Quick Facts
- Opened
- June 2014 (Line 1)
- Operators
- Mumbai Metro One (Line 1), MMMOCL (Lines 2A, 7), MMRC (Line 3)
- Stations
- 97 (including lines opening in phases)
- Lines
- 1, 2A, 3 and 7 open; 2B and 9 opening in phases
- Daily riders
- ~600,000
- Network
- ~80 km
- Airport
- Line 3 stations at both CSMIA terminals (T1 and T2)
- Payment
- Line cards, NCMC cards, QR tickets, Mumbai One app
The Mumbai Metro is changing how people move around one of the world's most crowded cities. The first line, Line 1 from Versova to Ghatkopar via Andheri, opened in June 2014. Lines 2A and 7 in the western suburbs followed in 2022 and 2023, and the underground Line 3 (Aqua Line) opened in stages from 2024 to 2025.
Unlike most metros, Mumbai's lines are run by different operators. Line 1 is run by Mumbai Metro One. Lines 2A and 7 are run by Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation (MMMOCL) for MMRDA. Line 3 is run by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC). This is why tickets and cards historically worked line by line, and why an integrated ticketing app now matters so much for riders.
Line 3 is the most useful line for visitors. It runs underground for 33.5 km from Aarey JVLR through SEEPZ and both airport terminals, then BKC, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Mahalaxmi, Grant Road, CSMT and Churchgate to Cuffe Parade. It connects the airport, the business district and South Mumbai without a single traffic jam.
Line 1 is the east-west link across the suburbs, with interchanges to local trains at Andheri and Ghatkopar. Lines 2A and 7 run north to south through the western suburbs, parallel to the Western Railway and the Western Express Highway. Lines 2B and 9 are opening in phases.
The suburban local trains (Western, Central and Harbour lines) remain the backbone of the city and carry millions of people a day. The metro complements them with air-conditioned trains, platform screen doors and corridors the local trains never served.
How to Pay
Payment methods: QR ticket (Mumbai One app and line apps) · Line smart cards and passes · NCMC (RuPay) cards where accepted · Token or paper ticket at counters.
💡 Fares are set by distance and are low: most trips cost ₹10 to ₹60. For one ticket that works across lines, use QR tickets from the Mumbai One app. Daily commuters save more with the trip passes each operator sells.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge. The same distance-based fare applies all day.
Mumbai Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Mumbai Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: QR ticket (Mumbai One app and line apps), Line smart cards and passes, NCMC (RuPay) cards where accepted, Token or paper ticket at counters.
💡 Fares are set by distance and are low: most trips cost ₹10 to ₹60. For one ticket that works across lines, use QR tickets from the Mumbai One app. Daily commuters save more with the trip passes each operator sells.
| Journey | Off-Peak (INR) | Peak (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 km | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| 3–12 km | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| 12–18 km | ₹30 | ₹30 |
| 18–24 km | ₹40 | ₹40 |
| 24–30 km | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| 30+ km | ₹60 | ₹60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Mumbai airport to the city by metro?
Take Line 3 (Aqua Line). There are stations at both terminals: CSMIA T2 (International) and CSMIA T1 (Domestic). BKC is about 10 to 15 minutes away, and CSMT in South Mumbai about 35 to 40 minutes.
What is the difference between Mumbai Metro and local trains?
Local trains (Western, Central and Harbour lines) are the suburban railway run by Indian Railways, and they carry most of Mumbai's commuters. The metro is a separate, newer network with air-conditioned trains and platform doors, covering corridors the local trains do not.
Which metro line is most useful for tourists?
Line 3 (Aqua Line). It runs underground from the airport through BKC, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Mahalaxmi, Grant Road, CSMT and Churchgate to Cuffe Parade, covering most of South Mumbai's sights.
Is Mumbai Metro connected to local trains?
Yes, at several stations. Line 1 connects with local trains at Andheri and Ghatkopar, and Line 3 at Dadar, CSMT, Churchgate and Grant Road (via short walks).
Does the metro run in the monsoon?
Yes. The metro keeps running in heavy rain, and the underground Line 3 is usually the most reliable way around the city on flooded days, when roads and some local train sections struggle.
Is the Mumbai Metro air-conditioned?
Yes. All metro lines have air-conditioned trains, and most stations have platform screen doors.
What time does Mumbai Metro run?
Most lines run from about 5:30 or 6:00 until about 23:00 to 23:30, with trains every few minutes at peak times. Timings differ slightly by line, so check the last train before a late trip.
Are there women-only coaches on Mumbai Metro?
Yes. Trains have a coach, or part of a coach, reserved for women, marked on the platform and inside the train. Stations have CCTV and security staff.
Source: Mumbai Metro One (Line 1), MMMOCL for MMRDA (Lines 2A and 7), MMRC (Line 3) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.