Metal-Expo

Pulkovo (LED) — the only passenger airport, 20 km south of the centre. Bus 39 reaches Moskovskaya metro in about 15 minutes (₽65); taxi to the centre is ₽1,200–1,800 and takes 35–50 min off-peak.

A new terminal serves both domestic and international flights, so leave 90 minutes for check-in on the return leg. Yandex Go has fixed airport fares — confirm the price in the app before the driver sets off.

The metro runs from about 5:45 am to 12:30 am; a ride on the Podorozhnik card is ₽50–60, and stations on line 5 are the quickest way between the historic centre and the Expoforum side of town.

Expoforum is served by free shuttles from Moskovskaya metro during show days (10–15 min), plus buses 150 and 187. Harbours and canals make evening journeys slow, so build in extra time when the bridges are raised during navigation season.

Expoforum (Peterburgskoye shosse, near Pulkovo) hosts Metal-Expo and most of the city's industrial fairs. Passes are issued online against a passport; the badge desk gets long queues on the first morning, so arrive early or print your badge at home.

November weather is wet and windy — a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes matter more than formal dress. Most restaurants take cards, and the city has more English-language menus than regional Russia.