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18.1 km • ~22 mins

How to Get from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Connaught Place

Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 18 km southwest of Connaught Place, New Delhi's central business district. Depending on traffic and mode, the trip takes roughly 22-60 minutes by private transfer or taxi, and 35-40 minutes by Airport Express Line metro.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 18.1 km road distance

Official Prepaid Taxi or App Cab

Metered / Fixed
35 mins •24/7
€4.20 - €7.50 (Per Vehicle; app cabs add about €2.70 airport pickup fee)
Luggage: 2 Bags Free (Taxi Boot)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. In Arrivals, go to the Delhi Traffic Police prepaid taxi counter; ignore touts offering taxis in the hall.
  2. Pay in advance and keep the receipt, which shows the taxi number.
  3. For app cabs, follow signs to the designated pickup zone in the multi-level car park (T3: near pillar 4; T2: across service road).
  4. Tell the driver Connaught Place via Dhaula Kuan; app cabs add a flat airport pickup fee.

Airport Express Line (Orange Line)

Cheapest
35 mins •Every 10-15 Mins (05:00-23:30)
€0.60 / Person (About ₹65)
Luggage: Luggage racks available
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Terminal 3 Arrivals, follow signs for the Airport Express Line / IGI Airport station (also used by T2 passengers).
  2. Buy a token/QR ticket or use a DMRC smart card/NCMC to Shivaji Stadium; fare is about ₹65, check delhimetrorail.com.
  3. Board the Orange Line towards New Delhi and get off at Shivaji Stadium, the closest station to Connaught Place.
  4. Exit and walk 10-15 minutes south-east into Connaught Place, or take a short auto-rickshaw.
  5. If arriving at Terminal 1, use the free inter-terminal shuttle to T3 or take Magenta Line with changes; verify shuttle frequency.

DTC Airport Express Bus (Airport Express-4)

Slow Budget Alternative
60 mins •See Chalo/One Delhi App
See Chalo/One Delhi App
Luggage: Limited space, crowded
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From T3 Arrivals, find the DTC airport bus stop; check Chalo/One Delhi App for the exact bay and live timings.
  2. Board an Airport Express bus towards ISBT Kashmere Gate (Airport Express-4 is one verified route).
  3. Alight at a stop near Connaught Place or at ISBT Kashmere Gate, then take a short auto-rickshaw or metro to Connaught Place.
  4. Confirm the final stop and fare with the conductor before boarding, as routes vary.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore taxi touts inside the arrivals hall; use only the official Delhi Traffic Police prepaid counter or a recognized app.
  • Keep the prepaid taxi receipt until you reach Connaught Place; it shows the assigned taxi and helps in disputes.
  • Do not accept app-cab rides from drivers who approach you directly; official pickups have a flat airport charge and use the multi-level car park zones.
  • Be alert when paying by card at taxis or counters; use UPI/cash where possible and always request a receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Delhi airport to Connaught Place?

The Delhi Airport Express Line (Orange Line) from T3 to Shivaji Stadium or New Delhi costs about ₹65 (€0.60) per person. From Shivaji Stadium it is a 10-15 minute walk or short auto-rickshaw to Connaught Place.

How long does it take by taxi from DEL to Connaught Place?

With no heavy traffic, the 18.1 km drive takes about 22 minutes, but in normal Delhi traffic allow 35-60 minutes. Fares typically run ₹450-800 (€4.20-7.50) for prepaid or app cabs.

Is the Delhi Metro available at night?

No, the Airport Express Line runs roughly 05:00-23:30, so it is not 24 hours. For late-night arrivals, use a pre-booked private transfer or a prepaid taxi/app cab.

Can I pay by card or UPI for airport transport?

At airport prepaid taxi counters and app cabs, card and UPI usually work, but keep cash as backup. Metro tokens/QR tickets accept UPI/cards through DMRC apps and smart cards.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or prepaid taxi is easiest because it goes door-to-door and handles luggage directly. The Airport Express Line has luggage racks but involves walking and a short connection to Connaught Place.