: Express buses are also fast way to travel to Russia. Four buses depart daily from Helsinki to St. Petersburg. Driving time including dining breaks is 6,5 hours. Border formalities are relative quick. Buses stop in front of major hotels in St. Petersburg. There are straight bus connections also to other nearby Russian areas from Finland.

By own car or motorbike: If you're traveling by your own car or motorbike, you must take care of vehicle insurances before leaving to Russia. Getting insurances at border crossing may take a long time. You must reserve time for other border formalities, too. Border crossings are often crowded at weekends and at mornings and evenings. Vehicle should be parked at guarded parking lots whenever you park for longer time. General speed limit is 60 km/h in populated areas and 90 km/h outside. Speed limits should be obeyed, as police does lot of speed controlling. Speeding tickets are usually paid straight to police, process being relatively quick and easy that way. If fining goes through official process, it becomes cumbersome endeavour.