Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Saint Petersburg
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Saint Petersburg
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Saint Petersburg
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Saint Petersburg
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Saint Petersburg, often called the Venice of the North, is a city brimming with imperial history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. While public transportation is readily available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this magnificent city and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. Many of Saint Petersburg's most captivating attractions, such as the Peterhof Palace and Catherine Palace, are located outside the city centre. A rental car allows you to easily access these destinations without relying on public transport schedules or expensive taxi fares.
Discover Hidden Gems. With a rental car, you can venture off the beaten path and uncover the hidden gems of the Saint Petersburg region, including picturesque villages, serene lakes, and historical sites that are not easily accessible by public transportation.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. A rental car gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Whether you want to spend a day exploring the city's museums or take a scenic drive along the Gulf of Finland, you'll have the freedom to do it all.
Before booking a rental car in Saint Petersburg, it’s important to understand the rental terms and conditions. These include age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance coverage, deposit policies, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies. Familiarising yourself with these details ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
1,439 square kilometres (556 square miles)
Population
Approximately 5.4 million residents
Time Zone
Moscow Standard Time (MSK), UTC+3
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Saint Petersburg is typically 21 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle categories. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required for all rentals. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their domestic licence if it is not in Cyrillic or English. A passport is also required.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available for extra peace of mind. A security deposit is typically required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements may offer unlimited mileage or have restrictions on the number of kilometres you can drive. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems or child seats. Always check the terms and conditions carefully to understand potential extra costs.
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Saint Petersburg is from £18 / $22 / €20. Prices fluctuate depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental company.
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €50
Electric:
from £30 / $37 / €34
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £38 / $47 / €43
7 Seater:
from £42 / $52 / €47
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €28
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Peak season (June to August): Demand is high during the summer months, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Off-season often comes with discounts of 15-25%
Car rental prices in Saint Petersburg vary depending on the time of year. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Saint Petersburg is a straightforward process, but it requires some planning to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs. Follow these steps to secure your rental car:
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different rental companies. This will help you find the most competitive rates for your desired dates and vehicle type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget. Consider the number of passengers, luggage space, and driving conditions when making your choice.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions before booking. Pay attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season. This will help you secure the best rates and ensure availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card. Inspect the vehicle for any damage before driving off and ensure you understand the fuel policy.
Saint Petersburg is a major city with a complex transportation network. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability is essential for a smooth driving experience.
As the cultural capital of Russia, Saint Petersburg is a city of grand boulevards, stunning palaces, and intricate canal systems. Exploring the city by car can be convenient, but it's important to be aware of traffic conditions and parking restrictions, especially in the city centre. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Top Attractions to Discover
Hermitage Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums.
Peterhof Palace
A magnificent palace and gardens complex, often called the Russian Versailles.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
A stunning example of Russian architecture with intricate mosaics.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city centre, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available in some areas, but it can be limited and expensive. Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre and taking public transportation into the city.
Gas Stations in Saint Petersburg
Major Brands
Major fuel chains like Lukoil, Gazprom Neft, and Rosneft have numerous stations throughout the city.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Most stations accept credit cards and cash.
Refuelling Tips
When refuelling, be aware of the different fuel types available and choose the appropriate one for your rental car.
Useful Tips for Visiting Saint Petersburg
Allow Extra Time
Traffic congestion can be heavy, especially during rush hour. Allow extra time for travel, especially during peak hours.
Plan Your Route
Plan your route in advance and use a GPS navigation system to avoid getting lost. Be aware of one-way streets and traffic restrictions.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in the city centre. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Learn Basic Russian
Learning a few basic Russian phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals and navigating the city.
Major Bus Stations
Saint Petersburg Bus Station No. 2
Serves intercity and international bus routes.
Railway Stations
Moskovsky Railway Station
The busiest railway station in Saint Petersburg, connecting to Moscow and other major cities.
Ladozhsky Railway Station
Serves destinations to the north and east of Saint Petersburg.
Vitebsky Railway Station
Connects to destinations in Ukraine and Belarus.
Finlyandsky Railway Station
Provides services to Finland and the surrounding region.
Airports
Pulkovo Airport (LED)
The main international airport serving Saint Petersburg and the surrounding region.
Renting a car in Russia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
A valid driver's licence is required for all rentals. If your licence is not in Cyrillic or English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle categories.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Saint Petersburg as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Such a beautiful city! Cruising through St. Petersburg on our road trip was effortless and a joy.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 22.06.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Exploring Saint Petersburg by car was great, although the Hermitage was more crowded than expected.
David Lee
Reviewed: 15.01.2025
Family vacation in Saint Petersburg was fantastic! Having a car gave us such freedom to explore palaces and parks at our own pace. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
Impromptu weekend in Saint Petersburg! So much to see, though the Peter and Paul Fortress was a bit underwhelming.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 08.12.2024
Meh. Food was bland.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 07.01.2025
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Saint Petersburg was magical! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, it let us explore beyond the city center and discover hidden gems. The Hermitage was breathtaking, and the canals were stunning. A truly unforgettable trip!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 16.01.2025