16 km · 30–50 min · From $6–12
Connaught Place (CP) is the commercial and tourist heart of New Delhi, a circular Georgian-style colonnaded market built by the British. The 16 km journey from Indira Gandhi Airport takes 30–50 minutes. The Airport Express Metro is the fastest option (20 minutes to New Delhi Station, then 5 minutes walk to CP). Delhi airport is notorious for taxi touts - always use the prepaid counter, Ola/Uber, or a pre-booked transfer.
| Option | Price (est.) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked transfer | $6–12 | Fixed all-in price · meet & greet · flight tracking · ALL surcharges and tolls included · free cancellation |
| Metered taxi |
⚠ $5–10 (prepaid taxi) meter ONLY + surcharges, tolls, tip on top |
Meter only - airport surcharge, tolls, midnight surcharge and tip added on top. Final cost varies with traffic. |
| Ride-hailing app | N/A (use Ola or Uber) | Upfront pricing - pickup may require walking to a designated zone, surge during busy times |
Note: Pre-booked transfer prices are the all-in amount you actually pay. Metered taxi prices shown are the meter only - typical out-of-pocket cost is 20–40% higher once airport surcharges, tolls and tip are added. Compare like-for-like before deciding.
Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station takes 20 minutes for ₹60 ($0.70) - by far the fastest and cheapest option. Prepaid taxi counter charges ₹350–500 ($4–6). Ola/Uber costs ₹300–500 ($4–6). A pre-booked transfer costs $6–12 with meet-and-greet.
The Airport Express Metro is the best option for everyone during operating hours (5 AM–11 PM). A pre-booked transfer is recommended for late-night arrivals (after 11 PM), first-time India visitors (to avoid scams), and anyone with heavy luggage.
Ola and Uber work at Delhi Airport but pickup zones are confusing and wait times can be long. The prepaid taxi counter is more reliable but has long queues at peak times.
A pre-booked private transfer is $6–12 all-in - the price is fixed and includes airport surcharges, tolls and meet-and-greet. A metered taxi shows $5–10 (prepaid taxi) on the meter, but the actual amount you pay is typically 20-40% higher once airport surcharges, tolls and a tip are added. Ride-hailing is N/A (use Ola or Uber) where available.
The 16 km drive takes 30–50 min in normal conditions. Traffic in New Delhi during rush hour can add 20-30 minutes. Pre-booked transfers track your flight automatically, so a delayed arrival does not affect pickup.
Ride-hailing apps usually offer the lowest fare at N/A (use Ola or Uber), but airport pickup can require walking to a designated zone. Ola and Uber work at Delhi Airport but pickup zones are confusing and wait times can be long. The prepaid taxi counter is more reliable but has long queues at peak times. For most travelers a pre-booked transfer at $6–12 offers the best balance of price, comfort and reliability - there are no extra fees added on arrival.
Pre-booking is safer because the price is fixed in advance, your driver waits at arrivals with a name sign, and there is a record of the booking. Airport taxi counters at Delhi (DEL) are legitimate but typically charge more than the running meter. Unlicensed drivers approaching arriving passengers inside the terminal should always be avoided.
Pre-booked transfer drivers are typically vetted for basic English. Metered taxi drivers' English varies - at major airports it is usually basic but functional. Have your destination written in the local script or share a Google Maps pin to avoid misunderstandings, especially for hotels on small lanes.
Pre-booked transfers include flight tracking - the driver waits regardless of how long the delay is, at no extra cost. Metered taxis are always available at Delhi (DEL) but queues can be long during peak arrival times, and counters may close for late-night flights.
See our full Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport transfer guide for all destinations, local taxi tips, FAQ and booking options. Or browse Delhi airport transfers covering all city neighborhoods. For nationwide context, see our India transfer guide.