Overview
Bengaluru Metro, officially known as Namma Metro (translating to "Our Metro"), is a rapid-transit system serving India's IT capital. As of August 2025, it operates 83 stations across 96.1 km of track—the third-largest metro network in India—with a mix of elevated, underground, and at-grade infrastructure. The system runs daily from 05:00 to 00:00, with trains departing every 3–15 minutes depending on the line and time of day. All trains are six coaches long and powered by 750V direct current through a third rail. To ride, you'll purchase a smart card or single-journey ticket, tap it at the ticket barriers to enter the station, board your train, and tap again at your destination to exit. The network is operated by Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka.
The network
Namma Metro currently comprises two lines forming a cross shape, intersecting in the city center.
- Purple Line (East–West Corridor): Connects the eastern and western reaches of the city through elevated and underground sections in the center. The line includes the underground interchange station Majestic (Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station), where connections to the second line are available.
- Green Line (North–South Corridor): Runs from north to south, also featuring elevated outer reaches and underground sections through the city center, intersecting with the Purple Line and allowing transfers.
Both lines opened in phases: the Purple Line was completed on 29 April 2016, and the Green Line on 19 June 2017, with the underground sections being South India's first metro tunnels. As of August 2025, the system had 74 elevated stations, 8 underground stations, and 1 at-grade station across its 83 operational stops.
Beyond the metro, Bengaluru is served by suburban rail via Indian Railways (with major termini at Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru City, also known as KSR Bengaluru City, and Yesvantpur Junction) and by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus network, which operates city-wide services and connections to outlying areas.
Tickets & fares
Namma Metro uses a smart-card system for fare collection. You can purchase either a reusable smart card or single-journey tokens at ticket counters and automated machines in stations. Fares are calculated by distance based on your origin and destination stations; the Namma Metro mobile app and website include a fare calculator where you select your stations to see the exact fare.
Smart cards can be recharged with cash, credit cards, debit cards, or UPI (Unified Payments Interface) at customer care counters or recharge machines in stations. A recent fare revision has been announced, with updated details released by BMRCL. Specific fare prices and day-pass options should be confirmed via the official Namma Metro website or app, as these are subject to change.
The metro operates on a zone-based system, though detailed zone boundaries and multi-day pass offerings are best verified through the official channels.
From the airport
Kempegowda International Airport, located 40 km (25 miles) from central Bengaluru at Devanahalli, is well connected to the city. While Namma Metro does not yet serve the airport directly, the most practical public-transport option is to use BMTC buses or ride-sharing services to reach a metro station. From there, you can access the metro network to reach your destination. The journey from the airport to the city center typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic and your final destination.
Etiquette & customs
Bengaluru Metro enforces clear etiquette guidelines to maintain order and safety:
- Queue orderly at ticket counters and station entrances; do not push or crowd.
- On escalators, stand on the left side and keep the right side clear for those wishing to walk.
- Priority seating (typically near doors and marked with signage) is reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and small children; vacate these seats if you occupy one and someone in these categories boards.
- Eating and drinking are generally discouraged on trains; check posted rules at your station.
- During rush hours (typically early morning and early evening), expect crowded conditions; hold the handrails and secure your belongings.
- Keep noise levels low and avoid loud phone conversations.
- Do not obstruct doorways; allow passengers to exit before boarding.
Official links
Survival terms
- ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ (Namma Metro) – subway/metro
- ಟಿಕೆಟ್ (Ticket) – ticket
- ಲೈನ್ (Line) – line
- ಪ್ರವೇಶದ್ವಾರ (Pravesha-dvara) – entrance
- ನಿರ್ಗಮನ (Nirgamana) – exit
- ಸ್ಥಳಾಂತರ (Sthala-antara) – transfer
- ಏಕ ದರ (Eka dara) – single fare
- ದಿನದ ಪಾಸ್ (Dinada pass) – day pass
Download the official Namma Metro app before your trip to use the fare calculator and plan your journey, as it will save you time at stations and help you navigate the network with confidence.