The Ekaterinburg Metro

The Ekaterinburg Metro (subway). Uralskaya station. Photo from www.tr66.ru

Metro (subway) is a fast, easy and inexpensive way to get around the city. Entrances in the Ekaterinburg Metro are usually found on streets, with a staircase descending to the station. Every entrance has a sign with the letter “M”.

If you want to see 7 fancy subway stations decorated with Ural semi-precious stones, each a masterpiece in its own way, and believe in the old and wise saying: “The quality, not the quantity, is what really matters”, you must go to the subway, the second shortest subway in the world. But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself.

These stations are:

• Prospekt Kosmonavtov (Проспект Космонавтов): Uralmash district, Residential area
• Uralmash (Уралмаш): Ploshchad Pervoiy Pyatiletki (The Square of the first five-year plan, “Площадь первой пятилетки”)
• Mashinostroiteley (Машиностроителей): Ural State Pedagogical University
• Uralskaya (Уральская): Railway station
• Dinamo (Динамо): DIVS “Uralochka” (Palace for sports games)
• Ploshсhad Tysyacha Devyatsot Pyatogo Goda (Square of 1905, “Площадь 1905 года”): The Dam,the Historic center, City Hall, Square of 1905, in winter: Ice Town, Central Post office, Ural State University named after M. Gorky, Vainera walking area (souvenirs)
• Geologicheskaya (Геологическая): Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Lavra (souvenirs), Holy Trinity Church, Circus, New TV Tower (“Leaning Tower”)

Metro map may be found in any station. According to the general plan, there will be 32 stations and 3 lines that connect central part with all other districts and suburbs. Two more stations are going to open in 2010. The Metro is served by one depot, Kalinovskoye, with 56 cars providing public transit.

Working hours: 06:00 – 24:00.

Waiting time between trains is normally 3-10 minutes, depending on the time of a day.

The fare is fixed and doesn’t depend on how far or how many times you transfer (as long as you don’t pass through the turnstile gate; if you do, another fare must be paid). A Metro token you may buy in a ticket window at any Metro station.

For boarding the right train, you should follow the signs displaying the route you want to take. At the platform you'll find signs that tell which trains stop there and the direction the trains are going. Onboard the train, you will find a copy of the Metro map along the wall. To be sure you're traveling in the right direction, check the map. Moreover, engine drivers make announcements so you'll know the next stop along the line.

Buses, trolley (electro) buses, trams and mini-buses

Trams. Photo by leonty @ E1.RU

Public transport as buses, trolley (electro) buses and trams are very popular among citizens. They are inexpensive and frequent, and you may get to near almost any place you like. Public transport routes cover the whole city and the nearest suburbs.

Buses, trolley (electro) buses and trams are available from 06:00 till 23:00. There may be changes in schedule during the holidays and special events. Waits vary, depending on the time of day, but they’re usually 10-15 minutes.

Check the route sign atop the front or on side of the bus, trolley (electro) bus or tram before boarding to ensure it’s going the right direction. When you get onboard, a ticket lady (conductor) collects a fare and issues you a ticket. The fare is usually fixed. You may go any distance until the end of the route.

In every bus, trolley (electro) bus and tram you will find a copy of the city map with all public transport routes. Drivers are usually announcing the name of current and next stops. For correct name of the station you need, you may ask a driver or a conductor. If you miss your stop, tell the driver or the conductor and he or she will drop you off at the next stop.

Priority seating for customers with disabilities and senior citizens is located behind the driver. Other passengers must make these seats available upon request.

The mini-buses or city route taxis are commercial means of transport. So-called “marshrutka”, they are usually yellow-colored or white-colored small buses. They are a bit expensive then regular buses. They are available from 06:00 till 00:00 even in holidays and weekends. When you see the number you want, just hail it down like a taxi. When you get in the mini-bus, you pay a fare to a driver and have your seat. If you want to get out, you may ask a driver to stop at the place you need.

Information about public transport services: (343) 226 85 67

Taxi

Photo by IT MIX Agency

Taking a taxi can be ideal when you are tired, have heavy luggage or too many shopping bags or you need to go the airport. Taxis are available 24 hours a day. It’s expensive but very convenient way to go around the city. Taxi rates are variable and depend on the distance and time. On holidays and night-time fare is usually higher. Most cabs charge flat rates from Ekaterinburg to "Koltsovo" international airport.

The best way is to order a taxi by phone. Your give to an operator your address, your phone number and place you need to go. Please, check the fare with the operator. Usually, the waiting time is 10-15 minutes. Than you receive an SMS or a back-call with a notice that a cab is waiting for you. We strongly recommend you do not use services of private drivers — they may ask for a higher price and it is not safe.

If you decide to take a taxi on a street, the best way for you to stop a yellow-colored car with a “taxi” sign on boards and illuminated sign on top. Stand on the curb (not in the street) facing oncoming traffic. In the US or EU if a cab is available, a light on the roof of the car is usually lit. In Russia a taxi driver just stops nearby and opens a door.

Cabs accept only cash. However, it's a good idea to ask your driver ahead of time, can he accept a credit card as payment. There are a number of taxis in Ekaterinburg who accept credit cards.

Tips for taxi drivers are not common so you decide to tip a driver or not.

We strongly recommend you do not use services of private drivers – they may ask for a higher price and it is not safe.