Aleksandrovskaya Station Pushkin
Step into imperial Russia at Pushkin, home to the dazzling Catherine Palace and the more intimate Alexander Palace, surrounded by magnificent parks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Aleksandrovskaya Station Pushkin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into imperial Russia at Pushkin, home to the dazzling Catherine Palace and the more intimate Alexander Palace, surrounded by magnificent parks.
"A breathtaking journey into the opulent past, where every corner whispers tales of tsars and empresses."
Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing palace tickets in advance, especially during peak season. :admission_tickets:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through palaces and vast parks. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Catherine Palace
Pushkin
A breathtaking example of Russian Baroque, famous for its opulent gilded interiors and the legendary Amber Room.
Alexander Palace
Pushkin
Once a favored residence of the Romanovs, this palace offers a more intimate glimpse into imperial life.
Catherine Park
Pushkin
Expansive and beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding Catherine Palace, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Pushkin
Getting to Pushkin
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing palace tickets in advance, especially during peak season. :admission_tickets:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through palaces and vast parks. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
Dedicate at least half a day to explore the palaces and gardens thoroughly. :clock1:
Check train schedules
Ensure you know the return train times to avoid long waits at the station. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing palace tickets in advance, especially during peak season. :admission_tickets:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through palaces and vast parks. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
Dedicate at least half a day to explore the palaces and gardens thoroughly. :clock1:
Check train schedules
Ensure you know the return train times to avoid long waits at the station. :train2:
Explore the parks
Don't miss the expansive and beautiful parks surrounding the palaces for a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the opulent beauty of Catherine Palace, particularly the Amber Room, and the serene grandeur of the surrounding parks. Alexander Palace offers a more intimate historical perspective. However, some find the modern train station facilities lacking, and interior photography restrictions can be a point of frustration.
"A Tsarskoe Selo Subway Station was rebuilt at Stalin's times at the 40s of the 20th c. The original is of the 18th c. The architectural style is the lurid Gothic. It feels as though your moving actually is from a Danube epic). Your experience is the genuine feeling of participation in some kind of Saga. The series of City Arches resembles the triptych at some time.
There are places to sit and relax on the benches before visiting the Pushkin Town. In the station building you can also sit or stand in the waiting room. The ticket office is also inside. There is an indicator of train departure times there too. There are also gazebos for waiting and the electronic board on which the destination is displayed. There is the controller at the platform."
ჯMariaAnaჯ* ჯKukhilavaჯ* (ჯHuîtresMeilleuresჯ*)
"Pushkin Station. Nice!"
Tran Trong Binh
"Large and warm waiting room. Lots of seats. There is a kiosk with bakery and confectionery products, ice cream. Also a section with newspapers and magazines. Lots of ticket sales terminals. The toilet is not in the same building. We need to get out."
Anastasia Denisova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by commuter train from Vitebsky Station in St. Petersburg to Pushkin Station (also known as Aleksandrovskaya Station). The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for a more direct route.
Yes, public transport is quite convenient. The commuter train is frequent and affordable. Buses also run from various points in St. Petersburg, though trains are generally preferred for speed and comfort.
From Pushkin Station, you can take a local bus or a taxi/ride-sharing service directly to Catherine Palace. It's a short ride, and many visitors opt for a brisk walk if the weather is pleasant.
The primary station for trains to Pushkin is Vitebsky Station. While other stations exist in St. Petersburg, Vitebsky is the most common departure point for this route.
By commuter train, the journey typically takes 30-40 minutes. If you're using a taxi, travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic, but it's usually around 45-60 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online in advance through the official Tsarskoye Selo State Museum-Reserve website, or at the ticket offices on-site. Booking online is highly recommended to avoid queues.
Opening hours vary seasonally and by palace. Generally, they are open from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last entry usually an hour before closing. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
While you can purchase tickets for each palace separately, it's advisable to check the official website for any potential package deals or combined entry options that might be available.
Entry to the parks (Catherine Park and Alexander Park) usually requires a separate ticket, especially during the high season. Check the official Tsarskoye Selo website for current pricing and access policies.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. It's best to inquire at the ticket office or check the official website for eligibility criteria and required documentation.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Amber Room is the absolute highlight, but don't miss the Grand Hall (Ballroom), the Portrait Hall, and the various private apartments of the empresses. The opulent decor is stunning.
Alexander Palace was the last residence of the Romanov imperial family. It offers a more personal and less ostentatious glimpse into their lives, with beautifully restored rooms.
To fully appreciate Catherine Palace and its extensive park, plan for at least 3-4 hours. The palace tour itself can take 1.5-2 hours, and the park is vast.
Yes, guided tours are available for both palaces, often in multiple languages. They provide valuable historical context and insights that enhance the visitor experience.
The station has a waiting room with seating, ticket terminals, and a kiosk selling snacks and newspapers. Toilets are located outside the main building.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the palaces is often restricted or requires a separate permit, especially for professional equipment. Check the latest regulations at the ticket office or on the official website.
The Grand Cascade, the Hermitage, and the various bridges and pavilions offer picturesque backdrops. The reflections in the water bodies are also beautiful.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in and around historical sites and parks to preserve the atmosphere and for security reasons. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for exterior shots, creating softer shadows and a warmer glow. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Flash photography is usually not permitted inside the palaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Catherine Park and Alexander Park are ideal for kids to run around and enjoy nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery. The sheer scale of the palaces and the stories behind them can spark imagination, making it an educational and memorable outing. Remember to check for any specific family-friendly exhibits or activities.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While the palaces are the main draw, enjoying the parks is free or requires a much smaller entry fee. Pack your own snacks and water to save money on food purchases within the tourist areas. Many visitors find that a good half-day or full-day trip focusing on one palace and its park offers a rich experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Catherine Park provides numerous vantage points for capturing the palace, its pavilions, and the serene water features. Inside the palaces, photography rules can be strict. Always check for signage or ask staff about permitted areas and whether a photography permit is required. Even without interior shots, the meticulously manicured gardens and the grandeur of the palace exteriors offer ample opportunities for breathtaking images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of Catherine Palace
Inside, visitors are awestruck by the Grand Hall, a magnificent ballroom designed for lavish imperial receptions, adorned with frescoes and gilded stucco. The palace also houses a series of beautifully restored state rooms and private apartments, each offering a glimpse into the lives of the empresses. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the decor are breathtaking, making it a highlight for any visitor to the St. Petersburg region.
Exploring Catherine Palace requires a significant amount of time due to its size and the richness of its interiors. It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid long queues. Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and art within its walls.
Alexander Palace: A Romanov Retreat
The restored interiors of Alexander Palace focus on the private lives of the imperial family, showcasing their personal belongings, photographs, and living spaces. This creates a more relatable and human connection to the Romanovs, moving beyond the ceremonial splendor of other imperial residences. Visitors often remark on the surprisingly 'normal' feel of some of the rooms, despite their historical significance.
While less ostentatious than Catherine Palace, Alexander Palace is equally captivating for its historical narrative. It provides a crucial counterpoint to the more public-facing palaces, offering a deeper understanding of the personal lives and eventual fate of Russia's last imperial family. The surrounding Alexander Park is also a beautiful area for a peaceful walk.
Navigating Pushkin Station
Inside, the station offers a large, warm waiting room with ample seating, a kiosk selling snacks and newspapers, and ticket terminals. However, a significant point of contention for some travelers is the lack of visible departure boards, forcing reliance on smartphones to check train times. The location of the toilets outside the main building is also noted.
Despite some criticisms, the station provides essential services for travelers. It's a functional hub connecting Pushkin to St. Petersburg, and while it may not be as architecturally grand as the palaces, it serves its purpose. For those arriving by train, it's the first point of contact with the town, and understanding its features can help manage expectations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit