Getting Around Delhi
Delhi Metro
Three lines of the new Delhi Metro are now open and provide a cheap, quick, hassle-free and air-conditioned way of zipping around the city. Unfortunately, the network is still limited and does not cover southern Delhi or neighboring areas like Gurgaon or Noida, but ambitious expansion plans are under way. As of 2008, the following lines are open:
- Line 1 (Red Line): Dilshad Garden-Kashmere Gate-Rithala
- Line 2 (Yellow Line): Vishwa Vidyalaya (Delhi University)-Kashmere Gate-Connaught Place-Central Secretariat
- Line 3 (Blue Line): Indraprastha-Connaught Place-Dwarka Sector 9
Line 2, in particular, is useful for getting to the Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid) and New Delhi railway stations, the ISBT bus terminal and the backpacker ghetto of Paharganj. Fares range from Rs. 6 to 22. Take the token until the final destination and change lines if required. If you're planning on sticking around for a while, you can buy a "Smart Card" for 100 Rupees, which is worth 50 Rupees and includes a 50 rupee deposit. You can add more amount to the card as and when you require. There is also a "Tourist Card" allowing unlimited use for Rupees 70/day , but it's highly unlikely that you'll travel enough to make this pay off.
Line 3 is useful for reaching Karol Bagh, a large shopping area. The Karol Bagh metro station is located in the crossing of Pusa Rd and Ajmal Khan Rd. The RK Ashram Marg station is very useful for reaching the western parts of Paharganj (and the station is located on the same side of the railroad tracks, which is not the case with the New Delhi station on line 2). Unfortunately the line 3 stations are not marked on most tourist maps as the line has only recently been opened.
Note that Metro stations all use the new Indianized names, so Connaught Place is "Rajiv Chowk", Old Delhi Railway Station is "Chandni Chowk" and ISBT is "Kashmere Gate".
By auto rickshaws
Auto rickshaws (also called three-wheeled scooters or simply autos) are good for shorter trips. Always in a distinctive yellow-and-green livery, auto rickshaws are three-wheeled partially enclosed contraptions (no doors!) that run on CNG and can seat three people in the back. In general, they are much cheaper than taxis and can be hailed from the street. Although by law the rickshaw drivers should charge according to the meter in their vehicle (10 Rupees for the first km, 4.50 rupees per km after), they will almost always try to haggle for price. Even the shortest journey will cost around 20rRupees. Always insist on using the meter. This might be hard to accomplish in the tourist/backpacker areas such as Connaught Place and Paherganj but in the rest of the city most drivers will put the meter on for you. The driver will usually quote a price first but just tell him to use the meter. For short distances, less than 2 km, many drivers will not accept use of meter so paying 15-20 rupees for a short distance is acceptable.
In Paherganj you will often be quoted 50 rupees to be taken to Connaught Place. The normal price by meter is about 10 rupees as it is very close.
If you have any trouble with them, go to any of the numerous tourist police stations in the city center and they will give you a complaint slip which will result in a 500 rupee fine for the auto driver. There should also be a telephone number written on the vehicle to call in case of any complaint.
There are a number of "PRE PAID" Auto stands run by the Police. Tell them where you want to go and pay them upfront. The charge will include 5 rupees for the service. You then take the coupon and stand outside where a policeman will direct you to the next available Auto. When your journey is completed you hand the coupon to the wallah and that's it. Nothing more to pay (despite what they may say).
By Taxi
In a city like Delhi where distance is the main hindrance to visit different places, car rentals service is there for comfortable travel. Either you are on a business trip or on a tour to Delhi, you can avail cheap car rentals, which are available with different options and affordable rates.Travel all around Delhi and NCR by car and witness the tourist attractions of Delhi while on a smooth drive. Airport car rental is also available in case you wish to avail the service to and from Delhi Airport. You have the option to choose from standard cars, Luxury cars, Premium cars and mid size or small cars. Radio cabs are now operational within Delhi that can be hired from any location in Delhi. These cabs are air-conditioned cabs that ensure comfortable traveling within the city. You have the option to pay the fare in cash or through credit card.
We have a centralized form for car rentals service in Delhi and NCR. Search for car rentals using the forms on the right. Plan your travel or book a car online and the service will be available at your doorstep.
The Easy and not too expensive way of getting around Delhi is to Hire a Taxi. With emergence of Radio Taxi its not too expensive and also haste free. Most of the radio Cab Services charge Rs. 15 per Km , which means from our property to canaught Place it would cost you Rs 150 to 175 ( Aprox USD 3 ).
The various radio cab services are:
Mega Cab: +91-11-41414141
Easy Cabs: + 91 11 43434343
Delhi Cabs: + 91 11 44333222