How to Get From the Airport into Delhi
You’ve landed in Delhi but now what? Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is 16 km from the city centre. I’m going to tell you exactly how to get into Delhi from the airport.
In case you need it, here’s the official website of the Indira Gandhi International Airport: https://www.newdelhiairport.in
Be aware that while the airport is relatively calm, the moment you step outside the doors it’s mayhem. You will exit into a crowd of drivers and scammers trying to get you to book rides with them.
Ignore absolutely everyone (unless you did book a private transfer and see your driver). Scammers prey on tourists and use elaborate lies and schemes to get you to hotels or places where they earn a commission. Don’t talk to anyone and don’t believe anything they say.
Here’s a quick list of how to get from the airport into Delhi:
- Private transfer booked through your hotel
- Mega Cabs or Meru Cabs pre-paid taxi
- Uber or Ola
- Delhi metro
How to Get from the Airport into Delhi
Unfortunately, there is no airport express bus in Delhi. But the metro does have an airport express line. This is how to get from the airport into Delhi:
1. Book a Private Transfer
Most Delhi hotels offer airport pick-up for their guests. This is the easiest way to get into Delhi, but the most expensive.
If you’ve had a long flight and it’s your first time in Delhi, this might be the best way.
Arrange the pick-up ahead of time with your hotel or guest house, and confirm where the driver will meet you. Some drivers pay a fee and come inside the terminal to meet guests, while others wait in a mob outside.
2. Pre-paid Taxi
A pre-paid taxi is not the cheapest taxi option (it’s at least double the Uber and Ola rate), but it’s pretty convenient and relatively hassle free. Cost is about INR 800 to central Delhi.
There are two main pre-paid taxi services at the Indira Gandhi International Airport: Mega Cabs and Meru Cabs. Both have booths inside and outside Terminal 3 arrivals. They accept cash, Paytm and credit cards.
If you buy your ticket from the outside terminal booth, they will usually help you find your taxi.
Do not take a random taxi from the airport. There are many, many scammers. Only take the pre-paid Mega or Meru cabs.
The Mega and Meru drivers are usually pretty good, but if they do try to tell you your hotel is closed, burnt down, or moved location, don’t believe them. Insist the driver take you to the hotel at the address provided.
Women with Wheels
This is a female only pre-paid taxi service. All staff, including drivers, are female. They have a booth just outside the exit at Terminal 3.
It’s not as cheap as Uber or Ola, but for women travelling on their own it’s a decent option. Cost is about INR 800 to central Delhi.
3. Uber or Ola
Uber and Ola are the two most widely used ride sharing apps in Delhi. Both service all terminals of the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
This is the cheapest taxi option from the airport, but you will need local data to book the ride. SIM cards are available in the arrivals hall of the airport at the Airtel kiosk.
Uber and Ola pick up from all terminals of the Delhi airport, just make sure you select the correct terminal when booking your ride. International flights arrive at Terminal 3.
The pick-up zone at Terminal 3 is in the parking garage to the far right when you exit the terminal. The Uber pick up zone is a little chaotic – keep a close eye out for your car.
Cost is about INR 500 to central Delhi.
4. Delhi Metro
The Delhi metro has stations at Terminal 3 (international) and Terminal 1 (low budget domestic). Terminal 2 (domestic) doesn’t have a metro station, but the terminal is right next door to Terminal 3 and you can easily walk it.
If you don’t have a ton of luggage and aren’t arriving in the middle of the night, it’s a great option.
The Delhi metro system is recognized as one of the best metro systems in the world. It is the fastest and cheapest way to get from the airport into Delhi.
All stations have automated ticket machines where you can buy a single use token, return trip or top up metro cards. Read my step by step guide on how to use the Delhi metro.
Don’t Take the Public Buses
I don’t recommend taking public buses in Delhi. They are not as safe or reliable as the metro. If you want to use public transit, the metro is better and faster.
As a female who lived in Delhi and still returns every year, I never ride the buses. If you arrive late at night when the metro is not operating, spend the extra money for an Uber or Ola.
What is the Fastest Way to Get from the Delhi Airport into Delhi?
It depends on what time you arrive. Most international flights arrive late at night, or in the very early hours of the morning. At those times a car is probably the fastest way to get into Delhi from the airport.
Delhi traffic is famously terrible, but it’s generally pretty good during off peak hours. If you arrive during the day, the fastest way is by Delhi metro.
How to Get to Delhi’s Aerocity from the Airport
If you’re staying at one of the hotels at Aerocity, first check to see if the hotel offers free airport pick-up. Most charge a fee, but not all.
You can take a pre-paid taxi or Uber. Cost is about INR 250 to 350.
The Delhi metro Airport Express line has a station at Aerocity, but depending on where your hotel is located, it could be a bit of walk from the metro station.
How to Get to the New Delhi Railway Station from the Airport
The most efficient way to get to the New Delhi Railway Station from the airport is by metro.
The Airport Express metro line has a stop at New Delhi, which is next to the New Delhi Railway Station. There’s a pedestrian walkway linking the railway station and metro station.
You can also take a pre-paid taxi or Uber.
How to Get to the Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) from the Airport
The fastest and cheapest way to reach Kashmere Gate ISBT from the Delhi airport is by metro.
Take the Airport Express metro line to New Delhi and then change over to the Yellow line and exit at Kashmere Gate station. Exit gates 7 and 8 are connected to the bus terminal.
You can also take a pre-paid taxi or Uber.
Last Words on How to Get From the Airport into Delhi
It’s easy to get from the Delhi airport into Delhi. You can arrange for a private transfer, take a pre-paid taxi, Uber or the Delhi metro. Just don’t listen to any touts or take the bus.
