1. I am not finding any options for a direct flight from Budapest to St. Petersburg in mid-June. Best I can do is Lufthansa there and Lot back with stops in between that make each trip about 6 hours. Any other suggestions on how to get quickly and cheaply between these 2 cities?

2. I will only be in St. P for 3 nights, but would really like to rent an apartment. I speak Russian fairly well myself and will be with a Russian friend, so language not an issue. We'd like to be off Nevsky-either on/near Moika or Fontanka so we can easily walk to everything. We can do about $150-$200 a night for a place.

Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks!

waytorussua.net and gotorussia.com both have appartments options in moscow and st pete.
looks for apartment in st pete on Griboedova or Moika streets .it is right off Nevskii prospekt
good luck