Transport Tips for Delhi

Taxi touts at IGI Airport will quote ₹800-1200 for rides that cost ₹60 on the Airport Express metro. Don't fall for it.

Airport Express runs every 15 minutes from Terminal 3 directly to New Delhi Railway Station. Journey takes 19 minutes with AC coaches and luggage space. Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Ticket costs ₹60 regardless of destination.

Transfer connections: New Delhi Station connects to Blue Line (Dwarka-Vaishali) and Yellow Line (Samaypur Badli-HUDA City Centre). Use Exit 3 for main concourse and line transfers. Even prepaid taxi counters charge ₹400-500 for identical routes.

Only take taxis if you arrive after 11:30 PM or have 4+ heavy bags. For 90% of arrivals, Airport Express saves money and beats Delhi traffic.

Skip ₹2000+ daily roaming fees. Airtel and Jio run official counters in Terminal 3 arrivals hall immediately after customs clearance.

Required docs: passport photos (bring 2), photocopied passport bio page, photocopied visa page. Tourist plans start ₹299 for 2GB daily data, unlimited calls. Processing takes 5 minutes max with proper paperwork.

Airtel coverage superior in Delhi Metro tunnels and NCR region. Jio slightly cheaper but weaker underground signals. Both work seamlessly with Ola, Uber, Zomato, Paytm — Essential apps you'll use constantly.

Counter locations: Level 0 arrivals, between exits 5-6. Open 24/7 but avoid 3-6am shift changes when service slows. Cash or international cards accepted.

Electric three-wheelers perfect for old delhi's tiny alleys when walking becomes unbearable in heat. Short rides between jama masjid, chandni chowk, red fort area at negotiated local rates.

More fun than regular autos and they navigate narrow lanes cars can't reach. Drivers usually know best food spots and will stop if you point at something interesting.

Negotiate price before getting in then enjoy bumpy ride through history. Saves energy for actual exploring instead of melting on streets.