Bengaluru’s traffic is legendary for the wrong reasons, and Namma Metro is the city’s answer to it — a growing rail network that skips the jams entirely on the corridors it covers. For a visitor or a new resident, the key is knowing which line goes where, where they meet, and how fares work. This guide breaks down the Namma Metro route, its lines and interchange, and how to pay, so you can cross the city above the gridlock.
The lines, in plain terms
Namma Metro, operated by BMRCL, is organised into colour-named lines, and two of them form the backbone most riders use:
- Purple Line — the east–west spine, running from Whitefield (Kadugodi) in the east to Challaghatta in the southwest, passing through the city centre. It is the line that connects the IT belt in the east to the core.
- Green Line — the north–south corridor, running from Madavara in the northwest down to Silk Institute in the south.
- Yellow Line — a newer corridor linking RV Road to Bommasandra in the south, serving the Electronic City direction.
Further lines, including a Blue Line towards the airport, are under construction and extending the reach of the network year by year. For day-to-day travel, the Purple and Green lines cover most central journeys.
| Line | Route | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Line | Whitefield (Kadugodi) – Challaghatta | East–west through the city centre |
| Green Line | Madavara – Silk Institute | North–south |
| Yellow Line | RV Road – Bommasandra | South, towards Electronic City |
Where the lines meet
The pivotal interchange is Majestic — formally Nadaprabhu Kempegowda station — where the Purple and Green lines cross. Almost any trip that combines an east–west and a north–south leg passes through here, so it is the single station to anchor your mental map of the network. When you plan a route, check whether your origin and destination are on the same line; if not, Majestic is usually where you change.
Fares and how to pay
Fares are distance-based, rising in steps as your journey gets longer. You can pay in a few ways: a contactless smart card that you top up and tap, which is the smoothest for regular travel; a QR-code ticket bought through the official Namma Metro app; and tokens or tickets from station counters and machines. Because fares are revised from time to time, the Namma Metro app’s fare feature or the fare chart at the station gives you the exact current amount for your route rather than an out-of-date figure. The app also shows the nearest station and live timings, which is handy when you are finding your way for the first time.
Timings and travel tips
- Trains run from early morning until late at night, with more frequent services during peak commuting hours.
- Peak-hour trains on the Purple Line through the centre get crowded — travel a little before or after the rush for a seat.
- Keep a smart card loaded to avoid the token queue, which builds up at Majestic and other busy stations.
- Security checks apply at entry, so arrive a couple of minutes early and avoid carrying prohibited items.
Comparing metro systems across the country? See how to navigate the Delhi Metro route map and interchanges, and if your trip continues by train, our guides to seat availability and live running status keep the rail legs on track.
Before your first ride
A few small things make the first journey smoother. Security screening applies at every station entrance, so leave large bags behind and avoid carrying prohibited items such as sharp objects or flammable liquids, which will be turned away at the scanner. Trains run frequently, but services thin out late in the evening, so check the time of the last train on your line if you are heading home after dinner or a late event.
Think about the first and last mile too. Stations are well placed along the main corridors, but your final stretch is often by auto-rickshaw or bus, so factor that into your travel time. If you expect to use the metro more than a couple of times, a rechargeable smart card is worth it — you tap in and out without queuing for a token each trip, and topping it up takes a moment at a machine or in the app. Lifts and escalators serve most stations, which helps if you are travelling with luggage or a pushchair.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the Purple and Green lines meet?
At Majestic station, formally Nadaprabhu Kempegowda station. It is the main interchange of Namma Metro, where the east–west Purple Line crosses the north–south Green Line, and the station to anchor most cross-city journeys.
How do I pay for Namma Metro?
Use a contactless smart card you top up and tap, a QR-code ticket from the official Namma Metro app, or a token from a station counter or machine. A smart card is smoothest for regular travel and skips the token queue.
Which line goes towards Whitefield?
The Purple Line runs east to Whitefield (Kadugodi), connecting the eastern IT belt to the city centre and continuing southwest to Challaghatta. It is the main east–west corridor of the network.
How are Namma Metro fares worked out?
Fares are distance-based and rise in steps with the length of the journey. For the exact current fare on your route, use the fare feature in the official Namma Metro app or the fare chart displayed at the station.
Does Namma Metro reach Bengaluru airport?
A dedicated line towards the airport is under construction and extending the network. Until it opens, check the latest Namma Metro map for the current reach, and use the app for the nearest station and routing.