How to Reach Anand Vihar Railway Station from Delhi Airport
Learn how to reach Anand Vihar Railway Station from Delhi Airport via metro, taxi, bus, and car with practical tips and travel times.
Delhi Airport, officially known as Indira Gandhi International Airport, is the primary gateway for travelers arriving in the national capital region. Anand Vihar Railway Station, located in East Delhi, is a major rail hub connecting Delhi to eastern and northern India. This route is popular among business travelers, tourists, and daily commuters looking to transfer between air and rail transport efficiently.
This guide covers the best ways to reach Anand Vihar Railway Station from Delhi Airport, including metro, taxi, bus, and self-drive options. You will find detailed travel times, costs, and tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Getting from Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar Railway Station – Main Options
Metro
The Delhi Metro is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to travel from Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar Railway Station. It offers a direct and air-conditioned connection, avoiding road traffic delays.
- Route details:
Take the Airport Express Line from IGI Airport Metro Station to New Delhi Metro Station, then switch to the Blue Line towards Anand Vihar ISBT. The total journey takes about 50–60 minutes.
- Ticket cost and frequency:
Metro fares range from ₹60 to ₹80 depending on the distance. Trains run every 10–15 minutes from early morning till late night.
- Comfort and convenience:
The metro is air-conditioned and clean, with escalators and lifts for luggage. Avoid peak hours (8–10 AM and 6–8 PM) to escape crowding.
- Last-mile connectivity:
Anand Vihar Metro Station is integrated with the railway station, making transfers seamless without needing additional transport.
- Seasonal tips:
During monsoon, metro travel is safer and more reliable than road transport, which can face traffic jams due to waterlogging.
Taxi / Cab
Taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber provide door-to-door convenience from Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar Railway Station. This option is preferred for travelers with heavy luggage or those seeking comfort.
- Pickup points:
Official prepaid taxi counters are available at all terminals. Ola and Uber pickups are designated at specific airport zones; follow signage to the app pickup points.
- Travel time and cost:
The journey covers approximately 18 km and takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi fares range from ₹400 to ₹700, with surge pricing during peak hours.
- Traffic considerations:
Avoid traveling during morning and evening rush hours to prevent long delays on NH9 and Ring Road.
- Comfort and luggage:
Taxis offer air-conditioned rides and space for luggage. Confirm the fare or use app-based meters to avoid overcharging.
- Night travel:
Cabs are the safest option after metro service hours, but always book through trusted apps and avoid accepting unsolicited offers.
Bus
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses connect Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar ISBT, offering an economical option for budget travelers.
- Bus routes:
Buses like route 534 and 534A run between IGI Airport and Anand Vihar ISBT. Check live schedules on the DTC website or apps.
- Travel time and cost:
The journey can take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, with fares around ₹30–₹50.
- Comfort and frequency:
Buses are non-air-conditioned or semi-AC, and can get crowded during peak times. Frequency varies but is generally every 30 minutes.
- Pickup points:
Bus stops are located outside the arrival terminals; look for DTC bus stands or ask airport staff for directions.
- Challenges:
Not ideal for travelers with heavy luggage or in bad weather due to limited shelter and comfort.
Car / Self-Drive
Self-driving from Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar Railway Station is an option for those familiar with Delhi roads and comfortable navigating urban traffic.
- Route:
The fastest route is via NH9 and Ring Road, covering about 18 km. Use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapmyIndia for real-time traffic updates.
- Travel time:
Typically 40–60 minutes, but can increase significantly during peak hours or monsoon rains.
- Parking:
Anand Vihar Railway Station has paid parking facilities, but availability can be limited during festivals or holidays.
- Fuel and tolls:
There are multiple fuel stations en route. No tolls apply on this stretch.
- Driving tips:
Avoid night driving if unfamiliar with Delhi traffic patterns. Watch out for aggressive driving and frequent lane changes.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers move smoothly from Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar Railway Station.
- Book your metro token or card:
At the airport metro station, purchase a token or use a smart card for faster entry. This saves time and avoids queues.
- Board the Airport Express Line:
Follow signs to the metro station inside the terminal. Trains run frequently and are well signposted.
- Change at New Delhi Metro Station:
Exit the Airport Express Line and transfer to the Blue Line towards Anand Vihar ISBT. Platforms are connected via escalators.
- Arrive at Anand Vihar Metro Station:
Exit the metro and follow signs to the railway station, which is adjacent and well connected by footpaths.
- Use prepaid taxis if needed:
If your train departs late or you have heavy luggage, use prepaid taxis available outside the railway station for local travel.
Practical Travel Tips
- Safety:
Always use official prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to avoid scams. Avoid accepting rides from unauthorized drivers.
- Food and water:
Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially if traveling by bus or during metro peak hours when vendors may be crowded.
- Booking strategy:
For metro, buy tokens in advance or use smart cards. For cabs, book through Ola or Uber apps for fare transparency and driver details.
- Local commute:
At Anand Vihar, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are available for short distances. Negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter use.
- Luggage handling:
Use luggage trolleys at metro stations and railway station. Avoid peak hour travel if carrying bulky bags to ensure comfort.
- Seasonal warnings:
During monsoon, expect road traffic delays. Metro remains reliable but can be crowded; plan extra time accordingly.
Best Time & Conditions
The best time to travel from Delhi Airport to Anand Vihar Railway Station depends on traffic and weather conditions. Early mornings and late evenings offer smoother rides.
Avoid peak office hours and festival weekends when both metro and roads are heavily crowded.
Avoid 8–10 AM and 6–8 PM due to heavy traffic and metro rush.
Monsoon season (July–September) can cause road waterlogging; metro is preferable then.
Winter mornings may have fog causing slight delays on roads but metro runs normally.
Midday travel (11 AM–3 PM) is generally less crowded and more comfortable.
Arrival at Anand Vihar Railway Station & What to Expect
On arrival at Anand Vihar Railway Station, travelers find a well-maintained facility with multiple platforms serving trains to eastern and northern India. The station is integrated with the Anand Vihar Metro Station, allowing easy transfers.
Local transport options include prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws. Nearby attractions include the Akshardham Temple and Yamuna Sports Complex. For stays, several hotels and guesthouses are located within a 3 km radius.
Conclusion
The Delhi Metro offers the most efficient and economical way to reach Anand Vihar Railway Station from Delhi Airport, combining speed, comfort, and reliability. It avoids road traffic and provides seamless integration between air and rail transport.
For travelers with heavy luggage or late arrivals, app-based cabs provide convenient alternatives. With the tips and options outlined here, you can confidently plan your transfer and enjoy a hassle-free journey across Delhi.