St. Petersburg Day Three - Conquering the Underground

St. Petersburg is a city of 4.7 million people, compressed into a small area. Its subway is the backbone of the transportation system. Like Moscow, its a clean and efficient system, and an architectural masterpiece. Its one thing the communist leaders that built it can be proud of.

Because of the muck that the city sits on at the Gulf of Finland, and the fact it has to go underneath the canals, the subway had to reach extreme depths to find stable soil. Its reputed to be the deepest in the world. You could have lunch while riding the escalator down. The Moscow system is also deep, but for different reasons. There, it was built with the dual purpose as a fallout shelter in the event of nuclear attack from the United States.

For 22 rubles, about $0.75, you can go anywhere on the system. I took along my map and tested my route to the airport. After the trip, what was a huge mystery when I arrived is now quite clear. A block's walk to Moscovsky Station, take the Green line to Gostiny Dvor, then Blue line to Moskovskaya Station (yes, they sound similar, thats why I was confused coming in). At Moskovskaya,  re-surface and take bus number 39 to the airport. Total fare - 41 rubles ($1.35) vs. a taxi ride for $50. They won't stiff this foreigner on this one. And now my sore and blistered feet can also get a rest.