St Petersburg as VA Gold

[flying_duck]

Hi All,

This may be a very simple one to answer. I'm looking into a St Petersburg trip in August, but I only have VA Gold right now (no one world status). Who am I best to fly with and which routing? Time isn't a huge deal, just don't really want to be stuck without lounges up the back of a plane for a long flight or two.

Any ideas? Does it make more sense to fly somewhere else and catch a train? I don't know this area of the world at all.

Thanks

 

[RooFlyer]

Here's the VA and partners route map. I don't know the benefits VA Gold would get on the partners. Check it out here.

It appears none of them fly into St Petersburg, which amazes me.

Flying into Moscow, there is a very fast train to St Petersburg (it doesn't leave from either Moscow airport, of which there are two). Its not scenic, but does the job; I would recommend the business class. I did a trip report with some pics; will post link if I find it. Four hours from fallible memory.

If you were to fly into Helsinki then there is an ordinary train connecting to St Petersburg (pretty slow IIRC) but I would recommend the (large) ferry. Haven't done it, but have wanted to.

 

[flying_duck]

Thanks heaps RooFlyer. It will be my first trip really anywhere near there. I've looked into the Sapsan train which is express, Moscow to St Petersburg. That's probably my best bet. Also allows for a change of mind (I'm visiting wind tunnels for skydiving training) so if I'd rather stay in Moscow I can - flexibility is best. Plus flights to Moscow are cheaper than Helsinki. I can fly Etihad/VA to Moscow.

Getting a bit excited now! Thank you again!