Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Delhi
The Delhi Metro Airport Express line runs from Terminal 3 to New Delhi station in about 20 minutes, the fastest way to the centre. Prepaid taxis and app cabs take 40–90 minutes depending on traffic.
International flights use Terminal 3; some domestic flights use Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Best for most people: Metro. The Airport Express is quick, cheap, air-conditioned and avoids Delhi's heavy traffic.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| metro Airport Express Line (orange) from Terminal 3 to New Delhi station, with stops at Dhaula Kuan and Shivaji Stadium | about 20 min | about every 10–15 min | about ₹50–70 | about 05:00–23:30 | Has luggage space. Terminal 1 is served by the Magenta Line instead. |
| taxi Prepaid taxi counters inside Arrivals | about 40–90 min | about ₹500–900 to central Delhi | 24 h | Pay at the official counter and keep the receipt for the driver. | |
| ride-hailing Uber and Ola from the signed app-cab pick-up area | about 40–90 min | about ₹450–900 | 24 h | Follow airport signs to the app pick-up zone. | |
| bus Public airport buses from outside the terminals | about 60–90 min | every 20–40 min | about ₹50–100 | including some night services | Cheapest, but crowded and confusing with luggage. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Tips
- From New Delhi station you can change to the Yellow Line for Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk).
- Use only official prepaid counters or app cabs; touts in the arrivals hall offering cheap rides are best avoided.
- Traffic is worst in the morning and early evening; allow extra time.
- Carry your passport and booking details; you may be asked for them at the terminal.
Common questions
How do I get from Delhi airport to the city centre?
From Terminal 3, the Airport Express metro line reaches New Delhi station in about 20 minutes. From there you can change to the Yellow Line for Connaught Place. Prepaid taxis and Uber or Ola cabs go door to door but take 40–90 minutes in traffic.
How much is a taxi from Delhi airport?
A prepaid taxi to central Delhi usually costs about ₹500–900, depending on distance and car type, booked at the official counter in Arrivals. Uber and Ola are in a similar range. Avoid unofficial drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
Is the airport metro open at night?
The Airport Express line runs from about 05:00 until around 23:30. For late-night arrivals, use a prepaid taxi or an app cab from the official pick-up area. Check the Delhi Metro website for the exact last train on the day.
Which terminal does the metro serve?
The Airport Express line serves Terminal 3, which handles international and many domestic flights. Terminal 1 has its own station on the Magenta Line. If you arrive at Terminal 1 or 2, check signs or ask staff for the best connection.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.