Which card or ticket works on each Mumbai Metro line in 2026: Line 1, Lines 2A and 7, and Line 3 (Aqua). Plus NCMC cards, QR tickets and the Mumbai One app, explained simply.
How to Get the Mumbai Metro Card
Mumbai's lines are run by different operators, so cards are issued line by line. Line 1 sells its own smart card and trip passes at station counters. Lines 2A and 7 use the Mumbai 1 card. Line 3 accepts NCMC (RuPay) cards and QR tickets. For one ticket across lines, buy QR tickets in the Mumbai One app.
Mumbai Metro Card Benefits
- QR tickets from the Mumbai One app work across the main metro lines, so there is no card to buy or refund.
- Line cards and trip passes are the cheapest option for daily commuters on one line.
- NCMC (RuPay) cards issued by banks can be tapped on lines that accept them, including Line 3.
- Tap-and-go entry saves time at busy stations such as Andheri, Ghatkopar and BKC.
Why there is no single Mumbai Metro card
In most cities one operator runs the whole metro, so one card works everywhere. Mumbai is different. Line 1 is run by Mumbai Metro One, Lines 2A and 7 by MMMOCL for MMRDA, and Line 3 by MMRC. Each built its own ticketing, so their cards were not designed to work on each other's gates.
Two things have made life easier. The first is QR ticketing in the Mumbai One app, which covers the main metro lines in one place. The second is the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC): bank-issued RuPay cards that more and more transit systems accept.
Which card or ticket works where
| Line | Operator | Cards | QR tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 (Versova–Ghatkopar) | Mumbai Metro One | Line 1 smart card and trip passes | Yes |
| Lines 2A and 7 (western suburbs) | MMMOCL for MMRDA | Mumbai 1 card (NCMC) | Yes |
| Line 3 Aqua (Aarey JVLR–Cuffe Parade) | MMRC | NCMC (RuPay) cards | Yes |
Card acceptance is expanding, so check the signs at the gate or ask at the counter if you plan to use a card from one line on another.
Easiest option for visitors: QR tickets
- Install the Mumbai One app (or the app of the line you will use) and sign in with your mobile number.
- Choose your start and end stations. The app shows the fare.
- Pay by UPI or card. The QR ticket appears in the app.
- Scan the QR code at the entry gate, and again at the exit gate.
Station counters and machines also sell QR and paper tickets if you do not want to use an app.
If you commute every day
- On one line only: buy that line's card or trip pass. Trip passes cost less per ride than single tickets.
- On Lines 2A and 7: the Mumbai 1 card works on both, so there is no need to tap out between them.
- Across several lines: use Mumbai One QR tickets, or an NCMC card if every line on your route accepts it.
- With a local train leg: keep your railway pass or UTS ticket for the train. Metro and railway tickets are separate.
Tips for riding the Mumbai Metro
- Rush hour is roughly 8:00 to 10:30 and 18:00 to 20:30. Andheri and Ghatkopar on Line 1 are the most crowded interchanges.
- In the monsoon, the underground Line 3 is usually the most reliable way across the city.
- Keep the QR ticket or card handy until you exit; you need it at the exit gate too.
- Women-only sections are marked on the platform floor and inside the train.
Fare Reference (INR)
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 |
Peak hours: No peak surcharge. The same distance-based fare applies all day.
Tips for Using the Mumbai Metro Card
- Tap in and tap out with the same card at every gate. The fare is worked out when you exit.
- Top up before you travel, through the official Mumbai Metro app or website where available, or at station machines using UPI.
- If you ride most days, the card pays for itself quickly. For a short visit, a QR ticket on your phone may be simpler.
- Travelling to or from the airport? See the airport transfer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one card for all Mumbai Metro lines?
Not a single physical card that works everywhere yet, because each line has its own operator. The simplest way to use every line with one account is to buy QR tickets in the Mumbai One app. NCMC (RuPay) cards also work on several lines.
Which card should I use on Line 3 (Aqua Line)?
Line 3 accepts QR tickets (Mumbai One app, the Line 3 app and ticket machines) and NCMC (RuPay) cards. Visitors usually find a QR ticket on their phone the easiest.
Can I pay with UPI on Mumbai Metro?
Yes. You can pay by UPI for QR tickets in the apps and at station counters and machines, and use it to recharge line cards.
Where do I get a refund on a Mumbai Metro card?
At the customer service counter of the line that issued the card. A Line 1 card is refunded on Line 1, and a Mumbai 1 card on Lines 2A or 7. Bank-issued NCMC cards are handled by the issuing bank.
See also: Mumbai Metro ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Mumbai Metro guide
Source: Mumbai Metro One (Line 1), MMMOCL for MMRDA (Lines 2A and 7), MMRC (Line 3). Fares and card terms change from time to time, so verify before travel.