Getting around St. Petersburg by taxi
Luckily the public transportation system in St. Petersburg is very efficient and can take you wherever you need to go. For example, the language barrier is not a serious issue using a subway, all signs and stops are translated into English, but it’s better to know what to expect and be prepared. Getting around on public transport is great but there are times when it’s more convenient just to take a taxi in St. Petersburg. In that case, we would recommend you to:
Use a taxi booking app (Uber, Yandex Taxi);
Ask a hotel or restaurant staff to call a taxi;
Book online on a Taxi Service web page
You can book a cab immediately or in advance. Use the price calculator to find out how much a ride costs before you request it. There are some taxi companies in St. Petersburg with operators in English. For example http://taxovichkof.com/
Avoid hailing a taxi in St.Petersburg.
You can easily be overcharged by taxi drivers, because sometimes they drive you in circles around the city, refuse to give you change for larger denomination bills, will not accept credit cards, etc. That is why only official taxis can be trusted.
But if you have nothing but to take a cab on the street, ask how much the trip will cost and make sure that the driver perfectly understood where you need to get. Also, be certain that you have enough cash to cover your fare because most taxis do not accept credit cards.
The cost of a taxi ride in St. Petersburg is not regulated, and each taxi charges different fares that depend on the day of the week, rush hour, day or night charges, within, etc. The price per kilometer is 33 rubles (0.41 euros).
For example, the taxi fare from Pulkovo airport to the city center will cost you around 1000-1200 rubles (13-16 euros).
Read the article How to get from the airport to the city center of St. Petersburg?