The metro as a shelter
Kharkiv Metro stations serve as shelters during air-raid alerts, and thousands of children study in underground “metro schools”.
Shelter stations
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kharkiv Metro stations have served as civil shelters. From 24 February to 24 May 2022 train service was fully suspended — thousands of Kharkivites lived in the metro. After service resumed, the stations still open their doors during every air-raid alert.
The best protection comes from the six deep-level stations: Vokzalna, Maidan Konstytutsii, Istorychnyi Muzei, Yaroslava Mudroho, Derzhprom and Arkhitektora Beketova. The rest are shallow, but still far safer than the surface.
Shelter rules
How to use the metro shelter
- During an air-raid alert every station is open — shelters stay accessible even after the lobbies close at 22:00.
- Train service may pause during an active threat — that is normal; wait for the all-clear.
- Go down to the platform: the safest spots are away from entrances and glass surfaces.
- Bring water, a power bank and warm clothing if the alert may last a while.
- Follow the instructions of metro staff and police.
- Pets in carriers or on a leash are allowed in the shelter.
Metro schools
Metro schools — a Kharkiv invention
So children can attend classes in person and in safety, Kharkiv built underground schools right inside metro stations. As of 2026 there are 7 metro schools — at Universytet (the largest, over 800 pupils), Peremoha, 23 Serpnia, Metrobudivnykiv, Traktornyi Zavod, Akademika Pavlova and Imeni O.S. Maselskoho. Lessons run in two shifts: 09:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00.
February – May 2022: the metro as home
In the first months of the full-scale war the Kharkiv Metro became home to thousands: tents stood on platforms, volunteers delivered food, doctors kept watch at stations and children celebrated birthdays underground. On 24 May 2022 train service resumed — and that is when the city council made travel free. Residents still living at the stations were rehoused in dormitories.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. All 30 Kharkiv Metro stations serve as shelters — entry is open during air-raid alerts, including at night.
The deep-level stations: Vokzalna, Maidan Konstytutsii, Istorychnyi Muzei, Yaroslava Mudroho, Derzhprom and Arkhitektora Beketova.
An underground school built inside a metro station where Kharkiv children attend classes in complete safety. In 2026 there are 7 metro schools; the largest is at Universytet.
Service may pause during an active threat, with trains waiting at stations. It resumes after the all-clear.
Yes — animals in carriers or on a leash are welcome at the stations during alerts.