India is a fantastic destination for families, but the airport-to-city transfer in Delhi requires some planning when you have children. The main concerns are child safety in vehicles, Delhi's intense traffic, and managing the transition from a long international flight.
Terminal 3 with children
T3 is Delhi's international terminal and is relatively modern and well-maintained. Key family facilities include:
- Free luggage trolleys in baggage claim
- Baby-changing rooms in multiple locations
- Elevators and ramps throughout — stroller accessible
- Food outlets in the arrivals hall for snacks and drinks
- SIM card counters — useful for coordinating with your driver
Child seats — the critical issue
India does not have strong car seat laws, and child seats are extremely rare in taxis, auto-rickshaws, and most vehicles. This is the single biggest concern for families traveling with young children.
| Transport | Child seat? | Notes | |-----------|------------|-------| | Airport Express Metro | Not needed | Hold children securely; no car seat required | | Pre-paid taxi | No | Not available, rear seatbelts often missing | | Uber/Ola | No | Car seat option does not exist in India | | Private transfer | Yes, on request | Must request when booking — confirm availability |
A pre-booked private transfer is the only transport option that can reliably provide a child seat in Delhi. Specify your child's age and weight when booking and reconfirm the day before travel.
If you cannot secure a child seat, consider bringing your own travel car seat or an inflatable booster seat. In a taxi, sit in the back with your child held securely.
Dealing with Delhi traffic as a family
Delhi traffic is aggressive — horns blaring, lane discipline non-existent, and sudden stops common. For children, this can be frightening or nauseating. Practical tips:
- Choose flights arriving before 7 AM or after 10 PM to avoid peak traffic
- If you must travel during peak hours, the Airport Express Metro avoids road traffic entirely
- Bring motion sickness remedies if your children are prone to car sickness
- Keep the car AC on and windows up — Delhi's air quality is poor, especially in winter
Recommended approach for families
The best strategy depends on your children's ages and your luggage:
- Children under 3: Pre-booked transfer with child seat. Non-negotiable for safety.
- Children 3–8: Pre-booked transfer with booster seat, or Metro if traveling light
- Children 8+: Metro is excellent — fast, air-conditioned, and children enjoy the ride
- Multiple children + heavy luggage: Pre-booked Innova or minivan (seats 6–7) for INR 2,000–3,500 (EUR 22–38)