Chennai Metro Map, Timings, Routes, Fare, Stations, And Other Details

Are you searching for comprehensive information on Chennai Metro routes? Want to know the latest Chennai Metro timings or get a complete list of metro stations in Chennai? Or, are you looking to download Chennai Metro map? This post covers everything you should know about Chennai Metro trains and the network. 

Chennai Metro, the third-longest metro network in the country, serves Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is owned and operated by CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited), a joint undertaking of the central government and the Tamil Nadu state government.

The network currently has two lines – the Blue Line and the Green Line – and covers a length of around 54.15 km. These two lines have a total of 40 stations. The Chennai Metro Phase 2, which consists of 3 lines, is in the planning and tendering stage.

The Blue and Green lines cover many notable localities in the city, including Chennai Airport, Chennai Central, Egmore, Kilpauk, Guindy, St. Thomas Mount, Thousand Lights, and Saidapet, to name a few.

This post gives you a comprehensive overview of the metro network in Chennai, including a list of stations and details about the fare, timings, maps, routes, parking charges, and other travel-related information. We have also compiled some of the frequently asked questions about the starting and closing timings, travel card recharge, and more.

Quick Information

Chennai Metro Routes

As of 2021, the metro rail network of Chennai has two operative routes, covering a total distance of 54.15 km.

Many stations on these routes provide connections with Chennai’s Suburban Railway network (local trains), MRTS, Southern Railway, bus stations, and other transportation hubs. The Blue Line and the Green Line intersect at two stations, namely MGR Central (Chennai Central) and Arignar Anna Alandur.

Chennai Metro Map

Given below is the latest Chennai Metro Map with the routes and stations:

Chennai Metro Map
(Image source: CMRL)

The Blue Line Metro Route

The Blue Line (Line 1), one of the two Chennai Metro routes, connects Wimco Nagar and Chennai International Airport. The total distance covered by the Blue Line is 32.15.

There are 25 operational metro stations on this Chennai Metro route. Some of the major stations on the Blue Line are MGR Central, High Court, Thousand Lights, Saidapet, Guindy, Meenambakkam, Andalur, and Chennai Airport, to name a few.

Given below is a complete list detailing the Blue Line metro route in Chennai:

Station Additional Info / Connections
Wimco NagarTerminal station
Transfer station for Wimco Nagar Suburban Station
Tiruvottriyur
Tiruvottriyur Theradi
Kaladipet
Tollgate
New Washermanpet
Tondiarpet
Sir Theagaraya College
WashermanpetTransfer station for Washermanpet Suburban Station
Mannadi
High Court
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central (Chennai Central)Interchange station for Green Line
Transfer station for Chennai Central Railway Station, Moore Market Complex Suburban Station, Chennai Park Suburban Station, and Park Town MRTS Station
Government Estate
LIC
Thousand Lights
AG-DMS
Teynampet
Nandanam
Saidapet
Little Mount
GuindyTransfer station for Guindy Suburban Station
Arignar Anna AlandurInterchange station for Green Line
Nanganallur Road
Meenambakkam
Chennai International AirportTerminal Station
Transfer station for Tirusulam Suburban Station

The Green Line Metro Route

The Green Line metro route in Chennai, also called Line 2, connects MGR Central and St. Thomas Mount. The line covers a distance of 22 km and has 17 stations.

Many major metro stations in Chennai, such as MGR Central, Egmore, Nehru Park, Thirumangalam, Vadapalani, Alandur, St. Thomas Mount, etc., are on this route.

Given below is the complete route map of the Green Line route:

Station Additional Info / Connections
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central (Chennai Central)Terminal station
Interchange station for Blue Line
Transfer station for Chennai Central Railway Station, Moore Market Complex Suburban Station, Chennai Park Suburban Station, and Park Town MRTS Station
EgmoreTransfer station for Chennai Egmore Railway Station and Chennai Egmore Suburban Station
Nehru Park
Kilpauk
Pachaiyappa's College
Shenoy Nagar
Anna Nagar East
Anna Nagar Tower
Thirumangalam
Koyambedu
Puratchi Thalaivi Dr. J. Jayalalithaa CMBTTransfer station for Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (also called Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R Bus Terminus)
Arumbakkam
Vadapalani
Ashok Nagar
Ekkattuthangal
Arignar Anna AlandurInterchange station for Blue Line
St. Thomas MountTerminal station
Transfer station for St. Thomas Mount Suburban Station and St. Thomas Mount MRTS Station

Metro Stations in Chennai 

As of 2021, the total number of Chennai Metro stations is 40. Of these, 25 stations are on the Blue Line, and 17 stations are on the Green Line.

There are two interchange stations between the Blue and Green lines – MGR Central Metro Station (also called Chennai Central) and Arignar Anna Alandur Metro Station. 

Chennai Metro Stations on the Blue Line 

There are 25 metro stations on the Blue Line of Chennai’s metro network. Of these, MGR Central and Arignar Anna Alandur metro stations intersect with the Green Line. The terminal stations on this line are Wimco Nagar and Chennai International Airport. 

Here is a complete list of metro stations in Chennai on the Blue Line: 

Name of StationGoogle Map Location
Wimco NagarClick here
TiruvottriyurClick here
Tiruvottriyur TheradiClick here
KaladipetClick here
TollgateClick here
New WashermanpetClick here
TondiarpetClick here
Sir Theagaraya CollegeClick here
WashermanpetClick here
MannadiClick here
High CourtClick here
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central (Chennai Central)Click here
Government EstateClick here
LICClick here
Thousand LightsClick here
AG – DMSClick here
TeynampetClick here
NandanamClick here
SaidapetClick here
Little MountClick here
GuindyClick here
Arignar Anna AlandurClick here
Nanganallur RoadClick here
MeenambakkamClick here
Chennai International AirportClick here

Chennai Metro Stations on the Green Line 

The Green Line has 17 metro stations, including the interchange stations of MGR Central and Arignar Anna Alandur. The terminal stations on the Green Line are MGR Central and St. Thomas Mount. 

The names and locations of all stations on the Green Line are listed below:

Name of StationGoogle Map Location
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central (Chennai Central)Click here
EgmoreClick here
Nehru ParkClick here
KilpaukClick here
Pachaiyappa's CollegeClick here
Shenoy NagarClick here
Anna Nagar EastClick here
Anna Nagar TowerClick here
ThirumangalamClick here
KoyambeduClick here
Puratchi Thalaivi Dr. J. Jayalalithaa CMBTClick here
ArumbakkamClick here
VadapalaniClick here
Ashok NagarClick here
EkkattuthangalClick here
Arignar Anna AlandurClick here
St. Thomas MountClick here

Chennai Metro Timings 

Please note that Chennai Metro train timings might be affected by the pandemic or maintenance/construction activities. For updates regarding changes in the timings, check the CMRL website.

Frequency of Chennai Metro Trains

On weekdays, the frequency of Chennai Metro trains is between 5 to 10 minutes during the peak hours and 10 to 20 minutes during non-peak hours. On Sundays and public holidays, the trains run with a frequency of 10 to 20 minutes.

The table given below has shows the frequency of metro trains in Chennai on the Green Line, Blue Line, and the Inter-Corridor (Chennai Central Metro Station to Chennai Airport Metro Station).

Route Day Peak Hours (8:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 am)Non-Peak Hours (5:30 am to 8:00 am, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm)Non-Peak Hours (10:00 pm to 11:00 pm)
Wimco Nagar to Chennai Airport (Blue Line)Monday to SaturdayEvery 5 minutes Every 10 minutes Every 15 minutes
Sundays and public holidays Every 10 minutes Every 10 minutes Every 10 minutes
MGR Central to Chennai Airport (Inter Corridor)Monday to SaturdayEvery 10 minutes Every 20 minutes Every 30 minutes
Sundays and public holidays Every 20 minutes Every 20 minutes Every 20 minutes
MGR Central to St. Thomas Mount (Green Line)Monday to SaturdayEvery 10 minutes Every 20 minutes Every 30 minutes
Sundays and public holidays Every 20 minutes Every 20 minutes Every 20 minutes

First and Last Train Timings

The table given below shows the timings of the first and last trains from all terminal stations on the Green and Blue lines.

DayStation First TrainLast Train
Blue Line (Wimco Nagar to Chennai Airport)
Monday to SaturdayWimco Nagar05:27 am10:57 pm
Chennai Airport 05:30 am11:00 pm
Sundays and Public HolidaysWimco Nagar06:54 am10:04 pm
Chennai Airport 06:58 am09:58 pm
Green Line (MGR Central to St. Thomas Mount)
Monday to SaturdayMGR Central 05:29 am11:19 pm
St. Thomas Mount 05:28 am11:13 pm
Sundays and Public HolidaysMGR Central07:11 am09:51 pm
St. Thomas Mount06:51 am10:11 pm
Inter Corridor (MGR Central to Chennai Airport)
Monday to SaturdayMGR Central05:39 am10:59 pm
Chennai Airport 05:33 am22:53 pm
Sundays and Public HolidaysMGR Central07:00 am10:00 pm
Chennai Airport 06:56 am09:56 pm

Chennai Metro Fare

You can download the latest and revised Chennai Metro fare chart here.

Types of Tickets

Ticket TypeDescription
Single Journey Tickets (tokens)Single journey between two stations.
Min fare – INR 10. Max fare – INR 50
Contactless QR Tickets (single journey, round journey, and group tickets)Single or round journey between two stations.
Discounts as applicable.
Trip Card / Trip PassMultiple journeys between two fixed destinations.
Available for 10 rides/30 days, 30 rides/90 days, and 60 rides/180 days.
Discounts as applicable.
Travel Card/ Smart Card (Store Value Card)Multiple journeys between any metro stations in Chennai.
Refundable deposit – INR 50.
Min top-up – INR 50. Max top-up – INR 3000.
Discounts as applicable.
Tourist TicketsUnlimited trips.
INR 100 for the one-day card and INR 2500 for the 30-days card.

Chennai Metro Fare Calculator

To calculate the fare online between any two metro stations in Chennai, follow the instructions given below:

Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai Metro Phase 2 or CMRL Phase 2 involves the construction of 3 new lines and 128 stations. The project covers a distance of 118.9 km.

The new lines proposed under Phase 2 are as follows:

Given below are the details of Chennai Metro Phase 2, including the route, distance, and the names of stations in each line.

1. Madhavaram to SIPCOT (CMRL Phase 2, Line 3)

Distance (approx.)No. of Stations Names of StationsStatus
45.8 km50Madhavaram Milk ColonyUnder planning and tendering
Thapalpetti
Murari Hospital
Moolakadai
Sembiyam
Permabur Market
Perambur Metro
Ayanavaram
Otteri
Pattalam
Perambur Barracks Road
Doveton Junction
Purasawalkam High Road
Kellys
KMC
Chetpet Metro
Sterling Road Jn
Nungambakkam
Gemini
Thousand Lights
Royapettah Govt Hospital
Radhakrishnan salai Jn
Thirumayilai Metro
Mandaiveli
Greenways Road Metro
Adyar Jn
Adayar Depot
Indira Nagar
Thiruvanmiyur Metro
Tharamani Link Road
Nehru Nagar
Kandanchavadi
Perungudi
Thoraipakkam
Mettukuppam
PTC Colony
Okkiyampet
Karapakkam
Okkiyam Thoraipakkam
Sholinganallur
Sholinganallur Lake
Sri Ponniamman Temple
Sathyabama University
St Joseph College
Semmancheri
Gandhi Nagar
Navallur
Siruseri
SIPCOT 1
SIPCOT 2

2. Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass (CMRL Phase 2, Line 4)

Distance (approx.)No. of Stations Names of StationsStatus
26.1 km30Light HouseUnder planning and tendering
Kutchery Road
Thirumayilai Metro
Alwarpet
Bharathidasan Road
Adyar Gate Junction
Nandanam
Natesan Park
Panagal Park
Kodambakkam Sub Urban
Meenakshi College
Power House
Vadapalani
Saligramam
Avichi School
Alwarthirunagar
Valasaravakkam
Karambakkam
Alapakkam
Porur Junction
Chennai Bypass Crossing
Ramachandra Hospital
Iyyapanthangal Bus Depot
Kattupakkam
Kumananchavadi
Karayanchavadi
Mullai Thottam
Poonamalle bus terminus
Poonamallee By Pass
Poonamallee Bus Depot

3. Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (CMRL Phase 2, Line 5)

Distance (approx.)No. of Stations Names of StationsStatus
47 km48Madhavaram Milk Colony Under planning and tendering
Venugopal Nagar
Assissi Nagar
Manjambakkam
Velumurugan Nagar
MMBT
Shastri Nagar
Retteri Junction
Kolathur Junction
Srinivasa Nagar
Villivakkam Metro
Villivakkam Bus Terminus
Nathamuni
Anna Nagar Depot
Thirumangalam
Kendriya Vidyalaya
Kaliammankoil Street Junction
CMBT
Grain Market
Sai Nagar Bus Stop
Elango Nagar Bus Stop
Alwartirunagar
Valasaravakkam
Karabakkam
Alapakkam Junction
Porur Junction
Mugalivakkam
DLF IT SEZ
Sathya Nagar
CTC
Butt Road
Alandur
St. Thomas Mount
Adambakkam
Vanuvampet
Puzhuthivakkam
Madipakkam
Kilkattalai
Echangadu
Kovilambakkam
Vellakkal
Medavakkam Koot Road
Kamaraj Garden Street
Medavakkam Junction
Perumbakkam
Global Hospital
Elcot
Sholinganallur

Chennai Metro Phase 2 Map

Check out the Chennai Metro Phase 2 Map with the proposed routes, stations, and intersections.

Chennai Metro Phase 2
(Image source: CMRL)

Chennai Metro Parking Charges Facilities

Given below are details of Chennai Metro parking charges and facilities:

Parking TimeTwo-Wheeler
(All stations except Kilpauk and CMBT)
Four-Wheeler
(All stations except Kilpauk, CMBT, Anna Nagar Tower, Vadapalani, AG-DMS, Nanganallur Road, and Meenambakkam)
0 to 6 hoursINR 10*INR 20 – 30
6 to 12 hoursINR 15*INR 15 – 45
More than 12 hoursINR 20*INR 20 – 60
Outside of service hoursINR 50 *INR 100*
Monthly Pass (daytime parking)INR 500 to INR 1000INR 250 to INR 500
Monthly Pass (24 hours)INR 2000 to INR 3000INR 1000 to INR 1500

* The parking charges for Chennai Airport Metro Station and a few other stations are different. To get station-wise parking charges, check out the latest parking tariff here.

Contact Details of Chennai Metro Rail Limited

Chennai Metro – Top FAQs

Is there metro connectivity to Chennai Airport?

Yes. The Blue Line of the metro network has a metro station that serves the international airport in Chennai. Those traveling by the Green Line can change to the Blue Line at Alandur or MGR Central (Chennai Central) and reach the Chennai Airport Metro Station.

How do I get to Chennai Airport from Chennai Central by Metro?

There are direct trains from Chennai Central Metro Station (also called MGR Central Metro Station) to Chennai International Airport Metro Station. It takes around 45 minutes (18.14 km) to reach the airport from Chennai Central.
The ticket charge from Chennai Central to Chennai Airport is INR 40, and the train frequency is every 10 to 20 minutes. After reaching the Chennai Airport Metro Station, you can get to the terminals using the walkalators or shuttle services.

What is the starting time of Chennai Metro?

The starting time of the metro network in Chennai is 5:30 am on weekdays (Monday to Saturday). On Sundays and public holidays, it is 7:00 am.

What is the closing time of Chennai Metro?

The closing time of Chennai’s metro train network is 11:00 pm on weekdays (Monday to Saturday) and 10:00 pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Is there metro connectivity to Egmore?

Yes. The Green Line (Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount) has a metro station in Egmore. It is the transfer station for Chennai Egmore Railway Station (outstation trains) and Chennai Egmore Suburban Railways Station (local trains).

Is there metro connectivity to Tambaram?

No. Currently, Tambaram doesn’t have direct metro connectivity. The nearest metro station to Tambaram is the Chennai Airport Metro Station (10 km). After reaching the Airport Metro Station, you can cover the remaining distance by road.
You can also take a local train to Tambaram from Tirusulam Suburban Railway Station, which is located just across the Airport Metro Station (around 5 mins walk).

Do Chennai Metro stations have parking facilities?

Yes. Two-wheeler parking facilities are available in all metro stations except Kilpauk and CMBT. Four-wheeler parking facilities are available in all metro stations except Kilpauk, CMBT, Anna Nagar Tower, Vadapalani, AG-DMS, Nanganallur Road, and Meenambakkam.
To know more about the availability of parking space and pass in the metro stations in Chennai, click here.

How many metro stations are there in Chennai?

Currently, there are 40 metro stations in Chennai – 25 stations on the Blue Line and 17 stations on the Green Line. The network has two interchange stations (Chennai Central and Alandur) that serve both Green and Blue lines.

Is there a Chennai Metro app?

Yes. The Chennai Metro Rail app is the official app of CMRL. If you are an Android user, click here to download the app. The iOS version of the app is available here. You can use the app to:
1.      Get station info
2.      Get live train timings
3.      Know parking facility and availability
4.      Check the distance, route, and fare between any two stations
5.      Find the nearest metro railway station
6.      Recharge your travel card
7.      Buy contactless QR tickets or trip passes
8.      Get information related to travel and the metro network
9.      Contact CMRL helpline

Which is the nearest metro station to Chennai Airport?

Chennai Airport Metro Station is the nearest metro stop to the international airport in Chennai. The station is connected to the terminals through walkalators and shuttle services

Which is the nearest metro station to Chennai Central?

Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro Station (MGR Central), popularly known as Chennai Central Metro Station, is the nearest metro to Chennai Central Railway Station. It is connected to the railway station via subway exit/entry points.

Is metro available in Adyar?

Currently, the metro network in Chennai doesn’t have a station in Adyar. The nearest metro stations to Adyar are Nandanam, Guindy, and Little Mount. All these stations are on the Blue Line and within a distance of 7 km of Adyar.

How can I buy a Chennai Metro travel card?

You can buy a Chennai Metro Travel Card (smart card) by visiting the ticket counters or Ticket Office Machines (TOMs) at any of the metro stations in Chennai. The cost of the Travel Card is INR 100 (refundable deposit of INR 50 + top-up of INR 50).
You can recharge your Travel Card online or offline. The minimum and maximum recharge amounts are INR 50 and INR 3000, respectively.

How do I recharge my Chennai Metro card?

You can recharge your Chennai Metro Travel Card (store value card or smart card) both offline and online.
1.      Using Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) installed at the stations.
2.      Using Ticket Office Machines (TOMs).
3.      Through the CMRL mobile app. Check the next question to see how to recharge your CMRL Travel Card online using the mobile app. 

How can I recharge my Chennai Metro Travel Card online?

You can recharge your Metro Travel Card in Chennai using the CMRL mobile app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download the app. (Android version or iOS version).
Step 2: Open the app > The home screen will appear > Click on Edit Menu > Add Travel Card Recharge to the home screen > Go back to the home screen > Click on the Travel Card Recharge icon.
Chennai Metro
Step 3: Log in using your credentials / New users must register on the app by clicking the Create Account option.
Chennai Metro
Step 4: Click on Add New Card to add your card details. Alternatively, you can recharge the card using the Quick Recharge method.
Chennai Metro
Step 5: Enter your card number and name > Click on Add Card.
Chennai Metro
Step 6: Your name and card number will be shown on the screen > To recharge the card, click on it.
Chennai Metro
Step 7: Your name, card number, card balance, etc. will be shown on the screen > Enter the amount you want to add to the card > Click on Add Money.
Chennai Metro
Step 8: Choose your preferred method of payment – net banking, credit card, cash card, wallets, debit cards, etc. > Proceed to pay the money.
Step 9: Once your Chennai Metro card online recharge is successful, you must visit any metro station > Insert/tap your card in the Ticket Vending Machine or Card Reader Machine to redeem the recharge.

How can I check my Chennai Metro card balance online?

You can check your Chennai Metro card balance online through the CMRL mobile app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download the Android version or iOS version of the Chennai Metro Rail app > Open the app > You can see the home screen > Edit Menu > Add Travel Card Recharge > The icon will now be added to your home screen.
Chennai Metro
Step 2: Click on the Travel Card Recharge icon on the home screen > You will be asked to log in to your account. If you are a new user, you must first register on the app and then click on the Travel Card Recharge icon.
Chennai Metro
Step 3: Click on the Add New Card.
Chennai Metro
Step 4: Enter your card number > Enter a nickname > Click on the Add Card button.
Chennai Metro
Step 5: The card is now added to the screen > Click on it.  
Chennai Metro
Step 6: You can now see your card details on the page, including your Chennai Metro card balance.
Chennai Metro
Alternatively, you can check your Chennai Metro card balance by swiping/inserting your card in the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) or Card Reader Machines installed at the metro stations. Your card balance will be shown on the screen.

What is Chennai Metro QR code ticketing?

Chennai Metro’s QR code ticket is a contactless ticketing method that allows you to buy tickets through the mobile app. When you purchase the ticket, you will receive a QR code on the app, which you can scan at the QR code scanners installed at the entry/exit gates.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy Chennai Metro’s QR tickets online through the mobile app:
Step 1: Download the Chennai Metro Rail app. (Android version or iOS version).
Step 2: Open the app > Click on QR Ticket.
Chennai Metro
Step 3: You will be asked to log in or register on the app. If you are a new user, register by filling in the required details and then log in using the credentials.
Step 4: Choose your journey details – single journey or round journey, source station, destination station, number of tickets (max. 6), etc. > Based on the details you enter, the total fare will be shown on the screen > Click on Pay Now > Confirm the ticket details > Continue to Payment.
Chennai Metro
Step 5: Choose a payment method (credit card, cash cards, debit card, net banking, etc.) > Complete the transaction.
Step 6: You will get a QR code (valid for 8 hours from the time of booking).
Step 7: Swipe it at the QR code scanners installed at the entry/exit gates.

How can I buy a Chennai Metro Trip Pass online?

Chennai Metro Trip Passes allow multiple rides between two fixed stations. Unlike the Travel Card, the Trip Pass cannot be used for traveling between any two stations, but only for a fixed route.  
You can purchase the Trip Pass online through the CMRL mobile app and enjoy multiple rides using the QR code you receive. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Firstly, download the Chennai Metro app on your phone. It is available for both Android and iPhone users.
Step 2: Open the app > Select QR Ticket.
Chennai Metro
Step 3: Log in to your account (existing users) or create an account (new users).
Chennai Metro
Step 4: After logging in, click on Buy Passes.
Step 5: Enter Source Station and Destination Station > Click on View Passes.
Chennai Metro
Step 6: You can see your Trip Pass options and the fare – 10 rides with 30-days validity, 30 rides with 90-days validity, and 60 rides with 180 days-validity. Click on the pass you wish to buy.
Chennai Metro
Step 7: Verify the Trip Pass summary > Pay.
Step 8: Choose a payment method and complete the transaction.
Step 9: Upon successful purchase, you will get your Trip Pass QR code. You can start traveling by scanning the code at the entry/exit gates.

What is the full form of CRML?

The full form of CMRL is Chennai Metro Rail Limited. A joint undertaking of the Government of Karnataka and the Government of India, CMRL owns and operates the metro network in the city of Chennai.

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