Mumbai Metro Line 3, the Aqua Line, is the city’s first fully underground metro corridor. Fully operational since October 2025, it transformed South Mumbai’s connectivity — for the first time, travelling from the international airport to Churchgate by rail in under 40 minutes is possible.
The route
Line 3 runs 33.5km fully underground from Cuffe Parade in the south to Aarey Colony (JVLR) in the north. All 26 stations are underground.
Complete station list (south to north):
Cuffe Parade → Vidhan Bhavan → Churchgate → Hutatma Chowk → CSMT → Kalbadevi → Girgaon → Grant Road → Mumbai Central → Worli → Siddhivinayak → Dharavi → BKC → Kurla → MIDC → Marol Naka → SEEPZ → CSIA T1 → CSIA T2 → Sahar Road → Airport Colony → Jagruti Nagar → Andheri → JVLR → Aarey
Why this line matters
Before Line 3, no single rail connection existed between South Mumbai and the airport. A cab from Churchgate to T2 could take 45–90 minutes. Line 3 makes it a reliable 38–42 minutes underground for approximately ₹55.
BKC to CSMT: 20 minutes — a journey that previously took 30–60 minutes by road.
Fares
1–4 stations: ₹10–₹20
5–10 stations: ₹30–₹40
Full end-to-end (Cuffe Parade to Aarey): approximately ₹60
How to buy tickets
MetroConnect3 app: Official app for Line 3. Buy QR tickets before travelling. Also via Paytm and PhonePe.
Station token machine: Buy a plastic chip token. Insert at entry, drop at exit. UPI, card, or cash accepted.
NCMC card: Accepted on all metro lines and the local train network.
Key interchange stations
CSMT: Central Line and Harbour Line local trains
Kurla: Central Railway local train
Andheri: Western Line local train, and Metro Lines 1, 2A, and 7
Timings: approximately 6:00am to 11:00pm daily.
Latest Mumbai Schematic transit map
FAQ
Q: When did Mumbai Metro Line 3 open?
A: Fully operational since October 2025, completing the corridor from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR.
Q: How long from CSMT to the airport on Line 3?
A: Approximately 35–40 minutes to CSIA T2. Fare approximately ₹50.
Q: Is Line 3 faster than a cab from the airport?
A: Significantly faster during the day. Cab: 45–90 minutes, ₹400–₹600. Line 3: 35–40 minutes, ₹55–₹60.
Q: Does Line 3 connect to other metro lines?
A: Yes. At Andheri, it connects to Lines 1, 2A, and 7. At Marol Naka, it intersects with Line 1.
Q: Does Line 3 serve the domestic terminal (T1)?
A: Yes — CSIA T1 has its own dedicated underground station on Line 3.
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