Metro train, tickets, stations, baggage and travel
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Metro rail is the most reliable way to move within Indian cities when traffic is heavy and your destination sits on or near a metro line. It runs on fixed schedules, is air-conditioned, and operates independently of road congestion.
Some cities have metro lines that connect directly to the airport terminal, railway station, and bus terminals. Each metro system is operated by an independent city-level authority.
Metro is worth taking when you are moving point-to-point within a city, your destination is within reasonable walking distance of a station, and you are not carrying large checked-baggage-sized luggage. It is faster than road transport.
Metro rail systems operate in Agra, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Meerut, Mumbai, Nagpur, Noida, Patna, and Pune.
Metro tickets are issued in three forms: single-journey tokens, QR-coded paper tickets or images, and rechargeable smart cards. Each system operates within a specific city — tickets and smart cards are not interchangeable between cities.
Single-journey token
Physical token valid for one journey only. Tapped at entry gate. Deposited into a slot at the exit gate — the gate will not open without it. Cannot be kept as a souvenir.
QR ticket
Digital or paper ticket via the station counter or online platforms. QR code scanned at the AFC gate on entry and exit. Available at station counters and TVMs.
Smart card
Rechargeable card tapped at entry and exit. Fare deducted automatically. Gives a 10% discount on every journey compared to token price. Requires a refundable security deposit of ₹50-100 at purchase.
Several Indian metro systems like Delhi — 1-day card: ₹150. 3-day card: ₹500 — offer tourist travel cards for a fixed price. These are available at station ticket counters. These cards eliminate queuing for individual tokens on every ride and are more economical than buying separate tokens when making four or more journeys per day.
Verify tourist cards availability and pricing at the ticket counter
Tourist card pricing and availability varies by city. Ask at the ticket counter: 'Do you have a tourist card?'. These cards do not include Airport Express or premium metro lines — these have separate fares.
Tickets and smart cards are purchased at ticket counters or automated ticket vending machines (TVMs) at station entrances. TVMs accept cash and debit and credit cards. Some metro systems also allow ticket purchase through their official mobile applications.
Metro fares are distance-based and vary by city and by the specific line within that city. Across Indian metro systems, fares generally range from ₹20 to ₹80 per journey depending on the distance traveled. Smart card holders pay 10% less than token fare on the same journey.
Security screening is mandatory at every metro station entrance across all Indian cities without exception. There are no exceptions for foreign tourists.
To access the platform security screening is mandatory. All passengers and their bags pass through X-ray machines and walk through metal detectors. Allow additional time for this when planning journeys, particularly during peak hours when screening queues can add 5-10 minutes at busy stations. Items that trigger screening or may be held back are sharp objects, lighters, and items that are unclear on X-ray.
Station gates are automated. At entry, tap your token, QR ticket, or smart card on the reader — the gate opens and closes behind you. At exit, tokens are deposited into a slot in the gate — the gate will not open until the token is deposited. Smart cards are tapped again and the fare is deducted.
Station signage is available in English at all metro systems. Route maps, line directories, and platform indicators are displayed in English alongside the local language. Metro lines are identified by line number, color code, or both depending on the city. Interchange stations — where two or more lines meet — are marked clearly and allow you to switch lines within the paid area without buying a new ticket.
Metro coaches have designated seating for specific passenger groups and rules on conduct and photography that differ from most Western transit systems.
Personal luggage is allowed on metro trains. There is no formal luggage size restriction on most metro systems. For airport transfers with luggage on a metro-connected airport line, trains are generally less crowded during off-peak hours.
Several metro systems operate women-only coaches — generally the first coach in the direction of travel on every train. These are clearly marked on the platform with painted floor markings and signage. Male passengers are not permitted in women-only coaches at any time.
Metro coaches also have designated seating for elderly passengers, women, and persons with disabilities — marked with signage inside the coach. This seating should be vacated if a passenger from these categories needs it.
Eating and drinking are prohibited inside metro coaches and on most platforms. Loud music without earphones is not permitted. Floor-sitting and performances are not permitted.
Photography of security personnel, screening equipment, and security infrastructure is not permitted at any Indian metro station. Photography inside metro coaches and of other passengers is also prohibited and has resulted in fines.
Buy a single-journey ticket or tourist card at the ticket counter or TVM at the station entrance. Pass through security screening (X-ray and metal detector), then tap your token or ticket at the entry gate. At exit, deposit the token into the gate or tap your smart card. Station signage is in English throughout.
Three types: single-journey token (one journey only, deposited at exit), QR ticket (paper via counter or digital via app), and rechargeable smart card (tapped at entry and exit, 10-15% discount on fares, requires a refundable security deposit). Tourist cards are also available at most major city metro systems.
For a visit of 1-3 days in one city with multiple metro rides per day, a tourist card is more practical — it gives rides without queuing for individual tokens. For a longer stay of 4 or more days in one city, a smart card is more economical, with a 10-15% discount on every fare and no queuing.
No. Metro fares are set by each city's independent metro authority. Fares range from approximately ₹20 to ₹80 per journey across Indian metro systems, depending on the city and distance traveled. Airport express lines carry separate fares from the main metro network.
Security screening is mandatory at every metro station entrance. Bags go through an X-ray machine and passengers walk through a metal detector. At peak hours, queues can add 5-10 minutes at busy stations. There are no exceptions for foreign nationals. Items such as sharp objects and lighters will be held back.
Yes. Women-only coaches are operated on several Indian metro systems and male passengers are not permitted to enter at any time. The women-only coach is generally the first coach in the direction of travel and is clearly marked on the platform with floor markings and signage.
Photography of security personnel, screening equipment, and security infrastructure is not permitted. Photography inside metro coaches or of other passengers is also prohibited and has resulted in fines. Photography of platforms, maps, and signage in public areas is generally permitted.
No. Metro smart cards are city-specific — a Delhi Metro card does not work on Mumbai Metro or Namma Metro in Bengaluru. If you are visiting multiple cities, buy a new smart card in each city, or explore the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card), which is designed to work across multiple transit systems.
in India