Lefortovo is a station on the Bolshaya Koltsevaya line of the Moscow Metro, located in the Lefortovo District on Moscow’s southeastern edge. The station was opened on 27 March 2020 as part of a Nekrasovskaya line extension, representing one of the newest additions to the city’s metro network.
Artistic compositions stylized as Petrine-era engravings welcome passengers at the entrance, with a coat of arms of Franz Lefort featured in the ticket hall dome lamp. White marble, light grey granite and fiber concrete with contrasting black gabbro highlight the interior, along with white shining lines and LED lamp frames.
Lines and interchanges: Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line. Interchange: Lefortovo (Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line).
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Лефортово |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2020 |
| Architect(s) | Nikolay Shumakov, Leonid Borzenkov |
| Address | Lefortovo District, Moscow Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps2GIS |
| District | Lefortovo |
| Interchanges | Lefortovo (Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line, Soldatskaya Street, Krasnokursantskiy Drive) |
| Opening hours | Daily 05:30-01:00 |
| Best time to visit | Visit during off-peak hours (mid-morning, early afternoon, or after 8 PM on weekdays) for a quieter experience. Weekends are typically less crowded than weekdays. Rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM weekdays) should be avoided if you prefer shorter wait times and more comfortable train conditions. |
Why Visit Lefortovo Metro Station?
As a relatively recent addition to Moscow Metro, Lefortovo offers a glimpse of contemporary station design. It serves as a transit hub connecting passengers to the Lefortovo District and provides interchange potential with other lines. The station’s modern aesthetic, with its careful blend of materials and lighting, makes it worth experiencing as part of a metro exploration. It connects visitors to a district rich in industrial heritage and ongoing urban development.
Atmosphere
The station’s architectural and artistic solutions refer to the district’s history from the 17th and 18th centuries, with black and white ancient engravings inspiring the project’s palette. The modern interior combines traditional design references with contemporary materials. During rush hours (typically 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM weekdays), the station experiences standard Moscow Metro passenger volumes. The station hall reflects a contemporary approach to metro design, with bright lighting and clean lines creating a functional, professional atmosphere.
History of Lefortovo Metro Station
Construction on the tunnels began in August 2016. Tunneling equipment reached Lefortovo in August 2017, with the second tunnel reaching the station in October 2017.
The station opened on 27 March 2020 as part of a Nekrasovskaya line extension. Initially built and operated as part of the Nekrasovskaya Line, the station served the southeastern residential and industrial areas of Moscow.
Until 16 February 2023, the Lefortovo station operated as part of the Nekrasovskaya Line. From 20 February 2023, it has operated as part of the Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line (Moscow’s ‘Big Circle Line’). This transition reflected Moscow’s strategy of linking newer metro extensions into the circular trunk route to improve citywide connectivity.
Tickets and Booking for Lefortovo Metro Station
Access to Lefortovo Metro Station requires a valid metro fare. Foreign visitors can purchase single-journey tokens at the station’s ticket office or use rechargeable Troika cards (available at major metro stations and transport kiosks). Multiple payment options include cash and contactless cards at newer ticketing machines. Day passes, multi-day passes and travel cards are available for regular users. During peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM on weekdays), platforms may be crowded. Visit www.mosmetro.ru for current fares, payment methods and service updates.
How to Get to Lefortovo Metro Station
Lefortovo is served directly by the Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line (Moscow’s circular metro line). Exits lead to Soldatskaya Street and Krasnokursantskiy Drive. The adjacent Aviamotornaya station, one stop away, provides interchange with the Kalininsko-Solntsevskaya Line for onward connections across the city. Trams 12, 24, 37, 38, 43, 46 and 50 serve the surrounding area.
Accessibility
Standard Moscow Metro accessibility applies. The station features escalators for access between street level and the platform. Passengers with reduced mobility or needing assistance should use designated elevators (location varies; check with station staff). No specific additional accessibility features are documented; verify current accessibility status with Moscow Metro directly at www.mosmetro.ru or contact station staff upon arrival.
Food Nearby
The Lefortovo District offers various food options in the surrounding area, including casual cafes, small restaurants and street food vendors typical of Moscow neighborhoods. Specific nearby venues change frequently; consult Yandex Maps for current restaurant and cafe listings near the station.
What to Bring
Bring a metro fare payment method (cash for tokens or a Troika card). During winter, wear warm clothing as station platforms and corridors can be cool. During peak travel times, a small backpack is practical for carrying belongings. Standard bag security rules apply; oversized items may be restricted.
Photography Rules
Photography is permitted in Moscow Metro stations and trains, including Lefortovo, for personal use. Do not use tripods or professional equipment without prior permission. Flash photography is not recommended on trains due to safety concerns. Commercial photography requires official permission from Moscow Metro. Mobile phone photography is generally allowed.
Family Suitability
Lefortovo Metro Station is suitable for families with children and strollers. Standard Moscow Metro accessibility applies: escalators and stairs provide access to platforms. Stroller-friendly routes are available, though escalators may require assistance during crowded periods. Children travel free on Moscow Metro when accompanied by an adult. The modern station design and bright lighting make it a comfortable transit point for families.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- The Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line (Big Circle Line) takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the full circuit. Use Lefortovo as a jumping-off point to explore the entire circular route without transferring lines.
- Lefortovo's recent opening means the station is clean and well-maintained compared to many older Moscow Metro stations. It's a good reference point for understanding contemporary metro design standards in Moscow.
- The Lefortovo District itself has industrial heritage and ongoing urban regeneration projects. Exiting the station provides access to a neighborhood undergoing transformation, different in character from central Moscow.
- Adjacent Aviamotornaya station (one stop away) offers interchange to the Kalininsko-Solntsevskaya Line for reaching other parts of the city without navigating the entire circle.
- Use offline metro maps before traveling, as signal can be unreliable in deeper tunnel sections. Download the 2GIS or Yandex Metro apps for navigation assistance.
Explore Nearby Lefortovo Metro Station
Sights near Lefortovo Metro Station
Museum of the History of Lefortovo Moscow – about 750 m away (~12 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 to 1.5 hours12 min on foot from Lefortovo metro, Open daily 11:00–19:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Lefortovo: Catherine Palace, Lefortovo Park and Old Foreign QuarterMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Lefortovo Park and German Quarter Walking Itinerary: Two Days of Imperial MoscowMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Lefortovo Metro Station
What line is Lefortovo Metro Station on?
Lefortovo is on the Bolshaya Koltsevaya line of Moscow Metro. The station originally opened as part of the Nekrasovskaya Line but has operated as part of the Bolshaya Koltsevaya Line since 20 February 2023.
When did Lefortovo Metro Station open?
The station opened on 27 March 2020 as part of a Nekrasovskaya line extension.
What district is Lefortovo Metro Station in?
The station is named for the Lefortovo District of Moscow, located in the South-Eastern Administrative Okrug.
Can I transfer to other metro lines from Lefortovo?
Lefortovo itself is a single-line station. However, the adjacent Aviamotornaya station (one stop away) offers interchange to the Kalininsko-Solntsevskaya Line, providing connections across Moscow.
What are the station's operating hours?
The station is open until 1:00 AM. Standard Moscow Metro hours apply: typically 05:30–01:00 daily.
Is Lefortovo accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Standard Moscow Metro accessibility features apply, including escalators and stairs. Verify current accessible routes and elevator locations with station staff or contact Moscow Metro at www.mosmetro.ru for specific assistance needs.
What's nearby to visit from Lefortovo?
The Lefortovo District offers historical sites and the Serp & Molot industrial regeneration area. Consult Yandex Maps for current attractions and venues in the neighborhood.
How do I pay to use the metro from Lefortovo?
Purchase single-journey tokens at the ticket office or use a rechargeable Troika card available at major stations. Cash options are available at ticket windows; cards issued outside Russia and phone payments linked to them do not work. Check www.mosmetro.ru for current fares and payment methods.
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