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

The current Ekaterinburg metro consists of a single line serving nine stations. Despite the current mono-line configuration, two additional lines are planned. The metro operates from 6 a.m. to midnight and covers a distance of 12.7 kilometres. A one-way journey on this line takes an average of 19 minutes, giving an average speed of around 50km/h. Trains run every 7 to 8 minutes during rush hour, every 4 to 5 minutes during peak hours and every 11 minutes at night. The standard ticket price is fixed at 28 roubles (equivalent to 0.48 USD) per trip.

The frequency varies between 7-8 minutes during regular hours, 4-5 minutes during rush hours and increases to 11 minutes at night. The standard fare remains at 28 roubles ($0.48) per trip and requires the use of the Ekapta card. Despite its extensive network, the Ekaterinburg metro does not provide a direct link to Ekaterinburg-Koltsovo airport. However, the distance can be comfortably covered by bus in just over an hour.

The Ekaterinburg metro carries approximately 126,000 passengers daily. The metro does not operate 24 hours a day, but runs from 6:00 a.m. to 1:03 a.m. from Monday to Sunday.

The trains are not air-conditioned and there is no possibility for passengers to walk between platforms. The Ekaterinburg Metro does not use driverless trains and the platforms are not equipped with screen doors.

The fare for a trip on the Ekaterinburg Metro is 50 RUB.

Yekaterinburg Metro Map

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

Yekaterinburg Metro within the Russian Metro Systems

With a population of approximately 1.488 million, Ekaterinburg is the fourth most populous city in the Russian Federation. The city is on a par with Moscow and St Petersburg in terms of cultural richness and economic importance, making it one of the country’s major financial centres.

Ekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals region, is located in the central-western part of Russia. Founded in 1723, the city was named after Empress Catherine I of Russia. During the post-war period, Ekaterinburg experienced significant infrastructure growth, including the development of an airport, several nationally connected railway stations, and a modern metro system. This robust infrastructure was built to meet the growing needs of the expanding territory, which remains a priority for the country.

Ekaterinburg’s long-awaited metro was inaugurated on 27 April 1991 after 11 years of construction that began in 1980. Despite numerous delays, the first station was completed in 1987 and by 1989 the project was 70% complete.

Lines and Stations of Yekaterinburg Metro

Ekaterinburg’s metro system consists of a single line with 9 stations, with two additional lines planned. The 12.7 kilometre line runs from the Ordzhonikidzevsky district to the Chkalovsky district, crossing the Leninist Quarter. The metro carries about 49 million passengers a year. At one point in its early operation, it was touted as the shortest underground transport system, a claim that was later refuted.

With 62 four-car trains, the metro can cope with the high volume of passengers. These trains travel at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour and take about 19 minutes to travel from one terminus to the other. Below is a list of stations within the Ekaterinburg Metro.

Station Details

Prospekt Kosmonavtov (Проспект Космонавтов): Opened on 27 April 1991 after nine years of construction, this terminal station is named after the avenue that runs above it. Located about 6 metres underground, the station has marble floors and mirrored columns. It has two exits, neither of which is equipped with escalators.
Uralmash (Уралмаш): Opened on 27 April 1991, this station is located on Bauman Street. Its design, inspired by screw ridges, pays tribute to the working spirit of the Soviet Union. With marbled walls and granite floors, the station has a remarkable aesthetic.
Mashinostroiteley (Машиностроителей): Opened on 27 April 1991, this station is built 4.5 metres underground. It has an island platform with 24 columns. The station’s distinctive black floors, decorated with marble elements, create an atmosphere of solemnity, combining industry and elegance.
Ural’skaya (Уральская): This station was inaugurated on 23 December 1992 in the Railway District. Its marble-lined walls and grey granite floor lend a touch of elegance, while the large chandeliers evoke nostalgia for the era of the Russian tsars.
Dinamo (Динамо): Opened on 22 December 1994, this station is named after the nearby Dinamo stadium. The terminal’s design is inspired by sporting events, in keeping with its name and location. It has granite-tiled floors and a sculpture at one end of the platforms.
Ploschad’ 1905 Goda (Площадь 1905 года): This spacious terminal is located near the central square in the 1905 neighbourhood. Its striking design features a marble ceiling and red granite floor tiles, creating a striking colour contrast.
Geologicheskaya (Геологическая): Opened on 30 December 2002 as Kuibishev Station, it was designed to serve both metro passengers and those from adjacent surface trains.
Chkalovskaya (Чкаловская): One of the newer stations in the system, it opened on 27 July 2012. Its design, similar to an airport terminal, is meant to suggest a global orientation. Trivia fans will notice the four clocks showing the current time in Ekaterinburg, Moscow, Vancouver and Washington D.C. Built 43 metres underground, it’s also the deepest station on the system.
Botanicheskaya (Ботаническая): Opened on 28 November 2011, this station serves as one of the terminal stations. The ceiling, covered with hexagons that imitate a beehive, together with granite floors and columns lined with hexagonal sheet metal, make for a visually striking design.

Transportation Connections in the Yekaterinburg Metro

Ekaterinburg’s metro system is connected to several other modes of transport, including bus and trolleybus lines, trams and taxi ranks that span the city. This interconnection makes the Ekaterinburg Metro the backbone of the city’s public transport. Listed below are the connections available for each station.

Prospekt Kosmonavtov (Проспект Космонавтов): Connections include bus lines 56, 59, 104, 108, 111, and 142; tram lines 2 and 25; trolleybus lines 3, 5, 10, 12, and 13; and registered taxi lines 09, 053, and 063.
Uralmash (Уралмаш): This station is connected to bus lines 36, 56, 59, 104, 108, 111, and 142; tram lines 5, 5A, 8, 17, and 22; trolleybus lines 3, 5, 12, and 17; and registered taxi lines 07, 08, 033, 060, and 063.
Mashinostroiteley (Машиностроителей): Connections include bus lines 108 and 111; tram lines 2, 5, 5A, 7, 8, 14, 16, 17, 22, and 25; trolleybus lines 3, 5, 12, and 17; and taxi lines 07 and 063.
Ural’skaya (Уральская): As one of the city’s major transport hubs, it is connected to bus lines 1, 13, 21, 23, 31, 48, 57, 60, 114, 144, 150, and 152; tram lines 3, 5, 7, 21, 23, 27, and 32; trolleybus lines 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 17, 18, and 19; and taxi lines 01, 05A, 06, 15, 021, 024, 031, 034, 035, 045, 046, 052, 054, 055, 056, and 082.
Dinamo (Динамо): This station is connected to trolleybus line number 4.
Ploschad’ 1905 Goda (Площадь 1905 года): Connections include bus lines 2, 14, 19, 23, 25, 32, 41, 46, 50, 54, 57, and 61; trolleybus lines 3, 7, and 17; and registered taxi lines 04, 05, 011, 012, 015, 016, 018, 019, 024, 026, 030, 055, 056, 057, and 070.
Geologicheskaya (Геологическая): The station is linked to bus lines 14, 23, 46, 50, 54, and 57; tram lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 21, 25, 27, 32, and 33; and taxi lines 011, 012, 016, 018, 019, 024, 030, 039, 047, 055, 056, 057, and 197.
Chkalovskaya (Чкаловская): Connections include bus lines 23, 50, 54, 57, and 57A; tram lines 1, 5, 9, 14, 15, 25, and 27; as well as trolleybus lines 11 and 14.
Botanicheskaya (Ботаническая): This station connects to bus lines 2, 17, 19, 26, 37, 38, 39, 57, 138, 162, and 182; trolleybus lines 1, 6, 9, 15, and 20; and taxi lines 05, 05A, 011, 012, 025, 030, 035, 038, 042, 056, 057, 077, 083, 113, 159, 197, and 198.

Yekaterinburg Metro Map on Wikipedia

Operating Hours

The Ekaterinburg metro runs continuously from 6am to midnight, seven days a week. The high level of demand requires the system to be in continuous operation. In extreme cases, when the safety of passengers could be endangered and the service has to be stopped, the authorities will broadcast the necessary announcements on all major TV and radio stations, as well as on social media. However, these emergency situations are extremely rare, so it’s safe to assume that the Tube will be running when you plan your journey.

The journey from one end of the line to the other takes 19 minutes and trains arrive at 7-8 minute intervals during normal hours. During rush hour, however, the frequency increases to every 4 to 5 minutes. After 21:00, the frequency increases to every 11 minutes.

Fare Information for the Yekaterinburg Metro

To travel on the Ekaterinburg Metro, passengers must have an Ekapta card, as the use of paper tickets has been phased out. The Ekapta card can be obtained from any authorised sales outlet or from kiosks at all stations. The basic fare is set at 28 roubles (0.48 USD) per trip, but the Ekapta card also allows passengers to purchase package deals to suit the needs of frequent commuters. See below for a comprehensive list of the various plans available:

General Plans

Unlimited monthly pass, four transport networks: This plan offers unlimited tram, bus, trolleybus and metro travel for 30 days at a cost of 2,800 roubles ($47.63 USD). Anyone can buy this pass.
Unlimited Monthly Pass, Two Transport Networks: This plan includes unlimited travel on two different transport networks, such as metro tram, metro trolley bus or metro bus, for 30 days. It costs 2,200 roubles (37.42 USD) and is available to anyone.
2-month package, four transport networks: These are cheaper but allow a certain number of trips over 60 days. They can be used on trams, trolleybuses, buses and the metro. The 20-ride package, valid for 2 months, costs 500 roubles ($8.51), the 40-ride package, valid for 60 days, costs 980 roubles ($16.67), and the 70-ride package, valid for 2 months, costs 1680 roubles ($28.58). Anyone can buy these packages.
3-Day Unlimited Pass, 4 transport networks: This pass offers unlimited rides and connections on trams, trolleybuses, buses and the metro for 3 days. It costs 390 roubles (6.63 USD) and is available to anyone.

Student Passes

Unlimited Monthly Pass, Four Transport Networks: This plan provides unlimited travel on the tram, trolleybus, bus and metro networks for 30 days at a cost of 1000 rubles ($17.01). It is only available to primary and secondary school students aged 7-17, attending either public or private schools.

University Passes

Unlimited monthly pass, four transport networks: This plan offers unlimited travel on the tram, trolleybus, bus and metro networks for 30 days at a cost of 1700 rubles ($28.92). It is only available to students enrolled in a private or public university, technical institute or vocational school.

Plans for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities

Unlimited monthly pass, four transport networks: This plan provides unlimited access to the tram, bus, trolleybus and metro networks for 30 days at a cost of 1000 rubles ($17.01). It is only available to senior citizens or people with a certified disability.

1-month package, four transport networks: This plan provides access to up to 40 journeys on the tram, trolleybus, bus and metro networks over a 30-day period. It is only valid for senior citizens or people with a certified disability.

Passenger Rules and Regulations

In order to maintain the orderly functioning of the system and preserve its infrastructure, the Yekaterinburg Metro authorities have established a set of rules and restrictions for passengers. These include:

Graffiti, alteration or defacement of stations or trains in the Ekaterinburg metro network is strictly prohibited.
Passengers with large pieces of luggage should be considerate of other passengers. Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave the vehicle.
Pets are not allowed in metro vehicles or stations. Passengers are advised to make alternative arrangements for the transport of their pets.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in Metro vehicles and stations. Violators will be prosecuted.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas.
Dangerous or flammable materials or harsh chemicals are not permitted on board.
Only licensed law enforcement officers are permitted to carry firearms on Metro vehicles or in stations.
It is not permitted to cause panic or promote collective hysteria while using Metro services or on any of the premises.
Passengers are not allowed to enter restricted areas such as control rooms, driver’s cabs or maintenance areas.
Littering in stations and trains is strictly forbidden, as the Ekaterinburg Metro authorities consider hygiene to be of the utmost importance.
Priority seating is provided for senior citizens and disabled passengers in designated areas of the train. Passengers who refuse to give up these seats will face consequences.

Safety Measures

Ekaterinburg Metro prioritises the safety of its passengers. All stations are monitored around the clock by closed-circuit cameras. Its official website also provides guidance on emergency protocols (the site is in Russian, but passengers can use the Google Translate app to help them understand it).

The risk of terrorist attacks is a major concern for the citizens of Ekaterinburg, and the authorities maintain constant vigilance. Information on how to respond to a potential attack and how to recognise suspicious behaviour can be found on the same website.

Airport Connection

Although there is no direct connection from Ekaterinburg Metro to Ekaterinburg-Koltsovo Airport, there is an alternative that connects Botanicheskaya Station to the airport.

After arriving at the Botanicheskaya station, passengers must walk approximately 200 metres to the Shvartsa bus stop. From here, take the 039 bus. After 22 stops and almost an hour’s journey you will reach the Aeroport Kol’tsovo shuttle stop, which is opposite the airport itself. The whole journey takes about one hour and twenty minutes.

To get to the city centre from Ekaterinburg-Koltsovo Airport, exit the main terminal and walk 200 metres to the Aeroport Kol’tsovo bus stop. From here you can take the 039 bus. Other bus lines also pass through this station to several of Ekaterinburg’s suburbs. However, the 039 bus is the most convenient way to reach the city centre. After 52 minutes and 22 stops, or 13 kilometres, you will reach the Shvartsa bus stop, opposite the Botanicheskaya metro station. From here you can take the metro to any area served by the metro network.

Future Expansions

There are plans to build a second metro line that will cross the city from east to west. The initially planned section will consist of 4 stations over a distance of 4.5 kilometres. According to the authorities, construction is expected to start in 2018 and take about 5-6 years.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership: a quarter of the total cost will be covered by the local government, another quarter by the Russian federal government, and the remainder by a private company. When completed, the line will be 13.5 km long and have 10 stations. It is expected to be ready for public use in 2023.

In the long term, there are plans to build a third metro line. However, details of this project are currently limited and construction will not begin until the second line has been completed.

Tourist Attractions

The iconic Ekaterinburg State Circus, a historic landmark of the city, is located opposite Geologicheskaya Railway Station. Built in 1970 to host large-scale circus performances and public events, it is a major tourist attraction. The use of animals in the shows may be controversial for some Western tourists, although not all shows involve them. The venue is one of the most famous circus venues in the Russian Federation and welcomes thousands of tourists each year. The distinctive structure of the building makes it easily recognisable and locals are well acquainted with its location.

Near Ploschad’ 1905 Goda railway station is the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses one of the largest and most diverse art collections in the Urals. The museum displays paintings and sculptures by renowned Russian artists, typically with strong patriotic themes celebrating the country’s history.