Prospekt Kosmonavtov metro station serves as the terminus of Line 1, situated between the maintenance depot and Uralmash station. The station opened on 26 April 1991 as part of the Yekaterinburg Metro, which was the 13th and last metro system to open in the USSR.
The station has two exits: a northern lobby on Kosmonavtov Avenue and a southern vestibule connected to an underground passage at the intersection of Fraserovshchikov and Ilyich Streets with Kosmonavtov Avenue. As the northern terminus, it serves as a key departure point for exploring the city’s northern districts and the industrial Uralmash area.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Проспект Космонавтов |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1991 |
| Address | Kosmonavtov Avenue, Yekaterinburg OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Leninsky |
| Interchanges | Prospekt Kosmonavtov (Line 1, Northern lobby on Kosmonavtov Avenue; southern vestibule at Fraserovshchikov/Ilyich intersection) |
| Opening hours | Daily 06:00-00:00 |
| Best time to visit | The station is busiest during morning (07:00–09:00) and evening (17:00–19:00) rush hours on weekdays, when northern commuters travel to and from the city centre. Visit midday (10:00–16:00) for the calmest atmosphere and shortest wait times on the platform. Weekends are noticeably quieter, especially mid-morning. The metro operates year-round; weather does not affect service. |
Why Visit Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg?
The station provides connections to six stops serving all types of ground transport: buses, trolleybuses, trams and fixed-route taxis, making it a major hub for reaching outlying neighborhoods and the Uralmash factory district. The station is part of the last metro to open in the Soviet Union, offering a piece of late Soviet infrastructure and engineering. For transit-focused travelers, it marks the northern end of the line and provides quick access to the metro system from the northern city neighborhoods.
Highlights of Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg
Island Platform Design
The station is a three-span shallow column station, characteristic of Soviet-era metro design. It sits at a depth of 6 meters, making it relatively accessible. The single island platform with its clean, functional aesthetic reflects the no-frills approach of late Soviet transit infrastructure.
Tip: The platform is straightforward with clear signage; no separate ticket halls—buy cards at the kiosks before descending the escalators.
Northern Lobby Exit
The northern lobby is located in a densely populated area on Kosmonavtov Avenue. This exit is the main entry and exit point, opening directly onto the avenue in a commercial and residential zone with shops and apartment blocks nearby.
Tip: Use this exit to access Kosmonavtov Avenue directly; it's the more convenient entrance from the northern side of the city.
Southern Vestibule and Underground Passage
The southern vestibule is connected to an underground passage at the intersection of Fraserovshchikov Street and Ilyich Street with Kosmonavtov Avenue. This passage provides dry, covered access to the surrounding streets and is particularly useful in poor weather.
Tip: The underground passage is good for navigating the busy intersection without crossing above ground; it connects to multiple street exits.
Depot and Turnaround Point
The station sits between the Kalinovskoe maintenance depot and Uralmash station, with two dead ends and a crossover. This is where trains are stored and serviced, and where southbound trains reverse direction.
Tip: The depot areas are not accessible to the public, but you may observe train movements near the platform.
Transit Hub for Northern Neighborhoods
The station serves as an exit to six stops for buses, trolleybuses, trams and fixed-route taxis. These routes connect to residential areas, schools and the Uralmash industrial complex to the north and east.
Tip: Check the posted route maps for connections to your destination; many visitors arriving from downtown should transfer at Uralmash for better-serviced routes.
Last Soviet Metro Station Opening
The Yekaterinburg Metro opened on 26 April 1991 and is the 13th and last metro to open in the USSR. Prospekt Kosmonavtov was the first section to open, marking the end of Soviet-era metro construction before the USSR's collapse.
Tip: Enthusiasts of late Soviet design will appreciate the unadorned, functional aesthetic—a contrast to the ornate stations of earlier Soviet metros.
Atmosphere
Prospekt Kosmonavtov is a working-class transit hub with a straightforward, no-nonsense atmosphere. The station operates daily from 06:00 to midnight with intervals of 4-5 minutes during peak hours and 6-8 minutes during off-peak hours. During morning and evening rush hours, commuters pack the platform; midday is noticeably quieter. The station itself is clean and well-lit, with the characteristic pale concrete and tile finishes of Soviet-era rapid transit. There is little in the way of decoration or artistic elements—the focus is purely functional. The elderly custodial staff and practical commuter crowd give it a no-frills, utilitarian feel rather than a showcase aesthetic.
History of Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg, formerly Sverdlovsk, was an important industrial centre and transport hub that grew rapidly. Plans for a rapid-transit system began in the late 1970s, with construction starting in 1980. The ambitious project faced decades of work to reach completion.
Prospekt Kosmonavtov station opened on 27 April 1991 as part of the first section of the Yekaterinburg metro, running between Prospekt Kosmonavtov and Mashinostroiteley. This was the last metro inaugated in the USSR, opening on 26 April 1991, marking the end of a long Soviet era of metro construction just as the Soviet Union itself was dissolving. The station has remained a key northern terminal throughout the post-Soviet period, serving the densely populated residential and industrial areas to the north.
Tickets and Booking for Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg
Fares and Payment: Since 1 November 2025, the standard fare is 42 rubles for a single journey. Payment is accepted via EKARTA card, contactless bank cards, QR tickets and biometric systems. Foreign visitors can purchase EKARTA cards at kiosks at every station or use contactless payment if their card is compatible with Russian systems. Single-journey tickets are not sold; all passengers must use a card or QR code.
Operating Hours: The metro operates daily from 06:00 to midnight, with intervals of 4-5 minutes during peak hours and 6-8 minutes during off-peak hours. Prospekt Kosmonavtov is the northern terminus and the first trains depart here at 06:00.
Entrance: The northern lobby is on Kosmonavtov Avenue, and the southern vestibule is accessed via an underground passage at the Fraserovshchikov/Ilyich and Kosmonavtov intersection. Rates for Russian citizens, students and pensioners are lower; check the official website metro-ektb.ru for all concession categories.
Plan and Book
How to Get to Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg
From Downtown: Take any southbound train toward Geologicheskaya; from the city centre (Ploshchad 1905 Goda) it takes approximately 9–10 minutes. Trains arrive every 4–6 minutes during peak periods.
From the Airports: From Koltsovo International Airport, take a bus to Botanicheskaya station, then ride the metro northward for about 19 minutes to Prospekt Kosmonavtov (the entire line takes about 24 minutes end-to-end).
Walking from the station: The northern lobby opens directly onto Kosmonavtov Avenue in a densely populated area. Shops, tram stops and bus shelters are immediately above. For the southern exit, use the underground passage at Fraserovshchikov/Ilyich and Kosmonavtov.
Ground Transport Connections: The station serves buses, trolleybuses, trams and fixed-route taxis on six different stops. Route 56, 56B and 59 buses serve the area; trolleybus routes 3, 5 and 12; and tram routes serve local neighborhoods.
Accessibility
The station is underground with escalators down to the platform level. Stairs are also available. No wheelchair-accessible lifts or elevators are mentioned in the official sources. Visually, the platform and tunnel areas are well-lit and clearly marked with Cyrillic signage. There is no information published on companion policies or accessibility facilities beyond basic infrastructure.
Food Nearby
The area around both exits contains small shops, kiosks and modest cafés on Kosmonavtov Avenue and nearby residential streets. This is a neighborhood zone, not a shopping district; options are basic convenience stores and local eateries rather than restaurants. For substantial food, return to the city centre via metro or explore the Uralmash district to the south via the adjacent Uralmash station.
What to Bring
Standard travel items: metro card or contactless payment method, valid ID. In winter (November–March), warm clothing is essential as the surface exits are exposed to cold weather. In summer, sunscreen and water for the walk to nearby shops. Security screening is minimal at the platform entry; small bags are allowed.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg
Island Platform Looking North
From the center of the platform looking toward the tunnel entrance, the receding perspective of the tunnel with platform lights creates a classic metro symmetry shot. The pale concrete and tile work is characteristic of late Soviet design.
Best time: Midday when fewer people are on the platform; early morning or mid-afternoon light is most flattering.
Platform Level Framed by Escalators
Stand at platform level looking back toward the escalators and lobby entrance. The escalators receding upward, framed by the three-span column structure, showcase the functional scale of the station.
Best time: Off-peak hours to avoid crowds on the escalators; soft overhead lighting works well.
Northern Lobby Exit onto Kosmonavtov Avenue
The transition from underground to street level on Kosmonavtov Avenue shows the urban context and the modest Soviet-era entrance kiosk. This captures the relationship between transit infrastructure and neighborhood.
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for lower pedestrian traffic and softer light on the avenue.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in the station and on the platform. No tripods, professional equipment or large cameras requiring special permits are restricted; keep in mind that this is a working transit hub and trains move unpredictably. Flash photography is allowed but may disturb other passengers during busy hours. Respectful documentation of the station's Soviet-era architecture is possible.
Family Suitability
The station is accessible for families with older children and strollers. The escalators are long and steep, requiring adult supervision for small children. The platform is safe and well-lit, with clear sightlines. Younger children may find the walk upstairs and the underground environment atmospheric but potentially tiring. There are no play areas or child-specific facilities. Families using pushchairs may find the crowding during rush hours challenging. For a short metro ride as part of sightseeing, older children (6+) will find it straightforward and interesting as part of Soviet-era exploration.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Buy your EKARTA card before descending. Card vending kiosks are located near the lobby entrance, not at the platform level. Have coins or small bills ready.
- If planning to visit multiple stations, a day pass or multi-ride card is more economical than single journeys. Check current options at the kiosk.
- The southern vestibule underground passage is less crowded than the northern exit, especially during rush hour. If you're not in a hurry, the maze-like passage is a quieter way to reach street level.
- Trains are frequent but the station is terminal; there's no further north to go. Plan ground transport connections in advance using the posted route maps at the exits.
- The station closes promptly at midnight. If arriving late, check train times; the last train from the city centre may be earlier than expected.
- In winter, the surface exits are exposed to cold. The lobby areas are heated, but the short ride up the escalators to street level is unheated.
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FAQ: Prospekt Kosmonavtov, Yekaterinburg
Is Prospekt Kosmonavtov the same as Kosmonavtov Avenue (the street)?
No. Prospekt Kosmonavtov metro station is a subway station located beneath Kosmonavtov Avenue in northern Yekaterinburg. The station takes its name from the avenue above, but the avenue is a separate entity—a major thoroughfare with shops, apartments and street-level transport.
Can I buy a single-journey paper ticket at the station?
No. Paper tickets are no longer sold. All passengers must use an EKARTA transit card, contactless bank card, or a QR code ticket. Purchase an EKARTA card at the kiosk near the lobby entrance.
How long does it take to reach the city centre from Prospekt Kosmonavtov?
From Prospekt Kosmonavtov to Ploshchad 1905 Goda (central station), the journey takes approximately 9–10 minutes. The entire line end-to-end takes about 19–24 minutes from Botanicheskaya.
What are the operating hours?
The station operates daily from 06:00 to 00:00 (midnight). Trains run every 4–5 minutes during peak hours and 6–8 minutes during off-peak hours.
Is there a wheelchair lift or elevator?
No wheelchair-accessible lift or elevator is currently available at this station. Access is via escalators or stairs to the platform level. Check with the station staff about assistance options.
What is the closest major attraction or landmark?
The Uralmash district, with its historic UZTM factory and related museums, is accessible via Uralmash station, one stop south. The northern neighborhoods served by this terminal are primarily residential and industrial rather than tourist destinations.
Can I use my foreign bank card at the metro?
Yes, if your card is contactless and supports the payment systems used in Russia. However, EKARTA cards are the most reliable option and are inexpensive to purchase. Check with your bank on compatibility before relying solely on contactless payment.
Is this station only for residents, or can tourists use it?
All stations are open to tourists. Prospekt Kosmonavtov is a working transit hub for commuters, but anyone with a valid ticket or card can ride. It's not a major tourist destination itself, but it's part of the metro system and connects to other areas.
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