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Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) to the City

Red sandstone walls and buildings of the Red Fort in Delhi.
Red Fort (Lal Qila) · Photo: Jakub Hałun / CC BY-SA 4.0

Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) to the city by Airport Express Line, Magenta Line, DTC bus or taxi: where to board, DTTDC counters and safety tips.

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Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL): start with your terminal

From Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) there are four ways into the city: the Airport Express Line (Orange Line), the Metro Magenta Line, DTC city buses and taxis. Which ones you can use depends on the terminal you arrive at.

According to the airport, international flights arrive at Terminal 3 (T3), and Terminal 1 is domestic only. Terminal 2 is a short walk or shuttle ride from T3. Check your arrival terminal on your ticket and in the airport's information first.

The times below are from the airport's official information. Check all fares in the official information before you go.

Airport Express Line (Orange Line): board at T3; from T2, head to T3

According to the airport, the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) runs between New Delhi Railway Station and Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 and stops right at Terminal 3. It takes about 25 minutes to New Delhi Railway Station.

If you land at Terminal 2, walk or take the shuttle to Terminal 3 and board there. Ticket machines are in both the T3 and T2 arrival areas.

The first train is at 4:45; the last train leaves New Delhi at 23:30. Check fares and hours on the official DMRC website or app, and call the DMRC 24/7 helpline on 155370 with any questions.

Metro Magenta Line: from Terminal 1 (domestic only)

Terminal 1 is domestic only. According to the airport, it is served by the Magenta Line at the underground Terminal 1-IGI Airport station, a 300-400 m walk (5-7 min) through a covered subway.

Trains run about every 5 minutes from 5:30 to 23:30, via stations such as Hauz Khas and Kalkaji Mandir. Check journey times and fares in DMRC's official information before you go.

DTC city buses: from T3 Arrivals, 24/7

According to the airport, DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) buses run 24/7 from T3 Arrivals toward Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and ISBT. DTC buses cover the city and link to the airport.

Journey times depend on traffic. Check routes at dtc.delhi.gov.in and fares in the official information before you go. Finding a route that stops near your hotel in advance saves time on arrival.

If you are heading toward a railway station, keep in mind that Korea's foreign ministry warns of motorbike snatchers around railway stations.

Taxis and DTTDC transport counters

According to the airport, prepaid and fixed-rate taxis and app-based cabs are available 24/7 outside arrivals at all three terminals. At T3, the pickup area is Level 0 of the Multi-Level Car Park. Journey times depend on traffic; check fares in the official information before you go.

Delhi Tourism (DTTDC) runs transport counters and tourist information offices at the airport, railway stations and Connaught Place, and rents vehicles at a fixed tariff. It also operates a Delhi sightseeing tour, and its Central Reservation Office is in Connaught Place. Check prices officially.

At a glance

Where no set time is given, the line says to check official information. Check all fares in the official information before you go.

Safety tips and an arrival-day checklist

Korea's foreign ministry warns of thieves who befriend travelers and offer drugged food or drinks. Don't accept food from strangers, and watch for pickpockets at sights and metro stations and for motorbike snatchers around railway stations.

Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rates Delhi at level 1 (exercise caution). On 3 October 2026 the ministry advised caution over continuing and spreading protests in central New Delhi, so avoid rallies and check your government's latest travel advice before you go. According to Incredible India, the national emergency number is 112 and the tourist helpline is 1363.

For riding the metro around town, the main sights and Monday closures, continue with the Delhi first-trip transport and safety post.

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FAQ

How long does it take from the airport to New Delhi Railway Station?

About 25 minutes on the Airport Express Line, which you board at T3. The first train is at 4:45 and the last leaves New Delhi at 23:30. Check fares in the official information before you go.

I'm arriving at Terminal 2. How do I get the train?

Walk or take the shuttle to Terminal 3 and board the Airport Express Line there. Ticket machines are in the T3 and T2 arrival areas.

What can I take if I arrive late at night?

According to the airport, DTC buses run 24/7 from T3 Arrivals, and prepaid and fixed-rate taxis are available 24/7 outside arrivals at all three terminals. The last Airport Express Line train leaves New Delhi at 23:30.

What do the DTTDC counters offer?

Delhi Tourism (DTTDC) runs transport counters and tourist information offices at the airport, railway stations and Connaught Place, and rents vehicles at a fixed tariff. Check prices officially.

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