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.
4 options to go from Delhi Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €23 | 25min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| 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. | ||||||
Taxi | €8 | 25min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| 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. | ||||||
Airport Express Metro Line | €1.10 | 20min | 04:48–23:21 | Convenience | Read more | |
| 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. | ||||||
Airport Express 4 Bus | €1.70 | 60min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| 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. | ||||||
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).
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.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe 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.
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
Useful Tips
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.
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
Useful Tips
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:
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.
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.
Useful Tips
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.
Maria Papakonstantinou
Maria is a seasoned travel writer and avid traveler with a knack for research and itinerary planning. Specializing in airport transport and destination guides, she blends personal experience with local insights to help make every journey seamless.
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