I am looking for recommendations on how best to get to St. Petersburg. We are going from Helsinki to Tallinn and were planning on taking the overnight bus from Tallinn to St. Petersburg. I am a bit worried about crossing the border on the bus and am wondering if it would be easier (and more comfortable) to go back to Helsinki and take the train to St. Petersburg from there. Also, do we need to purchase tickets early or can we get them when we arrive in Europe? And, finally, on another topic, if we want to see something at the Mariinskiy in St. Petersburg, do we need to get tickets way in advance or can we also get those when we arrive in St. Petersburg? Thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
`finally, on another topic, if we want to see something at the Mariinskiy in St. Petersburg, do we need to get tickets way in advance or can we also get those when we arrive in St. Petersburg?´
Check the performance schedule on-line. If there´s a premier, or a famous artist performing, you may need to reserve. I was there for the premier of a new production of `Paliacci´ and tickets were not easy to get. Also, look out for ticket reseller booths on the street. Although these are legal and the ticket they sell you will likely be valid, they may try to sell you a ticket that can only be used by a Russian citizen.
Finally, if you can´t get a ticket for the Mariinsky, the Mussorsky theater rarely sells out. It´s not in the same league as the Mariinsky, but good enough for most people.
Posted by
OP
Greenville, Maine, USA
6 posts
Thanks Tom and Steve for your help!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Remember your visa. You may have yours already.
Russia isn't a visa waiver country for Americans. You either need a visa or need to be part of a tour that covers your visa. I had heard (but don't have personal experience) that the train is (or has) an option that covers your Visa. I don't know about the bus.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
I'll have to chime in as the (self-appointed) resident Russian.
I snooped around on some Russian-speaking message boards, and what I gleaned from their discussion was that it is advisable to buy tickets in advance if you can (you can do so at mariinsky.ru -- there is an english version). The theatre's website also has a listing of places around the city that sell tickets if you'd rather do it in person. Apparently, if you go to the theatre's box office closer to the date of the show, you can purchase 3rd tier tickets which are not released until near showtime and are usually very cheap (though not the best seats, obviously).
Again, take this with a grain of salt, because I have not been there myself, but this is what I found in discussions among locals.
Posted by
OP
Greenville, Maine, USA
6 posts
Thank you Anna and Brad. We are working on the Visas now. Think we will definitely take the train as it seems like the safer option. And I will definitely check the Mariinskiy sire!