Getting Around Delhi 2025
Navigate Delhi like a local with our transportation guide.
Delhi, India's sprawling capital territory, is a city where ancient monuments stand beside ultramodern malls and Mughal gardens shadow gleaming corporate towers. As one of the world's most populous cities, Delhi offers an intoxicating blend of history spanning 3,000 years, from Iron Age settlements to British colonial architecture. The city serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of India, drawing millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street food scene, and legendary bazaars.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Delhi.
Public Transit
Delhi Metro is world-class: clean, reliable, air-conditioned with 256 stations. Best option for most journeys across the NCR.
Taxis
Uber and Ola are excellent in Delhi with transparent pricing and no bargaining needed. Autos are the cheapest AC option.
Car Rental
Car rental is not recommended due to traffic and parking challenges; self-drive is stressful for visitors unfamiliar with Delhi roads.
Walking
Walkable in specific neighborhoods (CP, Hauz Khas, Lodi Garden) but distances between major sights require transport.
Getting There
How to arrive in Delhi.
✈️ By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport
India's busiest airport with 3 terminals. Terminal 3 handles most international flights and major domestic carriers. Terminal 1 handles select domestic budget airlines. Connected to the city via Airport Express Metro Line (orange line).
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Delhi.
The Delhi Metro is the fastest and most reliable way to get around. For areas not covered by metro, use Uber/Ola autos. Old Delhi is best explored on foot or by cycle-rickshaw. Avoid driving your own vehicle due to severe traffic congestion.
Delhi Metro (fastest for longer distances, 6AM-11PM)
Uber/Ola Auto (flexible, metered, no bargaining)
Walking (Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, Lodi Garden area)
Cycle-rickshaw (Old Delhi lanes near Chandni Chowk)
E-rickshaw (last-mile from metro stations)
DTC Bus (cheapest but slow in traffic)
🚌 Buses
DTC buses cover entire Delhi with routes to most neighborhoods; ₹5–25 ($0.06–0.30) per journey. AC buses available on main arterial routes.
🛺 Local Alternatives
Delhi Metro (best for tourists), Uber/Ola Auto (flexible), cycle-rickshaw (Old Delhi), e-rickshaw (common near metro stations in residential areas), Rapido bike taxi (solo quick trips)
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Delhi is India's main railway hub with trains to every major city. Three main stations: New Delhi (NDLS), Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM), and Anand Vihar (ANVT). AC Volvo buses and private coaches serve nearby cities like Jaipur and Agra. Domestic flights from IGI Airport connect to all major Indian cities.
Long-Distance Buses
AC Volvo buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Jaipur ($6–10, 5h), Agra ($4–8, 4h), Chandigarh ($5–9, 4.5h), Dehradun ($6–10, 6h)
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxis available to Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and other NCR satellite cities
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights from DEL to Mumbai ($25+, 2h), Bangalore ($30+, 2.5h), Chennai ($35+, 2.5h), Kolkata ($30+, 2h)
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire from $40/day with driver for comfortable intercity travel
Driving in Delhi
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
left
License Required
International Driving Permit (IDP) required for foreigners
Road Conditions
Delhi traffic is notoriously heavy; avoid driving during rush hours 8-10AM and 5-8PM. Parking is difficult and expensive in central areas. Odd-even vehicle restriction policy in effect during high pollution days.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Buy a Delhi Metro Smart Card (₹50 deposit) for 10% discount on all metro journeys
Airport Express has a dedicated platform at New Delhi Metro Station – follow orange line signs carefully
Always use app-based auto-rickshaws (Uber Auto, Ola Auto) to avoid overcharging by street autos
Carry small change (₹50–100 notes) for auto-rickshaws, DTC buses, and street vendors
Avoid Delhi roads during rush hours (8–10AM, 5–8PM) – traffic congestion is severe
The Metro is the safest option for women traveling alone, especially at night; use the ladies' coach at front
Tourist card (₹150 for 1 day, ₹250 for 3 days) allows unlimited metro rides – worth it for heavy sightseeing days
New Delhi station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) are the two main railway stations; confirm which station your train departs from
Pre-paid autos at airport are expensive – walk past the first row of drivers and book via Uber/Ola from arrivals
The Hazrat Nizamuddin station is better connected for trains to Agra and South India than New Delhi station
Useful Apps
Delhi Metro Rail
Official DMRC app for route planning, fare calculation, Smart Card balance check, and train timings
Uber
Best for AC car rides and Uber Auto across Delhi. Accepts international credit cards.
Ola
Indian alternative to Uber with autos, bikes, and cars. Often has better availability in outer Delhi
Rapido
Bike taxi app for quick solo trips through traffic. Significantly faster than autos in congestion.
IRCTC Rail Connect
Official app to book intercity train tickets for journeys from Delhi to Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, and all Indian cities
Navigate Delhi Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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