The Koltsovo Express Train is a direct commuter rail link between Yekaterinburg Koltsovo International Airport and Yekaterinburg-Passazhirsky (central) railway station, located 2.5 km from the city centre. The high-speed electric train, often called the Lastochka (Swallow), operates on a predictable schedule and covers the journey in approximately 40 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to enter the city.
Departures from the airport are limited—typically morning and evening trains—so advance checking of the schedule is essential. The journey bypasses traffic entirely, making it a reliable choice for travellers with luggage.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Поезд Кольцово Экспресс |
|---|---|
| Type | Railway station |
| Address | Koltsovo Airport Railway Station, Bakhchivanji Street 1, Yekaterinburg OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Oktyabrsky |
| Opening hours | Daily; departures approximately 08:35 and 20:52 (check official schedule for current timetable) |
| Admission | ₽ |
| Best time to visit | The train runs year-round on the same schedule. Winter does not significantly affect service. Morning and evening trains are typically busier around flight times but rarely overcrowded. Travel is comfortable at any hour of operation. Check the schedule before arrival to ensure a departure aligns with your plans. |
| Recommended duration | 40 minutes |
| Website | svrpk.ru |
How to Get to and from Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koltsovo Express Train (Nos. 6037, 6039) | 40 minutes | ₽ | Direct service from airport to central railway station. Operates daily with approximately two departures (morning around 08:35 and evening around 20:52). Limited frequency—check the official schedule before arrival. Tickets purchased on the train from the conductor or at the airport ticket office. Most reliable option for predictable timing. |
| Bus No. 1 (Shuttle and Regular) | 45 minutes (shuttle); 1 hour 5 minutes (regular) | ₽ | Shuttle Bus 1 (5:30 AM–11:30 PM) connects airport to central railway station in 45 minutes. Regular Bus 1 (6:08 AM–11:41 PM) takes longer but is more frequent and cheaper. Both serve the same destination but the regular bus stops throughout the city. |
| Taxi | 30 minutes | ₽₽ | Available 24 hours in the ground transportation area. Journey time to city centre approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. Metered taxis; no reservation required. Unofficial taxi touts may approach—use only official metered taxis or pre-arranged services. |
₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Why Visit Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg?
The Koltsovo Express offers several advantages for airport transfers. Unlike shared shuttle buses that stop throughout residential areas, the train carries passengers directly to the city centre. The journey time is consistent regardless of traffic conditions. The cost is budget-friendly and significantly cheaper than a private transfer or taxi. The train operates every day, and although frequencies are limited, the morning and evening slots align with many flight schedules. From the railway station, visitors can walk to hotels, transfer to buses, or take trolleybuses to other parts of the city.
Atmosphere
The train is a suburban commuter service carrying mix of airport passengers and local travelers. The Lastochka electric trains are modern, clean, and designed for short-distance travel rather than comfort or luxury. Carriages fill up moderately around peak hours (especially the evening departure) but are typically not crowded. The journey passes through residential districts and industrial areas southeast of Yekaterinburg, with a gradual transition to urban infrastructure as it approaches the central station. The experience is functional and straightforward—no frills, but efficient.
History of Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg
The Koltsovo Express began operating in the early 2000s as a modern transport link for the region’s growing airport traffic. It represents the transition of Yekaterinburg’s transport infrastructure from Soviet-era systems to contemporary suburban rail. The use of Lastochka (Swallow) electric trains reflects broader Russian railway modernization efforts starting in the 2010s, replacing older rolling stock with faster, more efficient vehicles.
The train line connects several suburban stations—Koltsovo, Kompressorniy, Lechebniy, Chapaevskaya, Putevka, Shartash, and Pervomayskaya—before terminating at the central station. These intermediate stops serve local communities, though most airport passengers use only the first and last stations.
Tickets and Payment at Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg
Train tickets are purchased on board from the conductor or at the ticket office at Koltsovo Airport station. For advance planning, check the official schedule at svrpk.ru or book through the Russian Railways (RZD) app. Payment is accepted in rubles; exact change or small bills are practical since some conductors may not carry large denominations.
Services depart three times daily: morning and evening trains are most reliable for airport connections. No online pre-booking is available for the Koltsovo Express. If the train schedule does not match your flight, consider Bus 1 or a taxi instead. Starting from the airport terminal, follow signs to ‘Zheleznodorozhnyy Vokzal’ (Railway Station) to reach the platform. Note that night trains do not run; late-night arrivals must use bus or taxi.
Flights, Transfers and Planning
Advertisement: these are partner links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Get to Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg
From Yekaterinburg-Passazhirsky central railway station, the train departs for the airport from a dedicated suburban train platform—not the main intercity platforms. Ask station staff or follow signs to ‘Prigorodnyye Poezda’ (Suburban Trains). From the airport terminal, descend to the rail level (usually well-marked) and follow signs to ‘Aeroexpress’ or ‘Railway Station’. The platform is within walking distance of the departure hall.
Accessibility
The Lastochka trains are modern and include accessible facilities. Elevators connect ground level to the platform level at most intermediate stations. The trains have designated wheelchair spaces in several cars. Mobility-impaired passengers should ask station staff for assistance, which is typically available. The railway station in the centre also has lifts and accessible entrances. Modern infrastructure makes this option more wheelchair-friendly than some bus alternatives.
Food Nearby
Food options on the train are limited to snacks from a kiosk at the airport station if available. Pack beverages or light snacks for the 40-minute journey if needed. At Yekaterinburg-Passazhirsky railway station (destination), numerous cafés, fast-food outlets, and restaurants serve the building. Convenience stores and supermarkets operate in the station area and surrounding streets.
What to Bring
Standard luggage and backpacks are fine for the train. No specific baggage restrictions apply; commuter trains accommodate typical airport luggage sizes. Bring a water bottle or snacks if travelling with children. A simple translation app or written Russian address is helpful for communicating your destination to station staff if needed. Small bills for tickets (payment on board) are practical. In winter, expect cold platforms; keep warm clothing accessible during boarding.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted on the train and platforms. Mobile phone coverage is good throughout the route. Taking photos inside the train and of the landscape during the journey is unrestricted. Avoid photographing other passengers without consent.
Family Suitability
The Koltsovo Express is suitable for families with children and luggage. The train is clean and reasonably spacious. Journey duration is manageable—40 minutes rarely poses challenges for children. The modern Lastochka trains include seats suitable for short journeys. Families with strollers can manage the platform levels with lifts. Limited refreshments on board mean it's better to have snacks for young children. The predictable schedule and direct route make it one of the simpler airport-to-city options for families, though the limited frequency may not suit all arrival times.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Check the current schedule before your flight arrives in Yekaterinburg. The Koltsovo Express runs only twice or three times daily. If your arrival time is far from a scheduled departure, bus or taxi may be faster overall (including waiting time).
- Purchase tickets on board if you don't have rubles; the conductor will accept payment. Keep small denominations or coins because not all conductors carry change for large notes.
- If you need to reach a specific area of Yekaterinburg beyond the central station, ask about connecting transport at the station. The station itself is not in the geographic centre; trolleybuses and buses from there serve most neighbourhoods.
- Evening trains are typically fuller but still uncrowded. If you travel light or have only hand luggage, the train is genuinely convenient. For very large groups or bulk luggage, buses may offer more space.
- During winter snow or ice, trains are more reliable than roads. Traffic delays that affect buses and taxis do not affect the train schedule.
Explore Nearby Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg
Related guides
AZIMUT Airport Hotel Ekaterinburg: Airport-Adjacent Lodging and FacilitiesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Murmansk Regional Art Museum: Arctic Art and Historic Stone BuildingMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Oktyabrsky · All Airports · All Airports & Transport · All Airports & Transport in Yekaterinburg · All Yekaterinburg
FAQ: Koltsovo Express Train, Yekaterinburg
How often does the Koltsovo Express run?
The train operates daily but with limited frequency: typically morning and evening departures (approximately 08:35 and 20:52). No night service. Check the schedule at svrpk.ru before arrival to confirm times. Weekday and weekend schedules may vary slightly.
Can I book tickets in advance?
No online advance booking is available for the Koltsovo Express. Purchase tickets on board from the conductor or at the airport ticket office. Payment in rubles is required; accept or card payments depend on availability.
Is the train cheaper than a taxi?
Yes, the train ticket costs approximately 22–50 rubles, making it significantly cheaper than a taxi, which typically costs ₽₽ (several hundred rubles). For budget travel, it's the most economical option.
What if I arrive late at night?
Night trains do not operate. Late arrivals must use Bus 1 (if running) or a taxi. Taxis are available 24 hours at the airport's ground transportation area.
Does the train go to hotels or to the city centre only?
The train terminates at Yekaterinburg-Passazhirsky (central railway station), which is 2.5 km from the city's geographic centre. Hotels and attractions are reached via taxi, trolleybus, or bus from the station.
Is the train accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. Modern Lastochka trains include wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities. Elevators connect platforms to ground level. Station staff can assist if needed.
How long is the journey?
The train takes approximately 40 minutes from Koltsovo Airport to the central railway station, with intermediate stops at several suburban stations.
Are luggage restrictions different on the train than on buses?
No. Commuter trains accommodate typical airport luggage (suitcases, large backpacks). No special restrictions apply. Luggage racks and floor space are generally available.
Russia Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
How we research and update our guides
About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
Take this guide with you
Get a free PDF of this guide to print or read offline: key facts, tips and a map link on a few clean pages.
Report an issue on this page
Paying for your trip: please read
International sanctions affect payments between Russia and many other countries. In practice, cards issued in the EU, the UK, the US and several other countries often do not work in Russia, Russian cards usually do not work abroad, and some booking platforms, airlines and payment providers limit or suspend their services for Russia. The situation changes frequently.
We do not give legal or financial advice, and this site does not encourage anyone to break or circumvent sanctions. Whatever you plan, you are responsible for following the laws and regulations that apply to you, including those of your country of residence and citizenship.
Many travelers still organise their stay lawfully. It is worth asking your bank or payment provider what is currently permitted, contacting hotels, tour operators and carriers directly about the payment methods they accept, and checking which services are open to customers from your country. Clarify payment, cancellation and refund terms before you commit to a booking, and keep your plans flexible.
Partner links on this site may not be available in every country, and prices, availability and rules in our guides can differ from what you see when you book.