Delhi Railway Station, officially known as New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), is the main rail hub in India’s capital city. Located in the heart of Delhi, it connects travelers to numerous destinations across the country. This station is a vital gateway for tourists, business travelers, and daily commuters alike.

This guide covers all practical options to reach Delhi Railway Station, whether you’re coming from nearby areas or other parts of the city. Expect detailed advice on trains, buses, car routes, and the metro, along with insider tips to navigate this bustling transport node confidently.

Getting from Various Points to Delhi Railway Station – Main Options

Train

For travelers arriving from other cities or states, trains are the most common way to reach Delhi Railway Station. It is one of India’s busiest stations, well-connected by Indian Railways.

• Key routes and connectivity:

  NDLS is served by over 250 trains daily, connecting major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Jaipur. It has multiple platforms catering to long-distance and suburban trains.

• Travel time and ticket costs:

  Depending on your origin, ticket prices vary widely. For example, a train from Agra takes about 2 hours and costs ₹100–₹400 in second class or sleeper. Book tickets via IRCTC for confirmed seats.

• Facilities and comfort:

  The station offers waiting rooms, food stalls, and clean restrooms. Trains arriving here are generally punctual, but expect delays during peak seasons like festivals.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali or Holi when trains are overcrowded. Booking tickets well in advance is essential during these times.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  Upon arrival, prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available outside the station for onward travel.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for reaching Delhi Railway Station from nearby towns and within Delhi itself. Both government and private operators serve this route.

• Major bus terminals:

  The Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate is closest to Delhi Railway Station, about 3 km away. Local DTC buses and private Volvo services connect here frequently.

• Travel time and fares:

  Depending on traffic, buses take 15–45 minutes within Delhi, costing ₹10–₹50. From nearby cities like Gurgaon, buses take around 1 hour.

• Comfort and frequency:

  DTC buses run every 10–15 minutes during the day. Volvo buses offer more comfort but are less frequent.

• Travel tips:

  Avoid peak office hours (8–10 AM, 5–7 PM) to escape heavy traffic. Carry exact change for bus fares as conductors may not always have change.

• Challenges:

  Buses can get crowded and may not have space for large luggage. Plan accordingly if you are carrying heavy bags.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Delhi Railway Station is convenient for those traveling from nearby cities or within Delhi, especially if you prefer privacy and flexibility.

• Key highways and routes:

  NH 44 and NH 48 connect Delhi to neighboring cities like Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad. From central Delhi, use Ajmeri Gate Road or Paharganj Road to reach the station.

• Travel time and tolls:

  Travel time varies from 20 minutes within Delhi to 1–2 hours from nearby cities. Expect toll charges on highways like Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway.

• Parking and traffic:

  Parking near the station is limited and expensive. Use designated parking lots or park slightly away and take a short auto or cab ride.

• Driving tips:

  Avoid driving during peak hours (8–11 AM, 5–8 PM) due to heavy congestion. Use GPS apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia for real-time traffic updates.

• Fuel and rest stops:

  Several petrol pumps and eateries are available along NH 44 and NH 48. Plan refueling stops if coming from long distances.

Metro

The Delhi Metro is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to reach Delhi Railway Station, especially from within the city and nearby suburbs.

• Metro lines serving the station:

  The Yellow Line and Airport Express Line both stop at New Delhi Metro Station, which is integrated with the railway station complex.

• Travel time and fares:

  Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹60 depending on distance. Travel time from Connaught Place is about 5 minutes, and from Dwarka Sector 21 (airport line) around 20 minutes.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours. The metro is air-conditioned and clean, ideal for avoiding road traffic.

• Ticketing and cards:

  Use smart cards or tokens available at metro stations. Smart cards offer discounts and faster entry.

• Tips for travelers:

  Avoid rush hours (8–10 AM, 6–8 PM) when trains are crowded. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary helps first-time travelers reach Delhi Railway Station smoothly, whether arriving by train, bus, car, or metro.

• Book your tickets early:

  For trains and buses, use IRCTC and official bus portals. Early booking ensures confirmed seats and better prices.

• Check real-time schedules:

  Use apps like NTES for trains and Delhi Transport Corporation’s website for buses to avoid surprises.

• Reach your departure point early:

  Arrive at your bus stop, metro station, or railway platform at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds.

• Pack light and secure your luggage:

  Delhi Railway Station is crowded; keep valuables close and avoid bulky bags for easier movement.

• Use prepaid taxis or app cabs on arrival:

  Avoid unmetered autos outside the station. Prepaid counters and Ola/Uber apps offer safer rides.

• Have local currency handy:

  Many small vendors and autorickshaws do not accept cards; carry ₹100–₹200 in cash for convenience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety first:

  Delhi Railway Station is busy; stay alert, especially at night. Avoid isolated areas and keep your belongings secure.

• Food and water:

  Stick to hygienic food stalls inside the station. Carry a refillable water bottle; filtered water points are available.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and official bus websites for buses. Avoid third-party sellers to prevent scams.

• Local commute options:

  Use Delhi Metro or prepaid taxis for last-mile connectivity. Auto-rickshaws can be handy but insist on meters or fixed fares.

• Luggage handling:

  Use porter services if carrying heavy bags. Always agree on charges upfront to avoid overpaying.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Winters can bring fog causing train delays. Summers are hot; carry sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Best Time & Conditions

Delhi experiences extreme weather, so timing your travel to the railway station can improve comfort and reduce delays.

Peak traffic hours and festivals can cause congestion around the station, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during morning (8–11 AM) and evening (5–8 PM) peak traffic hours to reduce road delays.

• Winter fog (December–January) often delays trains; check live train status before departure.

• Monsoon season (July–September) can cause waterlogging near station entrances; carry waterproof gear.

• Mid-morning to early afternoon (10 AM–3 PM) is ideal for smoother road travel and less crowded metro trains.

Arrival at Delhi Railway Station & What to Expect

On arrival, you will find a large, bustling station with multiple exits leading to different parts of the city. The station is well-equipped with information desks, waiting areas, and food courts.

For local travel, the New Delhi Metro Station is integrated with the railway station, providing easy access to the city. Prepaid taxi counters are located near exit gates, and app-based cabs are readily available. Nearby attractions include Connaught Place, India Gate, and the Red Fort. Popular stay areas are Paharganj and Connaught Place, both within short taxi rides.

Conclusion

The Delhi Metro stands out as the most efficient and hassle-free way to reach Delhi Railway Station within the city, offering speed, comfort, and affordability. For travelers coming from other cities, Indian Railways provides extensive connectivity with convenient facilities.

With multiple transport modes available, you can choose the option that suits your budget and schedule. Armed with this guide, you can plan your journey to Delhi Railway Station confidently and enjoy a smooth start or end to your trip.