Overview
Mumbai's public transport system comprises several integrated networks: the rapidly expanding Metro (rapid transit), the extensive Suburban Railway (locals), buses, ferries, and a monorail. As a visitor, you will most often use the Metro for modern, fast journeys and the Suburban Railway for travelling longer distances across the city. Both accept smartcards and single tickets. The Metro is younger and less crowded than the Locals, making it an easier first experience; the Locals are an iconic Mumbai experience but get extremely busy during rush hours (roughly 8–10 am and 5–8 pm). Tickets can be bought at station counters or via smartcard; journey planning is best done via official apps or at station maps. Most services run from early morning (around 5–6 am) until late evening (around 10–11 pm).
The network
Mumbai Metro
The Mumbai Metro is a rapid-transit system currently being built in phases, with completion expected in October 2026. As of April 2026, it operates 101.43 km of track across multiple lines. When fully built, the core system will comprise 16 lines spanning more than 523 kilometres and 350 stations.
- Line 1 (Blue Line): Operated by Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL). Connects key stations across the city on an elevated or underground alignment.
- Line 2 and Line 2A and Line 2B: Built and operated by Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Limited (MMMOCL). Line 2A and 7 were inaugurated on 2 April 2022; Line 2B's first phase was inaugurated on 7 April 2026.
- Line 3 (Aqua Line): A completely underground corridor. The 12 km BKC to Aarey Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road section was inaugurated on 5 October 2024. On 9 October 2025, the line's further extension to Cuffe Parade was inaugurated and is now fully operational. Operated by Mumbai Metro Railway Corporation Ltd (MMRC). First train departs 05:55 am from Aarey JVLR; last train departs 10:30 pm from Cuffe Parade.
- Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 7: Built and operated by MMMOCL. Multiple extensions and new sections are under construction.
- Line 9: First phase inaugurated on 7 April 2026.
- Green Line 11: Operated by Mumbai Metro Railway Corporation Ltd (MMRC).
- Eight additional metro lines are currently under construction.
Mumbai Suburban Railway (Locals)
The Mumbai Suburban Railway, commonly called the "Locals," is the city's most extensive rail network, carrying approximately 9 million passengers daily. It comprises three primary lines:
- Western Line: Travels from Churchgate to Dahanu Road via Mumbai's Western Suburbs, providing north–south connectivity.
- Central Line: Travels from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Ambernath via Mumbai's Central Suburbs and Thane, with some services running beyond to Karjat, Khopoli, and Kasara.
- Harbour Line: Has a common stretch between CSMT and Vadala Road. The line splits into two spurs: the main one runs to Mumbai's Eastern Suburbs and Navi Mumbai, up to Panvel; the other runs to Mahim on the Western Line and runs parallel up to Andheri.
The interchange point between the Western and Central Lines is Dadar. Key interchange stations with the Western Line on the Harbour Line are Bandra and Andheri; the interchange with the Central Main Line is at Kurla.
Buses
Buses are operated by several services, including BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport), which provides feeder services to rail stations. Buses are widely available across the city and complement the rail network.
Ferries
Ferry services operate from Ferry Wharf and Thane Creek, offering connections to islands and beaches in the vicinity of the city, including Elephanta and cities such as Alibag on the southern and eastern sides of the creek.
Monorail
A monorail system operates in the city, providing an alternative rapid-transit option.
Tickets & fares
Suburban Railway (Locals)
Ticket prices start from ₹5 in second class (Class II) and ₹50 in first class (Class I). Second-class carriages get extremely crowded during rush hours; first-class offers more space and is recommended for first-time riders. Both smartcards and single paper tickets are available. Many passengers buy coupon booklets and use punching machines at stations to avoid long queues. Smartcards for Railways function like gift cards, allowing you to maintain a balance and refill once it drops below a limit. Smartcard outlets are available at all stations with touch-screen interfaces. The fleet is gradually being air-conditioned, though non-air-conditioned trains that run with doors open are still common.
Mumbai Metro
The Metro accepts single-journey tickets and smartcards (NCMC Card). Fares vary by line and distance; use the fare calculator on the official MMRC website or the YATRI app for exact amounts. Tourist passes are available:
- 1-Day Tourist Trip Pass: ₹280 (unlimited rides across one day)
- 3-Day Tourist Trip Pass: ₹700 (unlimited rides across three days)
- Student Trip Pass (up to Class 12): 25% discount; available as 45 or 60 trips valid for 30 days
Single tickets and passes are purchased at station counters or via smartcards at self-service touch-screen kiosks. Smartcards can be refilled at any station when balance runs low.
Multi-modal travel
The YATRI app includes a fare calculator for metro, monorail, ferry, taxi, auto, and bus services, helping you understand costs across different transport modes.
From the airport
Mumbai has two airports: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), one of India's busiest and a main international gateway, and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI), a new airport opened in 2025 that as of April 2026 serves only domestic destinations.
Public-transport options from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport into the city centre are available via taxi, auto-rickshaw, or buses. The Mumbai Metro provides connections to the airport, though specific line details depend on the terminal. The Metro system is designed to reduce reliance on road transport and provide mass rapid-transit services to key areas. For the most up-to-date journey-planning information, consult the official Metro website or YATRI app before you travel, as service patterns and routes may have been updated recently.
Etiquette & customs
Queue at ticket counters and station entrances; queuing is expected and valued in the system. During rush hours (roughly 8–10 am and 5–8 pm), crowds on the Locals are extremely heavy, and physical contact is unavoidable. On escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to walk up on the left. Many stations have dedicated women-only seating and entrance areas; respect these reserved spaces. Eating and drinking on trains is discouraged and often prohibited; avoid consuming food or beverages while travelling. First-class compartments on the Locals are quieter and less crowded than second class. Be aware that over 2,000 people are killed on the rails in Mumbai every year from falling out of moving trains or being struck; keep a firm grip and never lean out of open doors, especially on non-air-conditioned trains that run with doors open during motion.
Official links
Survival terms
- मेट्रो (Metro) – Metro / rapid transit
- टिकट (Ticket) – Ticket
- लाइन (Line) – Line
- प्रवेश (Pravesh) – Entrance
- निकास (Nikash) – Exit
- ट्रांसफर (Transfer) – Transfer / interchange
- एकल किराया (Ekal Kiraaya) – Single fare
- दिन पास (Din Pass) – Day pass
- स्मार्ट कार्ड (Smart Card) – Smartcard
- लोकल (Local) – Suburban Railway train
Download the YATRI app before you arrive to access real-time train schedules, station maps, fare calculations, multi-modal journey planning, and emergency contact numbers, as it is the most comprehensive tool for navigating Mumbai's entire public-transport system including locals, metro, monorail, ferry, and bus services.