A Visual Guide to Riding the Delhi Metro

Every day, the Delhi Metro transports 8 million people—as far as 60 kilometers and at the cheapest rates.

No wonder it's called Delhi's lifeline.

While designed and planned in the friendliest way possible, it can still trip up first-time visitors. Here is a visual guide to help you prep for your ride.

Contents:

📍 Planning Your Route

🚉 Finding the Metro Station

🎫 Getting a Ticket

🧭 Navigating the Station

🚇 On Board

Planning Your Route

Use Google Maps or the Delhi Momentum 2.0 app to plan the route

Delhi Metro Momentum 2.0 Sarthi app suggests the fastest routes, line changes, ticket cost, and timings

Pro tip: You can also use the app to buy QR tickets, rent smart lockers in over 50 stations, and get a Virtual Smart Card.

Pay attention to line colors and interchange stations

The two main lines that cross the heart of Delhi are Yellow (north-to-south) and Blue (east-to-west). These two lines also connect Delhi to Gurugram and Noida/Ghaziabad, respectively.

Download the full map here. ⬇️

Delhi-Metro-Map.pdf

Download PDF • 2.68MB

The Violet line passes through many heritage sites (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Lotus temple, Tughlaqabad). The line color can be inferred from the horizontal strip running across the train's coaches. The "6" sticker indicates the number of coaches in the train

Pro tip: In peak hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM), avoid interchanges through the Rajiv Chowk and Hauz Khas stations

Direction of travel is indicated by the line's final station

Make sure to note the terminal station in the direction of your intended travel (ex., Dwarka or Noida Electronic City). Confirm the same on the platform LED boards that mention the ETA of the next train.

Finding the Metro Station

Look for the distinctive Metro logo across the city

Underground stations can be identified by signs on the road

Elevated stations are easy to spot from a distance

Pro tip: If you're arriving by auto or cab, just say the station name—the driver will know!

Most stations lie along major roads with entrances on either side

Most stations have 4 or more entry gates, all numbered. Generally, you wouldn't have to cross a road to enter the station

Accessibility is a highlight of the Delhi Metro. You will find escalators and elevators to take you to the concourse.

Pro tip: Use the metro station as a footover bridge/subway to cross busy roads

Getting a Ticket

You can book QR tickets on the app. Getting them at the station is just as easy.

Use the automatic ticket vending machine to generate QR tickets or recharge a Smart Card

Smart Cards and Tourist Cards are issued at the Customer Care Counter near the AFC gates

Tourist Cards can get you unlimited trips for a limited number of days

Type	Validity	Cost	Condition
One-Day Tourist Card	1 Day	₹200	₹150 for travel and a ₹50 refundable security deposit
Three-Day Tourist Card	3 Days	₹500	₹450 for travel and a ₹50 refundable security deposit

• Tourist Cards are valid for unlimited travel on all Delhi Metro lines, except the Airport Express Line. 

• The ₹50 security deposit is refundable upon returning the card. 

If your card doesn't seem to work, contact the station Customer Care- it's usually next to the AFC gates.

Pro tip: Approach the Customer Care at smaller, less-crowded stations for quicker support

Keep your token/card handy—you’ll need it to enter and exit

Make sure the paper ticket doesn't crumple in your pocket

Navigating the Metro Station

Concourse -> Security check -> Automated Fare Collection gates -> Platforms

Keep your ticket ready, place your bags in the X-ray scanner, and pass through a security check. Then queue up for any AFC gate marked with a green arrow.

If you have a card, tap it on the blue panel to the left. If you have a QR ticket, scan it on the glass with the red light. Briefly, the screen above will display your token value, and the gates will part open.

Follow signs based on your line color and train direction

The line color appears on all platform signboards. Nodal stations show all line colors that pass through them (ex, the bottom border indicates this station lies on Yellow and Magenta lines).

Footprints of the line's color will take you to the right platforms

Plan for interchanges

Some line interchanges can have a long walk in between—expect to find snack shops and stores on the way. For interchanges at the Airport Express Line, you may have to pass through another security check and scan your ticket again

Make sure to wait at the right platform

 Trains arrive every 3–5 minutes; no need to rush if you see one coming before you have reached the platform

Stand behind the yellow line. Wait for passengers to exit before boarding.

Stand behind the yellow strip and on the sides. Wait for riding passengers to deboard before stepping in. Mind the gap between the train and the platform.

The queue can get long and chaotic at nodal stations. Don't worry if a train comes already full; another one often arrives within a few minutes.

Women-only coach is the first one in the train's moving direction

Follow the signs in pink for the women's coach

On Board

Delhi Metro Coaches are clean and air-conditioned

Hold the handrails while standing. Slowly move towards the door when your stop is near.

Some seats are reserved for senior citizens, women, and differently-abled passengers.

The LED route map above the doors show stations that the train has crossed (red) and the station being approached (blinking/green)

Offboarding

Information boards on the platforms will help you find the right exit gate

Pro tip: Keep your belongings close. Metro is generally safe, but it's still a public space.

Notes on Airport Metro

• The Airport Express Metro (Orange Line) connects Dwarka Sector-25, IGI Terminal 3, and Aerocity to New Delhi

• The Aerocity Metro station has a feeder bus that connects to IGI Terminal 1

• IGI Terminal 1 Metro station lies on the Magenta Line