Getting Around: Yerevan

Public Transportation

Yerevan has a single metro line with 10 stations, which is clean and efficient, covering parts of the city center and some residential districts. It offers a good way to avoid surface traffic. An extensive bus network covers the entire city, with newer, larger buses gradually replacing older marshrutkas on main routes. Marshrutkas (minibuses) still operate on many routes, providing flexible and frequent service. A limited network of trolleybuses also exists.

The metro operates approximately from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, with trains every 5-10 minutes. Buses and Marshrutkas generally operate from early morning (around 7:00 AM) until late evening (around 10:00 PM-11:00 PM).

Ticketing & Accessibility

Metro: Uses tokens (jeton) purchased at station entrances. Single fare is 100 AMD (~$0.25 USD).
Buses/Marshrutkas/Trolleybuses: Pay cash directly to the driver upon exit (for buses/trolleybuses) or entry (for some marshrutkas). Single fare is 100 AMD (~$0.25 USD).
Accessibility: Most metro stations have escalators, but elevators are limited. Public buses and marshrutkas are generally not wheelchair accessible.
Tips: Use Yandex Go or Google Maps for real-time routes. Carry small AMD denominations.

Metro System

Clean, efficient, single line. Covers city center and residential areas.

Bus Network

Extensive coverage across the city, newer buses replacing older models.

Navigation Aid

Yandex Go and Google Maps offer real-time public transport routes.

Important Hubs & Frequencies

Metro Stations

Republic Square (Hanrapetutyan Hraparak).
Yeritasardakan (Youth, near Opera House).
Marshal Baghramyan (near the Parliament).

Bus & Marshrutka Stations

Routes are extensive and can appear complex.
Major hubs: Republic Square, Sasuntsi Davit (Central Railway Station), Kilikia Bus Station.
Frequencies vary by route; main routes have more frequent service.

Public Transport Quick Facts

Metro Fare

100 AMD

Bus Fare

100 AMD

Metro Hours

7 AM - 11 PM

Payment

Cash (small denominations)

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer a convenient and affordable way to travel around Yerevan, especially when you prefer door-to-door service.

Taxi Identification & Fares

Licensed taxis: yellow or white with checkerboard patterns and roof signs. Hail on street or find at stands.
Agree on a fare before starting the ride if hailing a street taxi (meters rarely used).
Typical fares: Short rides in city center ~600-1,000 AMD ($1.50-2.50 USD). Longer rides ~1,500-2,000 AMD ($4-5 USD).
Payment: Cash is preferred. Some larger companies/apps accept card payments in-app.

Ride-Sharing Apps & Safety

Recommended apps: Yandex Go (most popular/reliable), GG Taxi. Download and set up before arrival.
Apps offer fixed fares and track ride progress on a map, generally safer and more cost-effective.
Hailing street taxis: Exercise caution, always confirm fare beforehand to avoid potential overcharging.
Airport/Station taxis: Official AeroTaxi available; Yandex Go/GG Taxi offer competitive rates.

Tips for Smooth Taxi Rides

Always use ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go or GG Taxi for transparency and safety.
Have small bills for cash payments, as drivers may not have change for large denominations.
Follow your ride on the map to ensure the driver follows the agreed route.

A basic knowledge of Armenian or Russian phrases for directions helps communication.
Politely insist on the app's fare if a street taxi tries to overcharge.
Review your driver on the app after the ride.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Zones

Yerevan city center is highly walkable, especially around Republic Square, Northern Avenue, Opera House, and Cascade Complex.

Walking Tours

Numerous guided walking tours exist focusing on history, architecture, street art, or culinary traditions.

Cycling Notes

Limited dedicated bicycle lanes. Cycling in general traffic can be challenging. Better for recreational rides in parks.

Specialized Transportation

Yerevan offers a few specialized transportation options that enhance sightseeing and unique experiences.

Tour Buses & Services

The "Yerevan City Tour" operates hop-on-hop-off bus tours covering major city attractions.
Tours provide an overview of the city with audio commentary.
Many private tour operators offer full-day or half-day tours from Yerevan to nearby attractions (Garni, Geghard, Etchmiadzin, Lake Sevan).
These are convenient for reaching sites outside the city.

Unique Local Transport

Yerevan Cascade: A giant stairway with escalators inside, offering panoramic city views from different levels.
Yerevan Children's Railway: A narrow-gauge railway in the Hrazdan Gorge, mainly a recreational attraction, not general transport.
Accessibility: Infrastructure is still developing and remains limited. Public transportation is generally not accessible for wheelchair users.
Pre-arranging accessible private transport through a specialized service or reliable tour operator is suggested for travelers with mobility needs.

Walking & Cycling Zones

Pedestrian-Friendly

City center, Republic Square, Northern Avenue, Opera House, Cascade Complex are good for walking.

Enjoy pleasant strolls.

Park Walks

Lovers' Park, English Park, and Victory Park are ideal for relaxed walks.

Green spaces for relaxation.

Cycling Zones

Cycling is more suitable for recreational rides within parks or along less busy streets.

Not recommended for heavy traffic.

No-Go Areas & Safety

Safety Guidance

No specific "no-go" areas for pedestrians or cyclists in terms of safety.
Avoid busy multi-lane roads with heavy traffic for walking or cycling.
Stay on sidewalks and designated paths.

Mobility Note

For travelers with mobility needs, accessible infrastructure is limited.
Pre-arranging accessible private transport is recommended.
Newer hotels may offer accessible rooms.

Traffic & Driving Alert

Driving in Yerevan can be chaotic.
Be aware of aggressive drivers.
Parking can be difficult in the city center.
Not suitable for inexperienced drivers.

Limited dedicated bicycle lanes.
Safety concerns for cyclists due to traffic.
Lack of awareness among drivers regarding cyclists.
Consider guided tours for reaching remote sites.

Visual Highlight

Yeritasardakan Metro Station, a glimpse into Yerevan's public transport.

Freshly baked Lavash, a staple of Armenian cuisine.

Getting Around Yerevan