Key hubs
Delhi airport and railway station
- Airport
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), about 20–30 minutes from central Delhi by road, or up to an hour in heavy traffic
- Railway station
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is the main station, conveniently central. Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) is near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
- Getting around
- A private car and driver is the most comfortable option, especially for older travellers. The Delhi Metro is fast and efficient for specific journeys, but stations are crowded during peak hours. Autos (auto-rickshaws) are cheap but unmetered; use app-based booking.
How to reach Delhi by air
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is about 20–30 minutes from central Delhi by road, up to an hour in heavy traffic.
How to reach Delhi by train
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is centrally located and the main hub; Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) sits near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
How to reach Delhi by road
Delhi is the hub of India's national highway network, with expressways to Agra, Jaipur and Chandigarh.
Getting around Delhi
A private car and driver is the most comfortable option for older travellers; the Metro is fast for specific routes but crowded at peak times, and app-based auto or cab booking is more reliable than hailing on the street.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Delhi
- Hire a car and driver for the entire stay. It gives you a cool space to rest between sights, avoids the trauma of navigating crowds and heat on foot, and is often cheaper than taxis for full days.
- Stay in Lodhi Road, Khan Market or Hauz Khas areas, not Old Delhi. You need a hotel with a lift, good room ventilation and a reliable driver drop-off. Old Delhi hotels are usually old haveli conversions with no lifts and labyrinthine lanes.
- Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Marble floors in temples and tombs can be very hot underfoot. Bring socks for temple visits.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.