From the Delhi airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport) you can easily reach the city centre by taxi, metro, or bus. Inside the airport’s arrival halls, you can book standard, radio, or luxury taxis; fare is dependent on taxi company and travel time is largely dependent on traffic. Welcome Pickups’ transfer service is available and offers travellers a safe and convenient ride to their destination of choice. You can also reach the city centre via the Airport Express Metro (the Orange line) which travels to the New Delhi Metro Station, which is next to the New Delhi Railway Station in the city centre, in 20 minutes and costs less than a euro (60 INR). Buses from the airport are available and are the cheapest mean of transportation, though the bus is the least comfortable mean of transportation.
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Getting from Delhi Airport to the City Centre
Comparison of the options
How to get from Delhi airport to city centre by taxi
Taxis are the most comfortable way of reaching the city centre from the airport, especially if toting luggage. Without traffic, reaching the city centre via taxi takes around 25 minutes; however, traffic is common and can extend the journey to 50 minutes. From the airport, you can hire standard taxis, radio taxis or luxury taxis. To avoid scams, it is highly recommended to hire a taxi from one of the taxi counters located inside the Delhi airport’s arrival halls. You can either hire a taxi at a fixed, prepaid rate or a metered radio taxi. Fare for reaching the city centre with a standard taxi is around 5-7€ (400-500 INR), or around 0.26-0.32€ per kilometre (20-25 INR/km).
Taxi fare from Delhi airport to city centre
If you choose to book a taxi at a counter inside the airport, a flat rate can be agreed upon prior to the ride. The fare from Delhi airport to the city centre depends on the taxi company and journey distance. Fare is about 0.26-0.32€ (20-25 INR) per kilometre – reaching the city centre in a standard taxi will cost around 5-7€ (400-500 INR). Between 23:00 pm and 05:00 am, the fare is subject to a 25% surcharge, and additional luggage fees may apply.
Cost
5€ (400 INR)
Trip Duration
It takes anywhere from 25 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
Rates vary depending on company, car type, and distance.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis are available 24/7 at Delhi airport
Where do I get it from?
Taxis can be booked at a counter inside the arrivals hall of Terminals 1, 2, or 3 for a set fare. Taxis can also be found outside each of the terminals; however, it is best to book from one of the taxi companies inside the airport to avoid scams.
Convenience
A taxi can bring you directly to your accommodation, though traffic may slow the journey. It frees you of the stress and hassle that can come with navigating a new city’s public transportation system. Especially if you are carrying heavy luggage, a taxi is the easiest transfer option.
Editor’s Note
Be cautious of taxi scams – it is best to book a taxi inside the airport for a set fare rather than to take a taxi from outside the airport. When taking a taxi in Delhi, be sure to have a prearranged fare, or make sure the meter is on.
Useful Tips
How to get from Delhi airport to city centre by metro
The Airport Express Metro is a fast, cheap way to reach the city centre from the Delhi airport. The Airport Express Metro, operated by Delhi Metro, begins at the Dwarka Sector 21 Metro station, stops at the IGI Airport Metro Station, and continues to the New Delhi Metro Station in the city centre, which is adjacent to the New Delhi Railway Station. The Airport Express Metro, or Orange Line, runs every 10 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes during non-peak times from 04:45 am to 23:30 pm. From the airport, it takes only 20 minutes by metro to reach the New Delhi Metro Station and costs less than a euro (60 INR).
How much is the metro from Delhi airport to city centre?
The Airport Express Metro costs 0.77€ (60 INR) to reach the New Delhi Metro Station in the city centre. To take the metro, you will need to purchase a token, or smart card for multiple journeys, from the ticket counter or from an automatic ticket issuing machine, located inside Terminal 3.
Cost
0.77€ (60 INR)
Trip Duration
20 min.
There’s a waiting time of 10-15 minutes
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The Delhi airport train is available from 04:45 am to 23:30 pm.
Where do I get it from?
The IGI Airport Metro Station is an underground station and is connected to Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is a short walk from Terminal 3, and Terminal 1 is connected via 24/7 airport shuttles. In Terminal 3, after customs, signs in the arrivals hall will indicate the direction to the station; you will take a lift down to the level of the metro station.
Convenience
The Airport Express Metro is mostly underground, allowing you to escape traffic and reach the city centre in just 20 minutes. The metro runs frequently (every 10 or 15 minutes) so you will not have a long wait. The metro ends at the New Delhi Metro Station, which is located in the city centre next to the train station, and buses also run from here, allowing you to easily reach your final destination.
Editor’s Note
You can download the Delhi Metro Mobile app to your mobile device so that you may better navigate the metro during your stay in Delhi.
Useful Tips
How to get from Delhi airport to city centre by bus
From the Delhi airport, the cheapest transfer option is by bus, though it is also the least recommended as the bus can be very crowded, and you should pay attention to your surroundings on the bus – be sure to keep your valuables guarded. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates a bus service from the airport to the city centre and to other focal points in Delhi every 30 minutes. The Airport Express runs from Terminal 3 to the New Delhi Railway station.
How much is the bus from Delhi airport to city centre?
DTC bus fare is determined by the length of the trip and whether or not the bus is air-conditioned. To reach the city centre, it costs 0.32 euro (25 INR) for an air-conditioned bus and 0.19 euro (15 INR) for a non-air-conditioned bus. Tickets can be purchased from the conductor when entering the bus.
Cost
0.19 euro (15 INR)
Trip Duration
45 Min.
There's a waiting time of 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Buses are available 24/7
Where do I get it from?
The Airport Express bus can be found outside Terminal 3 at a staging area across from Centaur Hotel. This bus goes to the New Delhi Railway station in the city centre. Bus services are also available outside Terminals 1 and 2.
Convenience
For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel. However, buses are subject to heavy traffic in Delhi, and they can be very crowded, especially during peak commuter times. If taking the bus, it is recommended that you keep a close eye on your belongings.
Editor’s Note
Hundreds of bus lines operate in Delhi, take a look at where your destination is beforehand so that you can find the best route there.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Delhi. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
Does Uber operate in Delhi?
Yes, Uber along with Ola, a similar ride company, operate in Delhi. You can order an Uber via the Uber mobile app and meet your ride in the allocated ride-share pickup area outside the airport.
How far is the Delhi airport from the city centre?
The Delhi airport (DEL), is about 15 km southwest of the city centre. Without traffic, it takes about 25 minutes by car to reach the centre from the airport, or it is a 20 minute metro ride away.
What is the fastest way to reach the city centre?
The metro is actually faster than taking a taxi if going to the city centre. The metro takes just 20 minutes to reach the New Delhi Metro Station; however by car, it takes anywhere from 25 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
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