Zenit Metro Station opened on 26 May 2018 as Novokrestovskaya, as part of the extension of Line 3 to Begovaya in time for the football World Cup. It stands at the western tip of Krestovsky Island, beside the Gazprom Arena, and in 2020 it was renamed after the football club Zenit.
It is a modern, shallow station, and unlike most of the first lines it has no classical decoration to look at. Its use for visitors is simple: it is the metro stop for the stadium. It has often worked on a reduced schedule outside event days, so planning matters more here than at any other station in this series.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Зенит |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2018 |
| Address | Санкт-Петербург, западная оконечность Крестовского острова, у стадиона «Газпром Арена» OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Primorsky District |
| Interchanges | Zenit (Line 3, vestibules at the western tip of Krestovsky Island, on the approach to the Gazprom Arena stadium) Begovaya (Line 3, next stop, northern terminus of the line) Primorskaya (Line 3, previous stop towards Rybatskoye) |
| Opening hours | This station has repeatedly run a reduced schedule: on ordinary days it has often been open with limited vestibules or limited times, and on match and event days at the Gazprom Arena both vestibules are normally opened. The pattern has changed several times, so do not assume it is open at every hour (as of October 2026 – check the official site of the Saint Petersburg Metro before you travel). |
| Best time to visit | Go on match or event days if you want the atmosphere, or on a calm weekend afternoon if you only want to see the island. In winter the open space around the stadium can be windy. Always check the station's schedule on the day. |
| Last updated | October 16, 2026 |
Why Visit Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg?
Zenit is a practical stop rather than a showpiece. It is the closest metro station to the Gazprom Arena, the stadium of FC Zenit, and it gives a straight link from the centre across the Neva to Krestovsky Island on Line 3.
It also tells a story of recent city planning: the extension was built for the 2018 World Cup, and the name was changed after fans and the club asked for it. You pay only for a metro ride. Check the schedule first, because the station is not always open all day.
Highlights of Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
The stop for the Gazprom Arena
The station stands at the western tip of Krestovsky Island, close to the stadium that was built on the site of the old Kirov Stadium. The route from the vestibules leads to the stadium approach through the island's parkland.
It is the closest metro station to the arena and the one fans use on match days.
Tip: On match days, expect crowds on the approach and plan extra time for the return.
A station renamed after a football club
The station opened as Novokrestovskaya in 2018. After a fan and club initiative, the city's toponymic commission approved renaming it Zenit in July 2020, and the new name took effect in August 2020.
It is one of the few metro stations in the city named after a sports club.
Tip: If an older map or app still shows Novokrestovskaya, it is the same station.
A shallow modern station
Zenit is a shallow-level station, about 23 metres below the surface, far less deep than the classic stations of the first lines. The ride down is short compared with Line 1 or Line 2.
It belongs to the northern extension of Line 3 built for the World Cup.
Tip: Use the station for a quick transfer from Nevsky Prospekt; the ride is much quicker than at deep stations.
Reduced schedule and event-day vestibules
The metro has several times limited this station's hours because passenger numbers outside events are low. In some periods only one vestibule was open on ordinary days, and both vestibules were opened on match and event days.
The schedule has changed repeatedly, so check it before you go.
Tip: Look at the metro's official notices on the day of travel, especially on weekdays.
The extension across the water
Line 3 was extended north from Primorskaya across the Neva Bay and the Great Nevka to Begovaya, with Zenit between them. The extension brought the metro to Krestovsky Island for the first time on this side.
It was opened on 26 May 2018, just before the World Cup.
Tip: Ride on to Begovaya if you want to see the end of the line.
The parkland around the stadium
The Gazprom Arena sits in the park of Krestovsky Island, with waterfront and green space around it. On non-event days it is a quiet place for a walk.
The island has several parks and waterfront promenades.
Tip: Combine a walk with a trip to the island on a calm weekday.
Atmosphere
On a match day the station is full of people in blue, white and sky blue, and the vestibules stay open late. The approach to the stadium is a stream of fans, with police and stewards guiding them.
On an ordinary day, if it is open, it is far quieter: a modern, clean hall with few passengers. The surrounding island is green and open, with the huge white stadium rising behind the trees.
History of Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
Zenit opened on 26 May 2018 under the name Novokrestovskaya, as part of the extension of Line 3, the Nevsko-Vasileostrovskaya line, north from Primorskaya. The extension also included Begovaya and was built to serve the new stadium on Krestovsky Island, which hosted matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The stations were opened shortly before the tournament.
The stadium, now the Gazprom Arena, stands on the site of the old Kirov Stadium, which was demolished in 2006. The extension carried the line across the Neva Bay and the Great Nevka, bringing the metro to the western part of Krestovsky Island for the first time.
Zenit is a shallow station, about 23 metres below the surface. After opening, a number of defects, including leaks and loose tiles, were reported on the new stations, and the city and the sponsors of the football club discussed improvements.
The station was closed on 2 April 2020 as part of measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. After the restrictions were lifted, it was not reopened immediately. The football club and fans had proposed renaming the station, and on 10 July 2020 the city’s toponymic commission approved the change from Novokrestovskaya to Zenit. The new name came into force in August 2020.
The station was reopened in test mode on 2 May 2021, before a home match, and officially on 10 June 2021. For the reopening the club prepared an exhibition about its history on the platforms.
Since then the metro has changed the station’s schedule several times because passenger numbers are low outside events. At various times the platform has been closed on weekdays, only one vestibule has been used on ordinary days, and both vestibules have been opened for matches and other events at the stadium.
Today Zenit remains a through station on Line 3, between Primorskaya and Begovaya. It serves the stadium, the island and the surrounding parkland, and visitors should treat its opening hours as variable.
Tickets and Booking for Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
Zenit needs no ticket of its own: you pay for a ride on the Saint Petersburg Metro. The fare is a flat one regardless of distance (₽).
- Contactless bank card: accepted at turnstiles marked for bank-card payment, but whether a card issued outside Russia works varies, and the sanctions rules of your own country may restrict the use of Russian payment services, so check this yourself before you travel.
- Podorozhnik card: a reusable transport card sold at metro ticket offices, and usually the simplest option for visitors who plan several rides.
Rates for Russian citizens and concession categories differ from the standard fare. The station is crowded before and after matches and events at the stadium, and turnstiles can be busy. The official website of the Saint Petersburg Metro lists current fares, payment methods and categories.
Plan and Book
How to Get to Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
By metro: take Line 3 (the green Nevsko-Vasileostrovskaya line) towards Begovaya and get off at Zenit, one stop before the terminus and after Primorskaya. From Line 2, change at Nevsky Prospekt to Gostiny Dvor and continue north on Line 3.
On arrival: the vestibules are at the western tip of Krestovsky Island, and the stadium is reached on foot through the park.
Alternatives: if the station is closed, use Krestovsky Ostrov on Line 5 or Begovaya on Line 3 and continue by a short bus or on foot.
Accessibility
Zenit is a shallow station and is reached by escalators, but whether a lift or other step-free route is available was not verified for this article. Check the accessibility information on the official website of the Saint Petersburg Metro and consider asking staff before you travel.
Food Nearby
There are no verified cafes inside the station. Cafes and snack kiosks operate around the stadium on event days, and the island's parkland and waterfront have places to eat in the warm season.
What to Bring
A payment card or a Podorozhnik card, and warm or waterproof clothing for the open island. On match days, carry only what you need, as stadium rules for bags are strict.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
Stadium approach, looking at the Gazprom Arena
The huge white stadium rising behind the trees of Krestovsky Island.
Best time: Daylight, ideally in clear weather or at dusk when it is lit.
The platform on a match day
The hall filled with fans in blue and white shows the atmosphere of a home game.
Best time: Before kick-off, when the platform is busiest.
Island waterfront
The waterfront and parkland around the stadium offer open views across the water.
Best time: Calm weekday afternoons.
Station vestibule
The modern entrance building with its clean, simple lines.
Best time: Daylight, when the facade is well lit.
Photography Rules
Casual photography on the platform is generally tolerated, but tripods and professional filming typically need permission from the metro. Do not block the escalators or passengers, and avoid photographing staff or other people.
Family Suitability
The station itself is quick and easy, and the parkland nearby is pleasant for a walk. On match days the crowds are heavy and noisy, so families with small children should avoid peak times and keep strollers folded. Check the schedule before you travel.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Check the station's opening hours on the day; the schedule has changed several times and the station is not always open.
- If an older map or app says Novokrestovskaya, it is the same station under its former name.
- On match days, plan extra time for the return, as the crowds leave all at once.
- If the station is closed, go via Krestovsky Ostrov on Line 5 and walk or take a short bus.
- Combine a trip with a walk in the park of Krestovsky Island on a quiet day.
- Ride on to Begovaya if you want to see the end of Line 3, one stop north.
Explore Nearby Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
Metro stations near Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
Krestovsky Ostrov Metro Station, Saint Petersburgabout 2.6 km awayMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Zenit Metro Station, Saint Petersburg
Do I need a ticket to see Zenit station?
You need to pay for a metro ride to enter the platform area. There is no separate sightseeing ticket. See the fares section for payment options.
Is Zenit the same as Novokrestovskaya?
Yes. It opened in 2018 as Novokrestovskaya and was renamed Zenit in 2020 after the football club.
Is the station open every day?
Not always. The metro has run a reduced schedule at various times, and both vestibules are normally opened on match and event days. Check the official site on the day.
How deep is the station?
It is a shallow station, reported at about 23 metres below the surface.
Is it the closest station to the stadium?
Yes, it stands at the western tip of Krestovsky Island beside the Gazprom Arena. If it is closed, Krestovsky Ostrov on Line 5 is the alternative.
Is there anything to see in the station?
The station is modern and simple, and its main purpose is transport. Its interest lies in the stadium area and the island around it.
How do I get there from the centre?
Take Line 3 from Gostiny Dvor towards Begovaya; Zenit is one stop before the terminus. See the getting there section for details.
Is it worth a special trip?
Only if you are going to the stadium or the island's park. Otherwise it is not a sightseeing stop.
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Last updated: October 16, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
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