Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Petrozavodsk gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from PES to the city takes roughly 70 minutes by City Bus, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of PES:
- Can you legally enter Russia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by City Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the RUB. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some RUB in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What to See and Do in Petrozavodsk
Two recommendations for your time in Petrozavodsk:
Start with Onezhskaya Embankment. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to National Museum of the Republic of Karelia. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PES, you can spend time at Petrozavodsk Airport Cafe or try Souvenir & Press Kiosk. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near PES
In Petrozavodsk
If you make it into town, Karelskaya Gornitsa (ÐаÑелÑÑÐºÐ°Ñ Ð³Ð¾ÑниÑа) is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Fregat (ФÑегаÑ).
Inside PES
If you’re staying in the terminal, Petrozavodsk Airport Cafe is your main option. Express Snack Bar works too if you want something quick.
Getting from PES to Petrozavodsk
You have two main options for getting from Petrozavodsk Airport into town:
- City Bus: About 70 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 90 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Petrozavodsk, budget roughly $23 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $8 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Petrozavodsk, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Petrozavodsk Airport
Specific locker facilities at PES aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Petrozavodsk itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PES, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Petrozavodsk itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Russia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at PES
Long overnight layover? Your options at PES include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Russia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Petrozavodsk doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 70 minutes from PES, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.