If you are looking for an affordable and slightly unconventional way to travel to Russia, going via Poland and the Baltic coast is an excellent option. At the moment, there are two main bus routes connecting Europe with Russia:
- Tallinn – St. Petersburg and
- Gdansk – Kaliningrad.
We personally tested the Gdansk – Kaliningrad route. Our overall impression? It is budget-friendly, allows you to discover additional cities and countries along the way, and serves as a great alternative for travellers who prefer not to fly directly into Russia.
This post provides practical tips and recommendations to help tourists make the most of this travel route.
Table of contents:
- Fly to Gdansk
- Travel to Kaliningrad
- Border experience
- Bus or taxi?
- How and where to book bus tickets
- Customs information: currency & restrictions
- Explore Kaliningrad
- Continue your trip further
- Practical advice & costs
- Conclusion
Step 1: Fly to Gdansk
Start by booking a flight to Gdansk in Poland.
- Gdansk is well served by low-cost airlines, so you can often find very cheap tickets.
- LOT Polish Airlines also offers reasonable fares and good schedules, especially from major European hubs.
We recommend staying two nights in Gdansk before continuing to Russia. This gives you time to:
- Explore Gdansk’s beautiful old town and waterfront.
- Take a short trip to Sopot, the famous seaside resort.
- Enjoy the Baltic Sea promenade.
- Try excellent local Polish food – pierogi, fresh fish, and craft beer are all worth a taste.
Gdansk isn’t just a transit point; it’s a destination in itself.
Step 2: Travel to Kaliningrad
From Gdansk, you can travel to Kaliningrad either by bus or by taxi. Both are realistic, commonly used options for crossing into Russia.
Border experience
The border crossing between Poland (EU) and the Kaliningrad region of Russia is generally straightforward:
- Normally, it goes without significant delay, and everything is well organised.
- However, delays can happen. These are usually linked to additional checks on individual passengers – for example, if someone was born in Ukraine, has issues with documents, or something doesn’t match in the system.
- Buses usually have dedicated lines, so they do not wait in the same queue as private cars. This often makes the crossing faster overall. The downside is that if border officers need extra time for one person, the entire bus has to wait – you are dependent on other passengers.
- When travelling by car or taxi, you are not dependent on other people in your vehicle, but all cars use the same line. This can mean longer waiting times simply because the queue is slower.
- On both the Polish and Russian sides, border officers are polite and professional.
- All baggage is x-rayed as part of standard security procedures.
On average, you can reach Kaliningrad in 4–5 hours. In some cases, the journey may be quicker, but during peak travel times — public holidays, school vacations — waits at the border can make the trip longer. Officially, the journey is listed as around 3 hours, but border checks and occasional delays can extend the total travel time.
Bus or Taxi?
Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide.
Bus – budget-friendly and efficient. Average cost: around €45 per person.
Pros:
- The most cost-effective option, especially for solo travellers.
- Dedicated bus lanes at the border usually speed up the crossing.
- Comfortable enough for a short international journey.
Cons:
- Fixed schedule – you must adapt to the bus departure time.
- You are dependent on all other passengers; if one person is held for extra checks, everyone waits.
Taxi – flexible and private. Average cost: about €250 per car.
Pros:
- Ideal for couples, families, or small groups, where the price can be split.
- Full flexibility — the driver can pick you up directly from your accommodation in Gdansk at a time you choose and take you straight to your accommodation in Kaliningrad.
- You are not dependent on strangers at the border.
Cons:
- More expensive than the bus.
- Must use the same lane as all private cars, so waiting times can be longer, particularly at busy periods.
How and Where to Book Bus Tickets
Many companies operate the Gdansk–Kaliningrad route, including:
- PKS Gdańsk,
- EURO-TRANS,
- Sputnik Reisen,
- Zelenogradsk-Trans.
The easiest way to check all available schedules, prices, and operators in one place is the official website of the Kaliningrad Coach Terminal: 👉 https://avl39.ru/tickets/int/
A few things to keep in mind:
- The site provides a complete timetable for international buses.
- Online payment currently only works with Russian bank cards.
- Even if you cannot book online, you can still use the site to view schedules and plan your trip.
If needed, we can help with booking bus tickets, arranging a taxi transfer, or organising the entire logistics of your trip — just let us know.
In short:
- Choose the bus if you want to save money and don’t mind being tied to a schedule and other passengers.
- Choose a taxi if you value flexibility and privacy, and are prepared to pay more.
Customs Information: Currency & Restrictions
When crossing from the EU to Russia, it is essential to understand the current customs rules, especially regarding cash.
- It is prohibited to export EUR banknotes from the EU to Russia due to sanctions.
- The ban does not apply to banknotes intended for personal use by travellers to Russia or their close relatives travelling with them. However, there is no fixed limit for “personal use” — customs officers decide on a case-by-case basis based on your explanation. As a rule of thumb, amounts of around €200–€300 per person are generally accepted.
- Money intended for friends, family, or other recipients is not considered personal use.
- Unused euros that you previously imported from Russia also do not qualify as personal use.
- Importing other currencies (USD, GBP, CHF, NOK, etc.) is allowed.
- If you are travelling with more than €10,000 (or equivalent) in cash when leaving the EU, you must declare it. When entering Russia, all amounts equivalent to $10,000 or more must also be declared. Please note that customs regulations can change at short notice, so always double-check the latest rules before you travel.
Our Recommendation for Bus Travellers
- Avoid carrying EUR to prevent discussions with Polish customs.
- Bring USD, GBP, CHF, or other currencies instead.
- Carry only a small amount of EUR if necessary, and be ready to explain its purpose.
- You can try exchanging roubles in Poland, but rates are often unfavourable.
Other Customs Rules
This post does not cover rules regarding alcohol, cigarettes, food, and other restricted goods.
Travellers should consult official customs guidelines before their trip.
Step 3: Explore Kaliningrad
Once in Kaliningrad, we suggest spending around two days to really appreciate this unique Russian region.
What to do:
- Discover the city’s architecture and history, including its German past as Königsberg.
- Walk around the old fortifications and city gates.
- Visit museums and monuments that tell the story of the region.
- Take a trip to the Curonian Spit, a stunning natural area of dunes and pine forests.
- In summer, you can even swim in the Baltic Sea and enjoy beach time.
Kaliningrad offers a chance to see a different side of Russia – not just the classic images of Moscow and St. Petersburg, but a coastal region with its own atmosphere and history.
Step 4: Fly to Moscow, St. Petersburg, or continue further
After exploring Kaliningrad, continuing your trip is very straightforward. You can fly from Kaliningrad to Moscow, St. Petersburg, or virtually any other region of Russia. The city has regular domestic flights to major hubs, making it easy to connect your European overland journey with a classic Russian city break or a longer itinerary across the country.
Practical Advice & Costs
Bus or taxi?
- Bus – best for budget-conscious travellers.
- Taxi – best for those who want door-to-door service and flexibility.
Average costs (approximate):
- Flight to Gdansk – depends on your departure city, but often very competitive with low-cost airlines.
- Bus Gdansk – Kaliningrad – about €45 per person.
- Taxi Gdansk – Kaliningrad – around €250 per car.
- Accommodation and daily expenses in Gdansk and Kaliningrad will vary, but both cities offer good value compared to Western Europe.
Logistics support
We can help you with all logistics along the route, including:
- Flights to Gdansk and domestic flights in Russia.
- Bus or taxi arrangements between Gdansk and Kaliningrad.
- Accommodation in each city.
- Guided tours, excursions, and local experiences.
Conclusion
Travelling from Poland to Russia via the Gdansk – Kaliningrad route is a smart way to:
- Save money,
- See more countries and cities, and
- Experience a different, coastal face of Russia before heading on to Moscow or St. Petersburg.
With a bit of planning – and the right choice between bus or taxi – this journey can become a highlight of your trip rather than just a transfer. Contact us if you need assistance with travel logistics or any other services.