How to Reach New Delhi Railway Station – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach New Delhi Railway Station using trains, buses, cars, and metro with practical tips on routes, fares, and local transport options.
New Delhi Railway Station is located in the heart of India’s capital city, New Delhi. It is one of the busiest railway hubs in the country, connecting travelers to various parts of India. Many people travel here for business, tourism, or to connect to other transport modes.
This guide will help you understand the main ways to reach New Delhi Railway Station. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and metro options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.
Getting from Delhi to New Delhi Railway Station – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train to New Delhi Railway Station is ideal if you are coming from nearby cities or want a direct rail connection. It is the most popular mode for long-distance travelers arriving in Delhi.
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is a major hub on the Indian Railways network, serving over 400 trains daily from cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Jaipur, with trains arriving frequently throughout the day.
Travel time varies widely depending on origin; for example, from Jaipur it takes about 4–5 hours, while from Mumbai it can take 16–18 hours. Ticket fares range from ₹200 to ₹1500 depending on class and train type.
Trains are generally comfortable with options like AC, sleeper, and general class. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats, especially during festivals and holidays when trains get crowded.
During monsoon season, some trains may face delays due to waterlogging or track maintenance, so check live train status before travel. Early morning and late evening trains tend to be less crowded.
Facilities at New Delhi Railway Station include waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters to help with last-mile connectivity after arrival.
Bus
Buses to New Delhi Railway Station are suitable for travelers from nearby towns or those looking for budget options. Delhi has good bus connectivity through state and private operators.
Major bus depots like ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar offer direct buses to New Delhi Railway Station area, with frequent services every 15–30 minutes during the day.
Travel time by bus within Delhi can range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, especially during peak hours. Fares are economical, usually between ₹20 and ₹50.
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses are reliable, but buses can get crowded during office hours and festivals, so plan accordingly.
Some buses stop near the station, but last-mile travel may require walking or taking an auto-rickshaw. Keep small change ready for bus fares and autorickshaw rides.
Monsoon rains and winter fog can cause delays on road routes, so allow extra travel time during these seasons.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving to New Delhi Railway Station is convenient if you prefer privacy and flexibility. It is suitable for local travelers or those renting cars or cabs.
New Delhi Railway Station is accessible via major roads like Ajmeri Gate Road and Paharganj Road, connected to NH44 and NH48 highways. Parking is available but limited, so check availability in advance.
Travel time by car varies from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on starting point and Delhi traffic conditions, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Toll plazas on highways like the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway may apply if coming from outside Delhi, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.
Ola and Uber cabs are widely available and offer prepaid rides to the station, which is safer and more convenient than hailing autos or taxis on the street.
Be aware of Delhi’s odd-even vehicle rules during pollution control periods, which can affect private car travel on certain days.
Metro
The Delhi Metro is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to reach New Delhi Railway Station from various parts of the city and suburbs.
New Delhi Metro Station on the Yellow Line and Airport Express Line is directly connected to the railway station, making transfers seamless and quick.
Metro travel time depends on your starting station; for example, from Connaught Place it takes about 10 minutes, while from Dwarka Sector 21 (Airport Express) it takes 20–25 minutes.
Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹60 based on distance, with tokens and smart cards available for easy payment. Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours.
Metro stations have escalators, lifts, and clear signage, making it accessible for travelers with luggage. Avoid peak hours (8–10 AM and 6–8 PM) to reduce crowd stress.
During monsoon, metro services are reliable and less affected by weather compared to road transport, making it a preferred option in rainy season.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers heading to New Delhi Railway Station. It covers preparation, booking, and arrival tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Book your train or bus tickets in advance through official portals like IRCTC or DTC websites to avoid last-minute hassle and secure your preferred travel time.
Check the latest train or bus schedule and platform information online or via apps to stay updated on any changes or delays before you start your journey.
If using a car or cab, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, and check traffic updates to avoid congested roads and save time.
Pack light and carry essential documents like ID proof, tickets, and a bottle of water, especially if you expect to wait or transfer between transport modes.
On arrival at New Delhi Railway Station, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and fair last-mile travel to your accommodation or next destination.
Keep emergency contact numbers handy, including railway inquiry and local police, in case you need assistance during your travel.
Practical Travel Tips
Always use official prepaid taxi or app-based cab services from the railway station to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially if arriving late at night.
Drink bottled water and eat from trusted food stalls at the station to avoid stomach issues common among travelers unfamiliar with local hygiene standards.
Book tickets well in advance during festival seasons like Diwali or Holi, as trains and buses get fully booked quickly and prices may rise.
Use Delhi Metro for quick and affordable travel within the city, especially to avoid traffic jams and pollution during peak hours.
Carry a small bag with essentials and keep your belongings secure, as crowded places like New Delhi Railway Station can attract pickpockets.
During monsoon, carry an umbrella or raincoat and allow extra travel time as roads can be waterlogged and slow-moving.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
Delhi experiences extreme weather conditions that affect travel to New Delhi Railway Station. Planning your trip around these can save time and discomfort.
Winter fog can cause train delays and reduce visibility on roads from December to January. Summers are hot and dusty, making air-conditioned travel preferable. Monsoon rains from July to September may slow road transport but have less impact on metro services.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15), when security checks and crowds increase significantly.
Morning hours between 6 AM and 9 AM are best for road travel to avoid heavy traffic jams common later in the day.
Monsoon season requires extra caution on roads due to waterlogging; metro travel is more reliable during this time.
Summer afternoons can be very hot; prefer air-conditioned transport options and carry water to stay hydrated.
Arrival at New Delhi Railway Station & What to Expect
When you arrive at New Delhi Railway Station, you will find a large, busy complex with multiple exits and transport options. The station is well connected to local transport, but can be crowded, especially during peak hours.
Prepaid taxi counters are located near the main exits, offering fixed fares to popular city areas. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber can be booked via mobile apps and usually have designated pickup points. Auto-rickshaws are available but negotiate fares before boarding. Nearby areas like Paharganj and Connaught Place offer many budget and mid-range hotels for convenient stays.
Conclusion
Traveling to New Delhi Railway Station is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. The metro offers the fastest and most affordable city access, while trains connect you from across India. Buses and cars provide flexible alternatives depending on your starting point.
Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather and traffic conditions, and choosing transport modes that match your comfort needs. With these tips, you can confidently reach New Delhi Railway Station and start your Delhi visit smoothly and safely.