Quick Facts
- Opened
- 24 December 2002
- Operator
- DMRC
- Stations
- 288+
- Lines
- 12
- Daily riders
- ~5 million
- Network
- 347 km
- Fare system
- Distance-based (₹10–₹60)
- Payment
- Metro Smart Card, Token, UPI
Delhi Metro, operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), opened on 24 December 2002 and has grown into India's largest and most advanced metro network. In just over two decades, the system expanded from a single corridor to 288+ stations across 12 operational lines covering 347 km — one of the ten longest metro networks in Asia.
The DMRC network connects Delhi proper with the National Capital Region satellite cities: Noida and Greater Noida to the east (Blue and Aqua lines), Gurugram to the south (Yellow and Silver lines), Faridabad to the south-east (Violet line), and Ghaziabad to the north-east (Red line). This makes it the primary transit backbone for India's largest metropolitan area.
Delhi Metro fares are distance-based with six slabs ranging from ₹10 (up to 2 km) to ₹60 (above 32 km). There are no peak-hour surcharges — the fare is the same morning rush and mid-afternoon. Getting a Metro Smart Card at any station for ₹100 (₹50 refundable deposit) gives you a 10% discount on every journey and lets you skip token queues. UPI payments and QR-code tickets via the DMRC app are also accepted.
The Orange Line (Airport Express) is the fastest connection between Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 and New Delhi railway station — just 22 minutes at a flat ₹60 fare. From New Delhi station, one stop on the Yellow Line brings you to Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk), the commercial heart of Delhi.
The Yellow Line (Line 2) is the network's north–south backbone, running from Samaypur Badli in the north through Connaught Place to Gurugram's HUDA City Centre. The Blue Line (Line 3/4) is the longest, linking Dwarka in the west through central Delhi to Noida Electronic City in the east. Rajiv Chowk station is the system's busiest interchange, serving Yellow and Blue lines.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Metro Smart Card (10% discount) · Single Journey Token · UPI / QR Code ticket (DMRC app) · WhatsApp tickets.
💡 Smart Card gives a 10% discount on every journey and skips token queues — get one on first visit.
Peak hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00 — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Delhi Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Delhi Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Metro Smart Card (10% discount), Single Journey Token, UPI / QR Code ticket (DMRC app), WhatsApp tickets.
💡 Smart Card gives a 10% discount on every journey and skips token queues — get one on first visit.
| Journey | Off-Peak (INR) | Peak (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 km | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| 2–5 km | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| 5–12 km | ₹30 | ₹30 |
| 12–21 km | ₹40 | ₹40 |
| 21–32 km | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| Above 32 km | ₹60 | ₹60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy a Delhi Metro ticket?
Buy a single-journey token or top up a Metro Smart Card at any station's ticket window or machine. UPI/QR tickets are available via the DMRC app and on WhatsApp (type "Ticket" to 9650855800).
How do I get from IGI Airport to central Delhi?
Take the Airport Express (Orange Line) from Terminal 3 to New Delhi station in ~22 minutes for ₹60. From New Delhi, it is one stop on the Yellow Line to Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place).
Does Delhi Metro run on Sundays?
Yes, Delhi Metro operates daily including Sundays and public holidays. Services typically run from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm (varies by line). The DMRC app shows exact first and last train times.
What is the last metro train time in Delhi?
Last trains from terminus stations depart between 22:30 and 23:30 depending on the line. Always check the DMRC app or station displays for the last train on your specific route.
What is the Delhi Metro fare from A to B?
Fares depend on distance: ₹10 (up to 2 km), ₹20 (2–5 km), ₹30 (5–12 km), ₹40 (12–21 km), ₹50 (21–32 km), ₹60 (above 32 km). Use the DMRC fare calculator at delhimetrorail.com for exact journeys.
Does Delhi Metro go to Gurugram (Gurgaon)?
Yes. The Yellow Line runs from New Delhi/Connaught Place south to HUDA City Centre (Gurugram). The Silver Line (Rapid Metro) connects Huda City Centre to CyberHub/CyberCity in Gurugram.
Does Delhi Metro go to Noida?
Yes. The Blue Line runs from central Delhi to Noida Electronic City, passing through major Noida stations. The Aqua Line separately connects Noida Sec 51 to Greater Noida.
How many lines does Delhi Metro have?
Delhi Metro has 12 operational lines as of 2026: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Violet, Orange (Airport Express), Magenta, Pink, Aqua, Grey, Silver, and Green Branch. Several extensions and new corridors are under construction.
Source: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.