Welcome / Delhi / Airport to City

Transportation Options from New Delhi Airport to the City

Maria Papakonstantinou

October 22, 2024

Indira Gandhi International Airport is approximately 12 km southwest of the city center, making it easily accessible. You have four main transportation options to get from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi: a Delhi Airport taxi, a private transfer, the metro, or a bus.

Taxis are readily available outside all terminals and convenient for last-minute transportation. If you prefer to arrange everything in advance, you can pre-book a New Delhi Airport transfer instead and have a driver waiting for you upon landing; it’s a more reliable choice for convenient door-to-door service around the clock.

If these options seem expensive, you can choose between the metro and the bus. The metro is the best value-for-money option with a very cheap fare and direct service to New Delhi. The bus is a much slower option but it’s available 24/7 so it’s a good alternative if you’re on a late-night flight.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Delhi at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€8	25min	24/7
Airport Express Metro Line	€1.10	20min	04:48–23:21
Airport Express 4 Bus	€1.70	60min	24/7
Welcome Airport Transfer	€23	25min	24/7

How to get from New Delhi Airport to the city by taxi

A Delhi Airport taxi from Delhi Airport to New Delhi is one of the most comfortable options to reach your hotel or apartment in the city. You can catch a taxi 24/7 outside all terminals and be near India Gate in less than 25 minutes in light traffic for a rather low fare.

There are different types of taxi services, like radio taxis, electric vehicles, SUVs, and taxi apps so you can choose which service best matches your needs.

What's the cost of a taxi from Delhi Airport to New Delhi?

Although local taxis are metered, the rates can vary depending on the type of service, type of vehicle, operator, and other factors.

For a standard taxi from New Delhi Airport to the city center you can expect to pay an average of €8 (INR 728). To avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of the ride, you can tell the driver your destination and ask for an estimate. If they give you a much higher quote, it’s probably an attempt to overcharge you so either negotiate or look for another taxi.

The only exceptions are radio taxis, SUVs, and EVs, which are usually more expensive than regular taxis and can cost around €10 (INR 910) to €12 (INR 1,092).

Photos (1)

New Delhi taxis

Cost

€8

Trip Duration

25 Min.

During peak hours, waititng times at the taxi ranks can be longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Delhi Airport for on-demand and pre-booked services.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Delhi Airport is a bit overwhelming so you need to keep an eye out for signs pointing you where you need to go. You can get on-demand taxi service at all three terminals so head toward the Arrivals exit and look for the rank in front of the terminal. Official taxis are black and yellow in color and have the typical sign on the roof.

Different types of services are also available at most terminals. Radio Taxi services are available at Lane 1 in the Arrival Area of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Pre-booked services have separate pickup zones so you need to follow the instructions of each operator.

Convenience

A taxi from New Delhi Airport to the city center is good value for money, especially if you secure an air-conditioned ride. It may not be the cheapest option but it beats the crowded public transport during peak hours. However, you can almost always expect to find a queue at the rank so you may need to wait a bit for an on-demand taxi.

Editor’s Note

If you want to pre-book a taxi instead of taking an on-demand taxi, you can choose a reliable operator like Welcome Pickups for a modern vehicle and English-speaking driver instead of researching local operators.

Useful Tips

It's best to visit an ATM or a currency exchange office inside the terminal to get some cash as card payment isn't always possible.

Standard taxis that you'll find at the rank can fit a folding wheelchair in the trunk but fully accessible taxis aren't available.

Make sure to head directly to the official rank and avoid individuals approaching tourists inside the terminal offering 'cheap' rides.

All official taxis should be equipped with a taximeter that should be reset to the base fare and used for the entire journey.

It's common to tip 10% of the total fare in India if you were helped with your luggage or during rush hour.

How to get from New Delhi Airport to the city by metro

The Airport Express Metro Line, also known as the Orange Line, is a good choice for budget travelers looking to reach the city quickly. The line connects Dwarka Sector 21 to the New Delhi Railway Station via Delhi Airport.

Depending on your destination, you can disembark at Shivaji Stadium and continue on foot or at New Delhi Railway Station, where you can switch to the Yellow Line and continue by metro.

What's the cost of the metro ticket from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi?

The fare for the Delhi Metro is calculated based on distance. For the trip from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi by train the ticket costs €0.55 (INR 50) per traveler.

You can purchase a single ticket from the Ticket Issuing Machines (TIM) at IGI Airport terminals T1(D) and T3.

Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile QR ticket online through DMRC Momentum 2.0, Paytm, or PhonePe applications.

Finally, you can purchase a WhatsApp QR ticket through the Whatsapp Chatbot Service by sending a ‘Hi’ message to the mobile number +91 (965) 085 5800.

Photos (1)

Delhi Metro Airport Express Line

Cost

€0.55

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during non-peak hours.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Express Line operates daily from 04:48 to 23:21.

Where do I get the metro from?

The Airport Express Line departs from the Airport (T-3) station, located underground at Terminal 3. After clearing baggage claim, follow the signs pointing to ‘Metro’ to reach the station or contact the Information Desk if you need further assistance.

Convenience

Getting from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi by train is the best value-for-money option; it’s cheap, fast, and stops at two central locations in the city. However, the metro can get very crowded during peak hours, which can be overwhelming if you’re traveling with young children or carrying checked luggage. Also, metro service isn’t available 24/7 so if you’re on a late-night flight, you’ll need to look for alternative transportation.

Timetables

Delhi Metro

Official website

Airport Express Line

Fare information

Editor’s Note

If you plan to use the metro again during your trip, it's worth purchasing a Delhi Metro Smart card. You can top-up the card with your desired amount and save time between trips. You also save money as a 10% discount will be given on every journey made by the passenger on the Delhi Metro Smart card.

Useful Tips

Children up to 90 cm in height can travel on the Delhi Metro free of charge.

Two bags containing personal belongings not exceeding 90x75x45 cm in size and 32 kg in gross weight are permitted per passenger.

If you're traveling in a wheelchair, contact the Delhi Metro Customer Care Centre for assistance and staff will help you at entry and exit stations.

How to get from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi by bus

The Airport Express 4 is a bus route operated 24/7 by DTC that connects Delhi Airport to ISBT / Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. It makes several stops along the way, including at Bharat Sadhu Samaj, Talkatora Garden, Kendriya Terminal, and Regal in New Delhi.

From there, you can continue on foot or switch to the Yellow, Violet, or Blue metro lines, all with stops nearby, to your end destination.

How much is the ticket for the bus from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi?

A single ticket for the Airport Express 4 bus costs €0.85 (INR 75) per traveler.

You can purchase your ticket in cash on the bus or by sending a ‘Hi’ message to +91 8744073223 via WhatsApp.

Photos (1)

Delhi Airport bus operated by DTC

Cost

€0.85

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

The average waiting time for the Airport Express bus is 40 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Express bus runs 24/7.

Where do I take the bus from?

The Airport Express 4 bus departs from I.G.I. Airport Terminal 2 bus stop at Delhi Airport. Look for the relevant signs inside the airport or contact the Information Desk inside Arrivals.

Convenience

The bus from New Delhi Airport to the city is a cheap option to leave the airport but the trip duration is longer compared to all other alternatives. Also, scheduled departures are less frequent so even though service is available 24/7, you may have to wait a long time for the next bus.

Timetables

Airport Express 4

Bus route

Editor’s Note

Taking the bus is only worth it if you're traveling at night and you want a cheaper alternative to a taxi to leave the airport. During the day, the metro is the best option.

Useful Tips

Luggage space is limited on the bus so it's not a good option if you're carrying multiple or big luggage.

Make sure to keep an eye on your personal belongings as pickpocketing is common on local buses.

Most DTC buses are wheelchair-accessible, but there are still some standard-floor buses that are not equipped with a ramp.

How to get from New Delhi Airport to the city by private transfer

The best way to ensure a stress-free start to your trip to Delhi is to pre-book a New Delhi Airport transfer. Welcome Pickups provides top-rated services around the clock, tailored for a seamless travel experience. This is guaranteed through perks such as:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation policy

After a long flight to Delhi, the last thing you want is to wait for a taxi at the rank, look up public transport options, or get on crowded buses. With a Welcome transfer, you can sit back, relax, and reach your accommodation quickly to freshen up and start exploring.

What's the cost of a transfer from New Delhi Airport to the city?

One of the main benefits of pre-booking your private transfer from New Delhi Airport to the city center is the fixed fare. With Welcome, you have one less thing to worry about after landing; you will get a quote in advance and pay securely online before arriving in Delhi.

The booking flow will guide you to choose the best vehicle type according to the number of passengers and luggage. A sedan transfer from New Delhi Airport to the city center costs €23 (INR 2,093) for up to 3 passengers. For larger groups, you can book a minivan or minibus that costs €36 (INR 3,275) for up to 7 passengers, €59 (INR 5,368) for up to 10, and €72 (INR 6,550) for up to 12.

These fares are fixed regardless of traffic conditions and include all taxes and tolls.

Photos (2)

Sedan and minivan transfer with Welcome

Cost

€23

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Pre-booking your transfer frees you from joining queues at the taxi rank and waiting for an available vehicle.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can schedule a private transfer pick-up from Delhi Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a transfer from?

Your driver will have the flight information you’ll be asked to provide during the booking process. That way, they’ll know which terminal your flight arrives at and will be waiting in the public areas of the Arrivals Hall.

After clearing passport control and baggage claim, simply head towards the exit and you will find your driver holding a sign with your name on it. You can always contact your driver via WhatsApp or the Welcome Pickups App if you can’t spot them.

After a warm meet and greet, your driver will offer to help with your luggage and lead you to your private vehicle in the parking lot.

Convenience

A private transfer with a world-renowned operator like Welcome Pickups is the best way to secure a hassle-free start. Although it’s a bit more expensive than regular taxis, it guarantees peace of mind even before your trip with detailed information and regular updates about your transfer. You can also rely on Welcome’s 24/7 customer support in case anything doesn’t go as planned.

Editor’s Note

Delhi Airport is very crowded so it's a good idea to set the pickup time 20-30 minutes after your estimated arrival. That will allow enough time for passport control and baggage claim before you meet your driver.

Useful Tips

You can fit your own baby/child seat on all vehicles or request one during the booking and your driver will provide one for you.

Welcome fleet doesn't have a fully accessible vehicle for wheelchair users but you can store a folding wheelchair in any vehicle. Don't forget to check the relevant box during the booking.

Before your transfer, you will receive an email with your driver's name, photo, and contact information.

You can contact your driver via WhatsApp or the Welcome Pickups App.

Flight monitoring guarantees your pickup time will be adjusted accordingly in case there is an unexpected flight delay.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Delhi Airport to the city?

There are four good options to get from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi. An airport taxi or a private transfer are the most expensive options but they’re the most convenient as they’re available 24/7 and provide door-to-door service. If you prefer public transport, you can take the Airport Express metro line, which is the cheapest and fastest option, or the Airport Express 4 bus to ISBT, which is also cheap but takes much longer to reach the city.

How much is a taxi from Delhi Airport to Delhi?

Local taxis are metered so the main factor affecting the price is the distance to the destination. The average cost of a taxi from Delhi Airport to New Delhi is €8 (INR 728) for standard taxi service. For premium services, like SUVs or EVs, the fare can be around €10 (INR 910).

How far is Delhi Airport from the city?

The distance from Delhi Airport to New Delhi is around 12 km northeast. Driving there takes around 25 minutes in light traffic and public transport takes around 40 minutes.

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Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from New Delhi Airport to the city by taxi

What's the cost of a taxi from Delhi Airport to New Delhi?

Photos (1)

Cost

€8

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Delhi Airport for on-demand and pre-booked services.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from New Delhi Airport to the city by metro

What's the cost of the metro ticket from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi?

Photos (1)

Cost

€0.55

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Express Line operates daily from 04:48 to 23:21.

Where do I get the metro from?

Convenience

Timetables

Delhi Metro

Official website

Airport Express Line

Fare information

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi by bus

How much is the ticket for the bus from New Delhi Airport to New Delhi?

Photos (1)

Cost

€0.85

Trip Duration

1 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Express bus runs 24/7.

Where do I take the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Airport Express 4

Bus route

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from New Delhi Airport to the city by private transfer

What's the cost of a transfer from New Delhi Airport to the city?

Photos (2)

Cost

€23

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can schedule a private transfer pick-up from Delhi Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Delhi Airport to the city?

How much is a taxi from Delhi Airport to Delhi?

How far is Delhi Airport from the city?

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