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You’ve landed in Delhi but now what? Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is 16 km from the city centre. I live in Delhi and have travelled to and from the airport numerous times. Getting into the city is easy from the airport with several good options. This is 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/
How to Get from the Airport into Delhi: A Quick Guide
If you’re in a hurry, here is a quick list of the best ways to get into Delhi from the airport:
- private transfer booked through your hotel
- Mega Cabs or Meru Cabs pre-paid taxi
- Uber or Ola
- Delhi metro
How to Get from Indira Gandhi International Airport into Delhi
None of these options include renting a car; driving is not safe for visitors. I’m not even going to pretend it’s a possibility! But don’t worry, there are lots of other ways to get into Delhi from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Book a Private Transfer with your Hotel or Guest House
Most hotels and accommodation offer airport pick-up for their guests. This is the easiest way to get into Delhi, and after a long international flight it’s very tempting. This is also the most expensive way to get into Delhi from the airport, but it’s very convenient.
Make sure you arrange the pick-up ahead of time with your hotel or guest house, and confirm if the driver will be inside or outside the terminal to meet you, and at which exit or column (they are numbered).
How to Get into Delhi with a 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. Do not listen to any driver who says your hotel is closed, burnt down, or moved locations. Insist the driver take you to the hotel at the address provided. Unfortunately, scammers are widespread in Delhi and taxi drivers get a payment for directing visitors to particular hotels and restaurants.
When exiting the airport ignore the touts who will approach and ask you if you want a taxi. Head to the Meru or Mega booth and book the taxi there. This is safer than taking a random taxi from the airport and you’re much less likely to get scammed.
Mega Cabs and Meru Cabs
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 this is your first time in Delhi, I recommend buying your ticket from the booth outside the airport terminal. This is because when you book your taxi from the booths inside the terminal, they issue you a ticket and then it’s up to you to locate your taxi. This can be daunting if the airport is busy, which it almost always is.
When you book and pay for the taxi from the booths outside the terminal, they will direct or accompany you to your taxi. The booths are located on the ‘island’ just across the first roadway after you exit arrivals. Cost is aprox INR 800 to central Delhi.
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. You can also pre-book your pick up with them at: http://sakhaconsultingwings.com/. It’s not as cheap as Uber or Ola, but for women traveling on their own it’s a great option. Cost is about INR 800 to central Delhi.
How to Get into Delhi with 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 by far 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 – read how to get a local SIM.
Uber and Ola pick up from all terminals of the Delhi airport, just make sure you select the correct terminal when booking your ride. Follow the signage for the app-based taxi pick up zone. The pick-up zone at Terminal 3 (if you’re flying internationally this will be the terminal you arrive at) is in the parking garage to the far right when you exit the terminal. Cost is about INR 450 to central Delhi.
How to Get into Delhi Using the Delhi Metro
The Delhi metro system is nothing short of amazing. It is recognized as one of the best metro systems in the world and is the fastest and cheapest way to get from the airport into Delhi. If you don’t have a ton of luggage and aren’t arriving in the middle of the night, it’s a great option.
All stations have automated ticket machines where you can buy a single use token, return trip or top up metro cards. The Delhi metro is very easy to use and well organized. Read my step by step guide on how to use the Delhi metro.
How to Take the Metro From Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal used by several low budget airlines. If you fly into Terminal 1 just exit the terminal and follow the signs for the Delhi metro. Terminal 1 is serviced by the Terminal 1 – IGI Airport station on the Magenta line. This line will take you right into South Delhi. Trains run between 5:15 and 12:30 am and cost is about INR 40. Single ride tokens can be purchase from the automated ticket vending machines at the metro station.
Alternatively, if you would rather take the dedicated Airport Express metro, you can take the free airport shuttle to Terminal 3 and get on the Airport Express metro there. Major stops are Delhi Aerocity, Shivaji Stadium (very central in Connaught Place) and New Delhi, which is connected to the New Delhi Railway Station by a pedestrian walkway.
How to Take the Metro From Terminal 2 (Domestic)
Terminal 2 is a domestic terminal. You’ll have to walk over to Terminal 3 to get the metro but it’s an easy 5 minute walk, the terminals are beside each other – just follow the signs. The dedicated Airport Express line services Terminal 3 and stops at Delhi Aerocity, Shivaji Stadium (central in Connaught Place) and New Delhi, which is connected to the New Delhi Railway Station by a pedestrian walkway.
The Airport Express line runs between 4:45 am and 11:30 pm. There are luggage racks in the cars. Cost is INR 60 and it takes 20 minutes to get into central Delhi from the airport.
How to Take the Metro From Terminal 3 (International)
The Airport Express line runs directly from Terminal 3 of the airport. Just exit the terminal and follow the signs. This line has several stops: Delhi Aerocity, Shivaji Stadium (central in Connaught Place) and New Delhi, which is connected to the New Delhi Railway Station by a pedestrian walkway.
The metro Airport Express line runs between 4:45 am and 11:30. Each car has luggage racks and the cost is INR 60.
Airport Shuttle Between Terminals
If for any reason you need to transfer between terminals, the Delhi airport operates a shuttle bus free of charge to passengers. Terminals 2 and 3 are beside each other and you can easily walk between the two terminals in 5 minutes, but Terminal 1 (only used for a few low-cost domestic airlines) is further away and a ride is necessary.
I Don’t Recommend Public Buses
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates a vast public bus system in Delhi and it does service the airport. However, 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 lives in Delhi, I do not ride the buses – ever. If you are arriving late at night when the metro is not running, 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.
Exiting Indira Gandhi International Airport
While the Delhi airport itself is relatively calm and organized, the moment you step out the doors it can feel like pandemonium.
Because the airport charges a fee for anyone wishing to enter the terminal to meet passengers, most people wait outside. Which means the moment you step out the terminal doors, there’s a crowd of people holding signs with passenger names, taxi hustlers trying to get business, not to mention the noise, traffic and throngs of people. It can be overwhelming, which is why I’m forewarning you! The smartest thing to do is to ignore everyone, and just zero in on your chosen mode of transport.
How to Get to Delhi’s Aerocity from the Indira Gandhi International 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 also take a pre-paid taxi, an Uber or Ola. Cost is about INR 250 to 350.
The Delhi metro Airport Express line stops at Aerocity but depending on where your hotel is located, it could be a bit of walk from the metro station. It’s possible to take an auto rickshaw from the Aerocity metro station to your hotel, but not if you have a lot of luggage. Cost is INR 20.
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 metro station at Terminal 3 of the airport is part of the Airport Express line which goes to New Delhi station, right beside the New Delhi Railway Station. There’s a pedestrian walkway linking the railway station and metro station, so it’s easy to get to, even with luggage. The Airport Express metro line has racks for luggage. Cost is INR 60.
If the metro is not an option, You can also take a pre-paid taxi, an Uber or Ola.
How to Get to the Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) the Airport
The fastest and cheapest way to reach Kashmere Gate ISBT from the Delhi airport is by metro. From Terminal 3 of the airport take the Airport Express line to New Delhi and then change over to the Yellow line for 3 stops and exit at Kashmere Gate station. Exit gates 7 and 8 are connected to the bus terminal. Cost is INR 80.
From Terminal 1 of the airport, take the Magenta metro line to Hauz Khas, change to the Yellow line and exit at the Kashmere Gate station. Exit gates 7 and 8 are connected to the bus terminal. Cost is INR 50.
If the metro isn’t an option, you can take a pre-paid taxi or Uber or Ola.
Looking for more? Let these articles guide you…
- Where to Stay in Delhi – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
- First Time in Delhi: Complete Guide and Itineraries for Delhi
- How to Eat Local and Stay Healthy
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
