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DELHILeaving Indira Gandhi International Airport: transport guide

Indira Gandhi International Airport · India
DEL
High riskUpdated May 2026Medium confidence

Touts in arrivals are aggressive. Prepaid taxis and the metro are the safe defaults — anything else is a negotiation.

TL;DR

DEL (Indira Gandhi International Airport) is the main international airport serving Delhi, India. The recommended way out is Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station (~₹60, 20 min). Pickup is at Metro station inside T3. The most common scam to watch for is "'Hotel closed' redirect". Fares on the DEL → Connaught Place route typically run ₹60–₹450; anything above ₹2,000+ tout is almost certainly a scam. Last updated May 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station

Typical fare
₹60
Journey time
20 min
Pickup
Metro station inside T3
WARNING · Never accept a ride from anyone approaching you inside or just outside arrivals — touts will quote ₹2,000+ for a ₹400 trip.
01

Compare your options at a glance

OptionCostWaitPaymentPick
Airport Express Metro
₹60Every 10 min💳Card / Cash
Uber / Ola
₹300–₹5005–20 min📱App
Prepaid taxi (police booth)
₹500–₹70010–20 min💵Cash—
DTC Airport Bus
₹50–₹100Every 30–60 min💵Cash—
02

Your first 30 minutes

  1. 1Walk straight past anyone offering 'taxi' or 'hotel help'
  2. 2Follow signs to Airport Express Metro inside T3
  3. 3Tap card or buy a token (₹60) — train to New Delhi in 20 min
  4. 4If using Uber/Ola: book BEFORE leaving the terminal and use designated pickup zone
  5. 5Expected total: ₹60–₹450
03

Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
55/ 100
Stay sharp
  • Scam risk45
  • Public transport75
  • Ride-hailing65
  • Signage clarity60
  • Payment convenience55
04

Fare reality check

DEL → Connaught Place
  1. ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
    ₹60–₹450
  2. ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
    ₹800+
  3. Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
    ₹2,000+ tout
05

Best ways out, ranked

  1. 1

    Airport Express Metro

    RECOMMENDED
    Cost
    ₹60
    Journey
    20 min to New Delhi Station
    Wait
    Every 10 min
    Payment
    💳 Card / Cash
    Pros
    • Fastest
    • Cheap
    • Scam-proof
    Cons
    • Stops at midnight
  2. 2

    Uber / Ola

    RECOMMENDED
    Cost
    ₹300–₹500
    Journey
    30–60 min
    Wait
    5–20 min
    Payment
    📱 App
    Pros
    • Tracked
    • No haggling
    Cons
    • Surge at peak
  3. 3

    Prepaid taxi (police booth)

    Cost
    ₹500–₹700
    Journey
    30–60 min
    Wait
    10–20 min
    Payment
    💵 Cash
    Pros
    • Regulated price
    Cons
    • Pricier than Uber
  4. 4

    DTC Airport Bus

    Cost
    ₹50–₹100
    Journey
    60–90 min
    Wait
    Every 30–60 min
    Payment
    💵 Cash
    Pros
    • Cheapest
    Cons
    • Slow
06

Paying without surprises

  • Use ATMs inside arrivals — bypass currency desks.
  • Carry small notes for the prepaid taxi booth.
07

Common scams

'Hotel closed' redirect

High risk

Driver claims your hotel is closed/relocated and takes you to a commission-paying alternative.

HOW TO AVOID · Insist on the original address. Call the hotel to verify.

Inflated 'fixed' fare

High risk

Touts inside arrivals quote ₹1,500–₹2,500 for short trips.

HOW TO AVOID · Use the metro, prepaid booth, or Uber/Ola only.

08

What locals & travellers say

DEL·Delhi
“Airport Express Metro is the cleanest exit from DEL — ₹60 and 20 min flat.”
Redditr/indiaChecked Mar 2025confirmed
01 / 02
  • "Airport Express Metro is the cleanest exit from DEL — ₹60 and 20 min flat." — r/india
  • "Never let a driver change your destination. Call the hotel if unsure." — TripAdvisor
09

Arrival checklist

  • Walk past all touts
  • Metro or pre-booked Uber/Ola
  • Prepaid booth if you need a taxi
  • Verify hotel address before leaving airport
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10

DEL arrival FAQs

What is the safest way to leave Indira Gandhi International Airport?
Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station. Never accept a ride from anyone approaching you inside or just outside arrivals — touts will quote ₹2,000+ for a ₹400 trip..
Are taxis at DEL safe?
Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: inflated 'fixed' fare — Touts inside arrivals quote ₹1,500–₹2,500 for short trips. Use the metro, prepaid booth, or Uber/Ola only.
Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at DEL?
Yes — Uber / Ola works at DEL. Typical cost ₹300–₹500, journey ~30–60 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
How much should a taxi from DEL to the city centre cost?
Expected fare on the DEL → Connaught Place route is roughly ₹60–₹450. Anything around ₹800+ is high — ₹2,000+ tout is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
Do I need cash for a taxi at DEL?
Carry small local notes — Airport Express Metro expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
Where is the official taxi pickup at Indira Gandhi International Airport?
Metro station inside T3. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
Is DEL safe to arrive at late at night?
Late-night arrivals carry extra scam pressure here — specifically inflated 'fixed' fare. Pre-book a transfer where possible, stay inside the terminal until your ride is confirmed, and use the official rank only.
What scams should I watch for at DEL?
The most reported at DEL: 'Hotel closed' redirect; Inflated 'fixed' fare. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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Specific routes from this airport

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