Transfer from Saint Petersburg to Tallinn via Pskov and Luhamaa
Artsantaxi takes you from Saint Petersburg to Tallinn door to door through the Shumilkino - Luhamaa border crossing on the Riga - Pskov highway. One driver takes you on the Russian side, and a second Artsantaxi car meets you on the Estonian side. You cross the border between them on foot. It is a convenient alternative to the Saint Petersburg - Tallinn bus via Shumilkino: you are picked up at your door, travel without a timetable and stop whenever you need.
Why choose the Shumilkino - Luhamaa crossing
Travellers choose Luhamaa when they want a calm border without the town crowds of Narva and with facilities close by. On the Russian side at Shumilkino there is a petrol station with a cafe. On the Estonian side there is a waiting terminal with a cafe where you can have lunch, a currency exchange, a toilet and a shower.
Many of our clients choose Luhamaa simply because they have crossed here before and know the border. If Luhamaa feels more familiar to you, this is the route we will take.
Scheduled buses between Estonia and Russia use the Shumilkino - Luhamaa crossing. We recommend crossing between them, and when you book, our manager will suggest the best time to leave Saint Petersburg.
The checkpoint is open from 7:00 to 19:00. You can read more about the crossing itself in our article Luhamaa - Shumilkino border crossing.
How the transfer is organised
Your driver picks you up in Saint Petersburg and drives through the Pskov region to the Shumilkino checkpoint. You can stop along the way whenever it suits you.
At the border the driver drops you off as close to the checkpoint as possible, and you go through passport control on foot. The pedestrian crossing here is a little longer than at Koidula, about 900 metres.
Before departure you already have the names of the drivers and the details of both cars. The drivers keep in touch: the Russian driver tells the Estonian driver that you have gone through to the border and sometimes sends your photo. After control, the Estonian driver meets you as close as possible to the Luhamaa exit and drives you to Tallinn.
The border usually takes from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the circumstances on the day. If it takes longer, the driver in Estonia will wait for you at no extra cost.
Distance and travel time via Luhamaa
Saint Petersburg to Shumilkino: 351 km, around 4 hours 30 minutes.
On the way you pass Pskov, which is about 60 km and around 50 minutes from Shumilkino.
Shumilkino - Luhamaa border: from 30 minutes to an hour.
Luhamaa to Tallinn: 284 km, about 3 hours.
In total about 635 km and around 8 to 8.5 hours including the border.
Where we pick you up and drop you off
We pick you up at an address in central Saint Petersburg, at Pulkovo Airport or at the railway stations. Pickup far from the centre costs a little more, and our manager will tell you the price straight away.
We drop you off at your address in Tallinn or at Tallinn Airport. If you need to go to Tartu, there is a separate route transfer Tartu - Luhamaa - Shumilkino.
For the other southern border option, see transfer Saint Petersburg - Tallinn via Pskov and Koidula. To compare the routes via Narva, Koidula and Luhamaa, see transfer Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg.
Questions about the Saint Petersburg to Tallinn transfer via Luhamaa
What is the distance from Saint Petersburg to Tallinn via Luhamaa?
About 635 km. Including the border, the journey takes around 8 to 8.5 hours.
How far is it from Saint Petersburg to the Shumilkino border?
351 km, which is around 4 hours 30 minutes of driving.
Can I cross the Shumilkino - Luhamaa border on foot?
Yes. This checkpoint is open to pedestrians, cars and buses. The pedestrian crossing is about 900 metres, and the checkpoint is open from 7:00 to 19:00.
Which is better: Luhamaa or Koidula?
Both borders are calm and usually take from 30 minutes to an hour. The price is the same. Most people choose the border they already know. If you are not sure, our manager will tell you which crossing is more convenient on the day of your trip.
Where can I eat near the border?
At Shumilkino on the Russian side there is a petrol station with a cafe. In the Luhamaa waiting terminal on the Estonian side there is a cafe and a currency exchange.
How to avoid the queue at the Shumilkino border?
Scheduled buses between Estonia and Russia bring many passengers to this checkpoint at once. Between the buses there are fewer people at control, so our manager plans your departure time around their schedule.
What happens if I am held up at the border?
Nothing to worry about. The driver in Estonia will not leave without you and will wait as long as needed. You do not pay for waiting.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No. There is no prepayment, you pay the drivers during the trip.
Do you meet clients at Pulkovo, and do you have child seats?
Yes. We monitor your flight and wait if it is delayed. On request, the driver will meet you with a name sign. Child seats are available on request, and pets are welcome, just let us know in advance.
Can I book a transfer on the day of travel?
Yes. It is best to book a few days ahead, but we can arrange the trip on the same day, even a few hours before. The easiest way to reach us is WhatsApp or Telegram, and our manager is available at any time.
Saint Petersburg to Tallinn via Luhamaa transfer price
Sedan for 1-3 passengers: 420 EUR. You pay 17 000 RUB to the driver in Russia and 250 EUR to the driver in Estonia.
Minivan Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Vito for 4-8 passengers: from 570 EUR. You pay 25 000 RUB to the driver in Russia and 320 EUR to the driver in Estonia.
If you prefer, you can pay the whole amount at once in EUR or in RUB at the exchange rate of the day.
The price is fixed and agreed in advance. There are no extra charges for waiting at the border. The price changes only for pickup far from the centre of Saint Petersburg.
Book 24/7:
Phone: +372 5802 4209
WhatsApp: message us on WhatsApp
Telegram: message us on Telegram
Email: artsantaxi@gmail.com