Getting there and what to know
The region is a Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. Please check everything carefully before you travel.
Current travel advice
Many governments currently advise against travel to Russia. Read your government’s latest travel advice before planning.
Visa
Citizens of many countries can apply for Russia’s unified electronic visa via the Russian Foreign Ministry (electronic-visa.kdmid.ru). Check the list of countries and permitted border crossings there.
Buses and taxis to and from the EU
Two crossings to Poland are open: Grzechotki–Mamonovo and Bezledy–Bagrationovsk. You cannot cross on foot and there are no trains — only bus or car.
Gdańsk and Gdańsk airport: several buses a day from Kaliningrad bus station via Elbląg (routes 500, 700, 802, 900 to Sopot), 3–4 hours plus the border.
Warsaw via Olsztyn: route 1337 daily and route 686 on Mondays and Fridays, about 9 hours.
Germany: direct buses to Berlin, Hanover, Hamburg, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne several times a week.
Taxis and transfers: cars with Russian plates may not enter the EU, so transfers are run by drivers with EU-registered cars. We can help find one.
Border waits: 40 minutes to several hours. Timetables as of October 2026 — check avl39.ru before you travel.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the EU. Land crossings from Poland and Lithuania are limited — check the current status before you go. Domestic flights from Moscow and St Petersburg arrive at Khrabrovo airport.
Money
Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia. Bring cash and exchange it locally.
When to go
June–August: beach season, sea 17–20 °C. May and September: best for the city and the spit. Bird migration: April–May and September–October.
Getting around
Suburban trains from the North Station go to Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk (40–60 min). For the Curonian Spit a car or a tour is easiest.
Before you leave
Border queues now
A border queue can take anything from 40 minutes to a whole day. Check the official data before you set off — it is updated several times a day.
The Russian side publishes no official live queue board. Ask your bus company about the entry situation.
How long people really wait
- In summer and on holidays, up to 18–19 hours entering via Mamonovo-2 (Grzechotki), August 2026.
- Buses are faster: usually 4–5 hours on peak days.
- Quietest: weekdays, early morning and at night.
What to take
- Water and food for several hours
- A full tank and a charged phone
- Cash and documents to hand
Rather not sit in the queue at the wheel? We will find a bus or a transfer with a driver. Request a ticket or transfer
Waiting times are published by the Polish and Lithuanian border services; we only link to them and cannot guarantee accuracy.
Report the queue
Just crossed the border? Tell us how long you waited — it helps the next travellers. No name, no sign-up.
What travellers report (48 hours)
Reports come from visitors and are not checked. Rely on the official data above.
FAQ
Are there buses between Kaliningrad and Poland or Germany?
Yes: to Gdańsk several times a day, to Warsaw daily, to Berlin and other German cities several times a week. Timetables on avl39.ru.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. Many nationalities can get an e-visa via the Russian Foreign Ministry; check the conditions there.
Will my bank card work?
No, foreign Visa/Mastercard cards do not work. Bring cash.
How many days do I need?
At least 2 days, ideally 4.
Is there a fee for the Curonian Spit?
Yes, it is a national park with an entry fee at the gate.
Prices, opening hours and rules change — check official sources before you travel.