Southern Bus Station (Южный автовокзал, Yuzhniy Avtovokzal) is Yekaterinburg‘s primary hub for buses heading south and east across Russia. Most international and regional visitors arriving by bus use this station, as it operates 24 hours and handles the bulk of long-distance traffic from the southern and eastern regions.
The station sits directly under Chkalovskaya metro station on the city’s only metro line, making it the most accessible arrival point for bus travellers. From here you can reach the city centre, hotels and other sights within minutes by metro.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Южный автовокзал |
|---|---|
| Type | Transport hub |
| Address | улица 8 Марта, 145, Екатеринбург OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Leninsky District |
| Metro | Chkalovskaya (Line 1, direct exit to station) |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours |
| Best time to visit | There is no optimal 'visiting' time as this is a transport hub, not a sightseeing destination. If you are arriving or departing by bus, you have no choice. If you are transferring, the metro runs most reliably during daytime and early evening hours (roughly 07:00–23:00). Late-night and very early morning services operate but are less frequent. |
| Recommended duration | 15–30 minutes |
How to Get to and from Southern Bus Station, Yekaterinburg
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chkalovskaya Metro Station (Line 1) | 5 minutes to city centre (Ploshchad 1905 Goda) | ₽ | Direct access from station. Runs daily from early morning until midnight (verify current hours). Best option for reaching central hotels and sights. Single journey fare covers the metro ride. |
| Tram (trams 1, 4, 5, 14, 15, 17) | 15–25 minutes to city centre | ₽ | Stops at 8 Marta Street outside the station. Slower than metro but covers different routes across the city. Useful if you need to reach western or northern districts. |
| Taxi or ride-share app | 10–20 minutes to city centre | ₽₽ | Wait outside the station or order via Yandex.Taxi or Uber. Avoid unofficial taxis loitering at the entrance. Official taxis have meters and company identification. Ride-share apps show fixed prices upfront. |
| Walking | 30–40 minutes to city centre | Free | Possible but not recommended with heavy luggage. 8 Marta Street runs north towards the centre; metro is simpler and faster. |
₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Why Visit Southern Bus Station, Yekaterinburg?
As a transport hub, you visit Southern Bus Station to arrive by bus, depart onward, or make connections. It is not a sightseeing destination, but for many visitors it is the gateway to Yekaterinburg and the southern Urals region.
The station’s main strength is convenience: it occupies the same site as a modern metro station (opened 2012), so transfers to the city centre are quick and straightforward. Unlike many regional Russian bus stations, this one is well-lit, monitored and centrally located, not on the city outskirts.
Atmosphere
Southern Bus Station is a functional modern transport hub—efficient rather than atmospheric. During the day it is busy with travellers, local passengers, families and workers. Long-distance buses depart regularly; arrival and departure boards show routes across southern Russia, from nearby cities like Tyumen and Kurgan to distant destinations like Sochi and Krasnodar.
The station operates 24 hours, so you may arrive late at night or early morning. Waiting areas are clean and well-heated in winter. A few small cafés and shops operate within the station, though they keep limited hours. The main experience is moving quickly through the space: checking boards, collecting luggage, buying a metro ticket and leaving.
Tickets and Payment at Southern Bus Station, Yekaterinburg
Tickets are purchased at ticket windows inside the station or online through the station’s website and partner booking platforms such as Avtovokzaly.ru. Most long-distance routes offer online booking several days in advance; booking opens at different times depending on the route and carrier.
Same-day tickets are available at ticket windows until departure, though popular afternoon and evening routes may sell out. Show your passport or ID when buying international tickets. Luggage is included with your ticket; large items may incur an extra fee.
Russian citizens and some concession categories (students, pensioners, military) receive discounts. International visitors pay the standard tariff. For all ticket categories and current schedules, check the official station website or partner booking sites listed above.
Flights, Transfers and Planning
How to Get to Southern Bus Station, Yekaterinburg
By metro from the city centre: Take Line 1 (the only metro line) south to Chkalovskaya station (the second-to-last stop). Exit and follow signs to the bus station. Journey time: 15–25 minutes depending on where you start.
By metro from Koltsovo Airport: Take the airport bus to Uralskaya metro station, then take the metro south one stop to Chkalovskaya.
By taxi from the city centre or airport: Tell the driver “Yuzhny Avtovokzal” or show the address (8 Marta Street, 145). Allow 10–20 minutes from the centre, 30–40 minutes from the airport.
The station sits directly beneath Chkalovskaya metro station, so there is no walking from the station entrance. Metro exit signs lead straight into the bus station terminal.
Accessibility
Southern Bus Station opened in 2012 as part of the modern Chkalovskaya metro complex and is designed to modern accessibility standards. Wheelchair ramps access the station from street level. Lifts connect the bus terminal platforms to the metro station below.The station has accessible toilets and wide corridors suitable for wheelchairs. Seating areas have benches throughout. Assistance from station staff is available—ask at the information desk or ticket windows if you need help. Service animals are permitted.The metro station below is also relatively accessible (opened 2012) with lifts, though Chkalovskaya is notably deep, so expect a longer lift journey than at other stations.
Food Nearby
Inside the station, a small café and kiosk operate during daytime hours, serving basic snacks, coffee and hot drinks. Selection and hours are limited.For proper meals, the best option is to take the metro into the city centre (5 minutes to Chkalovskaya, then continue one or two more stops). 8 Marta Street outside the station has a few local shops and small eateries within walking distance, but they are not primarily aimed at visitors.If you have a long wait and limited time, metro + quick food in the centre is faster than searching near the station.
What to Bring
Bring your passport or ID—you will need it to buy a ticket, especially for any international route. Luggage allowances are generous (usually 2–3 large bags per person), but confirm with your carrier when booking.If arriving at night, bring a power bank or have your phone charged to use ride-share apps or contact your hotel. Winter arrivals (November–March): bring warm clothes—the station is heated, but you may spend time waiting outside for taxis.Security bag checks are routine; arrive with time to spare before departure (typically 30–45 minutes). No restricted items are common on regional routes, but follow airline-style rules for intercity buses.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in the public areas of the station. No tripods, drones or commercial filming without permission. Flash is permitted. Do not photograph other passengers without consent, and be aware of security in the transit environment.
Family Suitability
Southern Bus Station is family-friendly in the sense that families arrive and depart here regularly. The station is safe, clean and well-monitored. However, it is not a place to spend time—families should move through quickly to the metro or their onward transport.Young children and infants may sleep in waiting areas if you have a long layover, but facilities for families (baby-changing, child play areas) are minimal. Stroller access is good (wide corridors, lifts to metro), so wheelchair and stroller users navigate easily. If you have a layover and young children, take the metro to the city centre where there are parks, cafés and more amenities.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Allow extra time for your metro connection if you are carrying large luggage. The station is below ground and well-organized, but lifts can be slow during peak hours (08:00–10:00, 16:00–19:00). Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your metro train departs.
- If buying a ticket in person, go to a ticket window, not a machine. Machines are fewer and slower. Ticket windows have English-speaking staff during daytime hours. If arriving at night, use online booking before you arrive.
- Do not hail a taxi from touts inside or outside the station. Official white taxis or the Yandex.Taxi app are your only safe options. Official taxis have a company name and number on the side.
- If your bus is delayed or cancelled, updates appear on the station display board. Station staff can advise on rebooking or alternative routes. Have your booking reference or ticket handy.
- The metro card (Karta) works at Chkalovskaya station. If you are staying in Yekaterinburg multiple days, buy a card at the metro kiosk (cheaper than single tickets). Single journeys cost the same whether you use a card or cash at the ticket window.
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FAQ: Southern Bus Station, Yekaterinburg
Is Southern Bus Station in the city centre?
No, it is in the southern district, about 5–6 km from the city centre. However, the metro station is directly above it, so you reach the centre in 5 minutes by train. It is more accessible than it appears.
What is the difference between Southern and Northern Bus Stations?
Southern Bus Station handles buses to the south and east (Chelyabinsk, Tyumen, Sochi, Ufa). Northern Bus Station (near Uralskaya metro) handles buses to the north and west (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Ekaterinburg suburbs). Check your ticket or booking to know which station you use.
Can I store luggage if I arrive early or have a long layover?
Yes, a luggage storage (left-luggage) service operates inside the station. It is secure and affordable. Ask at the information desk or ticket windows for current hours and rates.
Do I need to exchange currency here?
There are no currency exchange counters in the station. Use an ATM in the metro station below or withdraw money before arrival. Taxis and most small shops accept card payments via apps like Yandex.Pay.
Is the station open 24 hours?
Yes, the terminal operates 24 hours. Bus schedules vary by route—most long-distance buses depart in the afternoon and evening. Check your booking or ask staff for times.
Can I buy a metro card at the station?
Yes. A metro ticket office and kiosk operate near the metro entrance (connected to the bus station). Buy a Karta card or single journey tickets here. It takes 2–3 minutes.
What if I miss my bus or my bus is delayed?
Delays are common on long routes. Check the station display board. Go to a ticket window and tell them your situation—they can rebook you on the next available bus or offer alternatives. Have your booking reference ready.
Are there toilets in the station?
Yes, clean, well-maintained public toilets are in the terminal. They cost a small amount to use (few rubles). Accessible toilets are also available for passengers with disabilities.
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