New Delhi Railway Station is one of the busiest railway hubs in India, located in the heart of the capital city. Red Fort, a historic monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, is situated in Old Delhi, making this route popular among tourists and locals alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from New Delhi Railway Station to Red Fort. You will find detailed options by train, bus, car, and metro, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step instructions for a hassle-free visit.

Getting from New Delhi Railway Station to Red Fort – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a convenient option for those who prefer rail transport within the city. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) provides fast and frequent services connecting these points.

• The nearest metro station to New Delhi Railway Station is the New Delhi Metro Station on the Yellow Line, which connects directly to Chandni Chowk Metro Station near Red Fort, with a travel time of about 10 minutes and fares between ₹10-20.

• Trains run every 3-5 minutes during peak hours, ensuring minimal waiting time, but expect crowding during morning and evening rush hours, especially on weekdays and festival days.

• Chandni Chowk Metro Station is about 1 km from Red Fort; you can walk or take an auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw from the station to the monument, which takes around 5-10 minutes.

• Metro trains are air-conditioned and clean, offering a comfortable journey even during Delhi’s hot summers or monsoon season, but be prepared for occasional delays during heavy rains.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to reach Red Fort, though they may take longer due to city traffic. Several Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses connect New Delhi Railway Station to Old Delhi.

• Buses like route numbers 405, 429, and 534 run from the ISBT Kashmere Gate or nearby bus stops to areas close to Red Fort, with travel times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Bus fares are very economical, usually between ₹10-20, but buses can get crowded and may not be the best option during peak hours or monsoon season due to slow traffic and waterlogging.

• Board buses from the bus stops near Paharganj or Ajmeri Gate outside New Delhi Railway Station; ensure you confirm the route with the conductor to avoid confusion.

• There are limited direct buses to Red Fort, so you may need to get off at Chandni Chowk or Lal Quila bus stops and walk a short distance to the monument.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving or hiring a car is a flexible option, especially if you want to avoid public transport crowds. The route is well connected by major roads but can face heavy congestion.

• The distance between New Delhi Railway Station and Red Fort is about 5 km via NH44 and Netaji Subhash Marg, usually taking 20-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

• Expect heavy traffic during peak hours (8-11 AM and 5-8 PM) and on weekends or public holidays; plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays.

• Toll plazas are not on this short route, but be prepared for multiple traffic signals and possible road diversions near Chandni Chowk due to ongoing city maintenance or events.

• Parking near Red Fort is limited and can be expensive; it is advisable to use paid parking lots or park further away and walk or use local transport for the last mile.

• Using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber is convenient, with fares typically ranging from ₹100 to ₹200, depending on traffic and time of day.

Metro

The Delhi Metro is the most popular and efficient way to reach Red Fort from New Delhi Railway Station, especially for first-time visitors.

• Start at New Delhi Metro Station on the Yellow Line and travel towards Chandni Chowk Metro Station, which is the closest stop to Red Fort, with a journey time of about 10 minutes.

• Metro trains run frequently from early morning until late night, with fares ranging from ₹10 to ₹20, making it affordable for all travelers.

• Chandni Chowk Metro Station has multiple exits; use the exit towards Netaji Subhash Marg to reach Red Fort easily on foot or by auto-rickshaw.

• During festivals like Diwali or Independence Day, metro trains and stations can be very crowded; plan your travel during off-peak hours to avoid discomfort.

• Metro stations have clean facilities and are wheelchair accessible, making them suitable for travelers with special needs.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from New Delhi Railway Station to Red Fort, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Step 1: Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station and locate the New Delhi Metro Station within the complex; clear signboards and station staff can help you find the entrance easily.

• Step 2: Purchase a metro token or use a smart card from the ticket counters or machines; this saves time and avoids long queues, especially during busy hours.

• Step 3: Board the Yellow Line metro train heading towards Chandni Chowk; trains run every few minutes, so wait time is minimal.

• Step 4: Get off at Chandni Chowk Metro Station and use the exit towards Netaji Subhash Marg; from here, you can either walk (about 10 minutes) or hire an auto-rickshaw for a short ride to Red Fort.

• Step 5: At Red Fort, buy your entry tickets at the official counters or online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Step 6: After your visit, retrace your steps to return to New Delhi Railway Station using the metro or other preferred transport modes.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks, especially if you plan to visit during hot summer months, as food options near Red Fort can be crowded and limited.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and more reliable local travel, avoiding unmetered autos or taxis.

• Book metro tokens or smart cards in advance during peak tourist seasons to save time and avoid long queues at ticket counters.

• Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like Chandni Chowk and New Delhi Railway Station.

• Wear comfortable footwear as you will need to walk from Chandni Chowk Metro Station to Red Fort and inside the monument complex.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling; avoid monsoon days when roads and metro stations can be slippery and crowded due to waterlogging.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Delhi experiences extreme weather, so timing your visit is important for a comfortable journey from New Delhi Railway Station to Red Fort. Avoiding peak traffic hours can save you time and stress.

Winter months from October to March offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and walking around Old Delhi. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon season brings heavy rains that may delay travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Independence Day when both the metro and roads are extremely crowded, and security checks at Red Fort are strict.

• Fog in December and January can cause minor delays in metro services and road traffic; plan extra time if traveling early morning or late evening.

• Best departure times are mid-morning (10 AM to 12 PM) or early afternoon (2 PM to 4 PM) to avoid rush hour crowds on metro and roads.

• Monsoon months (July to September) may cause waterlogging near Chandni Chowk and slow down bus and car travel; metro remains the most reliable mode during this season.

Arrival at Red Fort & What to Expect

When you arrive at Red Fort, you will find several options for local commute and facilities to help you explore the monument comfortably. The area around Red Fort is busy, with many shops, eateries, and rickshaw stands.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available near the monument, but it is often easier to walk or use cycle-rickshaws for short distances inside the congested lanes of Old Delhi. Popular nearby areas to stay include Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, offering budget to mid-range accommodations.

Conclusion

The Delhi Metro is the most efficient and convenient way to travel from New Delhi Railway Station to Red Fort. It offers fast, affordable, and frequent services with minimal hassle, especially for first-time visitors. Using the metro combined with a short auto-rickshaw ride ensures you avoid traffic jams and parking issues common in Old Delhi.

Plan your journey by checking metro timings, booking tickets in advance, and traveling during off-peak hours for a smooth experience. With these practical tips and clear options, you can confidently explore one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks without stress or confusion.