There are few cities in the world quite like St. Petersburg. Built by Peter the Great as Russia’s window to Europe, it’s a city of grand palaces, gilded interiors and quiet canals, especially magical during the famous White Nights of early summer, when the sun barely sets. Russians call it their “Northern Capital,” and once you’ve walked along its waterfront in the evening light, you’ll understand why.
Business and pleasure in the Northern Capital
For business travelers, St. Petersburg has everything you need: prestigious hotels, modern conference venues, excellent fine-dining restaurants and private spaces for meetings away from the noise. When the work is done, spend an afternoon at the Hermitage, one of the greatest art museums in the world. You can also book a private guide to show you the city’s hidden corners, or take a private boat along the Neva River as the city lights come on.
The Russian banya: tradition, wellness and exclusive service
To end the day the local way, try a traditional Russian banya. Think of it as a steam bath with a centuries-old ritual: a private steam room, a professional steam master, a gentle birch-branch treatment and a calming cup of tea afterward. It’s part tradition and part wellness, and it’s one of those experiences our clients always talk about when they come home.
Perfect for VIP delegations, corporate trips and private getaways
Whether you’re leading a VIP delegation, planning a corporate trip or simply treating yourself, St. Petersburg is a place where business, culture and good living come together naturally.
Getting to St. Petersburg from the US
A few things have changed in recent years, so here’s what you should know before you plan.
There are currently no direct flights between the United States and Russia. Russian airlines don’t fly to the US, and American and European airlines, Air France included, don’t fly to Russia. That means every trip from the US involves one connection, usually in Istanbul, Dubai or Doha. The good news is that these connections are smooth, and you can fly business class the whole way.
Before you travel, please keep in mind:
- Travel advisory: The US State Department currently advises Americans not to travel to Russia. Please read the latest guidance at travel.state.gov before making plans.
- Visa: US citizens need a Russian visa, so start the process early.
- Money: American credit and debit cards don’t work in Russia, so bring enough cash for your stay.
St. Petersburg’s main airport is Pulkovo (LED). These are the three airlines we recommend most often to our clients.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Turkish Airlines flies to St. Petersburg year-round and connects from many US cities, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).
On the long flight from the US, you’ll have a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, and the food is a real highlight. Turkish Airlines takes its cooking seriously, with fresh multi-course meals and plenty of Turkish favorites. During your connection, the business lounge at Istanbul Airport is a comfortable place to relax, eat and freshen up. The shorter flight from Istanbul to St. Petersburg is sometimes on a smaller aircraft with wide recliner seats instead of flat beds.
- Checked baggage: 2 bags, up to 70 lb (32 kg) each.
- Carry-on: 2 bags, up to 17 lb (8 kg) each, plus a personal item.
- Date changes: On the standard business fare, you can change your dates by paying the difference in fare, and cancelling carries a fee. The fully flexible business fare lets you change for free and get a full refund if you cancel.
Emirates via Dubai
Emirates also flies to St. Petersburg year-round and connects from a long list of US cities, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Washington Dulles (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Seattle (SEA).
Emirates business class is all about comfort: lie-flat seats, an excellent wine list and hundreds of movies and shows. If your flight is on the A380, don’t miss the onboard lounge and bar, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a drink at 40,000 feet. In Dubai, the Emirates business lounges open directly onto the boarding gates, which makes connecting easy.
- Checked baggage: 2 bags, up to 70 lb (32 kg) each.
- Carry-on: up to 2 bags, 15 lb (7 kg) each.
- Date changes: Emirates offers three business fares. The lowest fare has the highest change and cancellation fees, the middle fare has lower fees, and the top fare includes free changes and the best refund terms. With any fare, you pay the difference if the new flight costs more.
Qatar Airways via Doha (best if you’re visiting Moscow too)
Qatar Airways flies daily from Doha to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), but not directly to St. Petersburg. Many of our clients combine the two cities: they spend a few days in Moscow, then take the high-speed Sapsan train, which reaches St. Petersburg in about four hours, or a short domestic flight. Qatar connects to Doha from US cities including New York (JFK), Washington Dulles (IAD), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).
On many flights from the US, Qatar flies its Qsuite, a private business class suite with a sliding door and a fully flat bed. It’s one of the best business class seats in the sky. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha is just as impressive, and many travelers say it’s their favorite airport lounge anywhere.
- Checked baggage: 2 bags, up to 70 lb (32 kg) each.
- Carry-on: up to 2 bags, 33 lb (15 kg) in total.
- Date changes: Qatar’s two lower business fares allow changes and refunds for a fee. The next fare up includes one free change, and the top fare gives you unlimited free changes and a full refund.
One more option: During the winter season, roughly October to March, Etihad Airways also flies to St. Petersburg from Abu Dhabi.
Let us plan it for you
A trip to St. Petersburg takes a little more planning than most, with connections, visas and cash to think about. That’s exactly where we can help. Our travel experts will compare business class fares on Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways, find the best option for your dates and confirm every fare rule with you before you book.
More business class travel guides
Planning a trip to St. Petersburg?
Fly business class with one easy connection
Tell us your dates and we’ll compare Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways for you. Free and no obligation.