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18.5 km • ~24 mins

How to Get from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Paharganj (Main Bazaar)

Paharganj (Main Bazaar) is about 18.5 km northeast of Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The journey takes from 24 minutes by private transfer or taxi in light traffic to around 35 minutes by Airport Express metro, or longer by bus.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 18.5 km road distance

Official Prepaid Taxi or App Cab (Uber/Ola)

Reliable
30 mins •On demand (24/7)
€4.70 - €8.50 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2-3 Pieces
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From T3 Arrivals, follow signs to the Delhi Traffic Police prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal; pay fixed fare and get receipt with taxi number.
  2. Alternatively, for app cabs, exit Arrivals towards pillar 4 and cross to the Uber help desk in the multi-level car park; follow app directions for pickup.
  3. Give the driver the receipt or show the app route; keep the prepaid slip until you reach Paharganj.
  4. Ride directly to Paharganj Main Bazaar (about 18.5 km).

Delhi Metro Airport Express Line

Cheapest
35 mins •Every 10-15 Mins (05:00-23:30)
About €0.60 / Person
Luggage: Luggage space available
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From T3 or T2 Arrivals, follow signs to the Airport Express Line station 'IGI Airport' (near T3 forecourt).
  2. Buy a token or use a DMRC smart card/NCMC for about ₹65 to New Delhi station.
  3. Board the Orange Line train towards New Delhi (direction New Delhi/Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25) and alight at New Delhi station (about 20 min).
  4. Exit on the Ajmeri Gate side; Paharganj Main Bazaar is across the road / short 5-10 min walk from New Delhi Railway Station.

DTC Airport Express Bus (to ISBT Kashmere Gate)

Budget
60 mins •See timetable (Chalo/One Delhi app)
Check fare on Chalo/One Delhi App
Luggage: Crowded, limited luggage space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From T3 Arrivals, look for DTC Airport Express bus stop signs; take Airport Express-4 towards ISBT Kashmere Gate.
  2. Pay on board by cash/UPI/card; keep luggage close in the rack.
  3. Alight at ISBT Kashmere Gate after about 45-60 minutes.
  4. From ISBT Kashmere Gate, take a short metro ride or auto/city bus to Paharganj (or walk about 2 km).
  5. Alternatively, check if a DTC route serves New Delhi Railway Station area; use Chalo/One Delhi app for live route info.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the Delhi Traffic Police prepaid taxi counter inside Arrivals or a verified ride-hailing app; ignore touts in the arrivals hall who overcharge.
  • Keep the prepaid taxi receipt until you reach your destination; never hand it to the driver before the trip ends.
  • App cabs add a flat airport pickup charge of about ₹290 (≈€2.70) to every booking; confirm the total before you accept.
  • If a driver says the meter is broken or asks for extra cash, insist on the prepaid rate or cancel and report the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Delhi Airport to Paharganj?

The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line from Terminal 3 to New Delhi station costs about ₹65 (≈€0.60). From New Delhi station, Paharganj Main Bazaar is a short 5-10 minute walk across the road.

How long does it take from DEL to Paharganj Main Bazaar?

By taxi or private transfer, the drive is about 24-35 minutes in normal traffic. The Airport Express metro takes about 20 minutes plus walking and waiting, so allow 35-45 minutes door to door.

Is the metro running late at night from Delhi Airport?

No, the Airport Express Line operates roughly from 05:00 to 23:30; it is not a 24-hour service. Late-night arrivals should pre-book a private transfer or take a licensed taxi.

Can I pay for taxis and metro with a card?

Metro accepts DMRC smart cards, NCMC/RuPay contactless cards, tokens, and QR tickets. Taxis may accept cash or UPI; confirm before starting the trip, and keep small cash for prepaid counters.

Is Uber available at Delhi Airport?

Yes, Uber, Ola, and Rapido operate from designated pickup zones in the multi-level car parks. A flat airport pickup charge of about ₹290 (≈€2.70) is added to every app-cab booking.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable for families, offering door-to-door service and space for bags. The Airport Express metro also has luggage racks but involves a short walk at both ends.