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How to buy and top up Podorozhnik in Saint Petersburg

Where to buy Podorozhnik, how to top up online or in the metro, how to activate remote top-up, and where to download the official app.

Open official guideStarts with: Podorozhnik official page

Fast path

Do this in order

Start here if you only need the order. Detailed notes are lower on this page.

  1. Step 1

    Buy the card

    A regular Podorozhnik can be bought at Saint Petersburg metro ticket windows and machines. No passport is needed for a regular card.

    Tip: Discount and personal tickets are a separate process; do not use someone else's documents.

  2. Step 2

    Top up the balance

    Top up at a metro window/machine, on the official metro page, or in the Podorozhnik app. Android: www.rustore.ru/catalog/app/com.orgp.spbpodorozhnik.

    Tip: For the app, check developer: SPb GKU Organizer of Transportation.

  3. Step 3

    Activate remote top-up

    After online top-up, tap the card on a terminal or validator with write support and wait for confirmation. Without writing, the balance may not work for a ride.

    Tip: If unsure, top up at a metro ticket window or machine for the first ride.

This guide is informational, not an official service. Requirements and app availability can change. Use the official links when you are ready to act.

Prepare

What you need

  • Money for card and first rides

    Start with enough balance for several rides; check current fares on official sites.

  • Android with NFC for some app functions

    Some plastic-card operations are easier on Android with NFC.

Checklist

Mark it off

Before you start

  • Card bought at a metro window or machineRequired
  • Balance topped upRequired

After you are done

  • Remote top-up activated if you topped up onlineRequired
  • Card worked at a turnstile or validatorRequired

Details

Detailed notes

Use these notes when the fast path is not enough. Each step shows what to do, how to check it, and what to avoid.

  1. Step 1

    Payment

    Buy the card

    1Check amount
    2Use allowed method
    3Save receipt

    Step 1

    Buy the card

    A regular Podorozhnik can be bought at Saint Petersburg metro ticket windows and machines. No passport is needed for a regular card.

    Do

    Use an allowed payment method and check the amount before confirming.

    Check

    Save the receipt or confirmation screen until the service is complete.

    Avoid

    Avoid payments to personal cards or unofficial intermediaries unless the official source clearly allows it.

    Tip

    Discount and personal tickets are a separate process; do not use someone else's documents.

  2. Step 2

    Payment

    Top up the balance

    1Check amount
    2Use allowed method
    3Save receipt

    Step 2

    Top up the balance

    Top up at a metro window/machine, on the official metro page, or in the Podorozhnik app. Android: www.rustore.ru/catalog/app/com.orgp.spbpodorozhnik.

    Do

    Use an allowed payment method and check the amount before confirming.

    Check

    Save the receipt or confirmation screen until the service is complete.

    Avoid

    Avoid payments to personal cards or unofficial intermediaries unless the official source clearly allows it.

    Tip

    For the app, check developer: SPb GKU Organizer of Transportation.

  3. Step 3

    Check

    Activate remote top-up

    1Compare source
    2Confirm status
    3Continue

    Step 3

    Activate remote top-up

    After online top-up, tap the card on a terminal or validator with write support and wait for confirmation. Without writing, the balance may not work for a ride.

    Do

    Compare the result with the official source or provider page before you rely on it.

    Check

    Make sure the name, status, date, provider, or app developer matches the expected result.

    Avoid

    Avoid continuing if the result looks different from the source-backed guide.

    Tip

    If unsure, top up at a metro ticket window or machine for the first ride.

Open when needed

Useful links

Open these when a step points you to an official page, provider page, or child guide.

Where to check Podorozhnik and the app

Official linkPodorozhnik official pageSaint Petersburg Metro page about the Podorozhnik card.Service state checked May 19, 2026metro.spb.ruOfficial linkPodorozhnik app in RuStoreOfficial app page for checking and working with the card.Service state checked May 19, 2026www.rustore.ruOfficial linkSPb Podorozhnik appOrganizer of Transportation page about the card app.Service state checked May 19, 2026www.orgp.spb.ru

Avoid

Common traps

Assuming online top-up works immediately

After remote top-up, it must be written/activated on the card.

Downloading an unofficial app

Use the Organizer of Transportation page or RuStore.

Questions

Quick answers

Sources and report outdated information3 sources. Open this when you want to verify the guide or send a correction.

Report outdated information

Tell us what looks wrong or needs checking. We review reports before changing guides.

Do not include passport details, phone numbers, bank card data, migration documents, biometrics, or other sensitive personal data.

Next

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