How to get to Shevchenko Garden & Kharkiv Zoo by metro
Station, line, time and exit — the complete guide.
Get off at Universytet station (Blue Line). From there it is a ~4-minute walk to Shevchenko Garden, the Shevchenko monument and Kharkiv Zoo.
Shevchenko Garden borders Freedom Square, so both places are easy to see on one walk.
Alternative: Derzhprom (Green Line).
Overview
Taras Shevchenko Garden is Kharkiv’s central park, a green oasis between Freedom Square and Sumska Street. Its crowning feature is the monumental Taras Shevchenko monument (1935), considered one of the finest in the world: sixteen bronze figures spiral around a granite pylon. The garden has century-old oaks, tree-lined alleys, a cascade of fountains and a much-loved big wheel nearby.
The same area holds Kharkiv Zoo, one of the oldest in Ukraine (founded 1895). After a major reconstruction it is open to visitors again, though because of the security situation you should check current opening hours in advance on its official channels. The nearest station is Universytet on the blue line, just a few minutes’ walk from the garden entrance.
Getting there from key points
| From | Metro route |
|---|---|
| Freedom Square (Derzhprom) | On foot, or one change to the blue line, ~4 min |
| City centre (Istorychnyi Muzei) | Blue line direct to Universytet, ~2 min |
| Saltivka (Saltivska) | Blue line to Universytet, ~14 min |
Step by step
Take the Blue Line and get off at Universytet station.
Follow the signs to the right exit.
In ~4 minutes on foot you reach Shevchenko Garden, the Shevchenko monument and Kharkiv Zoo.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions
Which metro station is closest to Shevchenko Garden and the zoo?
The closest is Universytet on the Saltivska (blue) Line. The garden entrance is about a 4-minute walk from the exit; the zoo is a little further along the alleys.
Is Kharkiv Zoo open right now?
The zoo reopened after reconstruction, but wartime opening hours can change. Check the current hours and rules on the zoo's official channels before you go.
How much is the metro ride to Shevchenko Garden?
Rides on the Kharkiv Metro are currently free (a city-council decision of 24 May 2022), so getting to the garden costs nothing.
What else is there to see nearby?
Right beside it are Freedom Square with Derzhprom, Karazin University and the Mirror Stream fountain — all within a short walk.
Where can I find other attractions near the metro?
See the full guide to Kharkiv attractions near the metro.
Зміст
Updated: August 2026