Chennai metro ticket booking: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has transformed urban commuting by offering fast, digital, and QR-based ticket booking options. Whether you are a daily commuter, tourist, or first-time passenger, CMRL ensures a seamless travel experience across the city’s metro network.
Ticket price
| Ticket Type / Pass | Fare (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Journey Ticket | ₹10 – ₹60 | Varies by distance traveled |
| Singara Chennai Card (Smartcard) | Variable | Rechargeable for multiple trips |
| Tourist / 1-Day Pass | ₹150 | ₹100 fare + ₹50 refundable deposit |
| Child Ticket (Age 4–12) | ₹50 | Must be accompanied by a paying adult |
| Youth Ticket (Age 13–17) | ₹115 | Digital QR ticket or app purchase |
| Adult Ticket (Age 18+) | ₹150 | Digital QR ticket or app purchase |
| Promotional / Uber Offer | 50% off | Valid during promotional periods; up to ₹20 off rides to/from metro stations |
Ticket Types & Fare Structure
- Single Journey Ticket: Ideal for occasional commuters, purchased digitally or at counters.
- Smartcards: Rechargeable, convenient for daily travel.
- Tourist / 1-Day Pass: Unlimited travel within a single day.
- Discount Offers: Uber integration offers 50% off metro tickets and up to ₹20 off rides to/from metro stations during promotional periods.
How to Use QR Tickets
- Present the QR code at the metro gate scanner for entry and exit.
- Ensure your mobile is charged and the QR code is visible.
- QR tickets are single-use and non-transferable.
- Follow safety guidelines and avoid blocking gate scanners.
Chennai Metro Ticket Booking
1. Digital Booking
Chennai Metro now allows passengers to book tickets online and via mobile apps, making travel cashless and hassle-free.
| Method | How to Book | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Chatbot | Save 8300086000 → Send “Hi” → Select origin & destination → Choose ticket count → Pay via UPI → Receive QR ticket | UPI / Digital Payment |
| CMRL Mobile App | Android & iOS → Select stations → Choose ticket type → Pay → Get QR code | UPI / Netbanking / Wallets |
| Third-Party Apps | Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, redBus, Uber, Rapido → Book ticket → Pay → QR ticket generated | UPI / Wallet / Cards |
| CMRL Online Portal | tickets.chennaimetrorail.org → Select origin & destination → Ticket type → Pay → Receive QR ticket | UPI / Netbanking / Cards |
2. Offline Booking
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Counters at Metro Stations | Purchase single-journey tokens or smartcards directly. |
| Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) | Previously used for recharging smartcards & tokens; now being phased out. |
| Smart Cards | Singara Chennai Card: Reloadable for multiple trips. |
| Tourist Pass | 1-day unlimited rides pass: ₹150 (₹100 fare + ₹50 refundable deposit). |
Recent Updates & Changes
- TVM Removal: CMRL is removing all ticket vending machines across 41 metro stations due to token and smartcard discontinuation.
- Digital Integration: QR ticket booking via Uber app and other platforms.
- Cashless System: Payments are now mostly digital, encouraging faster boarding and reducing cash handling.
- Peak Hour Crowds: Commuters may experience queues at counters, so online booking is recommended.
Benefits of Digital Ticket Booking
- Fast & Convenient: Skip queues and long waiting times.
- Cashless & Secure: Payment via UPI, wallets, and apps.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduced paper usage compared to tokens.
- Real-Time Transit Info: Check train timings and delays instantly.
- Seamless Last-Mile Connectivity: Integration with ride-hailing apps like Uber and Rapido.
Visitor Tips & Recommendations
- Carry a valid ID for verification.
- Keep your mobile fully charged to display QR tickets.
- Wear comfortable shoes as some stations require walking between gates and platforms.
- Book tickets in advance during peak hours or festivals to avoid long queues.
- Explore mobile apps and WhatsApp chatbot for quick ticketing solutions.
Chennai Metro lines and routes
| Metro Line | Route | Key Stations / Interchanges | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Line (North-South Corridor) | Washermanpet ↔ Airport | Washermanpet, Egmore, Chennai Central, Guindy, Airport | Connects northern & southern parts; Airport access |
| Green Line (East-West Corridor) | Chennai Central ↔ St. Thomas Mount | Chennai Central, Egmore, Nungambakkam, Saidapet, St. Thomas Mount | East-West connectivity; interchange at Chennai Central & St. Thomas Mount |
| Future Lines | Madhavaram ↔ SIPCOT / Others | TBD | Under construction; expected to expand network by 2027 |
| Interchange Stations | – | Chennai Central, St. Thomas Mount, Alandur | Allows switching between lines for seamless travel |
| Airport Shuttle | Guindy ↔ Airport | Airport, Guindy, Koyambedu | Dedicated shuttle service for airport commuters |
Future plan section for Chennai Metro
- CMRL Takeover of MRTS: By December 2027, Chennai Metro Rail Limited will manage the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to unify metro operations.
- Network Expansion: New lines and extensions planned to cover underserved areas of Chennai for better city connectivity.
- Increased Digital Integration: More QR-based ticketing, mobile apps, and online booking platforms for a seamless commuter experience.
- Enhanced Last-Mile Connectivity: Partnerships with ride-hailing services like Uber, Rapido, and other public transport modes.
- Eco-Friendly & Smart Initiatives: Introduction of energy-efficient trains, smart stations, and digital displays for real-time updates.
- Tourist-Friendly Services: More 1-day passes and integrated travel options for tourists to explore the city conveniently.
FAQs
Q1: How can I book Chennai Metro tickets online?
A1: You can book tickets via the CMRL mobile app, WhatsApp chatbot (8300086000), official CMRL website, or third-party apps like Paytm, Google Pay, redBus, Uber, and Rapido.
Q2: Can I still buy tickets at the station?
A2: Yes, tickets can be purchased at metro counters. However, ticket vending machines (TVMs) are being removed across 41 stations.
Q3: Are QR tickets accepted at all metro gates?
A3: Yes, simply scan the QR code at the entry and exit gates for seamless travel.
Q4: What is the fare for a single journey ticket?
A4: Fares range from ₹10 to ₹60, depending on the distance traveled between stations.
Q5: How does the Tourist / 1-Day Pass work?
A5: The Tourist Pass costs ₹150 (₹100 fare + ₹50 refundable deposit) and provides unlimited travel for a single day.
Q6: Are there any discounts available for metro tickets?
A6: Yes, promotional offers include 50% off on metro tickets via Uber and up to ₹20 off on Uber Auto or Moto rides to/from metro stations.
Q7: Can children travel alone on Chennai Metro?
A7: No, children aged 0–12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. One adult can accompany up to three children.
Q8: What are the recommended digital payment options?
A8: QR tickets and smartcard recharges can be paid using UPI apps, net banking, and digital wallets like Paytm and Google Pay.
Q9: What future developments are planned for Chennai Metro?
A9: CMRL plans to take over MRTS by December 2027, expand the metro network, improve last-mile connectivity, and increase digital ticketing integration.
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