Delhi Metro Complete Guide: Routes, Timings, Fares and Stations

Delhi Metro operates daily across 10 color-coded lines from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm. In addition, with around 271 stations, its fares depend on the total distance you have traveled.

The Delhi Metro is one of the most convenient and affordable transport options in Delhi. It is free from the hour-long traffic, air-conditioned, and covers a wide area of the capital city. However, navigating the Delhi Metro route can become difficult for tourists, travelers coming from other states, or even for a local sometimes. With a chart featuring colored lines, station names, and interchange routes, it is normal to get confused. Therefore, with complete information on the routes, fares, lines, and interchange stations, travelers can explore Delhi easily.

Delhi Metro is one of India’s largest urban metro networks and one of the country’s busiest metro systems. Officially opened as a public service on December 25, 2002, its total operational length spans approximately 352 kilometers across Delhi and NCR regions, including Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.

• Total Operational Length: Around 352 kilometers
• Number of Stations: Over 340
• Lines: 10 color-coded lines
• Operating Hours: Around 5:00 am to 11:30 and 12:00 am
• Ticketing: Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), Smart Cards, Virtual Smart Card, or Multiple Journey QR Ticket.

Delhi Metro Routes and Lines

The Delhi Metro is a massive train network that connects over 340 stations across the capital state. The network consists of around 10 color-coded lines that connect numerous stations, including the cities in the NCR region such as Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, and Bahadurgarh.

Delhi Metro lines include:

• Red Line: Northwest Delhi ↔ Ghaziabad
• Yellow Line: North Delhi ↔ Gurugram
• Blue Line: West Delhi ↔ Noida
• Green Line: Central and West Delhi ↔ Bahadurgarh
• Violet Line: North Delhi ↔ Faridabad and Ballabhgarh
• Pink Line: Majlis Park ↔ Shiv Vihar
• Magenta Line: West and South Delhi ↔ Noida
• Grey Line: Najafgarh and Dhansa
• Airport Express (Orange Line): New Delhi Railway Station ↔ Delhi Airport area ↔ Yashobhoomi

Note: Golden Line (Aerocity to Tughlakabad) is an ongoing Delhi Metro project with no specific date for when it will be completed.

Delhi Metro Route Map

The Delhi Metro route map is a complete chart for travelers, providing them with color-coded routes, station names, and line interchanges. Its primary purpose is to guide travelers on different routes, tell them where to interchange, and make overall navigation easy. But how can you read the Delhi Metro route map?

Here are the lines you find on the Delhi Metro route chart:

1. Red Line

• Route: Rithala → Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda)
• Major Stations: Rithala, Rohini West, Pitampura, Netaji Subhash Place, Inderlok, Kashmere Gate, Dilshad Garden, Mohan Nagar, and Shaheed Sthal.
• Interchange Stations: Netaji Subhash Place (Pink), Inderlok (Green), Kashmere Gate (Yellow & Violet), Welcome (Pink)

2. Yellow Line

• Route: Samaypur Badli → Millennium City Centre Gurugram
• Major Stations: Samaypur Badli, Azadpur, Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, INA, Hauz Khas, Chhatarpur, and HUDA City Centre.
• Interchange Stations: Azadpur (Pink), Kashmere Gate (Red and Violet), INA (Pink), and Hauz Khas (Magenta).

3. Blue Line

• Route: Dwarka Sector 21 → Noida Electronic City
• Major Stations: Dwarka Sector 21, Rajouri Garden, Karol Bagh, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Yamuna Bank, Anand Vihar, and Noida Electronic City.
• Interchange Stations: Dwarka Sector 21 (Airport Express), Rajiv Chowk (Yellow), Mandi House (Violet), Anand Vihar (Pink), Mayur Vihar-I (Pink), and Botanical Garden (Magenta).

4. Green Line

• Route: Kirti Nagar and Inderlok → Brig. Hoshiar Singh (Bahadurgarh)
• Major Stations: Kirti Nagar, Inderlok, Punjabi Bagh, Peeragarhi, Nangloi, Mundka, Bahadurgarh City, and Brig. Hoshiar Singh.
• Interchange Stations: Inderlok (Red), Kirti Nagar (Blue), and Punjabi Bagh West (Pink).

5. Violet Line

• Route: Kashmere Gate → Raja Nahar Singh (Ballabhgarh)
• Major Stations: Kashmere Gate, Lal Quila, Delhi Gate, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji Mandir, Okhla, and Badarpur.
• Interchange Stations: Kashmere Gate (Red and Yellow), Mandi House (Blue), Central Secretariat (Yellow), Lajpat Nagar (Pink), and Kalkaji Mandir (Magenta).

6. Pink Line

• Route: Majlis Park → Shiv Vihar
• Major Stations: Majlis Park, Azadpur, Netaji Subhash Place, Rajouri Garden, INA, Lajpat Nagar, Anand Vihar, Welcome, Mayur Vihar-I, and Shiv Vihar.
• Interchange Stations: Azadpur (Yellow), Netaji Subhash Place (Red), Rajouri Garden (Blue), INA (Yellow), Lajpat Nagar (Violet), and Mayur Vihar-I (Blue).

7. Magenta Line

• Route: Janakpuri West and Krishna Park Extension → Botanical Garden
• Major Stations: Janakpuri West, Dabri Mor, Terminal 1, Hauz Khas, INA, Kalkaji Mandir, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and Botanical Garden.
• Interchange Stations: Janakpuri West (Blue), Dabri Mor (Grey), Hauz Khas (Yellow), INA (Pink), Kalkaji Mandir (Violet), and Botanical Garden (Blue).

8. Grey Line

• Route: Dwarka → Dhansa Bus Stand
• Major Stations: Dwarka, Nangli, Najafgarh, and Dhansa Bus Stand.
• Interchange Stations: Dwarka (Blue)

9. Airport Express (Orange Line)

• Route: New Delhi → Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25
• Major Stations: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Aerocity, IGI Airport, Dwarka Sector 21, and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.
• Interchange Stations: New Delhi (Yellow and Blue), Dhaula Kuan (Pink), and Dwarka Sector 21 (Blue).

What are the Timings of the Delhi Metro?

The Delhi Metro operates daily approximately from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm. However, the exact timings may vary according to the specific route and terminal station. The Airport Express, or Orange Line, operates early from around 4:45 am. Also, service on certain routes starts late, typically around 8:00 am on Sundays.

Delhi Metro Timings:

• Peak Hour Timings: 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Train Frequency:
  • Peak Hours: Every 2 to 3 minutes
  • Off-Peak Hours: Every 5 to 10 minutes

Delhi Metro Fare and Ticket Prices

The ticket prices of the Delhi Metro range from a minimum of ₹11 to a maximum of ₹64. The exact fare is determined by the distance you travel and the method you use, whether a ticket or a smart card. Moreover, if you use the Delhi Metro Card, you have to pay a lower fare compared to a normal ticket.

Here is an overview of the Delhi Metro fare based on distance:

Distance (km)	Normal Fare (₹)	Smart Card (₹)	Special Days (₹)
Up to 2 km	₹11	₹9.9	₹11
2 to 5 km	₹21	₹18.9	₹11
5 to 12 km	₹32	₹28.8	₹21
12 to 21 km	₹43	₹38.7	₹32
21 to 32 km	₹54	₹48.6	₹43
32 to 100 km	₹64	₹57.6	₹54

Ticket Options Available in Delhi Metro

The Delhi Metro offers a wide range of ticket options to its travelers, including:

1. Delhi Metro One Day Tourist Card

Delhi Metro One Day Tourist Card is a one-day pass that gives you unlimited travel across Delhi for one day. A Delhi Metro One Day Tourist Card costs ₹200, which includes a ₹150 travel pass and a ₹50 refundable deposit. You can buy this card from any Customer Care Centre at any station except the Airport Express Line. 

2. Delhi Metro Smart Card

A Delhi Metro Smart Card is a reusable card issued by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Unlike a one-day pass, it does not expire and can be reused again and again. A new Delhi Metro Smart Card costs around ₹150, with a ₹50 refundable deposit and ₹100 for initial travel. You can recharge your smart card from:

• Customer Care Centre
• Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)
• Credit and Debit Card Recharge
• Online Recharge
• SMS Recharge (Only for ICICI Bank Account Holders)
• Third-Party Apps

3. Delhi Metro Virtual Smart Card

A Delhi Metro Virtual Smart Card, officially known as the Multiple Journey QR Ticket (MJQRT), is a digital system where you use a QR code for traveling rather than a physical ticket or card. It is issued and managed by the Delhi Metro Sarthi and typically offers discounts on applicable journeys. Additionally, it is not valid if you are traveling on the Airport Express Line.

4. Delhi Metro Paper QR Ticket

A Delhi Metro Paper QR Ticket is a physical ticket that features a QR code, replacing the traditional tokens. The ticket stays valid for 60 minutes after you purchase it from the ticket vending machine or ticket center.

5. Delhi Metro Three Days Tourist Card

A Delhi Metro Three Days Tourist Card is issued to tourists, which allows them to travel anywhere through the Delhi Metro for 3 days or 72 hours. This card costs around ₹500, with ₹450 as the travel pass value and a ₹50 refundable security deposit.h ₹450 as the travel pass value and a ₹50 refundable security deposit.

How to Buy a Delhi Metro Ticket?

To make ticket booking convenient, the Delhi Metro allows you to book tickets through both methods, online and offline. You can use WhatsApp, the official DMRC application, or other partner apps such as Paytm and PhonePe.

Look here to understand Delhi Metro ticket booking:

Ticket Booking through WhatsApp

• Save the number +91 9650855800 issued by the DMRC on your phone.
• Send “Hi” to this number.
• Choose your preferred language, Hindi or English.
• Then, click on the “Buy Ticket” button.
• Choose your destination from Delhi Metro routes and stations.
• Select the number of tickets you need. You can only select up to 6.
• Make the payment using the UPI method.
• Get your digital QR code ticket directly in the chat.

Booking through Mobile Apps:

• Download the official DMRC Momentum 2.0 app or use Paytm, PhonePe, or One Delhi.
• Navigate to the Metro Ticket or Travel & Transit section in the app.
• Select the start and end destination.
• Make the payment using your preferred method.
• Receive and save the generated QR code ticket on your phone.

Use the Ticket Vending Machine:

• Walk up to the ticket vending machine and select your ticket option.
• Choose your destination on the Delhi Metro station list.
• Select the quantity of tickets you need.
• Make the payment and receive a physical ticket.

Delhi Metro Travel Tips

Here are useful tips you must keep in mind when travelling with the Delhi Metro:

• On escalators, stand on the left and leave the right side clear for passengers who want to walk.
• If you are a tourist, avoid traveling during Delhi metro peak hours to avoid crowds. The peak hours are 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• Always keep your valuables and mobile phone close to you.
• Let the passengers get off the train first, before you board it.
• Save the DMRC Helpline number in your phone: 155370.
• Check the Delhi Metro station list to understand your route and destination.
• Keep an eye on the colored lines when interchanging stations.
• Always follow the signs and listen to announcements for better navigation.
• Women may use the ladies-only coach if they are traveling alone.
• Do not litter or throw garbage inside and outside the train.
• Avoid blocking the gate after boarding the train.

Conclusion

The Delhi Metro is considered one of the most convenient modes of transportation in Delhi. By saving you from Delhi’s traffic, it ensures you reach your destination on time. So, whether you are a tourist or traveling to Delhi for the first time, detailed information can help with navigating Delhi Metro route and fare, interchange stations, and ticket options. In addition to the Delhi Metro travel tips, you can make your overall travel smooth, convenient, and free from the fear of getting lost.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Delhi 2026: Monthly Budget, Rent & Living Expenses