Delhi is a city that hits you with everything at once. Step out of your hotel and you might see a cycle-rickshaw weaving past a gleaming SUV, a packed city bus lurching through an intersection, and a cow standing placidly in the middle of it all. The Indian capital is enormous, sprawling across more than 1,400 square kilometers, and its neighborhoods feel like entirely different cities. The narrow, chaotic lanes of Old Delhi have almost nothing in common with the wide, tree-lined avenues of Lutyens' Delhi or the glass-and-steel corridors of Gurugram. Getting from one to another requires a bit of strategy, but the options are plentiful and surprisingly affordable.
The good news is that Delhi has one of the best metro systems in South Asia, and ride-hailing apps work reliably across the city. The less good news is that Delhi's traffic can be punishing, especially during rush hours, and distances between major attractions are often longer than they look on a map. India Gate to Qutub Minar, for instance, is about 15 kilometers. Walking is wonderful in specific pockets - Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, Chandni Chowk after the morning chaos settles - but this is not a city you will explore primarily on foot. Understanding your transport options before you step outside will save you time, money, and a fair amount of frustration.
Timetable
| Train Delhi - Delhi $ 3.90–21.41 11m – 52m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The Delhi Metro is the fastest and most reliable way to cover long distances, especially during rush hours when road traffic can be severe. For last-mile connectivity or areas not served by the Metro, use Uber or Ola. Auto-rickshaws are great for short hops of a few kilometers.
Delhi is very affordable for getting around. Metro fares range from about $0.12 to $0.72 per trip. Auto-rickshaws cost around $0.60 to $2.50 for typical trips. Uber and Ola rides within the city generally run $2 to $8 depending on distance and traffic. Even a long cross-city taxi ride rarely exceeds $12.
The Delhi Metro is generally very safe and has dedicated women-only carriages at the front of every train. Buses are safe during the day but less comfortable. Solo female travelers should exercise standard precautions at night, preferring the Metro or ride-hailing apps over auto-rickshaws. Always share your ride status with someone when using Ola or Uber after dark.
Yes, both Uber and Ola work very well throughout Delhi and the wider NCR region. You can pay by cash or card. Surge pricing applies during rush hours and rain, but fares are still reasonable by international standards. Both apps show fare estimates upfront.
You do not strictly need one, as you can buy single-journey tokens at every station. However, a reloadable Delhi Metro Smart Card saves time at ticket counters and offers a small discount on each fare. It costs around $2 to purchase with a refundable deposit and can be loaded with credit at any station.
Most Metro signage is in Hindi and English, so navigation is straightforward. Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers often speak limited English, so having your destination written in Hindi or pinned on Google Maps is very helpful. Showing a map on your phone is the most reliable way to communicate where you want to go.
The Airport Express Metro line connects Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3) to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes, with fares between $4 and $7. Uber and Ola are available from the arrivals area and cost roughly $5 to $10 to central Delhi depending on traffic. Prepaid taxi counters inside the terminal offer fixed-rate rides to avoid haggling.
Delhi is walkable in specific neighborhoods but not as a whole. Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Hauz Khas Village, and Lodhi Garden are enjoyable on foot. However, distances between major areas are large, sidewalks are inconsistent, and summer heat can be extreme. Plan to walk within neighborhoods and use the Metro or cabs between them.