Quick Facts
- Opened
- 29 June 2015
- Operator
- Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)
- Stations
- 54
- Lines
- 2 (Blue/Corridor 2 + Green/Corridor 1)
- Daily riders
- ~500,000
- Network
- 54 km
- Airport
- Chennai International Airport on Blue Line
- Payment
- Smart Card, token, UPI
Chennai Metro Rail is the rapid transit system serving India's fourth-largest city. Opened on 29 June 2015 on the Blue Line (Corridor 2 — Airport to Chennai Central), it operates 54 stations across 2 lines and 54 km of elevated and underground track.
The system is operated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu. Chennai Metro connects key commercial areas, the Chennai Central railway station (inter-city rail hub), and critically, Chennai International Airport — one of the most convenient airport-metro connections in India.
The Blue Line (Corridor 2) runs from Chennai Airport to Wimco Nagar via Chennai Central station, serving the city's major landmarks including Egmore, Anna Nagar, and Koyambedu. The Green Line (Corridor 1) runs from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount, passing through the financial district and the IT corridor.
Phase 2 expansion is under construction, significantly extending both lines and adding new corridors to cover Sholinganallur (IT hub on the OMR), additional east Chennai areas, and suburban connections.
The metro is air-conditioned, punctual, and a relief from Chennai's notorious traffic. Smart Cards give a 10% discount, and tokens are available at all stations for single trips.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Metro Smart Card · Token (single-trip) · UPI (QR at machines).
💡 The Smart Card gives a 10% discount on all fares. The airport is on the Blue Line with no additional surcharge — just the standard distance fare, making it one of the best-value airport metro connections in India.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — flat distance-based fares — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Chennai Metro Rail Lines
Key Stations on the Chennai Metro Rail
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Metro Smart Card, Token (single-trip), UPI (QR at machines).
💡 The Smart Card gives a 10% discount on all fares. The airport is on the Blue Line with no additional surcharge — just the standard distance fare, making it one of the best-value airport metro connections in India.
| Journey | Off-Peak (INR) | Peak (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 km | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| 2–4 km | ₹15 | ₹15 |
| 4–6 km | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| 6–10 km | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| 10–15 km | ₹30 | ₹30 |
| 15+ km | ₹40 | ₹40 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Chennai Metro go to the airport?
Yes — Chennai International Airport has a dedicated metro station on the Blue Line (Corridor 2). From Chennai Central to the airport takes about 30 minutes and costs ₹40–₹45. There is no additional airport surcharge — just the standard distance fare.
Which station do I use to reach Chennai Central railway station?
Chennai Central station (Blue and Green Lines) has a direct underground metro station below the main railway station complex. It is the hub for all inter-city trains (Chennai Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, etc.) connecting to the metro.
What time does Chennai Metro run?
Chennai Metro operates from approximately 05:00 to 23:00. Last trains from end stations depart around 22:30. MTC city buses cover the city overnight.
Is the IT corridor on OMR served by the metro?
Not currently — the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) IT corridor is not yet on the metro. Phase 2 expansion is under construction to reach Sholinganallur and further into the OMR. Currently, buses are the main transit option for OMR.
What is the nearest metro to Marina Beach?
Thirumayilai station (Green Line) is the closest to Marina Beach — a 15–20 minute walk or short auto ride. Alternatively, Light House station (Blue Line) is also near the beach area at the Besant Nagar end.
Can I use a Smart Card on Chennai MTC buses?
No — the CMRL Metro Smart Card is specific to the Chennai Metro Rail. MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses use a separate ticketing system. Cash is the main payment on MTC buses.
Is Chennai Metro connected to the MRTS?
Chennai MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) is a separate elevated rail system run by Southern Railway / Chennai Rail, connecting Beach to Velachery. It is separate from the CMRL Metro. Alandur station connects both the Green Line metro and MRTS at an interchange.
Which line goes to Guindy and the IT area?
The Green Line runs from Chennai Central through Saidapet, Nandanam, AG-DMS, Guindy area (Alandur interchange) to St. Thomas Mount. For the inner IT clusters of Guindy Industrial Estate, Alandur or Guindy stations are the access points.
Source: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.