India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Delhi is a well-connected city with multiple transport options, making it easy and affordable to explore. From the Delhi Metro to auto-rickshaws and rental bikes, you can choose the best way to travel based on your budget and convenience.
Here’s a complete guide to transportation in Delhi:
1. Delhi Metro – The Best & Fastest Way to Travel
Coverage: Over 285+ stations across Delhi & NCR
Timings: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Fare: ₹10 – ₹60 (varies by distance)
Why Choose Metro?
✅ Fastest & safest way to travel in Delhi.
✅ Avoids traffic jams and covers all major tourist attractions.
✅ Air-conditioned coaches for a comfortable ride.
Best Metro Lines for Tourists:
✔ Yellow Line: Covers Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas.
✔ Violet Line: Connects Kalkaji Temple, Lotus Temple, and Central Delhi.
✔ Airport Express Line: Best for Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) travel.
✔ How to Pay? Get a Smart Card (₹150, includes ₹100 balance) for unlimited cashless travel.
2. Auto-Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws – Best for Short Distances
Availability: Everywhere in Delhi
Fare: ₹30 – ₹150 (depending on distance & negotiation)
Why Choose Auto-Rickshaws?
✔ Best for short distances (like market areas).
✔ Cheaper than cabs but requires bargaining.
✔ Pro Tip: Always negotiate or ask them to use the meter.
Where to Use Cycle Rickshaws?
✔ Old Delhi areas like Chandni Chowk & Jama Masjid – best for navigating narrow streets.
3. App-Based Cabs (Uber & Ola) – Comfortable & Easy
Availability: Citywide, including the airport
Fare: ₹100 – ₹800 (depending on distance & surge pricing)
Why Choose Uber/Ola?
✔ Best for longer distances & airport transfers.
✔ Safer & more comfortable than autos.
✔ Choose from regular, mini, sedan, or luxury cars.
✔ Pro Tip:
4. Delhi Buses – Budget Travel Option
Coverage: Over 7,000 buses covering the entire city
Fare: ₹10 – ₹25
Types of Buses:
✔ DTC AC Buses – Comfortable, air-conditioned, and good for tourists.
✔ Regular Buses (Non-AC) – Cheapest option but crowded.
✔ Pro Tip: Avoid buses during rush hours (9 AM - 11 AM, 6 PM - 9 PM) for a comfortable ride.
5. E-Rickshaws & Bike Rentals – Fun & Budget-Friendly
Availability: Popular in metro stations & markets
Fare: ₹20 – ₹50 per ride
Why Choose E-Rickshaws?
✔ Best for short rides between metro stations and markets.
✔ Eco-friendly & budget-friendly.
Where to Rent Bikes in Delhi?
✔ Yulu Bikes – ₹10 for first 10 mins, ₹1.50 per min after.
✔ Rentrip – ₹500 – ₹1,500 per day (bike rentals).
✔ Best Routes for Cycling: India Gate, Rajpath, Lodhi Garden.
6. How to Reach Delhi from the Airport?
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport)
✔ By Metro: Airport Express Line (Fastest) – ₹60 (New Delhi Metro Station in 20 min).
✔ By Uber/Ola: ₹400 – ₹800 (varies with time & distance).
✔ By Prepaid Taxi: ₹500+ (Book at the airport).
✔ Pro Tip: If arriving late, book an Uber/Ola for safety.
7. Delhi Railway Stations – How to Travel from Delhi by Train?
Main Railway Stations:
✔ New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) – Near Connaught Place.
✔ Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) – Close to Chandni Chowk.
✔ Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) – For Agra, Rajasthan trains.
✔ How to Book Trains? Use the IRCTC website or apps like Paytm, MakeMyTrip.
✔ Pro Tip: Book AC Chair Car (CC) or Sleeper Class for comfortable travel.
8. Best Way to Travel for Tourists in Delhi?
Transport Mode |
Best For |
Estimated Cost |
Delhi Metro |
Fast, budget-friendly travel |
₹10 – ₹60 |
Auto-Rickshaws |
Short distances & local markets |
₹30 – ₹150 |
Uber/Ola Cabs |
Comfortable, long-distance travel |
₹100 – ₹800 |
DTC AC Buses |
Budget travelers |
₹10 – ₹25 |
Cycle Rickshaws |
Exploring Old Delhi |
₹20 – ₹50 |
E-Rickshaws |
Metro station to market rides |
₹10 – ₹40 |
Bike Rentals (Yulu, Rentrip) |
Adventure & solo travel |
₹10 per 10 mins |
Pro Tips for Getting Around Delhi:
✅ Get a Delhi Metro Smart Card for unlimited cashless metro travel.
✅ Use Uber/Ola for safe & hassle-free rides (especially at night).
✅ Avoid rush hours (8-10 AM & 6-9 PM) to skip long metro/bus lines.
✅ Cycle rickshaws & E-rickshaws are best for Old Delhi exploration.
✅ For day trips, book trains or private cabs for comfort.
Which transport option will you choose for exploring Delhi?