Dharavi metro station on the Aqua Line

Is there a metro station in Dharavi?

Yes. Dharavi station is on Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), between Shitladevi and BKC. It opened on 9 to 10 May 2025.

The station is underground, built by cut-and-cover on the banks of the Mithi River on Dharavi's northern side, according to the Free Press Journal. That puts it near BKC, not next to Mahim station, which sits on Dharavi's western edge on the suburban railway.

The Aqua Line opened in three steps: Aarey to BKC on 5 October 2024, BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk (with Dharavi) on 9 May 2025, and the last stretch to Cuffe Parade on 8 October 2025, per The Metro Rail Guy. It has 27 stations over 33.5 km. Platforms have screen doors, the trains are air-conditioned, and the line is calmer than any local train at rush hour.

How do I get from Mumbai airport to Dharavi by metro?

Board at CSMIA Terminal 2 (international) or Terminal 1 (domestic). Dharavi is six stops from T2, about 14 minutes, for about Rs 20.

The line runs T2, Sahar Road, T1, Santacruz, Vidyanagari, BKC, then Dharavi. There is no change of train. A journey planner estimates 7.3 km, about 14 minutes and Rs 20; MMRC's own fare slab for 3 to 12 km is also Rs 20.

Compare that with a taxi. Reality Tours' airport guide, written before the metro, quotes Rs 500 to 700 and 25 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. With a suitcase and a tour later in the day, the metro is the obvious pick for anyone staying near BKC or Dharavi. For a hotel in Colaba or Fort, stay on the train: the same line continues to Churchgate and Cuffe Parade.

Can I take the metro from Churchgate or Cuffe Parade to Dharavi?

Yes, since October 2025. Churchgate to Dharavi is about 27 minutes and Rs 30 by journey-planner estimates.

The final section from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade opened on 8 October 2025, with passenger service from 9 October. South Mumbai stations on the line include Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Grant Road and Mumbai Central. From Churchgate, a journey planner gives 14.2 km, about 27 minutes and Rs 30.

The metro's Churchgate station is underground, not inside the suburban terminus, so allow a few minutes to find the right entrance. From the Cuffe Parade end, the timings are slightly longer and the fare may fall in the next slab; check the price at the ticket gate.

What are the Aqua Line fares and opening hours?

Fares go from Rs 10 to Rs 70 by distance. Trains run from about 5:55 am, with the last departures at about 10:30 pm.

MMRC prices tickets by distance. The slabs below come from Swarajya's report on the full-line opening; the maximum fare is Rs 70. When the whole line opened, the Free Press Journal reported first trains at 5:55 am from both ends and last trains leaving at 10:30 pm. Earlier reports gave later Sunday and holiday starts, and a journey planner lists the first train through Dharavi towards Cuffe Parade at 6:33 am. For an early tour, check MMRC's website for the day you travel.

Tickets are sold at station counters and machines, and as QR tickets on phone apps. Keep the ticket until you exit; you need it at the gate.

Metro or local train to Mahim: which is better for a Dharavi tour?

It depends on the meeting point. For tours starting at Mahim station, take the Western line local. For pickups or starts near the station, the metro is easier.

Most Dharavi walks do not start at the metro. The Reality Tours walk meets at the west entrance of Mahim station (or at Churchgate, by option). Amaze Tours' train tour starts at Churchgate and makes the local train ride part of the experience, with a guide to get you on and off. The listing for Inside Mumbai Tours' walk gives a start point inside Dharavi on the Mahim side. For these three, the suburban train is the direct route.

The local is cheaper and, outside rush hour, simple. Reality Tours puts Churchgate to Mahim at about 45 minutes by slow train including the walk from Colaba. Avoid the morning and evening rush, when the doors are packed. Use the metro when your guide meets you near the metro station, when you come straight from the airport, or when you want air conditioning and a seat. Our guide to choosing a Dharavi tour lists every meeting point.

How do I reach my tour meeting point from Dharavi metro station?

Ask your operator first. The station is on the opposite side of Dharavi from Mahim station, so plan a taxi or auto ride, or a pickup.

Tour listings were written around the railway. The listings we checked do not name the metro station as a meeting point or give walking directions from it. Message the operator through your booking with the station name and ask where to meet; local guides answer this question every week.

If your option includes pickup, as some do on the local-guide walk, give the station as the pickup point and check that the operator accepts it at checkout. Do not try to find your way through the lanes alone with a phone map. The lanes are narrow, the map pins are rough, and you will end up late and lost in someone's doorway. For more on getting around safely, see our safety guide.

Frequently asked questions