As the nation’s political, cultural, and economic epicenter, Delhi is one of the most accessible cities in Asia. Situated in North India, it serves as the primary entry gateway for travelers heading to the Golden Triangle (Agra and Jaipur), Rajasthan, and the Himalayan region.
Whether you are an international traveler flying into India for the first time or a domestic visitor traveling by train or bus, this comprehensive guide details how to reach Delhi smoothly. Learn about major arrival terminals, connection routes to the city center, travel times, and real costs. If you are starting to plan your full itinerary, explore our master Delhi travel guide, estimate your budget with our Delhi trip cost breakdown, or pick the best time to visit Delhi before booking your tickets.
At a Glance: Transit Modes to Delhi
| Travel Mode | Primary Entry Hub | Best For | Transit to City Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Air | Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) | International & long-distance domestic travelers | Airport Express Metro (19 mins) or Uber/Taxi |
| By Train | NDLS, Old Delhi (DLI), Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) | Domestic travelers & budget/mid-range tourists | Direct Delhi Metro connection or Auto-Rickshaw |
| By Bus | Kashmere Gate ISBT, Anand Vihar ISBT | Travelers arriving from neighboring states | Delhi Metro (Red/Yellow/Blue lines) |
| By Road | NH48, NE3 (Delhi-Mumbai Expressway), Yamuna Expressway | Road trips from Jaipur, Agra, Chandigarh, or NCR | Self-drive or intercity private cab |
1. Reaching Delhi by Air (Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL)
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is India’s busiest airport, located in West Delhi approximately 16 km from the city center (Connaught Place). Before stepping out into the city, review our essential Delhi travel tips to stay safe from common airport scams and navigate local transport smoothly.
Understanding Airport Terminals
- Terminal 3 (T3): The primary international terminal. It handles all foreign flights and premium domestic carriers (Air India, Akasa Air).
- Terminal 1 (T1): Dedicated domestic terminal used primarily by low-cost airlines (IndiGo, SpiceJet).
How to Get from IGI Airport to Central Delhi
- Airport Express Metro (Orange Line): The fastest, cheapest, and most efficient mode. It connects T3 directly to New Delhi Railway Station in under 20 minutes for ₹60 (~$0.75 USD). For route maps and fare details, check our comprehensive Delhi Metro guide for tourists.
- App Cabs (Uber / Ola): Pick-up areas are available at multi-level parking structures at T1 and T3. A cab to central Delhi takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and costs ₹400 – ₹650 ($5 – $8 USD). Learn more in our guide on how to get around Delhi.
- Prepaid Taxis: Official Delhi Traffic Police prepaid counters are located outside arrival gates. Pay at the counter first to receive a physical voucher before boarding.
2. Reaching Delhi by Train (Railways)
Delhi is the headquarters of the Northern Railway zone and features a massive rail network connecting it to almost every city in India via high-speed Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and express trains.
Major Railway Stations in Delhi
| Station Name | Code | Location & Metro Connection | Serves Trains From |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi Railway Station | NDLS | Paharganj / CP (Yellow & Orange Metro Lines) | Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa |
| Old Delhi Railway Station | DLI | Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line Metro) | Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu, West Bengal |
| Hazrat Nizamuddin | NZM | South Delhi (Pink Line – Sarai Kale Khan) | Agra (Gatimaan Express), Mumbai, Central India |
| Anand Vihar Terminal | ANVT | East Delhi (Blue & Pink Line Metro) | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand |
Navigating Railway Stations Safely
- Avoid Station Touts: Ignore individuals inside or outside station platforms claiming your hotel is closed or your train reservation is invalid. Proceed straight to the official metro entrance or app-cab pickup zone. Read our guide on where to stay in Delhi to pick safe neighborhoods near stations like Paharganj or South Delhi.
- Last-Mile Transit: All four major stations are directly integrated into the Delhi Metro network, making onward transit to top places to visit in Delhi fast and cheap.
3. Reaching Delhi by Bus (Interstate Bus Terminals – ISBT)
Delhi is linked to all major neighboring states—including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—via frequent government and private luxury bus services. If you plan to head out on day trips from here, read our complete guide to day trips from Delhi and surrounding places to visit near Delhi.
Key Interstate Bus Terminals (ISBT)
- Kashmere Gate ISBT: The largest bus hub in Delhi, located in North Delhi. Best for buses arriving from Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Manali), Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand (Dehradun / Haridwar, Rishikesh). Connected via Kashmere Gate Metro (Yellow, Red, and Violet Lines).
- Anand Vihar ISBT: Located in East Delhi. Serves buses arriving from Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mathura & Vrindavan) and Uttarakhand. Connected via Anand Vihar Metro (Blue Line).
- Sarai Kale Khan ISBT: Located in South Delhi near Nizamuddin Railway Station. Serves routes coming from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Agra. Connected via Sarai Kale Khan Metro (Pink Line).
4. Reaching Delhi by Road (Self-Drive & Expressways)
Delhi is connected to North India via high-speed expressways and national highways, making road trips straightforward.
- From Jaipur & Rajasthan: Via National Highway 48 (NH48) (~5–6 hours driving time). If you are traveling in the opposite direction, follow our guide on how to reach Jaipur from Delhi.
- From Agra: Via the Yamuna Expressway (~3–3.5 hours driving time).
- From Chandigarh & Punjab: Via NH44 (~4.5–5.5 hours driving time).
- From Mumbai / Central India: Via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NE3).
Note: Non-Delhi registered vehicles entering National Capital Territory (NCT) may be subject to green tax or restrictions during winter months based on local vehicle emission rules (GRAP standards).
5. What to Do Once You Arrive in Delhi
Once you arrive at your hotel and unpack, you can start building your sightseeing itinerary based on how many days you have available:
- Short Layovers & Quick Trips: Follow our Delhi 1 day itinerary to hit iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and India Gate.
- 2-Day Weekend Stays: Use our Delhi 2 day itinerary to cover South Delhi UNESCO sites like Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Lotus Temple.
- 3-Day Full Experience: Follow our Delhi 3 day itinerary to add cultural highlights like Akshardham Temple, Purana Qila, and relaxing walks through Lodhi Garden.
- Sightseeing & Food: Check out top things to do in Delhi, discover the best museums in Delhi, dive into the Delhi street food guide, shop at famous markets in Delhi, or enjoy nightlife with our tips on things to do in Delhi at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is the best choice for most tourists because it is located centrally near Connaught Place and Paharganj, with direct interchange access to both the Yellow Metro Line and the Airport Express Line.
By Airport Express Metro, it takes approximately 19 minutes to reach New Delhi station, followed by a short 5-minute walk or auto ride to Connaught Place. By taxi or Uber, it takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on city traffic.
Yes. Premium Volvo AC sleeper/seater buses operated by state tourism corporations (such as HRTC, RSRTC, or UPSRTC) and reputed private operators (booked via platforms like RedBus) are safe, punctual, and comfortable.
Yes. IGI Airport and major railway stations (NDLS, Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar) have designated Uber and Ola pickup zones. Follow the directional signage after exiting to meet your assigned driver.
