Delhi Metro has transformed how people move around India's capital and the wider National Capital Region. With 288+ stations across 12 lines, it is now one of the most extensive metro networks in Asia.
Getting Your Metro Smart Card
A Metro Smart Card is the most convenient way to travel. Pick one up at any station for ₹100 (₹50 refundable deposit + ₹50 minimum balance). Smart Cards give a 10% discount on every journey and eliminate queuing for tokens during rush hour.
Getting from the Airport
The Airport Express Line (Orange) is the fastest way from IGI Airport Terminal 3 to New Delhi railway station — just 22 minutes and ₹60 per journey. Trains run every 10–15 minutes. From New Delhi station, you can interchange to the Yellow Line for Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk).
Key Interchange Stations
- Rajiv Chowk — Yellow + Blue lines; the busiest station in the network
- Kashmere Gate — Red + Yellow + Violet lines; northern hub
- Central Secretariat — Yellow + Violet lines; government district
- Botanical Garden — Blue + Magenta; eastern gateway to Noida
- Hauz Khas — Yellow + Magenta; South Delhi hub
Fare Structure
Fares are distance-based, ranging from ₹10 (up to 2 km) to ₹60 (above 32 km). There are no zones — you simply pay for the distance you travel.
Tips for Travelling
- Peak hours are Mon–Sat 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00. Trains get very crowded; consider travelling off-peak if flexible.
- Designated women-only coaches are the first coach of every train.
- Large bags and luggage must go through security X-ray at entry.
- The DMRC app shows real-time train status and fare calculations.
Always verify schedules and fares with the official operator before travelling.