Old Delhi Railway Station is located in the heart of Delhi, near the historic Chandni Chowk area. It is one of the busiest railway hubs in India, connecting northern India with many parts of the country. Many travelers use this station to explore Old Delhi’s rich culture and heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Old Delhi Railway Station from different parts of the city. You will learn about train, metro, bus, and car options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Delhi to Old Delhi Railway Station – Main Options

Train

Using local trains to reach Old Delhi Railway Station is common for travelers coming from nearby cities or suburbs. It is suitable if you want to avoid city traffic and enjoy a direct rail connection.

• Old Delhi Railway Station is a major stop on the Northern Railways network, with frequent trains arriving from cities like Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Panipat, covering distances within 50 to 100 km in 1.5 to 3 hours.

• Local trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Old Delhi run often, taking about 10 to 15 minutes, with fares typically under ₹20, making it an affordable option.

• Trains can get crowded during peak hours (morning 8-11 AM, evening 5-8 PM), so plan accordingly to avoid rush and secure seating.

• Monsoon season may cause minor delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so check live train status on IRCTC or NTES apps before traveling.

• Facilities at Old Delhi station include waiting rooms, food stalls, and ticket counters, but be prepared for busy crowds, especially during festivals like Diwali or Holi.

Metro

The Delhi Metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Old Delhi Railway Station. It connects well with other parts of Delhi and is preferred by daily commuters and tourists alike.

• Take the Yellow Line of Delhi Metro, which has a direct stop at Chandni Chowk station, just a 5-minute walk from Old Delhi Railway Station, covering central Delhi efficiently.

• Metro trains run every 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours and every 5 to 10 minutes off-peak, with fares ranging from ₹10 to ₹30 depending on distance.

• Metro stations have clear signage, escalators, and security checks, making it safe and easy for first-time travelers to navigate.

• During peak festival seasons, metro trains and stations can get crowded, so avoid rush hours if possible or travel early in the day.

• Metro timings generally start from 6 AM and run till 11 PM, so plan your arrival accordingly to avoid waiting.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for reaching Old Delhi Railway Station, especially if you are traveling from nearby areas or want to experience local transport.

• Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses serve routes passing near Old Delhi Railway Station, with stops at Kashmere Gate and Chandni Chowk bus stands, about 5 to 10 minutes walk away.

• Bus fares range from ₹10 to ₹25 depending on distance, with buses running frequently from early morning till late night.

• Buses can get crowded and slow during peak traffic hours, especially on NH44 and inner city roads leading to Old Delhi.

• Monsoon rains often cause traffic jams and delays, so allow extra travel time during July to September.

• Bus stops near Old Delhi have vendors selling snacks and water, but it is advisable to carry your own bottled water for hygiene reasons.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving or hiring a cab to Old Delhi Railway Station offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.

• Old Delhi Railway Station is accessible via NH44 and Inner Ring Road, with main entry points from Ajmeri Gate and Kashmere Gate areas, making it well connected by road.

• Travel time from central Delhi areas like Connaught Place or Karol Bagh is around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic, covering 6 to 10 km.

• Toll plazas are not applicable on city roads, but expect heavy traffic and narrow lanes near Chandni Chowk, requiring careful driving.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are widely available and recommended for safety and fixed fares; avoid hailing random cabs near the station.

• Parking near Old Delhi Railway Station is limited and often crowded; using drop-off points or nearby paid parking lots is advisable.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers reaching Old Delhi Railway Station. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth journey.

• Check your preferred mode of transport based on your location and comfort; metro is fastest within Delhi, while trains suit nearby cities. This helps you plan time and budget effectively.

• Book tickets in advance if possible—use IRCTC for train tickets and Delhi Metro app or tokens for metro rides to avoid last-minute queues and sold-out situations.

• Start your journey early to avoid peak hour crowds and traffic jams, especially if traveling by bus or car; early departures reduce stress and delays.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as Old Delhi Railway Station is busy and crowded; use lockable bags and avoid carrying valuables openly.

• On arrival at the station or metro exit, follow signboards carefully to reach platforms or station exits; ask station staff or use Google Maps for last-mile navigation.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for onward travel from the station to your hotel or destination to ensure fair pricing and safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep a copy of your ID and ticket handy, as security checks are strict at Old Delhi Railway Station and metro stations; this speeds up entry and boarding.

• Drink only bottled water and eat from clean, busy stalls near the station to avoid stomach issues; carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.

• Book your train or metro tickets online well in advance, especially during festivals or weekends, to avoid last-minute unavailability and long queues.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable rides; avoid accepting rides from unauthorized drivers near the station.

• Carry minimal luggage and keep it close to you; pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like Chandni Chowk and station platforms.

• During monsoon, carry an umbrella or raincoat and allow extra travel time due to waterlogging and slower traffic conditions.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel to Old Delhi Railway Station is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making walking and waiting more comfortable. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon rains may disrupt travel plans.

Traffic congestion is common during festivals and public holidays, so plan your journey to avoid these peak times. Early mornings and late evenings usually have smoother traffic and less crowding.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra when the station and surrounding areas are extremely crowded and accommodation prices rise.

• Winter mornings can have dense fog affecting train and road travel, so check weather updates and allow extra time for delays.

• Monsoon season (July to September) often causes waterlogging near the station and slow traffic; carry rain gear and check live traffic updates.

• Depart between 7 AM and 10 AM or after 7 PM to avoid the busiest traffic hours and crowded trains or metro coaches.

Arrival at Old Delhi Railway Station & What to Expect

When you arrive at Old Delhi Railway Station, you will find a bustling environment with many travelers and vendors. The station has multiple exits, so follow signboards or ask staff to find the correct platform or exit for your onward journey.

Local transport options include prepaid taxi counters, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. It is best to use prepaid or app-based services for safety and fair pricing. Nearby areas such as Chandni Chowk and Kashmere Gate offer a wide range of budget hotels and guesthouses.

Conclusion

Reaching Old Delhi Railway Station is straightforward with multiple transport options available. The Delhi Metro offers the fastest and most comfortable way within the city, while local trains serve nearby towns efficiently. Buses and cars provide budget and flexible alternatives depending on your needs.

Plan your journey by booking tickets in advance, traveling during off-peak hours, and using reliable local transport services. With these tips, you can confidently navigate to Old Delhi Railway Station and enjoy your visit to this historic part of Delhi.