Quick Facts
- Opened
- June 2014 (Line 1); expanding through 2025
- Operators
- MMRC (Lines 2A/2B/7/9) & MMRDA (Line 1)
- Stations
- 97 (operational, more under construction)
- Lines
- 3 operational (Lines 1, 2A/2B, 7, 9 open/partial)
- Daily riders
- ~600,000
- Network
- 67 km (operational)
- Airport
- CSMIA via Line 3 (Santacruz, Domestic, International)
- Payment
- Smart card, token, UPI/QR
The Mumbai Metro is rapidly transforming one of the world's most densely populated cities. The system opened its first line in June 2014 (Line 1, Versova–Andheri–Ghatkopar) and has since expanded significantly with multiple new lines opening between 2023 and 2025.
As of 2026, Mumbai Metro operates 3 key lines with several more under advanced construction. The system is operated jointly by MMRC (Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, for Lines 2A, 2B, 7, and 9) and MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, for Line 1). Mumbai Metro integrates with Mumbai Suburban Railway (local trains), BEST buses, and auto-rickshaws.
Mumbai's local train network — the lifeline of the city — carries 7+ million passengers daily on the Western, Central, and Harbour lines. The metro supplements this by serving corridors not covered by local trains, particularly east-west connections across the city.
Line 3 (Aqua Line) is the most significant recent addition — running underground from Colaba through CST, Mahalaxmi, BKC, and Santacruz to the international airport and beyond to Aarey Colony. It is Mumbai's first underground metro and serves the key financial and tourist areas that previously had no metro access.
The Mumbai Metro Smart Card (Metro 1 Card for Line 1, or the unified system for newer lines) is the standard payment. Tokens (paper tickets) are available at all station counters and machines.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Mumbai Metro Smart Card · Token (paper ticket) · UPI (QR at machines) · Rupay/Visa/Mastercard at machines.
💡 The Mumbai Metro Smart Card (₹50 deposit + ₹100 minimum balance) gives a 10% discount on fares and is faster than buying a token each time. Available at metro station counters.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Mumbai Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Mumbai Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Mumbai Metro Smart Card, Token (paper ticket), UPI (QR at machines), Rupay/Visa/Mastercard at machines.
💡 The Mumbai Metro Smart Card (₹50 deposit + ₹100 minimum balance) gives a 10% discount on fares and is faster than buying a token each time. Available at metro station counters.
| 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?
Line 3 (Aqua Line) serves Mumbai International Airport T2 (International) and a nearby Santacruz station (Domestic, T1). To CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) takes about 35 minutes and costs ₹40–₹50. To BKC is about 20 minutes.
What is the difference between Mumbai Metro and Local Trains?
Mumbai local trains (Western, Central, Harbour lines) are a separate suburban rail network run by Central/Western Railway — the traditional "lifeline of Mumbai" carrying 7+ million daily. The Metro covers new corridors, goes underground in the city, and is significantly less crowded than local trains.
Which Metro line is most useful for tourists?
Line 3 (Aqua Line) is most tourist-relevant — it runs underground through CST, Mahalaxmi (Haji Ali proximity), BKC, and the airport. Line 1 connects eastern suburbs. Lines 2A/7 cover the western suburbs parallel to the Western Railway.
Is Mumbai Metro integrated with the local train system?
Partially — Ghatkopar (Line 1) and Andheri (Line 1) have direct interchange with local trains. Line 3 intersects with local trains at CST and Dadar. Full integration is expanding as new metro lines open.
Does the Mumbai Metro run during the monsoon season?
Yes — the metro runs normally during monsoon (June–September). The underground Line 3 is unaffected by flooding that sometimes disrupts Mumbai local trains and roads. This makes Line 3 especially valuable during heavy rain days.
Is the Mumbai Metro air-conditioned?
Yes — all Mumbai Metro lines are fully air-conditioned, with platform screen doors. This is a major improvement over Mumbai local trains which are not air-conditioned (except a few AC first class coaches on some lines).
What time does the Mumbai Metro run?
Mumbai Metro runs approximately 06:00 to 23:30, with trains every 3–7 minutes at peak hours. Last services vary slightly by line and direction — check the MMRC app or station boards.
Is the Mumbai Metro safe for women?
Yes — all Mumbai Metro trains have dedicated Ladies' Coaches (first and last coaches on the platform). These are reserved exclusively for women. General coaches are mixed. The metro stations have CCTV and security staff.
Source: Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) & MMRDA and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.