New Delhi Airport Express Metro

20-minute runs from New Delhi station beat any taxi from Paharganj

The New Delhi Airport Express Metro links New Delhi Railway Station directly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in about 20 minutes, with trains hitting speeds up to roughly 100 km/h. It’s fully air-conditioned, uses modern rolling stock, and skips the NDLS taxi gauntlet completely. If you’re staying around Paharganj or Connaught Place, walking or taking a short auto ride to New Delhi Metro Station usually still beats sitting in traffic on the Ring Road.

Where it runs and which terminal to use

The line runs from New Delhi Station to Dwarka Sector 21 with an intermediate airport stop at Airport (T1/T2) and the main Delhi Aerocity–IGI stations serving T3. Trains stop at the IGI Airport Station for T3, and there’s a free shuttle for T1 and T2 with posted transfer times usually under 15–20 minutes. Signs in T3 arrivals clearly point to the Airport Express, and the walk from baggage claim to the metro station entrance is typically under 10 minutes.

Hours, frequency, and tickets

First trains usually leave New Delhi Station shortly after 4:45 a.m., with last trains running close to 11:30 p.m., but check the day’s schedule because service can shift by 10–15 minutes. Daytime frequency sits around every 10–15 minutes, dropping slightly later at night. A single ticket from New Delhi to IGI Airport costs roughly ₹60–₹80, and smart cards are sold at counters inside the station. Security screening at the station can add 5–10 minutes at busy evening bank times.

Step-by-step: New Delhi Station to T3

• 1. Enter New Delhi Metro Station on Ajmeri Gate side, not Paharganj side.
• 2. Follow signs for “Airport Express Line” and buy a token to “IGI Airport (T3)” at the counter; fare is under ₹100.
• 3. Clear the baggage scanner and metal detector; keep laptops and power banks visible.
• 4. Ride the escalator down to the Airport Express platform and check the LED board for the next train’s countdown time.
• 5. Board any train heading to “Dwarka Sector 21” and stay on for about 4 stops, roughly 20 minutes.
• 6. Get off at “IGI Airport (T3)” and tap out with your token at the gates.
• 7. Follow “Terminal 3 Departures” signs; the walk to the check-in hall is around 5–7 minutes inside the terminal complex.

One last tip

Build the buffer: for an international flight from T3, step into New Delhi Station 2.5–3 hours before departure so you have a spare 30–40 minutes if the metro is briefly delayed or security at the station is slow.