Airport to City: Skip the Scams
How to get from Delhi Airport to your hotel without getting fleeced, confused, or lost
TL;DR
Take the Airport Express Metro (₹60, 21 min to New Delhi station). It's the fastest, cheapest, and most hassle-free option. Landing after 11 PM? Use the prepaid taxi booth inside arrivals (₹350-600) or Uber/Ola. Never take a taxi from someone who approaches you. Ever.
Your Options, Ranked
Four ways to get from the airport to the city. One clear winner.
Airport Express Metro
21 minutes to New Delhi station
₹60
Terminal 3 (connected), Terminal 1 (shuttle needed)
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM (every 10-15 min)
The Good
The Not-So-Good
Best for most travelers. Period.
Prepaid Taxi
45-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
₹350-600 to central Delhi
Prepaid taxi booth inside arrivals (both terminals)
24/7
The Good
The Not-So-Good
Best for late night/early morning arrivals
Uber / Ola
45-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
₹300-800 (surge pricing applies)
Pick-up zone outside arrivals
24/7
The Good
The Not-So-Good
Best for comfort + convenience (if no surge)
Delhi Airport Shuttle Bus
60-120 minutes
₹75-100
Bus stand outside arrivals
Multiple routes, check DTC website
The Good
The Not-So-Good
Only if you're on a super tight budget and have time
Terminal Guide
Delhi has 3 terminals. Here's what you need to know for each one.
Terminal 3 (T3)
Airlines: All international flights + Air India, Vistara, IndiGo (select)
Metro: Direct walkway to Airport Express Metro station
Tip: The metro station is literally connected to T3. Follow signs—it's a 5-minute walk.
Terminal 1 (T1)
Airlines: Most domestic budget airlines (IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoFirst)
Metro: Free shuttle bus to T3 metro station (15-20 min)
Tip: T1 doesn't have direct metro access. Take the free inter-terminal shuttle to T3, then metro. Or just grab an Uber.
Terminal 2 (T2)
Airlines: Select international flights (seasonal)
Metro: Shuttle to T3
Tip: Rarely used. If you're here, shuttle to T3 for metro.
Airport to Your Neighbourhood
Where you're staying determines the best transport. Here's the breakdown.
| Destination | Metro Time | Taxi Time | Cost (Metro/Taxi) | My Call |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connaught Place / CP | 21 min (Airport Express → New Delhi) | 45-75 min | ₹60 / ₹400-500 | Metro. No contest. |
| Karol Bagh | 30 min (Airport Express → New Delhi → Blue Line) | 40-60 min | ₹70 / ₹350-450 | Metro with one transfer. |
| Paharganj (Backpacker area) | 25 min (Airport Express → New Delhi, walk) | 40-60 min | ₹60 / ₹350-450 | Metro to New Delhi, 5-min walk. |
| Old Delhi / Chandni Chowk | 35 min (Airport Express → New Delhi → Yellow) | 50-80 min | ₹80 / ₹400-550 | Metro (2 transfers but still faster). |
| South Delhi (Hauz Khas, GK) | 40-50 min (Airport Express → New Delhi → Yellow) | 30-60 min | ₹80 / ₹350-500 | Taxi might be faster if no traffic. |
| Gurgaon / Gurugram | 45-60 min (Rapid Metro connection) | 20-40 min | ₹100 / ₹300-600 | Taxi/Uber. Metro route is roundabout. |
First 30 Minutes Checklist
Do these things at the airport before you step outside. Future you will be grateful.
Get a local SIM card at the airport (Airtel/Jio counters in arrivals)
Withdraw cash from airport ATMs (₹3000-5000 to start)
Download Uber and Ola apps before you land
Use airport WiFi to set up Google Maps offline for Delhi
Ignore anyone who approaches you in arrivals hall offering "taxi"
Exchange currency at Thomas Cook counter (better rates than random booths)
Grab water bottle from any shop—hydration starts NOW
Use the prepaid taxi booth INSIDE arrivals if not taking metro
Scam Alert
If ANYONE approaches you inside the arrivals hall offering “taxi” or “hotel”—ignore them. They're not official. Use the prepaid taxi booth (government-run, inside arrivals) or app-based cabs. The “my meter is broken” guys outside? Walk past them to the designated Uber/Ola pickup zone. Your first impression of Delhi shouldn't be getting ripped off.
Now That You're in the City...
You've made it to Delhi! Here's what to do next: