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MMK destination photo
LED destination photo

MMKLED

Which side of the plane to sit from Murmansk Airport (Murmansk) to Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

Provides a front-row seat to the rugged Ladoga Skerries and a spectacular aerial entry into St. Petersburg via the Gulf of Finland.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏭

Monchegorsk

A striking view of the industrial city nestled between the mountains and the vast Lake Imandra.

🌲

Karelian Taiga

An endless mosaic of thousands of small lakes and dense pine forests typical of the Russian North.

🏝️

Ladoga Skerries

Dramatic rocky islands and jagged inlets along the northern shores of Lake Ladoga.

🌊

Gulf of Finland

The western approach into LED often flies over the water, providing views of the Baltic Sea.

🗼

Lakhta Center

Europe's tallest skyscraper standing prominently on the St. Petersburg coastline during descent.

This side is superior for the arrival phase into St. Petersburg. If the flight approaches Pulkovo from the west, you will see the Peterhof Palace fountains and the Neva River delta. During the 'White Nights' (June/July), the sunset colors on this side are legendary.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
❄️

Kola Tundra

Aerial views of the vast, treeless Arctic landscape immediately south of Murmansk.

🏔️

Khibiny Mountains

The largest mountain range of the Kola Peninsula, appearing as a massive circular plateau.

💧

Lake Onega

Europe's second-largest lake visible in the distance to the southeast during mid-flight.

🌾

Svir River

A major waterway connecting Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga, cutting through dense taiga.

🏖️

Ladoga East Coast

Vast sandy shorelines and the mouth of the Volkhov River as you enter the Leningrad region.

Sit on this side for the best views of the Khibiny Mountains roughly 20 minutes after takeoff. For night flights in winter, this side offers excellent chances to spot the Aurora Borealis over the dark wilderness before reaching the city lights.

Top Activities in St. Petersburg
Route Information

Distance: 1,006 km (625 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min

Departure: MMK (68.78170013427734, 32.75080108642578)

Arrival: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)

Route Type: Domestic

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