Getting Started on the Hyderabad Metro Rail
The Hyderabad Metro Rail is the fastest and most affordable way to get around Hyderabad. The network covers 57 stations across 3 lines and ~69 km of track, connecting the city's key neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and attractions. Around ~450,000 journeys are made every day.
Hyderabad Metro Rail opened on 28 November 2017 and runs 57 stations across three lines and about 69 km of elevated track. It was built as a public-private partnership, one of the largest of its kind for a metro, and is operated by L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited under an agreement with the Telangana government and Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL).
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the Hyderabad Metro Smart Card: faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. How to buy and use the Hyderabad Metro Smart Card: the 10% discount, recharge methods, refunds, and whether a Smart Card or QR ticket suits you better. Updated September 2026.
All payment options: Metro Smart Card · QR ticket (official app and payment apps) · Token (single journey).
💡 The Metro Smart Card takes 10% off every fare and lets you skip the token queue. Buy one at any station customer service counter and recharge it online.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge. The same distance-based fare applies all day.
Getting from the Airport to Hyderabad
Hyderabad Metro does not reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Compare the Pushpak airport bus and app cabs, and see how to connect to the metro for the rest of your trip. Journey time: 45–75 min to the city by Pushpak bus or cab, depending on destination and traffic. Estimated fare: Pushpak bus roughly ₹200–₹400; app cab roughly ₹600–₹1,200.
Full airport connection guide →
Key Stations
These are the most important and useful stations on the Hyderabad Metro Rail for visitors:
Lines Overview
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Baggage X-ray at every station: all bags are scanned at the security checkpoint before entry. Allow 2–3 extra minutes at busy stations.
- Women-only coaches: the first coach of every train is reserved for women. Clearly marked. Male passengers should use other coaches.
- Peak hours are very crowded: avoid 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays if you can. Trains run reliably but are packed during rush hours.
- Consider a Smart Card: if you will ride several times a day, the discount and time saved soon cover the card cost. For a short visit, QR tickets on your phone are often simpler.
- Download the operator app: fare calculators, UPI ticketing, and route planners are available from L&T Metro Rail.
- Operating hours: the metro runs approximately 06:00 to 22:00–23:00. Always check the last train time if travelling late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro line goes to HITEC City?
The Blue Line (Nagole to Raidurg). HITEC City station is one stop before the Raidurg terminus. From Ameerpet it is eight stops, roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I get from Hyderabad airport to the city by metro?
The metro does not reach Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Take a TGSRTC Pushpak airport bus or an app cab. Several Pushpak routes stop near metro stations, where you can continue your trip by metro.
How do I reach Charminar by metro?
There is no station at Charminar yet. The nearest is MG Bus Station (Red and Green lines), about 2 to 3 km away; an auto-rickshaw takes around 10 to 15 minutes. An Old City extension towards Chandrayangutta is planned.
What is the maximum fare on Hyderabad Metro?
After the 2025 fare revision, the longest trips cost about ₹69 and the shortest about ₹11. With a Smart Card you pay 10% less.
What are Hyderabad Metro timings?
Trains run from about 6:00 to about 23:00, with first trains a little later on some Sundays and holidays. Check the operator for the last train from your station.
Where do I change between the Red and Blue lines?
At Ameerpet. It is the main interchange and the busiest station on the network, so allow a few extra minutes at rush hour.
Which stations are nearest to Hussain Sagar?
Khairatabad and Lakdikapul on the Red Line are the closest, both about 1 km from the lake. Khairatabad is the better choice for Necklace Road.
Is Hyderabad Metro accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Stations have lifts, ramps and tactile paths, and trains have spaces for wheelchairs. Staff can help at any station if you ask at the customer service counter.
Fare Guide
See the full Hyderabad Metro Rail ticket prices guide for all fares, the Hyderabad Metro Smart Card discount, and payment options.
Source: L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited, with HMRL and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance, so verify with the operator before travel.