The cheapest way from Delhi Airport (DEL) Terminal 3 into central Delhi is the DTC Airport Express-4 AC city bus, about ₹25 paid in cash on board, running 24/7 to New Delhi Railway Station (for Connaught Place) in roughly 60–75 minutes. Buses can be 30–40 minutes apart, so if you're in a hurry take the Airport Express Metro (Orange Line) from inside Terminal 3 instead — ₹64 and about 20 minutes to New Delhi station. Don't take the taxi touts who quote ₹1,200–1,800 for the same trip; a metered ride is only ₹350–500, so use the official Delhi Traffic Police prepaid booth, Uber or Ola.
How to find it
- AIRPORTDelhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Terminal 3
- 01From Terminal 3 arrivals, walk out to the bus stand on the arrivals forecourt where the DTC and city buses stop (about a 5-minute walk from the exit).
- 02Board the DTC Airport Express-4 (AC) bus heading towards ISBT Kashmiri Gate and pay about ₹25 in cash to the conductor. It runs 24 hours, but buses can be 30–40 minutes apart.
- 03Ride about 60–75 minutes (traffic-dependent) into the city and get off at New Delhi Railway Station (Gate 2), the stop for Connaught Place and central Delhi.
- 04From New Delhi Railway Station it is a short auto-rickshaw or one metro stop to Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk) and most central hotels.
- CITY CENTREDelhi
Ticket
DTC Airport Express-4 AC city bus, single ticket to New Delhi Railway Station
Where to buy: On board — pay the conductor. The bus leaves from the bus stand on the Terminal 3 arrivals forecourt.
How to pay: Cash in Indian rupees (bring small notes and coins); the conductor issues a paper ticket. No app or card needed.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| BusCheapest route | ₹25.00 | 1 h 10 min | DTC Airport Express-4 AC city bus, single ticket to New Delhi Railway Station |
| Metro | ₹64.00 | 20 min | Airport Express (Orange Line) single-journey QR ticket, IGI Airport (T3) to New Delhi |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Delhi Airport to the city?
- The DTC Airport Express-4 AC bus to New Delhi Railway Station, about ₹25 paid in cash on board, running 24/7 in roughly 60–75 minutes. The ₹64 Airport Express Metro is faster at about 20 minutes.
- How much is the Airport Express Metro from Delhi Airport to New Delhi?
- ₹64 one-way from IGI Airport (T3) station to New Delhi station in about 20 minutes; a DMRC smart card gives a 10% discount. First train 4:45 am, last around 11:30 pm, every 10–15 minutes.
- Where do I catch the airport bus at Terminal 3?
- From the bus stand on the Terminal 3 arrivals forecourt. Board the Airport Express-4 towards Kashmiri Gate / ISBT and pay the conductor in cash; it stops at New Delhi Railway Station Gate 2.
- Are Delhi airport taxis a scam?
- Touts inside the terminal often quote ₹1,200–1,800 to Connaught Place, several times the ₹350–500 metered fare. Use the official Delhi Traffic Police prepaid taxi booth in the arrivals hall or book Uber/Ola, and ignore anyone saying 'taxi, sir?'.
- How long does it take from Delhi Airport to Connaught Place?
- About 20 minutes on the Airport Express Metro to New Delhi station plus a short hop to Rajiv Chowk, or 60–75 minutes on the ₹25 city bus depending on traffic.
- What is the best way from DEL to downtown Delhi?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the DTC Airport Express-4 AC bus, about ₹25 in cash, running 24/7 to New Delhi Railway Station in the city centre (for Connaught Place) in roughly 60–75 minutes; the ₹64 Airport Express Metro does it in about 20 minutes.
- How much is a taxi from Indira Gandhi International Airport to the city?
- A metered taxi from the official prepaid booth is about ₹350–500 to Connaught Place — touts quote ₹1,200–1,800 — versus about ₹25 on the airport bus or ₹64 on the metro.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.