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How to Get to Penza

How to Get to Penza

Penza Oblast Russia Travel Guide

Air Travel to Penza

Penza Airport & Flights

Penza Airport (PEZ), officially "Penza (Ternovka) Airport" or "Leonov Airport," mainly serves domestic flights within Russia. Major airlines operating to Penza include Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Rossiya, RusLine, and AZIMUT.

Flight Details

  • Most common connections: Moscow (DME/SVO), Saint Petersburg (LED).
  • No direct international flights; transfer via major Russian hubs.
  • Flights operate consistently year-round; prices fluctuate during holidays/summer.

Airport Services & Transfers

Penza Airport is a small regional facility with basic amenities: shops, cafes, car rental agencies. Do not expect extensive international airport services. The airport is ideally located close to the city.

Getting to/from City

  • Public buses connect the airport directly to downtown.
  • Taxis readily available; Yandex's Ride-hailing app for transparent pricing.
  • Private transfers pre-arranged with hotel/tour operators.

Domestic Flight Focus

Penza Airport mainly handles domestic flights within Russia, connecting to major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Proximity to City

The airport lies approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) to the southeast of the city center, with travel times typically 20-30 minutes.

Limited Facilities

As a regional airport, Penza (PEZ) has a compact terminal with basic amenities, not extensive international services.

Affiliate Resources for Flights

Flight Deals & Search

  • Dollar Flight Club - Finds deals on flights.
  • Skyscanner - Comprehensive searching for flights engine.
  • AirHelp - Assistance for delayed/canceled flight compensation.
  • Pre-booking domestic connections from Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Car Rental Options

  • DiscoverCars.com - Car rental comparison service.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) required for driving in Russia.
  • Credit card typically required for car rental security deposit.
  • Consider road conditions and safety concerns when planning to drive.

Penza Leonov Airport

Overview

Penza Airport (PEZ) serves as the main air gateway to the city, handling domestic flights from major Russian hubs.

Airlines

Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Rossiya, RusLine, and AZIMUT frequently operate directions to and from Penza.

Transfer Efficiency

Public buses, taxis, and pre-arranged private transfers facilitate quick connections from the airport to the city center.

Land Transportation to Penza

Train Connections

Penza-1 Railway Station (Пенза-1) functions as a major railway junction, connecting Penza to an extensive Russian train network. Russian Railways (RZhD) operates several sorts of trains.

Train Routes & Services

  • Lots of direct trains heading to Moscow (10-14 hours).
  • Direct trains to Saint Petersburg (over 20 hours).
  • Reservations for overnight trains and peak season are wise via RZhD website.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Penza Bus Station (Автовокзал Пенза) serves intercity and interregional routes. Various regional bus operators provide services. Bus travel generally offers a slower experience for travel for an extended period.

Bus Services & Routes

  • Connections to cities like Saratov, Samara, Ulyanovsk, and other nearby towns.
  • Regular bus services are available to Moscow and adjoining regions.
  • Bus travel can be more non-stop in some regional routes.

Self-Driving & Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in Russia, on top of your valid national driving license. Carry both documents. Main roads leading to Penza are generally paved and in reasonable condition. Pavement quality varies in areas outside of big cities.

Driving Information

  • IDP and national driving license are essential documents.
  • Cold-weather driving has significant challenges (snow, ice, visibility).
  • Fuel depots are available along major routes.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary from good in central Penza to less maintained in rural areas. Aggressive driving habits, poor road lighting in rural areas, and insufficient signage are considerations. Driver behavior differs from many Occidental nations.

Safety Considerations

  • Drivers do not always adhere strictly to road laws.
  • Pedestrians do not always use designated crossings.
  • Driving in winter hazards include ice, heavy snow, and reduced visibility.

Border Crossing & Sea/River Arrivals

  • Border Crossing: Not applicable for direct travel to Penza.
  • International land border crossings apply when entering Russia from neighboring countries.
  • This guide assumes you are already within Russia for land transport.
  • Sea/River Arrivals: Not relevant for Penza's geographical location.
  • No an overseas ferry or cruise services to Penza exist.
  • Limited local river transportation serves leisure or small private boats in summer.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are levied on travelers departing from Russia. Airport departure taxes are generally included in the price of your air ticket. Prepare for your departure from Penza with these helpful details.

Departure Guidelines

  • Leaving the airport: Arrive 2-3 hours before a domestic flight.
  • Train/Bus station departure: Arrive at least 30/15-HALF an hour before departure.
  • Have passport, visa, and stamped Migration Card ready prior to departing control.

Airport/Station Facilities

Penza Airport offers limited facilities for departing travelers, including small waiting areas plus simple food/drink kiosks. Penza-1 Rail Depot features waiting rooms, ticket offices, small shops, and cafes. Penza Bus Station provides minimal waiting facilities and ticket counters.

Departure Point Amenities

  • Airport: Basic food/drink kiosks.
  • Train Terminal: Small shops and cafes.
  • Bus Station: Simple waiting areas.

Included Taxes

Airport departure taxes are typically included in the price of your air ticket, requiring no separate payment.

Confirm Bookings

Confirm departure times and transport bookings 24-48 hours before you go to avoid last-minute surprises.

Departures

Penza-1 Railway Station and Penza Bus Station act as embarkation points for land travel from the city.

Penza-1 Railway Station

Visualizing Land Travel

The Penza-1 Train Station serves as a central hub for train travel, joining the city to various destinations across Russia.