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Getting around Delhi

Public transport: 

Delhi’s efficient and modern underground metro system (tel: (011) 155 370; www.delhimetrorail.com) was greatly expanded prior to the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Three lines criss-cross the city, serving most important tourist areas.

There are over 3,000 public buses (many of which are new air-conditioned vehicles) serving more than 700 routes in Delhi. Most of these are operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (tel: (011) 2386 5181; http://dtc.nic.in). Others are privately owned but run the same routes. However, finding a seat - and the right route - can be challenging.

Another option is auto-rickshaws, which are open-sided, motorised tricycles that offer popular and cheap transport. Four- and six-seater motorcycle rickshaws run fixed routes at fixed prices. Although all auto-rickshaws are metered, drivers rarely use them so agree your fare at the start of your journey. There's a 25% surcharge for travelling between 2300-0500.

Bicycle rickshaws are great for getting around Old Delhi. Tipping is optional but encouraged; 10% of the fare is the usual starting point.

Taxis: 

Yellow and black Ambassador taxis are readily available, especially at local taxi stands, where taxis can be booked and prices fixed in advance. There is a 25% surcharge between 2300-0500. There are official rates for taxis but metered prices are generally subject to high surcharges. Fares should be negotiated before the journey, as even metered taxis can be misleading.

Driving: 

Driving in Delhi is not for the faint-hearted. There are traffic regulations but they're routinely ignored. Old Delhi is even more challenging, with vehicles competing for space with ox carts, wandering cows, goats and dogs. Night driving can be particularly dangerous, exacerbated by poor street lighting.

Car hire: 

Car rental companies include Avis (tel: (011) 5539 7112; www.avis.com), located at the Oberoi Hotel, and Hertz (tel: (011) 4355 1212; www.hertz.com) at Indraprakash. Most major hotels can also arrange car hire. An International Driving Permit is essential for drivers in India, and in most cases the driver must be 25 years or over.

Hiring a car with a driver is the safest and easiest way to explore Delhi. Meru cabs (tel: (011) 4422 4422; www.merucabs.com) is a reputable and reliable outfit offering air-conditioned cars. Make sure you agree on a fare - and exactly what the trip includes - from the outset.

Bicycle hire: 

Cycling in Delhi can take some courage and bicycle hire is difficult to find; ask your hotel or the Jhandewalan Cycle Market, near Paharganj, for advice.

Touring Delhi on an Enfield Bullet motorbike is a quintessential Indian experience. Lalli Motorbike Exports, Hari Singh Nalwa Street, in Karol Bagh (tel: (011) 2875 0869; www.lallisingh.com) organises motorcycle tours for which you will need an International Driving Permit.

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