How to use the metro in Indian cities for foreigners

When visiting India, the trains are the way to go for covering short and long distances. They are economical and reliable, and they help you cover distances in no time! If you are comfortable with travelling in crowds, then you can beat the traffic and reach quickly by metro. Understanding the functionality of the metro in these cities can play a huge role in efficient traveling for your trip. Indian metros significantly contribute to promoting sustainability by offering low-emission public transportation that helps reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Read more to find out the different metro lines and how to use the metro in Indian cities!

(Picture Credit: NDTV)

New Delhi

Metros are the lifeline of New Delhi. Catering to 2.8 million passengers daily, it connects different cities like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. A token can be purchased from the ticket counters at the station, with the ticket costing between 10-60 INR depending on the distance.

With a frequency of every 5-10 minutes, the Delhi Metro operates from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. Download the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) app to check routes, schedules, and fares.

Operational Metro Lines in New Delhi:

1. Red Line (1)- (Ghaziabad) Rithala to Shaheed Sthal
2. Yellow Line (2)- (Gurugram) Samaypur Badli to HUDA City Centre
3. Blue Line (3 & 4): Dwarka Sector 21 to Noida Electronic City
4. Violet Line (6): (Ballabhgarh) Kashmere Gate to Raja Nahar Singh 
5. Pink Line (7): Majlis Park to Shiv Vihar (under construction)
6. Magenta Line (8): (Noida) Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden 

Mumbai

Mumbai Metro (Picture Credit: ADB Blog- Asian Development Bank)

When in Mumbai, local trains are the way to commute and explore the different gems of Mumbai. However, local trains are always jam-packed. Metro has been a new addition to the transport medium in Mumbai. Many metro lines are already under construction all over the city, which will be operational in the coming years. The Mumbai Metro helps to connect the western suburbs to the central parts of the city. 

Tokens are valid for the day of purchase and can be purchased from the ticket counters. The ticket can cost between 10-50 INR, depending on the distance. With a frequency of every 4-8 minutes, the Mumbai Metro operates between 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. Download the Mumbai Metro App to check routes, schedules, and fares.

Operational Metro Lines in Mumbai:

1. Blue Line (1)- Connects Versova, Andheri, & Ghatkopar
2. Yellow Line (2A)- Connects Dahisar East & DN Nagar
3. Red Line (7)- Connects Andheri East and Dahisar East
4. Aqua Line (3)- BKC to Worli

Bengaluru

Also known as the IT Capital of India, Bengaluru is a traffic-heavy city. Because of this, people prefer using the Namma Metro for their daily commute. You can explore the city and beat the heavy traffic by travelling in the metro. 

Tokens can be purchased from vending machines or ticket counters at stations, which are valid for the day of purchase. The ticket can cost between 10-60 INR, depending on the distance. The Bengaluru Metro is operational between 5:00 am to 11:00 pm with a frequency of every 4-8 minutes. You can check routes, schedules, and fares through the BMRCL website.

Operational Metro Lines in Bengaluru:

1. Purple Line: (East-West Corridor) Baiyappanahalli to Kengeri 
2. Green Line: (North-South Corridor) Nagasandra to Silk Institute

Agra

Agra Metro (Picture Credit: Metro Rail News)

Agra Metro is a new rapid transit system launched in March 2024 to ease traffic and improve connectivity. The metro currently runs a priority corridor from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar Mandir, covering key tourist spots including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Sikandra.

You can purchase tickets via the official Agra Metro app or at station counters. Fares are very affordable, starting at 10 INR for travel up to 1 km, 15 INR for 1-2 km, and 20 INR for journeys up to 6 km. The metro is operational from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

Operational Metro Lines in Agra:

1. Yellow Line: Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar Metro Station

Jaipur

Jaipur Metro is a convenient, modern rapid transit system ideal for both daily commuters and tourists exploring the Pink City. The currently operational Pink Line runs from Mansarovar to Badi Choupar, passing through key areas including Civil Lines, Chandpole, and the heart of the old city. There are 11 stations along this nearly 12 km route, and the system is being expanded further.

You can buy single-journey tokens or tourist cards at station counters. Fares are very affordable, ranging from 6-18 INR depending on the distance traveled. The metro operates from 6:00 am to 9:45 pm.

Operational Metro Lines in Jaipur:

1. Pink Line: Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar
2. Orange Line: Sitapura Industrial Area to Ambabari 

Things to keep in mind

You can buy a token or a tourist card at the station, or in case of a QR ticket, you buy it from the official metro app of that city. Security checks are mandatory, so be prepared for bag scans and frisking before entry. Keep your token, card, or QR code handy for smooth entry and exit, and follow announcements in English and Hindi to navigate easily. Before leaving the city, make sure to refund any remaining balance on your tourist card, and try to avoid traveling during peak rush hours for a more comfortable experience.

India’s metro systems offer a reliable, efficient alternative to navigating the often chaotic traffic of major cities. While each system has its unique characteristics, they share common features like security protocols and automated ticketing. At India Someday, we plan customized trips to India for you based on your interests and requirements. Contact us and we will help you plan your perfect trip to India.