Vostochny Railway Terminal (Восточный вокзал) is Moscow’s tenth and newest railway station, and the first major terminal built in the city in over a century. Opened in May 2021, it handles long-distance trains arriving from and departing to cities across Russia, including St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Ivanovo, and destinations in the south and east.
The station is part of the Cherkizovo transport hub, seamlessly connected to Cherkizovskaya metro station (Line 1) and Lokomotiv station on the Moscow Central Circle (MCC). The modern facility was designed from the ground up with accessibility in mind and provides a stark contrast to some of Moscow’s century-old terminal buildings.
Quick answer: Moscow Metro (Sokolnicheskaya Line / Red Line) (~5 min to city centre, ₽). 4 more ways compared below.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Восточный вокзал |
|---|---|
| Type | Railway station |
| Built / opened | 2021 |
| Architect(s) | Gennady Bespalov |
| Address | 1 Shchyolkovskoe Shosse, building 5, Moscow Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps2GIS |
| District | Krasnoselsky |
| Metro | Cherkizovskaya (Line 1, Ground crossing to station; 213 m walk) Lokomotiv (MCC, Connected indoors via gallery from second floor; 4 m) |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours |
| Admission | free |
| Best time to visit | Vostochny operates year-round and is open 24 hours. The station is busiest during morning and evening rush hours (6–9 am and 5–8 pm) and on weekend mornings when many long-distance passengers depart. Off-peak travel (mid-morning, afternoon, late evening) offers a more relaxed experience.Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October) see moderate passenger volumes. Summer months (June–August) are busier due to holiday travel, particularly for trains to southern resorts. Winter (November–March) can be crowded on weekends but quieter on weekdays.For booking, book 2–4 weeks in advance for popular routes during peak seasons; 1 week ahead is typically sufficient for off-peak travel. Same-day availability is variable and unpredictable. |
| Website | rzd.ru |
How to Get to and from Vostochny Railway Terminal
| Option | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow Metro (Sokolnicheskaya Line / Red Line) | ~5 min to city centre | ₽ | Cherkizovskaya station is 213 m from the terminal entrance (ground-level crossing). Direct line to central Moscow (Red Square, Kremlin, central districts). Trains run every 3–5 minutes during the day, every 5–10 minutes at night. Operating hours approximately 05:30–01:00 daily. |
| Moscow Central Circle (MCC) | ~20–30 min to city centre | ₽ | Lokomotiv station is connected to Vostochny via internal gallery from the second floor (4 m walk). The MCC offers a scenic alternative to the metro, encircling Moscow at mid-distance and connecting to other railway terminals and metro lines. Trains run every 2–4 minutes during the day, every 5–10 minutes at night. Operating hours approximately 05:20–01:10 daily. |
| Bus from Vostochny Station | ~30–45 min to central Moscow or metro stations | ₽ | Multiple bus routes serve the station (34, 34k, 52, 171, 230, 372, 449, 469, 552, 716, 974, т32, т41, т83, н15 overnight). Buses to metro stations Komsomolskaya and Krasnye Vorota provide onward metro access. Useful if carrying large luggage or heading to specific areas not directly on metro lines. |
| Taxi | ~9–15 min to central Moscow (traffic-dependent) | ₽₽ | Official taxis can be ordered at the station rank or via apps such as Yandex.Taxi or Gett. Avoid unmarked taxis offering rides at the station entrance. Ride-share apps are more reliable and transparent than street-negotiated fares. |
| Commuter Train Connection (Domodedovo and Zhukovsky Airports) | ~12–30 min to airport transfer points | ₽–₽₽ | From Vostochny, you can take the MCC or metro to other railway stations to connect to airport shuttles. Androno station (12 min by MCC/metro) connects to Zhukovsky; Verkhnie Kotly (29 min) connects to Domodedovo aeroexpress. For Sheremetyevo, use the metro red line. |
₽ budget · ₽₽ moderate · ₽₽₽ upscale · ₽₽₽₽ splurge. Price levels are estimates compared with typical prices for visitors.
Why Visit Vostochny Railway Terminal?
Vostochny handles long-distance trains to several important destinations, making it the gateway for visitors heading to historic cities, coastal resorts, and regions across eastern Russia. The station opened trains that previously departed from the congested Kursky Terminal, including rapid Lastochka and Swift trains to the nearby city of Nizhny Novgorod and to Ivanovo.
The modern design makes it easier to navigate than historic Moscow terminals. The station is far from the city centre, but its direct metro and MCC connections provide quick access to downtown Moscow and beyond. Those arriving by train can transfer without leaving the warm, climate-controlled complex.
Highlights of Vostochny Railway Terminal
Modern Terminal Building
Built in 2020–2021, Vostochny is the first long-distance railway station constructed in Moscow in more than a century. The contemporary design reflects modern standards for passenger flow and comfort. The station was designed by architect Gennady Bespalov. Its two-storey layout with internal galleries separates arriving and departing passenger flows, creating a logical traffic pattern.
Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure to complete check-in and security screening.
Accessibility Features
Vostochny was designed as a barrier-free facility from its conception. The station includes three elevators and four escalators serving different areas, ramps, lowered ticket counters, tactile indicators for visitors with visual impairments, and an electronic queue system at ticket offices. Companion rooms for passengers with reduced mobility are available, as are medical facilities.
Tip: Lifts may have queues during peak hours (morning and evening departures); plan extra time if you require elevator access.
Fast Trains to Nizhny Novgorod and Ivanovo
The station is the primary departure point for high-speed and rapid Lastochka and Swift trains to Nizhny Novgorod, a major historic city 400 km east, and to Ivanovo. These trains represent some of the fastest rail connections from Moscow and make regional exploration accessible for day trips or weekend visits. These services previously departed from the overcrowded Kursky Terminal.
Tip: Book Lastochka and Swift tickets in advance during peak travel seasons (weekends, holidays, summer); these trains fill quickly.
Transit Trains to Southern and Eastern Russia
Many trains stopping at Vostochny are in transit through Moscow, connecting major cities such as St. Petersburg, Murmansk, Adler (on the Black Sea coast), and cities in the Caucasus and Siberia. The station handles both long-distance express trains and regular long-distance services. This makes it a useful stopping point if your journey passes through Moscow without Moscow being your origin or final destination.
Tip: Confirm your train's status (departing, arriving, or in transit) when purchasing tickets to ensure you board at the correct time.
Integrated Transport Hub with Metro and MCC
Vostochny sits at the heart of the Cherkizovo interchange, where the station, Cherkizovskaya metro station (Sokolnicheskaya Line, the red line to the Kremlin), and Lokomotiv MCC station converge. All three can be reached without leaving the climate-controlled complex. The metro connection to Komsomolskaya (5 stops) provides access to Russia's oldest railway terminals and to the broader city.
Tip: Use the MCC or metro to reach other Moscow railway terminals if you need to connect between services; the metro transfer to Komsomolskaya station takes about 5 minutes.
Parking and Facilities
The terminal complex includes secure parking for visitors arriving by car, a children's playroom, mother and child facilities, vending machines, automatic luggage lockers, a bistro, and waiting rooms. A medical centre is on-site. These amenities reflect the station's modern design but are relatively basic compared to international transport hubs.
Tip: Purchase snacks and drinks before boarding, as the on-site bistro can be crowded during peak hours and train amenities vary.
Atmosphere
Vostochny feels spacious and calm compared to Moscow’s older, crowded terminals. The clean, contemporary interiors with good lighting and signage make navigation straightforward. The station attracts a mix of long-distance travellers: business commuters on Lastochka trains to Nizhny Novgorod, families heading south for holidays, and transit passengers making brief stops in Moscow.
During morning and evening rush hours (6–9 am and 5–8 pm), the station can be busy with commuters, and ticket queues may form. Off-peak periods feel quiet and unhurried. The constant flow of trains and announcements (in Russian) creates a typical railway station atmosphere. The connection to the metro adds to the sense of movement and urban activity.
History of Vostochny Railway Terminal
Vostochny Railway Terminal was built between 2020 and 2021 as part of a major modernisation of Moscow’s transport infrastructure. It became the city’s tenth railway terminal when it opened on 29 May 2021 and was the first long-distance railway station built in Moscow in over a century.
The terminal was constructed to relieve congestion on the Kursk–Kalanchevskaya railway line, one of the busiest and most overcrowded sections of the Moscow railway network. Prior to Vostochny’s opening, 24 pairs of long-distance trains departed from the historic Kursky Terminal (Kursk Station), which dates to 1862 and was operating at or beyond capacity. The new station uses the third track of the Moscow Central Circle, allowing trains to bypass the congested central rail junction.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Russian Railways General Director Oleg Belozerov officially opened the station. The construction was completed in record time—approximately one year—making it a notable achievement in Moscow’s modern infrastructure development. The station was designed by architect Gennady Bespalov with particular attention to accessibility and modern operational standards.
The terminal was integrated into the broader Cherkizovo transport interchange with the Lokomotiv station of the MCC (opened earlier) and connections to the existing Cherkizovskaya metro station on the Sokolnicheskaya Line. This created what officials described as a comprehensive transport hub for the first time in Moscow’s eastern districts.
Tickets and Payment at Vostochny Railway Terminal
Tickets for long-distance trains: Buy at the station ticket offices (open during operating hours), via the Russian Railways website (rzd.ru), or through ticket agencies. Tickets typically open for sale 60 days in advance. Popular routes (to Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg) book out quickly, especially weekends and holidays; advance booking is recommended.
Online booking: The official Russian Railways website (rzd.ru in English) allows international visitors to reserve and purchase tickets online and collect them at station ticket offices or print e-tickets. Payment options include credit cards, though non-Russian cards occasionally experience issues. Tickets can also be purchased at ticket offices in central Moscow and through tour operators.
Same-day tickets: Available in person at ticket offices if capacity exists, but not guaranteed for popular services. Arrive at least 1–2 hours before departure.
Identity requirements: Foreign passengers typically need to present their passport to board. Russians and concession categories (students, pensioners, disabled passengers) receive different fares. All ticket categories and current pricing are available on the official Russian Railways website (rzd.ru). Check the official site for details on voucher exchange, group bookings, and any service suspensions.
How to Get to Vostochny Railway Terminal
By Moscow Metro (most convenient): Exit at Cherkizovskaya station (Sokolnicheskaya Line, the red line). Follow signs to the railway station. The exit leads to a ground-level crossing directly to the station entrance, approximately 3–5 minutes walk. Trains arrive and depart every 3–5 minutes during the day.
By Moscow Central Circle (MCC): Exit at Lokomotiv station. The MCC station is connected to the railway station by an internal heated gallery from the second floor, a seamless transfer that takes less than 5 minutes.
From other Moscow railway stations: Take the metro or MCC to reach other terminals. From Komsomolskaya (serves three historic terminals: Yaroslavsky, Leningradsky, Kazansky), take the red line two stops towards Komsomolskaya and then change to Cherkizovskaya (1 more stop); total approximately 8 minutes.
By car or taxi: The station address is 1 Shchyolkovskoe Shosse, building 5. Parking is available on site. Taxi apps (Yandex.Taxi, Gett) are recommended for pre-booked journeys from anywhere in Moscow; typical fares to the city centre are moderate.
By bus: Multiple routes serve the station (see the options section for details). Buses arrive at separate stops around the terminal complex; follow signs for the appropriate route.
Accessibility
Vostochny is a fully accessible facility. Wheelchair ramps are available at all entrances. Three elevators and four escalators provide access to all areas, including platforms. Special lowered ticket counters are located in the main ticket office. Tactile indicators and mnemonic (raised line) diagrams assist passengers with visual impairments.A companion room, mother and child facility, and medical centre are available. Disabled passengers can request assistance; staff members are generally aware of accessibility needs. Companion tickets are available at reduced rates for attendants accompanying passengers with disabilities; apply at the ticket office or check the official website for current policies.The station has accessible toilets for passengers with disabilities and designated parking for disabled passengers outside the building. The transfer from the main terminal to the metro and MCC stations is via internal, climate-controlled galleries at street level or the second floor; no outdoor exposure is necessary during this crossing.
Food Nearby
Within the station complex, a small bistro operates offering basic hot and cold food, beverages, and snacks. A limited selection of vending machines dispenses drinks and packaged snacks. Options are modest and typical of railway station food service; prices are moderate.Nearby, within walking distance (5–15 minutes), are local eateries in the residential Cherkizovo district surrounding the station. These are aimed primarily at local residents rather than tourists, and English menus are unlikely. The Cherkizovskaya metro station vicinity (5–10 minutes walk) has cafes and snack shops, though options are less extensive than in the city centre. For more variety, travel by metro to other parts of Moscow.
What to Bring
In winter (November–March), bring warm clothing, as the walk from the terminal to metro or outdoor stops can be brief but exposure occurs outdoors. Hand luggage is permitted; large suitcases and backpacks are common, and the station handles them well. Automatic luggage lockers are available for left baggage.Bring your passport (required for boarding as a foreign national). A small amount of cash in rubles is useful for vending machines and small purchases, though card payments are increasingly accepted. Portable phone chargers are useful; USB charging points may be available in waiting areas.Security screening is in place. Avoid carrying prohibited items (sharp objects, large quantities of liquids). Bags may be searched; allow extra time during peak hours. Photography of passengers and security areas is prohibited; standard commercial photography (of the building, platforms, architecture) is generally permitted.
Photography Rules
Standard photography is permitted in the public areas of the station (building, platforms, interiors). Tripods and professional camera equipment may require permission from station management. Flash photography is not restricted but may disturb other passengers or train crews; use discretion. Drone photography is not permitted on station grounds. Photography of other passengers requires their consent. Do not photograph security personnel, ticket staff, or security screening areas.
Family Suitability
Vostochny is family-friendly for travellers with children. A children's playroom and mother and child facility are available for waiting passengers. The modern design is pram-friendly; wide corridors, lifts, and clear signage make navigation straightforward. Quiet waiting rooms are available if you wish to avoid the main concourse noise.Journeys on long-distance trains vary in suitability by age; night trains to distant cities can be challenging with very young children. Daytime trains such as Lastochka services to Nizhny Novgorod are typically 3–4 hours and more manageable. Most long-distance trains have dining cars and lavatory facilities. Advance seating reservations are possible and recommended for families to ensure you sit together.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Arrive early to explore the station's modern layout; it is straightforward to navigate, but if you are unfamiliar with Russian railway procedures, ticket offices can be confusing during peak hours. Reading the destination names in Cyrillic beforehand helps.
- For trains departing during off-peak hours (mid-morning, mid-afternoon, late evening), ticket offices are less crowded and the experience is more relaxed. Popular rush-hour trains may have queues.
- Use the internal heated connection between Vostochny and Lokomotiv MCC station if weather is poor; this path is faster and warmer than exiting to the street to reach Cherkizovskaya metro station.
- Lastochka and Swift trains to Nizhny Novgorod and Ivanovo are popular with both tourists and commuters and fill quickly. Book 2–4 weeks in advance if traveling on weekends or holidays.
- If returning to Vostochny after visiting Nizhny Novgorod or another regional city, download the Russian Railways app (RZD) before departure to check real-time train status and confirm timings, as delays occasionally occur.
- Currency exchange and ATMs are not prominently located in the station; withdraw rubles before arrival or use metro stations in the city centre where exchange services are more common.
Explore Nearby Vostochny Railway Terminal
Metro stations near Vostochny Railway Terminal
Cherkizovskaya Metro Station – about 150 m away (~2 min walk)Open daily 05:40–01:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sights near Vostochny Railway Terminal
Izmailovo Vernissage Market Moscow – about 950 m away (~15 min walk) · typical visit: About 1.5 to 3 hours11 min on foot from Partizanskaya metro, Open daily 09:00–18:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Izmailovo Kremlin Moscow – about 1000 m away (~16 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours10 min on foot from Partizanskaya metro, Open daily 09:00–21:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Vostochny Railway Terminal
Which metro line does Vostochny connect to?
Cherkizovskaya station on the Sokolnicheskaya Line (Line 1, the red line running through central Moscow). From here, you can reach the Kremlin, Red Square, and most central districts directly without changing trains.
Can I book tickets online and print them at the station?
Yes. Purchase tickets on the Russian Railways website (rzd.ru), enter your foreign passport details, and collect your printed tickets at the station ticket office using your booking reference. Cards issued outside Russia currently do not work, so bring cash or check the payment options before booking.
How far is Vostochny from central Moscow?
Approximately 12 km from Red Square. By metro, the journey is about 10–15 minutes (depending on where you are going). Vostochny is the furthest of Moscow's ten railway terminals from the city centre but the metro connection is direct and convenient.
Are luggage lockers available?
Yes, automatic luggage lockers are available in the station for passengers wanting to store bags while exploring Moscow. The size and cost should be checked on arrival.
Do suburban trains depart from Vostochny?
No. Vostochny serves only long-distance trains. Suburban commuter trains use other stations (Belorussky, Kazansky, Yaroslavsky, Leningradsky, etc.). This is an important distinction if you are planning a day trip to the Moscow region.
Is the station open 24 hours?
Yes, the station complex is open 24 hours. However, individual facilities (ticket offices, bistro, waiting rooms) have varying hours. Ticket offices typically close late but reopen early. Check the Russian Railways website or call ahead if arriving late at night.
What trains go to Nizhny Novgorod from Vostochny?
Lastochka and Swift rapid trains depart daily, with journey times of approximately 3–4 hours. These are fast, comfortable options for day trips or overnight stays. Regular long-distance trains also serve this route with longer journey times.
Can I change between railway terminals without going through the metro?
Not directly from Vostochny. You must use the metro or MCC to reach other terminals (such as Yaroslavsky, Leningradsky, or Kazansky at Komsomolskaya station). The metro journey from Cherkizovskaya to Komsomolskaya takes about 5–10 minutes.
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