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Humayun's tomb, Delhi

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Travel to Delhi

Flying to Delhi

Delhi's modern airport is India's principal air transport hub. It is just 20 minutes from the city centre via the Metro Airport Express rail link. Airlines offering flights to Delhi include British Airways, Air India, Jet Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Flight times: 

From London - 8 hours 25 minutes; New York - 16 hours; Los Angeles - 24 hours; Toronto - 18 hours; Sydney - 17 hours. Within India: from Mumbai - 2 hours; Kolkata - 2 hours; Jaipur - 45 minutes; Goa - 2 hours 30 minutes.

Travel by road

Summary:

In principle, driving in Delhi is on the left. Foreign drivers must be over 18 and possess an International Driving Permit. Driving in Delhi can be a harrowing experience for the visitor, so it's far safer to use taxis or hire a car with a driver, particularly for longer journeys. Speed limits vary according to location and vehicle type, but a good rule of thumb is to stick to around 40kph (25mph) in urban areas, and a maximum of 80kph (50mph) outside town, and if conditions permit.

Those taking their own car must obtain a Carnet de Passage from an international motoring association (ie RAC) before entering India. This document guarantees that if the vehicle fails to be re-exported, then the issuing body will pay all duties liable. Motorists are advised to seek cover from an Indian insurer, as insurance is compulsory.

Emergency breakdown service:

Automobile Association of Upper India (tel: (011) 2696 5397).

Routes:

Five National Highways pass through Delhi. National Highway 1 links Delhi to Wagah near the India-Pakistan border; National Highway 2 from Kolkata (Calcutta) in the east travels through Agra, and the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, part of National Highway 8, passes through Jaipur in the west.

Driving times:

From Agra - 4 hours 30 minutes; Jaipur - 5 hours; Amritsar - 10 hours.

Coaches:

Delhi is linked to six states by bus services, from air-conditioned coaches to bone-jarring 'ordinary' buses. It's worth travelling using the more expensive state government bus companies; these tend to be more reliable (and safer).

The chaotic Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), at Kashmiri Gate, near Old Delhi railway station, is the main terminus for intercity bus services. State operators based here include Haryana Roadways (tel: (011) 2386 1262; www.hartrans.gov.in), Himachal Roadways (tel: (011) 2386 8654), Punjab Roadways (tel: (011) 2386 7842; www.punjabroadways.gov.in), Rajasthan Roadways (tel: (011) 2338 6658) and Uttar Pradesh Roadways (tel: (011) 2386 8709; http://upsrtc.com).

Travel by rail

Services:

There are two main railway stations in Delhi: New Delhi station, east of Main Bazaar (Paharganj), about 1km (0.6 miles) from Connaught Place, and Main Delhi station (Old Delhi), west of Red Fort, which is about 7km (4 miles) from Connaught Place.
Railway stations and trains in Delhi are crowded and notorious for theft, and luggage should be securely locked and never left unattended. There is a recorded information service available (tel: 139).

Operators:

Delhi is the main hub of the huge Indian Railways network (tel: (011) 2340 5156; www.indianrailways.gov.in) with trains departing to most parts of the country.

The popular same-day Shatabdi Express trains connect major and regional cities, including Agra, Jaipur, and Amritsar. Rajdhani Express trains offer long-distance express services from Delhi to state capitals. Alternatively, the opulent Palace on Wheels (tel: (011) 4302 1781; www.palaceonwheelsindia.com) offers luxury rail travel, at a price.

The easiest way for foreigners to make rail bookings is at the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi station. The office takes payment in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling; payment can only be made in Rupees if backed up with money-exchange receipts or ATM slips. You may be required to show your passport.

If you book rail tickets with a travel agent, expect to pay a small fee and deal with accredited agencies only. The Indrail Pass, valid for up to 90 days, allows unlimited travel but advance reservations are recommended.

Journey times:

From Agra – 2-3 hours; Jaipur – 5 hours 30 minutes; Amritsar – 5 hours 30 minutes; Mumbai – 16 hours; Kolkata – 18 hours.

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