Overview
Jaipur Metro is the rapid transit system serving Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. It is operated by Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (JMRC), a state-owned company created on 1 January 2010. Commercial service began on 3 June 2015 between Chandpole and Mansarovar, making it the sixth rapid transit system in India, and the network was extended to Badi Chaupar on 23 September 2020.
For a visitor, the metro is a fast, reliable and inexpensive way to move between the southern parts of the city and the walled Pink City. Riding it end to end is straightforward: enter a station, buy a token or use a smart card, tap or insert your ticket at the gate, ride to your destination, then deposit your token or tap out at the exit. Trains run at a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes between 5:30 and 22:30, depending on peak and off-peak times, and typically travel at speeds of up to 40 km/h, stopping for about 20 to 40 seconds at each station. Automated station announcements are recorded in both Hindi and English.
The network
Jaipur's public transport is built around the metro, the national rail network, city and tourist buses, autorickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and taxis. There are no ferries or tram/light-rail services in the city.
- Jaipur Metro (Pink Line) — the first route, an East–West Corridor connecting Mansarovar to Badi Chaupar via Civil Lines and Chandpole. It is named the Pink Line because it takes passengers to the Pink City. Phase 1A (Mansarovar to Chandpole, 9.63 km) opened in 2015, and Phase 1B (Chandpole to Badi Chaupar, 2.34 km, 2 stations) opened on 23 September 2020, completing the line. The depot is at Mansarovar. As of September 2020, the network comprises this single line, serving 11 metro stations over 9.63 km.
- Orange Line (planned) — Phase 2, a North–South Corridor connecting Prahaladpura in the south to Todi Mod in the north via Jaipur International Airport, Ambabari and SMS Hospital. It is planned at 41 km with 36 stations, mostly elevated, with construction expected to be completed by September 2031. It is not yet open.
- Indian Railways — connects Jaipur with the rest of the country and is one of the cheapest options. There are three major railway stations: Jaipur Junction (the main station), Durgapura and Gandhinagar (Jaipur). All trains stop at Jaipur Junction, while only some stop at Durgapura and Gandhinagar.
- City buses — local buses serve the city, though they are generally overcrowded and in poor condition. Bus #5 connects Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, New Gate and the MI Road/Railway Road intersection every 10 minutes until 9PM, and bus #2 runs from the train station up Station Road to the City Palace, Minar and Observatory. Fares are by distance.
- RTDC buses — Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation runs guided full-day sightseeing buses, with one guide per bus; as of 2019 the full-day tour cost ₹600.
- Autorickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and taxis — autorickshaws are useful for outlying sights such as Amber Fort or Galtaji; cycle-rickshaws are cheaper but slower and are good for the narrow lanes of the old town; taxis are more comfortable and safer but roughly double the price of an autorickshaw.
Tickets & fares
Jaipur Metro uses a distance- and station-banded fare system with no zones. Fares are calculated from your origin and destination stations using a fare chart, and also depend on peak rush. The following prices are approximate and change — always confirm current fares at a station counter or on the official operator site.
- Token — valid for a single journey on the day of purchase. Buy one at station counters or ticket vending machines, tap or insert it at the entry gate, and deposit it in the slot on exit. Single-journey fares range from about ₹10 to ₹30; one source lists roughly ₹10 for 1–2 stations, ₹15 for 3–5 stations, ₹25 for 6–8 stations and ₹30 for the full line (9–10 stations). Another source gives a range of ₹5 to ₹25.
- Smart card (travel card) — a rechargeable card that is most convenient for frequent commuters. It is valid for three years from the date of purchase or last recharge, is available in denominations of ₹100 to ₹1,000, and gives a 10%–15% discount depending on the actual fare. A refundable deposit of ₹50 is required for a new card, refunded when you return it before expiry if it is not physically damaged. One source puts the card cost at about ₹100, part of which is a refundable deposit, with roughly a 10% discount per trip. Recharge at station counters, ticket vending machines, or online/app.
- Tourist cards — available for unlimited travel on the network over short periods, in one-day and three-day versions. The one-day card costs about ₹50 and the three-day card about ₹150. Availability varies from time to time, so check at station counters.
- Concessions — children below a specified height travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
From the airport
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is located at Sanganer. The metro's Pink Line does not currently serve the airport, but the planned Orange Line (Phase 2) is intended to connect Prahaladpura in the south to Todi Mod in the north via Jaipur International Airport, Ambabari and SMS Hospital. Until that line opens, your public-transport options from the airport into the centre are limited to road transport: taxis, app-based cabs and autorickshaws. Taxis are convenient and comfortable, and drivers are generally polite; you must call for a taxi rather than hail one, except at major points like the airport, and you should negotiate a fare or agree on using the meter. Autorickshaws are readily available and require no waiting time, but are generally more expensive than app-based cabs. Prepaid autos are available at Jaipur railway station and the Sindhi Camp bus stand, though prices there are a little inflated.
Etiquette & customs
- Women's coach — the first coach of every train is reserved for women during peak hours.
- Security screening — expect metal detectors, X-ray baggage inspection and dog squads at stations. Closed-circuit cameras monitor trains and stations, and intercoms are provided in each train car for emergency communication with the train operator.
- Queuing — Indian city transport is often crowded, and buses in particular are generally overcrowded. Board in an orderly way where queues exist, and allow exiting passengers to leave first.
- Rush hour — trains run at 10–15 minute frequencies, and the first coach is reserved for women during peak hours, so plan around peak times if you prefer a quieter ride.
- Escalators and platforms — stand on the side that leaves room for people walking past, and keep to the platform edge markings. The sources do not specify a side convention, so follow the signage and the flow of other passengers.
- Eating and drinking — the sources do not state specific rules for the metro, so keep food and drink packed away and avoid eating on trains and in stations.
- On the street — in the Pink City, footpaths are often obstructed, so you may have to walk on the road; take care crossing multi-lane roads, and be prepared for traffic, noise, pollution and litter. Streets can be deserted outside shopping hours, which may feel unsafe, especially for solo women.
- Autorickshaw customs — always agree on an "all-in" price that includes the driver's time, petrol, lunch and parking fees, and confirm that the driver will take you to the site itself rather than "close to it just for photographs". Politely decline invitations to shops, bars or "beer" stops, which are often commission arrangements or scams.
Official links
Survival terms
- Metro / subway — मेट्रो (metro)
- Ticket — टिकट (tikat)
- Line — लाइन (lain)
- Entrance — प्रवेश (pravesh)
- Exit — निकास (nikas)
- Transfer — बदलाव (badlav)
- Single fare — एकल किराया (ekal kiraya)
- Day pass — दैनिक पास (dainik paas)
Before you travel, confirm the current fares, card availability and any tourist-pass offers at a station counter or on the official JMRC website, since prices and schemes change.