Moscow to St. Petersburg is 389 miles (625 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Right-side seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers excellent Moscow River views, and the northbound routing over central Russia provides better sightlines of the landscape transition from Moscow region through the Valdai Hills toward Lake Ladoga.
Flight Path
Valdai Hills (modest elevation, forested plateau visible around 20,000 feet), numerous lakes in the Valdai region, transition from Moscow's urban sprawl to increasingly forested terrain, Volga River basin features, Lake Seliger area, gradual landscape flattening toward St. Petersburg
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from VKO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Moscow River's serpentine curves as the aircraft climbs southwest from Vnukovo. The river's distinctive loops and the surrounding urban sprawl of southwestern Moscow are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at LED
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best view during descent into Pulkovo. The approach typically comes from the southwest, and left seats capture Lake Ladoga's northern shoreline and the Neva River delta as the aircraft descends toward St. Petersburg.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vnukovo (VKO) to Pulkovo (LED)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Right-side seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers excellent Moscow River views, and the northbound routing over central Russia provides better sightlines of the landscape transition from Moscow region through the Valdai Hills toward Lake Ladoga.
What can I see during takeoff from Vnukovo in Moscow?
During takeoff from Vnukovo (VKO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Moscow River's serpentine curves as the aircraft climbs southwest from Vnukovo. The river's distinctive loops and the surrounding urban sprawl of southwestern Moscow are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Moscow River (multiple meanders), Luzhniki Stadium area, southwestern Moscow residential districts, Moskva River valley.
What can I see when landing at Pulkovo in St. Petersburg?
When landing at Pulkovo (LED), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best view during descent into Pulkovo. The approach typically comes from the southwest, and left seats capture Lake Ladoga's northern shoreline and the Neva River delta as the aircraft descends toward St. Petersburg. Notable sights include: Lake Ladoga (northern shore), Neva River delta and estuary, Gulf of Finland, St. Petersburg urban core.
How long is the flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg?
The flight from Vnukovo (VKO) to Pulkovo (LED) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 389 miles (625 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Moscow to St. Petersburg flight path pass over?
Valdai Hills (modest elevation, forested plateau visible around 20,000 feet), numerous lakes in the Valdai region, transition from Moscow's urban sprawl to increasingly forested terrain, Volga River basin features, Lake Seliger area, gradual landscape flattening toward St. Petersburg