Getting Around Delhi — Complete Transport Guide
The Delhi Metro is the single best way to get around — fast, cheap, air-conditioned, and reaches every major tourist area. For door-to-door trips, Uber and Ola fill the gaps. Auto rickshaws handle short distances. Here's everything you need to know about transport in Delhi.
Delhi Metro: Your Primary Transport
The Metro network has over 250 stations across 12 colour-coded lines. This is the backbone of getting around Delhi — it bypasses all traffic and costs almost nothing.
Key Stations for Tourists
| Station | Line | What's There |
|---|---|---|
| Rajiv Chowk | Yellow/Blue | Connaught Place, shopping, restaurants |
| Chandni Chowk | Yellow | Old Delhi, Red Fort, street food |
| Hauz Khas | Yellow/Magenta | South Delhi nightlife, Deer Park |
| Qutub Minar | Yellow | The 12th-century tower complex |
| Kashmere Gate | Multiple | Interchange hub |
| INA | Yellow/Pink | Dilli Haat crafts market |
Fares and Tickets
Single-journey tokens: ₹10-60 depending on distance. Buy at counters or vending machines. Tap at entry, drop in slot at exit.
Smart card: ₹150 (₹50 deposit + ₹100 balance). Get 10% discount on every ride. Tap at entry and exit. Recharge at any station.
Tourist card: ₹200 for 3-day unlimited travel. Worth it if you're using the Metro 4+ times daily.
Timings
- Regular lines: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily
- Airport Express: 4:45 AM to 11:40 PM
- Peak hours: Trains every 2-4 minutes (8-10 AM, 5-8 PM)
- Off-peak: Trains every 5-8 minutes
Security Screening
Every station has mandatory security — bag X-ray and metal detector. Takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on crowds. Separate lines for men and women.
Women's Carriage
The first coach (in direction of travel) is reserved for women. Marked with pink signs. Men face ₹250 fine for using it. Less crowded and more comfortable for solo female travellers.
Airport to City Centre
Option 1: Airport Express Metro (Recommended)
Cost: ₹60 to New Delhi station Time: 20 minutes Hours: 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM, every 10-15 minutes
From Terminal 3, follow signs to "Metro" — it's a 5-minute walk. At New Delhi station, connect to Yellow or Blue lines.
Best for: Daytime arrivals, light luggage, anyone heading near a Metro station.
Option 2: Uber or Ola
Cost: ₹300-500 to central Delhi Time: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic
You need an Indian SIM card for OTP verification. Get one at the airport first (Airtel/Jio counters in arrivals, ₹500-700).
Fares:
- Connaught Place: ₹300-500
- South Delhi: ₹250-400
- Old Delhi: ₹350-550
Best for: Groups, heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, door-to-door convenience.
Option 3: Prepaid Taxi
Cost: ₹400-600 (25% surcharge 11 PM - 5 AM) Where: Official counter inside arrivals hall
Pay at the counter, get a receipt, hand it to the driver at your destination. No haggling required.
Best for: Anyone without an Indian SIM card, first-time visitors wanting simplicity.
What to Avoid
Don't take unmetered taxis from drivers who approach you. Walk past anyone offering taxi services inside the terminal. Use only the official prepaid counter or ride-hailing apps.
Uber and Ola
Both apps work throughout Delhi. Download before you arrive, but you'll need an Indian SIM to book rides (OTP verification).
Getting Started
- Buy a SIM at the airport (Airtel or Jio, ₹500-700)
- Wait for activation (15-60 minutes)
- Open Uber/Ola, verify your number
- Book rides with cash or card payment
Typical Fares
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| CP to Hauz Khas | ₹200-300 |
| CP to Old Delhi | ₹150-250 |
| Airport to CP | ₹300-500 |
| Cross-city (15-20 km) | ₹200-400 |
Uber Auto
Books you an auto rickshaw through the app at a fixed fare. No negotiating. Great for short trips where a car feels excessive.
Tips
- Surge pricing hits during rush hours and rain. Check fare before booking.
- Cash payment works, but card/wallet is smoother.
- Verify the car — match plate number and driver photo before getting in.
Auto Rickshaws
The green-and-yellow three-wheelers are everywhere. Good for 1-5 km trips where Metro doesn't make sense.
The Rules
- Always agree on price before getting in. Most drivers won't use meters with tourists.
- Fair price: ₹30 for first 1.5 km, then ₹10-15 per km.
- Don't take autos parked at tourist sites. They charge 3-5x. Walk away and hail a moving one.
- Carry small notes. Drivers rarely break ₹500.
When to Use
- Last-mile from Metro station to destination
- Short hops within a neighbourhood
- When you're not in a rush and want the experience
When to Skip
- Rush hour on main roads (you'll be stuck in traffic)
- During monsoon rains (no cover)
- With heavy luggage
Delhi to Agra
The Taj Mahal is a popular day trip from Delhi. Here are your options:
By Train (Recommended)
| Train | Duration | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatimaan Express | 1 hr 40 min | ₹750-1500 | Fastest, leaves 8:10 AM |
| Shatabdi Express | 2 hours | ₹500-1000 | Multiple departures |
| Regular trains | 2.5-3 hours | ₹100-300 | Frequent, less comfortable |
Book on IRCTC website or app. Gatimaan and Shatabdi require advance booking.
By Car
Distance: 230 km via Yamuna Expressway Time: 4-5 hours each way Cost: ₹4,000-6,000 for a return trip with driver
Hiring a car gives you flexibility — stop at Sikandra (Akbar's Tomb) or Fatehpur Sikri on the way back.
Day Tours
Organised tours from Delhi run ₹3,000-8,000 per person including transport, guide, and sometimes entry fees. Viator and GetYourGuide have reliable options.
What NOT to Use
City buses: Overcrowded, confusing routes, no English signage. Not worth the hassle.
Street taxis: The black-and-yellow Ambassador cabs are nearly extinct. Those remaining refuse meters. Use Uber/Ola instead.
Cycle rickshaws for distance: Fine for a short ride through Old Delhi's lanes. Don't use for anything over 1-2 km.
Daily Transport Costs
| Travel Style | Daily Spend |
|---|---|
| Budget (Metro only) | ₹100-200 |
| Mid-range (Metro + 2 Ubers) | ₹300-500 |
| Comfortable (Mostly Uber) | ₹600-1,000 |
The Metro makes Delhi one of the cheapest major cities to get around. A 3-day tourist card costs ₹200 — that's unlimited rides for less than one Uber trip.
Quick Reference
| Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Airport to city (daytime) | Airport Express Metro |
| Airport to city (late night) | Prepaid taxi or Uber |
| Cross-city travel | Delhi Metro |
| Door-to-door convenience | Uber/Ola |
| Short trips (1-5 km) | Uber Auto or negotiate auto |
| Delhi to Agra | Gatimaan Express train |
For safety tips while getting around, see our Delhi safety guide. For practical pre-trip info, check our practical travel tips.