How to Travel from Delhi Airport to City Centre by Metro (2026)
Step-by-step guide to reaching Connaught Place, New Delhi Railway Station, or anywhere in Delhi from IGI Airport using the Delhi Metro. Includes Airport Express Line details, fares, and timings.
Landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and need to get to the city? The metro is the fastest, cheapest, and most stress-free way. Here's your complete guide.[↗]
Your Two Metro Options
Option 1: Airport Express Line (Recommended)
- Route: IGI Airport (T3) → New Delhi Railway Station
- Time: ~20 minutes
- Fare: ₹60
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
- Operates: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The Airport Express Line is a dedicated high-speed line with plush seating, luggage space, and no stops between Airport and New Delhi (except Dhaula Kuan, Shivaji Stadium, and a few others). It's designed for travelers.
Option 2: Magenta Line
- Route: IGI Airport (T3) → connects to rest of the network
- Time: Varies by destination
- Fare: Standard metro fare (₹10–₹60)
The Magenta Line is the regular metro that also stops at Terminal 1. It's cheaper but slower and more crowded.
Step-by-Step: Airport to Connaught Place
- Exit your terminal and follow signs for "Metro" or "Airport Express"
- Buy a token at the Airport Express counter (₹60 to New Delhi) or use your smart card for a 10% discount
- Board the Airport Express — trains run every 10–15 minutes
- Get off at New Delhi station (4th stop, ~20 minutes)
- Interchange to Yellow Line — follow signs for Yellow Line towards Samaypur Badli
- One stop to Rajiv Chowk — you're at Connaught Place
IGI Airport → Rajiv Chowk
Find route, fare & travel time
Total time: ~30 minutes Total fare: ₹60 (Airport Express) + ₹11 (Yellow Line) = ₹71
Compare this to a cab: ₹400–800, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. The metro wins every time.
Airport to Other Popular Destinations
| Destination | Route | Time | Fare | |------------|-------|------|------| | Connaught Place | Airport Express → Yellow Line | ~30 min | ~₹71 | | Old Delhi / Chandni Chowk | Airport Express → Yellow Line | ~35 min | ~₹71 | | Hauz Khas (South Delhi) | Airport Express → Yellow Line | ~40 min | ~₹71 | | Noida | Airport Express → Blue Line | ~60 min | ~₹81 | | Gurugram | Magenta Line → Yellow Line | ~70 min | ~₹50 | | Kashmere Gate (ISBT) | Airport Express → Yellow Line | ~40 min | ~₹71 |
IGI Airport → Kashmere Gate
Find route, fare & travel time
Tips for Airport Metro Travelers
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Terminal 1 doesn't have the Airport Express. If you land at T1, use the Magenta Line instead, or take the free shuttle bus to T3.
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Buy a smart card at the airport if you'll be in Delhi for more than a day. It saves 10% on all rides and you skip token queues. Read our smart card guide for details.
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Last Airport Express train is at 11 PM. If your flight lands late, you'll need a cab. Plan accordingly.
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The Airport Express has free WiFi on some trains. Look for the "DMRC Free WiFi" network.
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Luggage is allowed on the Airport Express. There are overhead racks and floor space. The regular metro (Magenta/Blue/Yellow lines) also allows luggage but gets very crowded during peak hours.[↗]
New to Delhi? Find Travel Companions
If you've just moved to Delhi or are visiting for work, getting around can feel overwhelming. Metro Diaries helps you find co-travelers heading your way — people you can travel with, ask for directions, or just have a conversation with during the ride.
Plan your exact route from the airport with our Route Finder. Just search "IGI Airport" as your starting station.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Airport Express Line cost from Delhi Airport?
The Airport Express Line fare from IGI Airport (T3) to New Delhi Railway Station is ₹60. You can pay using a token or get a 10% discount with a Delhi Metro smart card.
What is the last metro from Delhi Airport?
The last Airport Express train from IGI Airport departs at approximately 11:00 PM. If your flight lands after that, you'll need to take a cab or prepaid taxi to the city.
Can I take luggage on the Delhi Metro Airport Express?
Yes, luggage is allowed on the Airport Express Line. There are overhead racks and floor space designed for travelers with suitcases. The regular metro lines also allow luggage.
How do I get from Delhi Airport Terminal 1 to metro?
Terminal 1 does not have an Airport Express station. You can use the Magenta Line from T1 metro station, or take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 3 and board the Airport Express from there.
How long does it take from Delhi Airport to Connaught Place by metro?
It takes approximately 30 minutes from Delhi Airport to Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk) by metro — 20 minutes on the Airport Express to New Delhi, then one stop on the Yellow Line to Rajiv Chowk.