The Botanichesky Sad MCC Station is on the Moscow Central Circle, which opened to passengers on 10 September 2016, and construction of the station began in October 2014. It lies between Vladykino and Rostokino and offers a free out-of-station transfer to Botanichesky Sad on the orange Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line.
The Metro station of the same name was built in 1978 under the line of the circular railway, with a possible future transfer in mind. This guide explains how the transfer works, what is known about the station, how fares and payment work for tourists, when the station is busy, and why the name can mislead visitors who are heading for the Main Botanical Garden.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Ботанический сад |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2016 |
| Address | Under the Moscow Central Circle railway near Botanichesky Sad Metro station, north of VDNKh, Moscow |
| District | Ostankinsky |
| Interchanges | Botanichesky Sad (Line 14, Moscow Central Circle, the station itself, between Vladykino and Rostokino) Botanichesky Sad (Line 6, orange (Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya), a free out-of-station transfer to the Metro station of the same name) Rostokino (Line 14, Moscow Central Circle, the next station on the circle toward the inner side) |
| Opening hours | The Moscow Central Circle runs daily from early morning until about 01:00, with exact first and last train times differing by station, so check the operator's site for this station (as of October 2026 – check the official site, mosmetro.ru). |
| Best time to visit | Mid-morning, early afternoon and the evening after the rush are the calmest, while weekday rush hours are busy. The platform is open to the weather, so winter wind and summer sun are part of the visit. |
| Last updated | October 9, 2026 |
Why Visit Botanichesky Sad MCC Station?
The station is a practical connection point rather than a sight: it joins the Moscow Central Circle with the orange line, so travelers can switch between the circle and the radial line toward the center and the north-east without a long detour. The Metro station was planned in the 1970s as a possible future transfer to the circular railway.
The name is a common source of confusion. The Main Botanical Garden is closer to the Vladykino station than to Botanichesky Sad, and the walk from the orange-line Metro station to the garden takes about 10 to 15 minutes, according to one source. See the Main Botanical Garden Moscow guide for the best way to reach it.
How Botanichesky Sad MCC Station Is Laid Out
The station lies on the Moscow Central Circle between Vladykino on the outer side and Rostokino on the inner side. It is linked to the Botanichesky Sad Metro station on the orange line, between VDNKh and Sviblovo, by a free out-of-station transfer.
The Metro station lies under the line of the circular railway, which is why the two stations are close. Because the details of the platform, the vestibules and the walking route between the stations were not verified, follow the signs for your line on arrival and check the operator’s map for the current route.
Highlights of Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
The free transfer to the orange line
A free out-of-station transfer links the circle station with Botanichesky Sad on the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line, which runs between VDNKh and Sviblovo. Check the signs and the operator's map for the route and any time limit on the free transfer.
Tip: Allow a few minutes for the transfer on foot.
A station of the 2016 circle opening
The station opened on 10 September 2016, when the Little Ring of the Moscow Railway was reopened as the Moscow Central Circle, after construction began in October 2014. Check the operator's pages for the circle's history.
Tip: Read about the circle's opening before you ride.
Built under the circular railway
The orange-line Metro station of 1978 lies under the line of the circular railway, and it was designed with a possible future transfer in mind. Check the operator's map to see how the two stations relate.
Tip: Look at the map to see how the lines cross.
The Main Botanical Garden confusion
The Main Botanical Garden is near the Vladykino station, and it takes a 10 to 15 minute walk from the orange-line Metro station of this name, according to one source. See the Main Botanical Garden Moscow guide. Check the walking route on a map.
Tip: Compare the stations before choosing your route.
The neighboring circle stations
Vladykino, on the outer side, links to the gray line, and Rostokino, on the inner side, connects to a suburban rail platform. See the Rostokino MCC Station guide. Check the ride time before you plan.
Tip: Ride one stop to Rostokino for the VDNKh hub.
The Moscow Central Circle
The circle was rebuilt from the Little Ring of the Moscow Railway and runs as a surface ring around the center, operated through the Moscow Metro. Check the operator's map for the circle's route and transfers.
Tip: Use the circle for cross-city trips.
Atmosphere
The platform is open and modern, with trains of the circle arriving beside the railway line and a steady flow of commuters crossing between the circle and the orange-line station. The sounds are announcements, trains and footsteps on the stairs and walkways.
Residents of the north-east and visitors to the botanical garden and the exhibition grounds use the station, and it is busiest at the weekday rush hours, calmer mid-morning and in the evening.
History of Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
Construction of the Botanichesky Sad station of the Moscow Central Circle began in October 2014, and the station opened on 10 September 2016, when the Little Ring of the Moscow Railway was reopened to passengers as the circle. It lies between Vladykino and Rostokino.
The orange-line Metro station of the same name opened on 29 September 1978 with the north-west extension of the Rizhsky radius, under the line of the circular railway, and it was foreseen as a possible future transfer point. The circle station offers a free out-of-station transfer to it.
Dates and details should be checked against the Metro operator’s official sources, and this history is shorter than requested because few facts could be verified; the station’s architect and design were not verified, so those fields are empty or not described.
Tickets and Booking for Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
Fares. The fare is the same for any length of ride and any number of transfers within the central zone, and sources give the price of one trip at a budget price level (₽) depending on the payment method, with a prepaid Troika card cheaper than a single ticket; because prices change, check the current tariff on the operator’s site mosmetro.ru. Free transfers between the circle and the Metro have a time limit on the first rail journey, according to one source, so check the current rule. Troika cards and tickets can be bought at ticket offices and ticket machines, and one guide notes that the machines may take only cash.
Payment. Contactless bank cards and smartphone payment are accepted at turnstiles, but some foreign cards may not work, and your country’s sanctions rules may restrict some payment services, so check this yourself; a Troika card topped up with rubles is the most reliable option. Rush hours are the weekday mornings and evenings, when the station is busy.
Plan and Book
How to Get to Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
Take the Moscow Central Circle (Line 14) to Botanichesky Sad, between Vladykino and Rostokino, or transfer from the orange Line 6 at the Metro station of the same name, between VDNKh and Sviblovo.
- To the garden: see the Main Botanical Garden Moscow guide; the garden is closer to Vladykino.
- By taxi: ask for Botanichesky Sad MCC station.
- Orientation: follow the line signs on the platform and in the passages.
Accessibility
The station has platforms, stairs and a transfer walk; lifts and step-free routes were not verified, so check mosmetro.ru or ask staff before you travel.
Food Nearby
The streets around the station and the nearby VDNKh area have cafes and shops; the exact venues were not verified. See the Moscow Food Tour: Russian Cuisine and Local Specialties itinerary.
What to Bring
Bring a warm layer in cold months for the open platform, a charged phone with a map and cash in rubles for a ticket or a Troika card.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
The circle platform
A modern circle train beside the railway line.
Best time: Mid-morning.
The transfer walkway
The route between the circle and the orange-line station.
Best time: Off-peak hours.
The Main Botanical Garden
The garden alleys and ponds near the Vladykino station.
Best time: Spring and autumn mornings.
The railway crossing
The place where the circular railway passes above the Metro station.
Best time: Daytime.
Photography Rules
Photography in the Metro and on MCC platforms is generally allowed for personal use without flash, but tripods and professional filming may need permission; do not block passengers or take photographs of staff.
Family Suitability
Suitable for families as a transit stop, though the platform is exposed to the weather and the transfer involves stairs and a walk; strollers may be awkward and lifts were not verified.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Do not assume this station is next to the Main Botanical Garden; compare it with Vladykino first.
- Check the time limit on free transfers before changing between the circle and the Metro.
- Ride one stop to Rostokino for the VDNKh hub.
- Travel between the rush hours for calmer walkways.
- Dress for the wind on the open platform in winter.
- Look at the operator's map to see how the circle crosses the orange line here.
Explore Nearby Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
Sights near Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
Main Botanical Garden Moscowabout 3.1 km away · typical visit: About 2 to 4 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
Botanichesky Sad Metro Stationabout 100 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Rostokino MCC Stationabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
City Hotel Baykalabout 950 m away (~16 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Moscow Space Exploration Itinerary: VDNKh and Cosmonautics: RouteMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Okruzhnaya Metro Station: Lime Line Hub with Circle and Rail LinksMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Botanichesky Sad MCC Station
When did the station open?
On 10 September 2016, with the Moscow Central Circle.
Can I transfer to the orange line?
Yes, by a free out-of-station transfer to Botanichesky Sad.
Is it next to the Main Botanical Garden?
No; the garden is closer to Vladykino, and the walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes from the Metro station.
Which stations are next to it?
Vladykino and Rostokino.
Is it the same as the Metro station of this name?
No; they are separate stations linked by a transfer.
Is it a sightseeing station?
No; it is mainly a transit stop.
Is it busy?
At weekday rush hours; calmer at other times.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Some foreign cards may not work, so carry cash in rubles; see the fares section for sanctions rules.
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Last updated: October 9, 2026.
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