St. Petersburg Metro
One of the best and most fascinating ways to explore St. Petersburg is by using the city’s beautiful and historic metro system. First opened in November, 1955, the Metro system consists of 5 different lines and currently includes 67 stations, making it the second largest metropolitan system in Russia (just after Moscow) and the 16th busiest in the world, with over 2 million riders daily. However, what sets St. Petersburg’s metro apart from the rest is each station’s unique decorative and architectural style above and below ground.
Before even reaching the underground trains, visitors are often struck by the extreme depth of metro stations. With 60 stations being located at a depth of 22 to 86 meters below the ground, it is the deepest underground system in the world. This is due to the unique geology on which the modern city sits. Despite the long escalator ride to the bottom, visitors are treated to the most exquisite stations in the world.
The metro’s red Kirovsko-Vyborgskaya line (Кировско-Выборгская) is the oldest and runs northeast-southwest through the city center and connects 4 of St. Petersburg’s 5 main railway terminals. This line also includes some of the most beautiful stations, especially Avtovo (Aвтово) station, which features walls covered in white marble, columns of glass, chandeliers and a mosaic dedicated to the siege of Leningrad during the Second World War. It should be no surprise that this station is widely considered the most beautiful station in the world.
There are many plans to expand and upgrade the system by adding new stations and lines and now even Wi-Fi. But why wait? Ride the St. Petersburg metro now and discover this unique and beautiful mode of transportation.
