New Delhi in India is one of the largest cities in the world – which means that getting around while you’re there can be a bit tricky.
Sure, you can use a ride-sharing app like Uber, or take an auto rickshaw, but because there’s so much traffic, those rides can take forever, which is why taking the Delhi Metro may be your best bet. Bonus: Hopping on the metro is also a great way to get to know the city, and it’ll save you money, too.
So here’s everything you need to know about the Indian capital’s public transit system.
A Brief History
For starters, the metro system in Delhi is still relatively new. One of the most important facts about it is that it’s the first railway system in the entire world to get a United Nations certification for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is huge for Delhi, and, as a result, locals are very proud of their metro.
The metro has eight main lines, divided by colour – red, yellow, blue, green, violet, magenta and pink – plus an eighth one, the orange line, that goes directly to the airport. There are around 184 metro stations in total, both underground and above ground – but they’re all air-conditioned. That air conditioning factor certainly isn’t as big a deal as the United Nations certification, but it’s definitely up there, as Delhi heat is no joke.
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Getting Around
As you may expect from such a sprawling railway system, there are a couple of key rules and guidelines that you should know before you go. But don’t fret if you get overwhelmed, you can always lean on your local leader for support even when you head off for solo exploration.
Buy a ticket (card or token) at the ticket counter
Generally speaking, tokens are best for one-way trips and cards are better if you are a frequent traveller. You can also purchase a Special Tourist Card, which gives you an unlimited number of rides for a limited amount of days. If you’re travelling with Intrepid, most transportation is already included, but you’ll need to get a ticket if you decide to take on the city solo.
The fare is not a set rate – it’s based on where you’re going
Unlike cities like New York, which have a set rate for a subway ride no matter where you’re going, the Delhi Metro charges you based on your distance travelled. To find out how much one ride costs, type in your departure and arrival stations here.
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If possible, try to avoid peak travel times
The metro gets very, very crowded. Locals say that peak travel time in the morning is anywhere from 9 am to 12 pm, and in the evening, it’s anytime from 6 pm to 8 pm. Of course, avoiding the metro during these times may not be possible, so if that’s the case, just be prepared to be squished – and keep an eye on your bag.
Each train has six to eight cars
One of these cars is reserved only for women. Although the metro system was opened in 2002, the women’s-only car only opened in 2010, as a response to sexual harassment complaints. While India is generally a safe place to visit for women travellers, additions like this allow you to travel with even more confidence and comfort.
Your bag will be scanned and weighed before you board
Every metro station has an X-Ray scanning machine to check your bag before you board and you’re not allowed to board at more than 35 stations if your bag weighs more than 15 kilograms. This rule has actually been in place since the metro opened, but it’s only now that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is actually enforcing it.
You’re not allowed to eat on the train
That said, many stations have kiosks where you can buy coffee, tea and local snacks. Some of the stations even have entire food courts filled with popular local and international chains where you can buy full meals. (Hot tip: Go for local chains and pass on the international chains like Domino’s… because you can do better than that.)
Using the Delhi Metro to Get to Your Hotel from the Airport
The Orange Line – which goes directly to the airport – runs from Terminal 3 and the new AeroCity hospitality precinct to New Delhi Metro Station (which is opposite the New Delhi Railway Station). Trains run nearly every 10 minutes, from around 5 am to 11:30 pm every day.
And that’s not all. The DMRC opened a new magenta line that goes to the airport, too. While it’s not an express train like the Orange Line, it still gives you even more airport-to-hotel options. The magenta line has 16 stations total – many of which interchange with other lines – and operates from Terminal 1.
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The Best Delhi Metro Stations for Sightseeing
One of the coolest parts about taking the Delhi Metro is that the metro itself is a sight to be seen. That said, you can also use it to get to other awesome tourist attractions, too. Riding a country’s rail system is the best way to get to know about daily life and culture. Here are five solid stations that will place you right in the middle of the attraction action.
1. Chandni Chowk on the yellow line
This brings you to Old Delhi, which is total chaos but a must-see and you can walk to the Red Fort from here. There’s tons of street food around as well, so be sure to sample some.
2. Rajiv Chowk on the yellow and blue lines
When you get off at this station, you’ll be close to Connaught Place, the commercial business and financial hub of Delhi that has heaps of markets and stalls. This is where you go to get all of the Indian trinkets you want.
3. Hauz Khas on the yellow line
Hauz Khas village is the hipster neighbourhood of Delhi. Expect to drink artisanal beer and quality coffee, visit artsy clothing and jewellery boutiques and stroll through colourful, graffiti-covered alleyways.
4. Nehru Place on the violet line
It’s right by Lotus Temple, which is a house of worship constructed in the shape of a flower that’s one of the most popular attractions in Delhi.
5. Central Secretariat, on the yellow and violet lines
Get off here to be close to the Indira Gandhi Memorial, Lodhi Garden, India Gate, the Parliament House and more.
Now that you have all of the Delhi Metro information you need, go off and hop on that train. Your wallet – and your watch – will thank you.
Try out Delhi’s Metro on your next trip to India
