Old Delhi Railway Station is located in the heart of Delhi and is one of the busiest railway hubs in India. Delhi Airport, officially known as Indira Gandhi International Airport, is situated southwest of the city. Many travelers use this route to connect between air travel and rail travel, especially for long-distance trains departing from Old Delhi.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi Airport to Old Delhi Railway Station. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Delhi Airport to Old Delhi Railway Station – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a good option if you want to avoid road traffic and enjoy a comfortable ride. The Delhi Airport Metro Express connects the airport to the city quickly, but direct trains to Old Delhi station are limited.

• The Airport Express Line runs from IGI Airport Metro Station to New Delhi Metro Station in about 20 minutes, costing around ₹60-₹100; from there, you can take a short metro ride or auto to Old Delhi Railway Station.

• Direct Indian Railways trains from the airport area are not available, so you must use metro or road transport after reaching New Delhi station or nearby.

• Trains are frequent and air-conditioned, offering a clean and fast option, especially during peak traffic hours when roads are congested.

• During monsoon season, metro services are reliable, but occasional delays can happen due to waterlogging near some stations.

Bus

Buses are the cheapest way to travel but can be slower and less comfortable. They suit travelers on a budget and those not carrying heavy luggage.

• Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses run from IGI Airport to ISBT Kashmere Gate, which is close to Old Delhi Railway Station, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

• Bus fares range from ₹10 to ₹30, making it a very economical choice for solo travelers or small groups.

• Buses can get crowded during peak hours and monsoon rains, so plan accordingly and avoid rush hours if possible.

• There are limited direct buses to Old Delhi Railway Station; you may need to change buses at ISBT or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach the station.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving or hiring a taxi is the most flexible and comfortable option. It allows door-to-door service and is ideal if you have luggage or travel in groups.

• The distance between Delhi Airport and Old Delhi Railway Station is about 20 km via NH44 and Inner Ring Road, taking 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Prepaid taxi counters are available at the airport; fares typically range from ₹400 to ₹700, depending on the time of day and traffic.

• App-based cabs like Ola and Uber are widely available and offer convenient booking with fare estimates and cashless payments.

• Traffic congestion is common during morning and evening peak hours, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays.

• Toll plazas on NH44 may add small charges; keep some change handy for smooth passage.

Metro

The Delhi Metro is the fastest and most popular way to reach Old Delhi Railway Station from the airport. It is affordable, frequent, and avoids road traffic.

• Take the Airport Express Line from IGI Airport Metro Station to New Delhi Metro Station, which takes about 20 minutes with trains every 10-15 minutes.

• From New Delhi Metro Station, switch to the Yellow Line towards Samaypur Badli and get off at Chandni Chowk Metro Station, which is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride to Old Delhi Railway Station.

• Total metro travel time is around 40 to 50 minutes, with fares between ₹60 and ₹100 depending on distance and card use.

• The metro is air-conditioned and clean, with helpful signage in English and Hindi, making it traveler-friendly.

• During festivals or holidays, metro trains can be crowded, so avoid peak hours if possible for a comfortable journey.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Delhi Airport to Old Delhi Railway Station. It focuses on ease and minimizing confusion.

• Step 1: After landing, follow signs to the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line station inside the airport terminal; buying a token or using a smart card speeds up entry.

• Step 2: Board the Airport Express Line train towards New Delhi Metro Station; keep your ticket or card handy for exit at the destination.

• Step 3: At New Delhi Metro Station, change to the Yellow Line towards Samaypur Badli; check station maps or ask staff for directions to Chandni Chowk Metro Station.

• Step 4: Exit at Chandni Chowk Metro Station and use the station’s exit leading towards Old Delhi Railway Station; autos and cycle rickshaws are available for the last 1 km.

• Step 5: If you have heavy luggage, consider booking an Ola or Uber from Chandni Chowk Metro Station to Old Delhi Railway Station for comfort and convenience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings close, especially in crowded metro trains and stations, to avoid pickpocketing common in busy Indian transit hubs.

• Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid drinking tap water; bottled water is widely available at the airport and metro stations.

• Book metro tokens or smart cards in advance if possible to avoid queues, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays.

• Use prepaid taxi counters at the airport to avoid overcharging; app-based cabs are more transparent and often cheaper.

• Pack light if using metro or buses, as stairs and crowded conditions can make handling heavy luggage difficult.

• During winter mornings, fog can delay road traffic; metro and trains are more reliable in such conditions.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi Airport to Old Delhi Railway Station depends on weather and traffic conditions. Avoiding rush hours and extreme weather improves your journey.

Delhi experiences hot summers, foggy winters, and monsoon rains, all affecting travel times differently.

• Avoid traveling during morning (8-10 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) peak hours to escape heavy traffic on roads and crowded metro trains.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause waterlogging and slow road traffic; metro remains the most reliable option then.

• Winter fog (December and January) can delay flights and road transport, so allow extra time if traveling early morning.

• Mid-morning to early afternoon is the best time for smooth travel with less crowd and traffic congestion.

Arrival at Old Delhi Railway Station & What to Expect

Old Delhi Railway Station is a large, busy station with multiple platforms and entrances. It can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak travel times.

Upon arrival, you will find prepaid taxi counters and plenty of auto-rickshaws outside the station. App-based cabs also operate here but may require walking to nearby pickup points.

Nearby areas like Chandni Chowk and Paharganj offer many budget hotels and guesthouses if you plan to stay overnight. Local buses and cycle rickshaws are available for short-distance travel within Old Delhi.

Conclusion

The Delhi Metro, especially the combination of the Airport Express Line and Yellow Line, is the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach Old Delhi Railway Station from Delhi Airport. It avoids traffic jams and offers a comfortable ride with clear signage and frequent trains.

When planning your trip, consider your luggage, travel time, and comfort preferences. Booking tickets in advance and avoiding peak hours will make your journey smoother. With this guide, you can confidently navigate the route and enjoy a hassle-free transfer between air and rail travel in Delhi.