Getting There & Around

Getting There & Around

All flights arrive and depart from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, along the southwestern edge of the city. Its two terminals (domestic and international) are some miles apart, so be sure to tell your driver which airport you need when leaving. The airport is about a 45-minute drive from Delhi's center in light to moderate traffic. During rush hours, allow an hour, minimum, to navigate the traffic that chokes the city's main arteries to and from the airport and Central Delhi.

Delhi is the major hub for India's northern rail and bus systems. Determine in advance which of the city's three main rail terminals you need: New Delhi, Old Delhi, or Hazrat Nizamuddin. Long-haul government buses leave from a terminal near Kashmere Gate north of Old Delhi, but are often uncomfortably crowded. Travel agents can advise on the air-conditioned Volvo coaches that leave and arrive from many locations around the city.

Hiring a car and driver is the best way to see the most of this sprawling city, especially for those on a limited schedule. Most hotels can arrange a car, but they will also charge a premium for the service. Reputable travel agents do the same for much cheaper (budget Rs. 1,000 or more per day for a basic car with a/c and an English-speaking driver, for travel in Delhi only).

Black-and-yellow taxis charge Rs. 350 for the first four hours or 40 km and typically go by the meter for shorter trips. If your driver refuses to use the meter, get another cab. Avoid hailing random taxis on the street. Most hotels and restaurants will gladly call you a cab, and major markets and tourist attractions usually have a taxi stand.

The ubiquitous green-and-yellow auto-rickshaws are a good way to see the city from a different angle and catch the breeze during hot summer months. But they aren't for the faint of heart. Negotiating fares isn't easy, as Delhi drivers usually speak only minimal English and will usually refuse to go by the meter. A trip around the corner costs Rs. 20, and a trip across the city should never cost more than Rs 100. Government-run booths for prepaid auto-rickshaws can be found at Connaught Place, Basant Lok, Dilli Haat, and the Community Centre in Saket, among other places.