Hydrofoils (meteors) and high-speed catamarans will operate between Peterhof and Kronstadt during the summer navigation of 2024, which begins at the end of April, from the 27th. There will be an opportunity to make a quick water journey between Peterhof and Kronstadt directly across the Gulf of Finland. The travel time is about half an hour, and tickets cost 600 — 1000 rubles.
Water Connection Across The Gulf of Finland From St. Petersburg
Peterhof and Kronstadt are two St. Petersburg outlying districts. Peterhof is a former Emperor’s residence, now hosting the most popular Russian museum complex in terms of the number of visitors. Its highlight is the world-famous fountains in the Lower Park. Kronstadt is a military township on the Kotlin island (de facto peninsula), now home to museums and city attractions.
Peterhof and Kronstadt are located opposite each other across the gulf.
Old-timers remember the ferry that operated between Lomonosov (a town near Peterhof, also a district of St. Petersburg) and Kronstadt until the early 2010s. With the completion of the construction of the complex of protective structures, commonly known as the «dam», regular water communication ceased. Later, meteors operated between the central part of St. Petersburg and Kronstadt, working on a social tariff, but they did not last long.
Several years ago, hydrofoils resumed, but only as exclusively tourist and only a few times a week: with excursions and without them.
Since 2023, the high-speed catamaran named Kronslot has joined them.
Meteors also operate to Peterhof.
In the navigation of 2024, a third «side» will appear in this «triangle» — a route between Peterhof and Kronstadt. It will be served both by meteors and by the high-speed catamaran Kotlin.
The travel time is 35 minutes.
Peterhof pier
In Peterhof, the arrival point is the Peterhof pier. It is located directly in front of the entrance to the Lower Park (with the fountains), and this entrance is subject to a fee. You won’t be able to bypass this entrance and, consequently, the fee, as there is only one path from the pier, into the park.
Therefore, traveling from Kronstadt to Peterhof by water only makes sense for those who intend to see the fountains. The ticket to the Lower Park is purchased separately from the meteor / catamaran ticket.
Similarly, on the return journey, you can only reach the pier from the Lower Park, meaning you must first enter thepark by purchasing the corresponding ticket.
The Forts Island park pier
The departure pier in Kronstadt is from the park Forts Island. Upon arrival in Kronstadt, you do not need to buy any tickets; you can go directly to the Forts Island park (access is free) or, passing through it, to the city itself.
Ticket Prices
Children under three years old — free, but without a separate seat. A ticket is required, obtainable at the pier’s ticket office.
Children’s ticket (from 3 to 12 years old) costs 600 rubles.
Discounted ticket — 800 rubles. The following categories are entitled to it: schoolchildren, students, members of large families, pensioners, disabled people, veterans, residents of the besieged Leningrad.
Adult ticket (from 12 years old) — 1000 rubles.
Route Schedule
| Departure from Peterhof | Departure from Kronstadt |
| 11:00 | |
| 12:30 | 14:40 |
| 14:00 | 16:15 |
| 15:35 | 17:15 |
Important Nuances
- Tickets for the meteor / catamaran from Peterhof are sold at ticket offices No. 3, 4, and 7, located to the right of the pier entrance;
- Travel time may change due to weather conditions;
- The catamaran may be replaced by a meteor, and the meteor may be replaced by a catamaran at the discretion of the line operator without prior notice;
- Seating on board is free. This means that the earlier you board, the better seats you will get.
Read also our post on how to get to Peterhof on land and by hydrofoil from St. Petersburg.