Overview
The Chennai Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Chennai, operated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. As of December 2025, the network consists of two operational lines spanning 54.1 km and 41 stations. The system uses standard gauge track and is powered by 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead electric lines. To ride end-to-end, you purchase a ticket at the station (available at counters or vending machines), pass through the ticket barriers, and board your train according to the destination signs. Interchange between the Blue and Green lines is possible at Alandur station via an inter-corridor service.
The network
The Chennai Metro currently operates two lines:
- Blue Line: Runs from Wimco Nagar in the north to Little Mount in the south, passing through Chennai International Airport and MGR Chennai Central station. This line includes both elevated and underground sections and opened progressively between September 2016 and February 2021.
- Green Line: Runs from St. Thomas Mount to Koyambedu, featuring underground and elevated sections. The first segment between Alandur and Koyambedu began operations on 29 June 2015.
An inter-corridor service connects the Blue and Green lines at Alandur, allowing transfers between the two lines.
Beyond the metro, Chennai has other rapid transit systems:
- Chennai Suburban Railway: Operated by Indian Railways, with six lines (North Line, South Line, South West Line, West Line, West North Line, and West South Line) connecting the metro and outlying areas.
- Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS): An elevated and underground rail system operated by Indian Railways, with extensions planned to integrate with the Chennai Metro. This system extends from Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount (extended in 2026).
Under Phase II and beyond, three additional metro lines are under construction, covering approximately 116.1 km with further extensions planned. A light rail connecting Tambaram on the suburban network with Velachery on the MRTS is also proposed.
Tickets & fares
The Chennai Metro offers various ticket options for travel on the Blue and Green lines. Tickets can be purchased at station counters or from automated vending machines. The fare structure is based on distance, with different rates depending on the number of stations traveled.
Fares for the Chennai Metro are distance-based. According to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited fare schedule, single journey tickets are available at varying prices depending on your destination. Current fares are approximate and subject to change; for the most up-to-date pricing, consult the official CMRL fare table.
Smartcard and tap-to-ride systems are available for regular commuters, allowing you to load credit and travel without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. These cards can be purchased and recharged at station counters.
Tickets and passes offer the following features:
- Single journey tickets: Valid for one trip on either the Blue or Green line
- Distance-based fares: Price varies according to the number of stations between your entry and exit points
- Smartcards: Reloadable cards that can be used across multiple journeys
- Inter-corridor transfers: You may transfer between the Blue and Green lines at Alandur using a single ticket, though specific rules apply
As of the available information, day passes and tourist-specific passes are not extensively documented in current sources. Check with CMRL at ticket counters for any available passes beyond standard single-journey and smartcard options.
From the airport
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is located approximately 19 km south-west of the city centre. Several public transport options are available for reaching the city:
- Metro: The Blue Line of the Chennai Metro connects Chennai International Airport directly to MGR Chennai Central station in the city centre. This is a modern, air-conditioned option. An inter-corridor service along the Green Line also runs from the airport to Alandur.
- Suburban train: Tirusulam railway station is directly accessible from the airport (walk through the car park opposite the domestic terminal, approximately 500–600 m). Trains from here stop at Chennai Egmore and Chennai Park stations. To reach MGR Chennai Central, follow crowds exiting at Chennai Park. First-class tickets are recommended during peak hours to avoid overcrowding in general compartments. Regular tickets cost approximately ₹5, while first-class tickets cost around ₹70 to downtown areas.
- Taxi: Prepaid taxi services and ride-hailing apps (Ola, Uber) operate from both terminals. Prepaid taxis cost approximately ₹560 to the city centre. Ride-hailing apps are generally cheaper and more reliable than traditional prepaid taxis.
Etiquette & customs
When riding the Chennai Metro, observe local customs to ensure a pleasant journey for yourself and other passengers:
- Queuing: Form orderly queues at ticket counters and when boarding trains, particularly during peak hours.
- Escalators: While specific conventions for which side to stand on are not documented in official sources, observe what local passengers do and follow their lead.
- Priority seating: Seats marked for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and children should be vacated for those who need them. These are important in Indian transit culture.
- Eating and drinking: Eating and drinking on trains is generally discouraged, though specific restrictions are not detailed in official documentation.
- Rush-hour behaviour: During peak commuting times (morning and evening), trains become crowded. Be prepared for tight conditions and keep your belongings secure. Allow passengers to exit before boarding.
- General courtesy: Avoid loud conversations, keep headphones at a reasonable volume, and be respectful of personal space where possible.
Official links
Survival terms
- மெட்ரோ (Metro) – metro/subway
- டிக்கெட் (Tiket) – ticket
- லைன் (Line) – line
- நுழைவு (Nuzhaivvu) – entrance
- வெளியேறு (Veluyyeru) – exit
- மாற்றம் (Maattram) – transfer
- ஒற்றை கட்டணம் (Orrai Kattinam) – single fare
- நாள் பாஸ் (Nal Pas) – day pass
Download a transit map before your journey or ask station staff for directions, as this will help you navigate transfers and plan your route efficiently.