The Delhi Metro is fastest and cheapest. Uber/Ola for door-to-door. Auto rickshaws for short hops. Airport transfers, metro tips, and costs explained.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around Delhi?
The Delhi Metro is the fastest and cheapest way to cover long distances. It connects Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Hauz Khas, and the airport. For door-to-door trips, Uber and Ola are reliable and air-conditioned. Auto rickshaws work for short distances under 5 km — agree on the fare first.
How do I get from Delhi airport to the city?
Take the Airport Express Metro for ₹60 in 20 minutes to New Delhi station. Uber/Ola cost ₹300-500 and take 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Prepaid taxis from the official counter cost ₹400-600. The metro runs 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM.
How much does transport cost in Delhi?
Metro fares are ₹10-60 per journey. Uber/Ola rides across the city cost ₹150-400. Auto rickshaws cost ₹30-150 for short trips. An average tourist spends ₹300-600 (.60-7.20) per day on transport.
How do I buy a Delhi Metro ticket?
Buy single-journey tokens (₹10-60) at counters or machines, or get a rechargeable smart card (₹150 with ₹100 balance) for 10% discount on all rides. Tap at entry and exit gates.
Is Uber available in Delhi?
Yes. Both Uber and Ola work throughout Delhi. You need an Indian SIM card for OTP verification. Rides from airport to central Delhi cost ₹300-500. Uber Auto books auto rickshaws at fixed prices through the app.
How do I get from Delhi to Agra?
The fastest option is the Gatimaan Express train (1 hour 40 minutes, ₹750-1500). The Shatabdi Express takes 2 hours. By car, it's 4-5 hours via the Yamuna Expressway. Day tours by car cost ₹4,000-6,000 including driver.
How much does an Uber cost from Delhi airport?
An Uber from Indira Gandhi International Airport to central Delhi (Connaught Place area) costs ₹300-500 (.60-6) depending on time of day and surge pricing. To South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony), expect ₹250-400 (-4.80). Late-night rides after midnight can surge to ₹500-800. Ola typically matches Uber's pricing. You'll need an Indian SIM card for OTP verification to book — pick one up at the arrivals hall before ordering.
Does the Delhi Airport Express Metro run 24 hours?
No. The Airport Express Metro (Orange Line) runs from approximately 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes. If you arrive outside these hours, Uber, Ola, or the prepaid taxi counter at arrivals are your options. The ride to New Delhi metro station takes 20 minutes with stops at Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Aerocity, and Shivaji Stadium.
Should I get a SIM card at Delhi airport?
Yes, get one immediately at arrivals. Airtel and Jio have counters in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. A tourist SIM costs ₹500-700 (-8.40) for 1-2 GB daily data and calling for 28 days. You need your passport and a passport-size photo (some counters take a digital photo). Activation takes 15-60 minutes. Having a working SIM lets you book Uber and Ola, use Google Maps, and stay connected from day one.
Should I use buses or street taxis in Delhi?
No. Delhi's city buses are overcrowded, confusing for visitors, and don't have English signage on most routes. Street taxis — the black-and-yellow Ambassador cabs — are largely extinct, and the few that remain often refuse meters. Stick to the Metro, Uber/Ola, and auto rickshaws booked through apps.
How do I buy a ticket for the Delhi Metro?
You have two options: single-journey tokens or a rechargeable Metro smart card. Tokens cost ₹10-60 depending on distance and are bought at ticket counters or automatic vending machines at every station. A smart card costs ₹150 (₹50 deposit + ₹100 balance) and gives you a 10% discount on every ride. Tap the card at entry and exit gates.
Is the Delhi Metro safe for tourists?
Yes. The Delhi Metro is one of the safest public transport systems in India. Every station has airport-style security screening with bag X-rays and metal detectors. CCTV covers all platforms and trains. There's a dedicated women's carriage — always the first coach in the direction of travel — and a women's helpline number posted in every car.
What are the Delhi Metro timings?
The Delhi Metro runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily. First and last train times vary slightly by line and station. During peak hours (8-10 AM and 5-8 PM), trains arrive every 2-4 minutes. Off-peak frequency is 5-8 minutes. The Airport Express Line runs from 4:45 AM to 11:40 PM.
Which Delhi Metro stations are most useful for tourists?
Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place and central Delhi), Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi and Red Fort), Kashmere Gate (interchange hub), Hauz Khas (South Delhi bars and Deer Park), Jor Bagh (Lodhi Gardens), Qutub Minar, and New Delhi (Airport Express connection). These seven stations cover 90% of tourist sightseeing.
How much does the Delhi Metro cost?
Single journeys cost ₹10-60 (/bin/sh.12-0.72) depending on distance. A Metro smart card gives you 10% off every ride and costs ₹150 to purchase (₹50 deposit + ₹100 balance). The Airport Express Line from New Delhi to Terminal 3 costs ₹60. Most tourist trips within central Delhi cost ₹20-30.
Is there a Delhi Metro app?
Yes. The official DMRC app shows the network map, calculates fares between stations, gives first/last train times, and shows real-time crowd levels at stations. Download it before you arrive. Google Maps also integrates Delhi Metro routing and will suggest the fastest combination of Metro and walking.
Do I need an Indian phone number to use Uber in Delhi?
Yes. Uber in India requires OTP (one-time password) verification sent to a phone number. Your home country number may work for booking, but drivers will call you on the registered number and you'll receive ride updates via SMS. An Indian SIM card makes everything smoother — get one at the Delhi airport arrivals hall from Airtel or Jio for ₹500-700 (-8.40). You can register your Indian number in the Uber app under settings.
Is Ola or Uber cheaper in Delhi?
They're very close in pricing, usually within ₹10-20 of each other for the same route. Both use dynamic pricing, so one may be cheaper than the other at any given moment depending on demand. The smart move is to check both apps before booking and pick whichever is lower. Ola Auto tends to be slightly cheaper than Uber Auto for short trips. For longer rides, prices converge.
What Uber options are available in Delhi?
Uber Go is the standard sedan option (₹100-400 for most city rides). Uber Auto books an auto-rickshaw at a fixed app price, eliminating haggling (₹40-150 for short-medium trips). Uber Premier offers higher-end sedans for more comfort. Uber XL provides larger vehicles for groups. Uber Moto is a motorcycle taxi for single riders — the cheapest and fastest option in traffic. All categories show the fare upfront before you book.
What is the fastest train from Delhi to Agra?
The Gatimaan Express is the fastest train from Delhi to Agra, covering the distance in 1 hour 40 minutes. It departs from Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi and arrives at Agra Cantt station. The fare is ₹750 () for AC Chair Car and ₹1,500 (8) for Executive Class, which includes a meal onboard. Book through IRCTC at least 3-5 days ahead during peak season (October-March).
How much does a taxi from Delhi to Agra cost?
A hired car with driver from Delhi to Agra and back costs ₹3,000-5,000 (6-60) for a return trip, including tolls, parking, and the driver's waiting time while you sightsee. The trip takes 3-4 hours each way via the Yamuna Expressway. Book through your hotel, Savaari, or GetMeCab. A one-way Uber Intercity ride costs ₹2,500-4,000 (0-48) but isn't ideal for day trips.
Should I take the train or drive from Delhi to Agra?
Take the train if you want speed, comfort, and predictability — the Gatimaan Express takes 1 hour 40 minutes regardless of traffic. Drive if you want door-to-door flexibility, are travelling in a group of 3-4 (which makes the per-person car cost comparable to train tickets), or want to stop at places along the way like Mathura or Sikandra. The train is the better choice for most visitors.
