Chennai Metro Blue and Green Lines: Stations for Visitors

How is the Chennai Metro laid out?

The network is simple in shape. Two lines cross at Chennai Central, which is also the city's major railway terminus. The Blue Line runs roughly north to south and then out to the airport. The Green Line runs from Central west and south to St Thomas Mount. Wikipedia lists the Blue Line at 32.1 km with 26 stations and the Green Line at 22 km with 17 stations.

Phase 2, a larger expansion of about 118.9 km, is still under construction according to Wikipedia, with the Yellow Line reported as expected to open around November 2026. Treat opening dates as provisional and check the Chennai Metro Rail site before you plan around them.

Which Blue Line stations matter to visitors?

From the airport end, the order is Chennai Airport, Meenambakkam, Nanganallur Road, Alandur, Guindy, Little Mount, Saidapet, Nandanam, Teynampet, AG-DMS, Thousand Lights, LIC, Government Estate, Central, High Court and Mannadi, then on to Washermanpet and beyond. Several of these are underground, including everything from Tondiarpet to Saidapet.

Thousand Lights is an underground station, with LIC and Government Estate between it and Central. The LIC station name points to the LIC building on Anna Salai, which Wikipedia describes as Chennai's first skyscraper. Teynampet and AG-DMS are the next stops south, and both lie along the Anna Salai business corridor.

From Thousand Lights to the airport is 10 stops, passing AG-DMS, Teynampet, Nandanam, Saidapet, Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, Nanganallur Road and Meenambakkam. If you are heading for Guindy, which is on the southern side of the city, the Blue Line avoids the heavy traffic on Anna Salai entirely.

Where do the lines meet?

Chennai Central is the main interchange between the Blue and Green lines, and it also serves the railway terminus and the suburban network. Alandur, further south, is where the Green Line meets the Blue Line again. That makes Alandur and Central the two places where you can change lines.

If you are arriving by train at Chennai Central or Egmore, the metro is a practical way to reach Thousand Lights: from Central, it is three stops on the Blue Line. Egmore has its own station on the Green Line, according to Wikipedia.

Chennai also has a separate suburban railway system and an above-ground MRTS line, which are not part of the metro. The suburban network carries about 2.5 million passengers a day, according to Wikipedia, and includes stations such as Egmore and Nungambakkam. Ticketing is separate from the metro, so check before you board.

What are the hours and the fares?

Wikipedia lists services from about 5 AM to 11 PM. On the Blue Line, the average gap is around 6 minutes at peak and 12 minutes off peak. On the Green Line, it is about 12 minutes at peak and 18 minutes off peak. Fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 50. These are published figures that can change, so confirm on the official site.

You can pay with single journey tokens, stored-value cards, the Singara Chennai Card, or QR tickets from the CMRL mobile app. The official site also mentions group and family tickets and a 24/7 helpline at 1860-425-1515, plus a women's helpline at 155370.

Women travelling alone may find it reassuring that the official site lists dedicated facilities for women passengers and a women's helpline. The site also lists facilities for differently-abled passengers and a Metro Connect feeder bus service for the last mile.

How does the hotel connect to the network?

Hotel Royal Luxe is in Thousand Lights West, 3 to 10 minutes' walk from Thousand Lights Metro. That makes the metro practical for the airport run, for Teynampet and Nandanam meetings, and for the railway stations. For places the metro does not reach, an auto or cab from the station is a short last leg.

Do not rely on the metro for everything. It is excellent along its line and weaker for cross-town trips, where you may need to change to a bus or an auto. Plan your route on the official travel planner before you leave.

If you are unsure which exit to use, look at the signs on the concourse before you go up to street level. Underground stations often have several exits onto different sides of a busy road, and choosing the right one can save a long walk in the heat or rain.

What should you carry and know?

Carry a small amount of change or a loaded card, and keep your bags compact. Escalators at underground stations can be long. Avoid the early evening rush if you have large luggage, and follow the markings on the platform. Rooms at the hotel start at Rs 1,800 per night; reconfirm rates when you book. Call or WhatsApp +91 72001 09033 or +91 72001 09077 with your dates and number of guests.