Chennai Metro Rail Timings (2026): First & Last Train Schedule, Weekday & Weekend Hours
Navigating Chennai efficiently requires accurate, up-to-date schedule information for the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL). Operating across two primary corridors—the Blue Line (Corridor 1) and Green Line (Corridor 2)—the metro offers reliable connectivity connecting key transit hubs like Chennai Airport, Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Central Railway Station, Egmore, and Koyambedu (CMBT). Below is the complete guide to daily operating hours, first and last train timings, and service frequencies.
- Monday to Saturday Operating Hours: 05:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holiday Operating Hours: 08:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Peak Frequency: Trains run every 6 to 7 minutes during peak traffic windows.
- Major Interchange Hubs: Chennai Central (Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Central) & Alandur Metro Station.
1. First and Last Train Timings by Major Stations
Below are the official first and last train departure timings across major origin and terminal stations on both the Blue Line and Green Line:
| Station Name | Line / Corridor | First Train (Mon–Sat) | First Train (Sun & Holidays) | Last Train (Daily) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Airport | Blue Line (towards Wimco Nagar Depot) | 05:00 AM | 08:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Wimco Nagar Depot | Blue Line (towards Chennai Airport) | 05:00 AM | 08:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Chennai Central (Dr. M.G.R. Central) | Green Line (towards St. Thomas Mount) | 05:00 AM | 08:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| St. Thomas Mount | Green Line (towards Chennai Central) | 05:00 AM | 08:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Koyambedu (CMBT) | Green Line (Intermediary Hub) | 05:05 AM | 08:05 AM | 11:10 PM |
| Alandur | Blue & Green Interchange | 05:08 AM | 08:08 AM | 11:15 PM |
2. Weekday Operational Schedules (Monday to Friday)
During weekdays, train service headway is adjusted to support morning and evening work/school commute peaks:
| Time Period | Service Classification | Train Frequency (Headway) |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 AM – 08:00 AM | Early Morning Non-Peak | Every 10 minutes |
| 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning Peak Hours | Every 6 to 7 minutes |
| 11:00 AM – 05:00 PM | Afternoon Non-Peak | Every 9 to 10 minutes |
| 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Evening Peak Hours | Every 6 to 7 minutes |
| 08:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Late Evening Non-Peak | Every 10 minutes |
| 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Extended Night Service | Every 15 minutes |
Key Weekday Commuter Notes:
- High-Density Central ↔ Alandur Stretch: On the shared overlap route between Central and Alandur (via CMBT), peak hour headway is optimized to every 5 minutes.
- Short Loop / Turnback Services: Alternate peak-hour trains on the Blue Line may terminate or turn back at Wimco Nagar or Koyambedu station to manage platform congestion.
3. Weekend and Public Holiday Schedules
Schedules on Saturdays, Sundays, and gazetted state holidays accommodate leisure travel and shopping rush hours across major city centers:
| Day Category | Operating Window | Peak Frequency | Non-Peak Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturdays | 05:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Every 7 to 8 mins | Every 10 mins |
| Sundays & Public Holidays | 08:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Every 10 mins | Every 12 to 15 mins |
4. Last-Train Connection Guidance
If you plan to switch lines late at night (e.g., transferring from Blue Line to Green Line at Alandur or Chennai Central), ensure you reach the interchange station by 10:45 PM. This allows sufficient time to walk between platforms before the final 11:00 PM connecting train departs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What time does Chennai Metro start running in the morning?
On Monday through Saturday, services begin at 05:00 AM. On Sundays and public holidays, services begin at 08:00 AM.
Q2: What is the last metro train time from Chennai Airport?
The last direct Blue Line metro train departs Chennai Airport Metro Station at 11:00 PM daily.
Q3: Are metro train timings extended during festivals or cricket matches?
Yes, CMRL frequently extends operational timings past midnight (up to 12:00 AM or 12:30 AM) during special occasions such as IPL matches at Chepauk, New Year’s Eve, and major festivals.
