Kazan Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

The Kazan Metro is a major underground transport system in the city of Kazan, in the Russian Federation. It currently consists of a single line connecting 10 stations. As the newest metro system in Russia, it was inaugurated in 2005. However, its first plans and construction attempts date back to the 1930s.

Despite its relative youth, the Kazan metro has already undergone several expansions, updates to its rolling stock, and the modernisation and renovation of several stations. Artists have contributed significantly to these improvements. The standard fare is 25 roubles ($0.43 USD) and the metro operates from 6:00 am to midnight.

The Kazan metro, operated by MetroElektroTrans, serves approximately 85,000 passengers daily. The service does not operate 24 hours a day and operates from 6:00 to 00:00 every day.

The trains do not have air conditioning and passengers are not allowed to walk between platforms. The trains are not driverless and the platforms do not have screen doors.

The fare for a trip on the Kazan metro is 42 rubles.

Map of the Kazan Metro

Map of Kazan Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Kazan Metro map in PDF format.

The Russian Metro System: Spotlight on Kazan

Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, also holds the title of the most populous city in the Republic and is the 8th largest city in the country. Divided into two regions by the Kazanka River, which later joins the Volga, one of Europe’s most important rivers, the city has a population of around 1.15 million within the city limits and around 1.65 million in the metropolitan area.

While the exact date of the city’s founding remains uncertain, it is believed to have been founded by the Volga Bulgars in the early 11th century. Now known as Russia’s third capital (after Moscow and St Petersburg), Kazan has a diverse ethnic mix, with large Christian and Muslim populations. While Russian is the main language, Tatars (about half the total population) use their native language with each other. Both languages are officially recognised in the region. The city is home to the Kazan Kremlin Historical Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Kazan is also a major economic centre in Russia, being one of the country’s largest financial and industrial centres. Several major Russian banks and companies, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, have their headquarters here. The city typically experiences summer temperatures of around 19 or 20°C, while winter temperatures often fall below -10°C.

Inaugurated in 2005, the Kazan metro is one of the newest in the country, with a total system length of 15.8 km. The rolling stock consists mainly of original trains (type 81-553/554), although newer models (type 81-740/741) have been introduced. These trains were manufactured by the Russian company Vaganmash in cooperation with Škoda Dopravní Technika of the Czech Republic. About 47 carriages are currently in service. Annual ridership (as of 2013) was reported to be approximately 31.3 million, with an average daily ridership of approximately 86,000. The metro, owned by the local government, is managed by the company MetroElektroTrans.

Known as: Kazansky Metropolitan
System length: 15.82 km
Track gauge: 1524 mm
Number of lines: 1
Number of stations: 10
Website: www.kazanmetro.ru
Operated by: MetroElektroTrans
Daily ridership: about 86,000 people
Inaugurated: August 27th, 2005

A Glimpse into History

The Kazan Metro, the newest addition to the metro systems of the Russian Federation, has a unique history. Its origins can be traced back to several development projects and plans. Although it has some architectural features reminiscent of the Soviet era, it is a modern system.

The initial concept for a metro in Kazan dates back to the Russian Empire, but plans were halted when the revolution began. When peace was restored, the idea was revived. However, the Soviet Union stipulated that a city had to have a population of at least 1 million to qualify for a metro system. Kazan met this criterion in 1979, and preparatory work began in 1980. Despite initial technical studies and the development of a master plan, the project was suspended in the late 1980s due to economic difficulties and the impending dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Financial constraints following the collapse of the Soviet Union delayed the project until 1997, when the government, under public pressure, approved its construction. Substantial changes were made to the original plan, including changes to the master plan, route layout and station designs. Finally, in August 2005, the first phase of the metro was inaugurated by federal and local authorities. Three further extensions were subsequently opened to the public in 2008, 2010 and 2013.

Line and Stations

The Kazan metro system currently consists of a single line. Following several extensions since its inauguration, the line now comprises 10 stations spread over 15.8 km. The line is represented by the colour red, with future lines expected to have distinct colour identifiers.

The existing termini for this system are Aviastroitelnaya in the north and Prospekt Pobedy in the south. Each of the ten stations has unique characteristics, adding to the fascinating diversity of the first line of the metro.

The first station in the north-south sequence, Aviastroitelnaya, was introduced to the system in May 2013. This underground station features a single-vault design reminiscent of an aircraft gangway. Following Aviastroitelnaya, the metro arrives at Severny Vokzal and Yashlek stations, both of which were opened in 2013 and are also underground.

The former is designed with double vaults and a central column arrangement, enhanced by marble and glass ceilings that allow natural light to filter through. The latter station features a single, spacious vault without columns, subtly lit and decorated with a classic design reminiscent of the original project. This station connects to the main market and a business district.

Kozya Sloboda, the next stop on the line, is an underground station opened in 2010. It features a contemporary design with two rows of central columns and extensive use of steel and other decorative metals. The station is mainly used by students and staff of the Kazan State Power Engineering University. Before reaching the next station, Kremlyovskaya, the metro crosses the Kazanka River. Kremlyovskaya station serves one of the city’s main tourist attractions, the Kazan Kremlin. This metro station, part of the first phase inaugurated in 2005, consists of a single underground vault with thematic wall decorations. In the central area, five hollow towers (inspired by the Kremlin towers) illuminate the platform and complement the wall decorations. The ceiling is elegantly decorated with colourful stained glass.

Following Kremlyovskaya is Ploshchad Tukaya Station, an underground two-span structure supported in the centre by elegantly crafted concrete columns clad in dark green and white marble. Located near the Kuybyshev Reservoir in the city centre, the station features columns decorated with white marble and mosaics between each span. Continuing south, the metro arrives at Sukonnaya Sloboda, a typical underground station with two spans and a double row of columns supporting the central area. The station uses lighter colours and design elements to reflect the historic cotton market above. The station is also centrally located and provides a link to the College of Engineers.

Next up is Ametyevo, the only above-ground station on the system. The station is located at the top of a major road that runs along a valley that divides Kazan’s south-eastern side. Ametyevo has a modern, high-tech design with three spans supported by slender columns and a blue glass envelope that wraps around the entire station. The next station, Gorki, is the final station in the first phase. It has a high-tech two-tone design that reflects the industrial design of the Soviet-era buildings in the area. It is one of the least busy stations in the system.

The current southern terminal of the Kazan metro system is Prospekt Pobedy station on Victory Avenue. Inaugurated in 2008 as part of the second phase, it is a standard three-span structure supported centrally by two rows of columns. The station’s theme incorporates the Soviet colours and serves as a tribute to victory in the Great Patriotic War (the Eastern Front of World War II). The station is located at the intersection of Richard Sorge Street and Victory Avenue. Another station, Dubravnaya, is under construction to the south. Expected to be completed by the end of 2017, it will be the latest addition to the system and will serve as the new southern terminal.

Interconnections with Other Systems

Like other major cities, Kazan has a number of public transport systems that work together for the benefit of its residents. While the city centre is relatively compact and easily traversed on foot, the city’s expansion to the north and south extends beyond the current coverage of the metro system. Other surface transport systems bridge this gap and provide services to more remote or disconnected areas of Kazan.

In addition to the metro, the city operates three primary public transport systems: buses, trolleybuses and trams. The tram network consists of 5 lines with a total of 131 carriages. A single standard ticket costs 25 rubles ($0.43 USD), but discounts are available for smart card holders (23 rubles or about $0.39 USD). This network intersects with the metro at five points: Aviastroitelnaya, Severny Vokzal, Yashlek, Gorki and Prospekt Pobedy stations.

Trolleybuses work in a similar way, but offer greater flexibility and reach. They intersect with the metro at almost all stations except Sukonnaya Sloboda and Ametyevo. The trolleybus network consists of 216 vehicles. Conversely, the bus network consists of many lines, with each metro station having at least one bus connection.

Kazan also offers medium- and long-distance travel options, as it is connected to the Russian railway network. Trains arrive at Kazan-Passazhirskaya station, an architectural icon of the 19th century. To access the station from the metro, passengers must travel to Kremlyovskaya station. From here, passengers can catch long-distance and up to 13 regional trains, as well as suburban trains. Trains are operated by Russian Railways. The station also provides connections to the city’s transport system, with bus, trolleybus and tram services.

Kazan also has a significant waterway network in the form of the Volga River. Many nearby cities can be reached within a few hours from the city’s port, but the river is not limited to these nearby destinations. For example, it is possible to reach Moscow via the river, although the journey takes around 10 days.

Airport Connections

Kazan International Airport, located approximately 26km south-east of the city centre, serves the city and surrounding area. It is the largest airport in the Tatarstan region and the 15th busiest in Russia. The metro does not connect directly to the airport due to the distance, but there are plans to do so in the future.

To get from the airport to the metro, passengers have two options. The first is to take a bus, which runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a direct connection to the metro, passengers can go to the South Terminal (Prospekt Pobedy), at a cost of 70 roubles.

The second, and often preferred, option is an electric shuttle train that connects the airport with Kazan-Passazhirskaya railway station. Costing 40 roubles and taking about 28 minutes, it is an easy and convenient way to travel between the airport and the station, with 5 intermediate stops.

Schedule and Timetables

As the Kazan metro is still quite small and consists of only one line, timetables and schedules are fairly straightforward. The system operates from 6am to midnight, with a total journey time of approximately 22 minutes from one terminal to the other. With the introduction of Russian 81-740/741 trains a few years ago, trains now run every 5 or 6 minutes at peak times. At off-peak times, trains may run more frequently.

Tariffs, Tickets, and Cards

The metro operates a single fare system, with no variations based on distance travelled. The standard fare is 25 roubles ($0.43 USD) per trip, but travel cards are available at slightly lower prices. Tokens, which contain an embedded chip to control validity and facilitate machine reading, are used for single trip access to the system and can be purchased at stations. Despite criticism that the token system is antiquated, it is still used.

The Metro offers two types of ticket. The first is a rechargeable card, which requires a 45 ruble ($0.77 USD) deposit upon initial purchase and can be recharged with up to three months of travel. With this card, the price per trip drops significantly to 15 rubles ($0.26 USD). After three months, the card can be recharged for another three months. The second option is the city transport card, which allows unlimited travel on all of the city’s transport systems. These cards vary in price and can be used to purchase unlimited metro, trolley bus, tram or city bus tickets. Packages of 50 tickets are also available, with each trip costing 23 roubles ($0.39 USD).

A new payment option has recently been introduced: contactless card payments. Passengers using this feature simply hold their card over the turnstile for payment to be processed, with the cost debited directly from the user’s bank account or credit card. The ticket price remains the same as the basic fare: 25 roubles.

Rules and Regulations

The Kazan Metro operates under a set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order, streamline processes, penalise inappropriate or dangerous behaviour and maintain the integrity of the infrastructure. These rules include

Strict prohibition of weapons on the system. Passengers are not allowed to carry them, with dedicated X-ray stations to scan both passengers and baggage.
Sanctions will be imposed on users who fail to comply with the security measures in place.
Pets, carriages and small bicycles are permitted.
Children under the age of 7, disabled persons and other passengers with valid authorisation are granted free access to the system.
This service is only available with proper identification.
Elderly passengers, children and persons with disabilities are given priority seating and all passengers are encouraged to give up their seats to these individuals to contribute to a positive system experience for all.

Future Expansions

A number of extensions are being considered for the Kazan metro. The Dubravnaya station is currently under construction and will soon be completed, extending the existing line to the south. The metro expansion master plan includes more than just this extension, with three additional lines already in the planning stage.

The first is the Savinovskaya line, indicated by the colour blue. Originally scheduled to be operational for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, economic constraints have delayed its completion. This line will be built in the near future and will cross the city from east to west, intersecting with the red line at Yashlek. It will connect residential and commercial areas as well as major sports venues such as the Kazan Arena.

The other two proposed lines are the Privolzhskaya and Zanoksinskaya lines. The first, likely to be shown in either yellow or purple, will serve the southern part of the city, including a possible link to the airport. The second, shown in green, will run through residential areas, connecting the areas around Gorky Park with the city centre and other lines, with a possible extension to the north of the city, where many residential areas are located.

Advice

Make sure you have your token or valid ticket with you before entering the system, as these are required by the turnstiles.
Russian metro stations each have their own unique design and characteristics, so it is important to familiarise yourself with how to identify entrances and exits.
If you have any problems, ask for assistance from the police officers who patrol each station.

Interesting Facts

The use of cameras was banned until 2011, and professional photography is still prohibited.
Severny Vokzal and Kremlyovskaya are the only metro stations in Russia with natural lighting.
The Kazan metro was the first Russian metro to include English in its signs and announcements, alongside native Russian and Tatar.
There have been only two incidents related to the metro, both suicides at Sukonnaya Sloboda station.
The system uses different logos for entrances and tunnels.

Tourism and Sightseeing

In recent years, Kazan has emerged as a major cultural, technological and political hub in Russia and around the world. Having hosted a number of international sporting events, including the World Fencing Championships, the World Aquatics Championships and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the city has attracted considerable attention. Combined with its rich architectural and historical sites such as the Kremlin, its multicultural society and vibrant history, Kazan is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia. Some notable sites accessible by metro include

The Bulak Canal: Originally established as an important waterway in the city centre and a hub for the fishing industry, it is now a popular tourist attraction. It’s a short walk from Kremlyovskaya metro station.
St. Nicholas Cathedral: One of the most important churches in the city and the seat of the Kazan and Tatarstan Eparchy, it houses important religious symbols, artworks and figures, including the Kazan Virgin. It is accessible from Kremlyovskaya railway station.
Kazan Kremlin: This citadel of immense architectural and historical value was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Within its walls are important buildings such as the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Söyembikä Tower, the city’s most famous landmark. It is very close to Kremlyovskaya railway station.
Karzansky Arbat: This main pedestrian street in Kazan is full of shops and recreational areas, including cafes and restaurants. It is also home to various cultural venues and is located near Kremlyovskaya railway station.
Victory Memorial Park: Located a few blocks east of Yashlek railway station, this memorial park is dedicated to the victims of the war and houses an interesting exhibition of military equipment and vehicles used during the Great Patriotic War. Its spacious green areas provide a perfect setting for outdoor recreation in late spring and summer.