Delhi is unusual in that the two cheapest ways into town both have a published tariff you can check yourself — the Metro's flat fare and the police-set prepaid taxi rate. That makes budgeting here easier than at most big airports.
The Airport Express Metro — a flat INR 60
INR 60 takes you from T3 to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes, no matter the hour or the traffic (Delhi Airport / DMRC). A stored-value card knocks 10% off. Onward trips on the regular Metro lines cost a small extra fare by distance.
Fixed-price private transfer
DEL New Delhi City Center
From€26for 2 passengers
Other destinations
The line runs 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM. Outside those hours, road transport is your only option.
The pre-paid taxi — the police tariff
The Delhi Traffic Police sets and publishes the prepaid taxi fares at IGI Airport:
- First kilometre: INR 40
- Each additional kilometre: INR 17 (non-AC; AC cabs are charged at a higher per-km rate)
- Baggage: INR 15 per piece
- Service charge: INR 15 per trip, for running the booth
- Night charge: 25% of the fare, 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
So a ~16 km run to Connaught Place works out a little over INR 300 in a non-AC cab before bags and the service charge — and about a quarter more again if you land after 11 PM. The counter calculates it, takes the money, and prints a receipt. That receipt is the whole point: it is fixed regardless of how long the traffic takes, and it is your evidence if a driver asks for more.
The current sheet is published at traffic.delhipolice.gov.in. Rates are revised from time to time, so check it if you want the exact figure before you fly.
Everything else
Uber and Ola quote in the app. They are often the cheapest road option in normal conditions but surge hard during Delhi's peak windows (8–11 AM, 5–9 PM). Private transfers are priced when you book and hold that price.
What affects the price
Traffic is the dominant factor for anything on the road — except the prepaid taxi, whose fare is set at the counter before you leave. That is its main advantage over an app.
Vehicle type matters: a non-AC prepaid cab is charged at a lower per-km rate than an AC one, and an SUV or Innova transfer prices above a sedan.
Hidden costs and tips
The pre-paid taxi fare is genuinely all-inclusive — no tolls, no extras beyond the published baggage, service and night charges. Some drivers may still ask for more, claiming tolls or parking. Your receipt covers everything; do not pay more.
Uber and Ola fares do not include tips. Tipping is not expected, though rounding up for good service is appreciated.
For the Metro, you need a token or Metro card purchased at the station. The machines accept cash.
Best value recommendation
The Airport Express Metro at INR 60 is remarkable value for an airport link of this quality. It is faster than road transport during peak hours and costs a fraction of any alternative. If your destination is not near the Metro, take the Express to New Delhi station and finish the journey by Uber or auto-rickshaw — that combination is still comfortably the cheapest way across the city.