Overview
The Novosibirsk Metro is a rapid transit system serving Siberia's largest city. It consists of two lines with 14 stations spread across approximately 15.9 kilometres of track. The system opened in January 1986 and is now Russia's third-busiest metro, carrying around 81.6 million passengers annually. To ride the metro end-to-end as a visitor, you purchase a ticket at the station entrance, pass through the turnstile, descend to the platform, and board a train. Trains operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The two lines intersect at transfer stations connected by a pedestrian tunnel, allowing you to switch lines seamlessly.
The network
Metro (Underground Rapid Transit)
The Novosibirsk Metro operates two lines:
- Leninskaya Line (Ленинская линия [Red Line]): Runs north to south with 9 stations including Zayeltsovskaya, Gagarinskaya, Krasny Prospekt, Ploshchad Lenina, Oktyabrskaya, Rechnoy Vokzal, Sportivnaya, Studencheskaya, and Ploshchad Marksa. This line features the remarkable Metromost, a 2,145-metre covered bridge that spans the Ob River—the longest in the world—protecting passengers from extreme Siberian weather.
- Dzerzhinskaya Line (Дзержинская линия [Green Line]): Runs with 5 stations: Ploshchad Garina-Mikhaylovskogo (near the main railway station), Sibirskaya, Marshala Pokryshkina, Beryozovaya Roshcha, and Zolotaya Niva.
A transfer connection exists between Krasny Prospekt on the Leninskaya Line and Sibirskaya on the Dzerzhinskaya Line, linked by a dual pedestrian tunnel.
Other public transport
Beyond the metro, Novosibirsk's public transport includes buses, trams, marshrutkas (shared minibuses), and trolleybuses. A single ride on intra-city public transport costs approximately 35 roubles or less. Note that a trolleybus terminus called "Airport" on the main street serves a disused airport and should not be confused with Tolmachevo Airport (OVB), the active international airport.
Tickets & fares
Public transport in Novosibirsk uses a unified fare system. Single-trip fares are approximately 35 roubles on the metro (the most current data indicates 48 roubles as of December 2025; prices are subject to change). Students may be eligible for reduced fares at approximately 24 roubles.
Payment methods
- Disposable paper tickets: Purchased at ticket windows or machines in stations for a single journey.
- Transport card (Единая транспортная карта [Unified Transport Card]): A rechargeable smartcard accepted on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. This card offers better value for frequent users and discounts compared to single tickets. You can load credit and day/monthly passes onto the card.
- Day and monthly passes: Available for purchase, offering unlimited travel within the validity period.
Tickets can be purchased at station ticket windows, automated ticket machines, or kiosks. When using a card, simply tap it at the turnstile gates to enter.
From the airport
Tolmachevo Airport (OVB), located 16 kilometres from the city centre, offers several public-transport options to reach central Novosibirsk.
- Bus #111: Operates between the airport and the main train station "Novosibirsk-Glavny" (Новосибирск-Главный) and the bus terminal (Avtovokzal). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around 35 roubles.
- Minibus #312: Also connects the airport to the main train station.
- Bus #112: Serves the airport and the shopping mall "Mega" (which houses an IKEA). Costs approximately 30 roubles.
- Taxi: A taxi journey takes around 30 minutes and should cost approximately 500 roubles if negotiated in advance.
From the main train station (Novosibirsk-Glavny), the metro station Ploshchad Garina-Mikhaylovskogo (Гарина Михайловского) is nearby, providing convenient access to the metro network.
Etiquette & customs
While specific local customs for the Novosibirsk Metro are not detailed in available sources, standard Russian metro etiquette applies. Queuing at entrances and exits is expected. On escalators, stand on the right to allow others to walk past on the left. Priority seating is reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities—offer your seat if these passengers board. Eating and drinking on the metro is generally discouraged, though not always strictly enforced. During rush hours, expect crowded conditions, particularly during morning and evening commutes. Be courteous and keep belongings secure.
Survival terms
- Metro (Метро) — subway/underground rapid transit
- Bilet (Билет) — ticket
- Liniya (Линия) — line
- Vkhod (Вход) — entrance
- Vykhod (Выход) — exit
- Peresadka (Пересадка) — transfer between lines
- Odin proyezd (Один проезд) — single fare
- Sutochnyy bilet (Суточный билет) — day pass
Always keep your ticket or transport card accessible, as inspectors may request to see proof of payment during your journey.