Airport Transfers in Delhi — Compare & Book 2026

At a glance

Airport overview: Indira Gandhi International (DEL)

DEL has three terminals: T1 (domestic budget), T2 (some domestic), T3 (international and premium domestic). T3 is massive — allow 15-20 min from gate to Arrivals. The prepaid taxi counter inside T3 Arrivals is the safest taxi option.

Getting to the city by train or metro

Delhi Airport Metro Express to New Delhi station: ₹60 (~$0.70), 20 minutes — fast, clean, air-conditioned. Runs 5am to 11pm.

Bus and shuttle options

DTC buses to city center: ₹50-100, 60-90 min. Not recommended for tourists with luggage — extremely crowded.

Taxi situation

Delhi airport taxi touts are aggressive. Use ONLY the prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal or pre-book. Never accept offers from anyone approaching you in the terminal.

Best transfer service for Delhi

Welcome Pickups — Meet-and-greet is especially valuable at Delhi's chaotic airport. English-speaking drivers, flight tracking, fixed prices.

Read full Welcome Pickups review →

Cheapest transfer option

GetTransfer — Bids from $6 to central Delhi. Very affordable but verify driver ratings carefully.

Read full GetTransfer review →

Uber & ride-hailing

Uber and Ola both work at DEL. Uber is generally recommended for tourists due to the English interface.

Public transport from the airport

Delhi Metro Airport Express (20 min to New Delhi station, ₹60/$0.72) is fast, clean, and by far the best public transport option.

Practical arrival tips for Delhi

Terminal 3 is huge: T3 at IGI Airport is one of Asia's largest terminals. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk from your gate to Arrivals. Immigration queues for foreign passport holders can be 30-60 minutes — e-visa holders use a separate (faster) queue.

The prepaid taxi counter: Inside T3 Arrivals, look for the Delhi Traffic Police prepaid taxi counter. You pay a fixed rate, get a receipt, and are assigned a driver. This is safe and transparent — never negotiate a fare outside.

Air quality: Delhi's air quality is often poor, especially October-February. If you have respiratory issues, request a vehicle with air filtration. All pre-booked transfers have air conditioning.

SIM card registration: Indian SIM cards require passport registration and may take 24-48 hours to activate. Consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) that works immediately on arrival.

Terminal 3 vs Terminal 1: the 8 km problem

Delhi airport's two terminals are 8 km apart with no airside connection. Terminal 3 (international and major domestic) is modern with good signage. Terminal 1 (budget domestic carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet) is older and more chaotic. If you're connecting between terminals, you need to exit, clear security again, and drive between them — allow 90 minutes minimum. Pre-booked transfers are essential for inter-terminal connections, as taxi queues at Terminal 1 can be 30+ minutes.

The pre-paid taxi counter: your safety net

Inside Delhi's arrivals hall, the Delhi Traffic Police operates a pre-paid taxi counter. You state your destination, pay a fixed fare, and receive a receipt with a vehicle number. This system eliminates haggling, meter tampering, and route diversions — common issues with taxis outside. The rates are fair (₹400–600 to central Delhi). However, the pre-paid queue can be 20–30 minutes long after busy flights. A pre-booked transfer skips this entirely, with a named driver waiting at arrivals.

Transfer service prices from Delhi airport

Prices for a sedan (up to 3 passengers). GetTransfer prices are typical winning bids. See our full comparison for Delhi for detailed pricing by route.

Local travel nuances

Currency: INR (₹). Have some local currency for small purchases — many taxi meters display in local currency.

Language: Hindi and English Having your hotel address saved on your phone (screenshot or Google Maps pin) is always helpful for drivers.

Tipping: ₹100-200 (~$1.50-2.50) for drivers. Not expected but appreciated.

Safety: Use ONLY the prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal (not outside). Delhi Airport Metro Express to New Delhi station is safe and fast (20 min). Avoid anyone approaching you offering rides.

SIM / connectivity: Indian SIM cards require passport and photo (regulations). Available at airport counters from Airtel, Jio, or Vi from ₹249 (~$3).

Tips for Delhi airport transfers

Tip 1: The Delhi Metro Airport Express is excellent — 20 min, $0.72, clean and air-conditioned. Best for solo travelers.

Tip 2: Pre-booking is strongly recommended for late-night arrivals. Delhi after midnight requires reliable transport.

Tip 3: Always use the prepaid taxi counter if not pre-booking. It's inside the terminal past customs.

Tip 4: Delhi traffic is extreme during rush hours. Budget 45-90 min by car to Connaught Place during peaks.