- Route: New Delhi ↔ Dwarka Sector 21, via IGI Airport Terminal 3 (Airport Express / Orange Line)
- Journey time: about 15–20 min, New Delhi ↔ IGI Airport (T3)
- Frequency: roughly every 10 min (peak) / 15 min (off-peak)
- Price (from): ₹60, New Delhi ↔ IGI Airport
- Operator: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) — official site
- First / last train: about 05:00 / 23:40 from New Delhi
- Last verified: 18 June 2026 · check DMRC before travel
Overview
The Delhi Airport Express is the fastest way between New Delhi station and IGI Airport Terminal 3 — about 15–20 minutes for a flat ₹60 fare, far cheaper than a taxi in traffic. It runs on Delhi Metro's Orange Line, operated by the DMRC.
Route & stations
The line is operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and runs from New Delhi to Dwarka Sector 21, calling at the airport on the way. Stations, in order:
- New Delhi (interchange with the Yellow Line and Indian Railways)
- Shivaji Stadium (city check-in for select airlines)
- Dhaula Kuan
- Delhi Aerocity (hotels district)
- IGI Airport (Terminal 3)
- Dwarka Sector 21 (interchange with the Blue Line)
- Yashobhoomi / Dwarka Sector 25
Note that the Airport Express serves Terminal 3 directly; for Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 you transfer to a free inter-terminal shuttle or another metro line — confirm the current connection on the DMRC site.
Fares & ticket types
Last verified: 18 June 2026. Fares and times change — always check the official DMRC site before you travel.
| Ticket | Price (from) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single journey, New Delhi ↔ IGI Airport | ₹60 | Distance-based; shorter hops cost less |
| Delhi Metro smart card | Top-up | Small discount vs single-journey QR tickets |
| Tourist Card (1-day / 3-day) | Day pass | Unlimited travel across the metro, including the Airport Express |
How to buy tickets
Buy only from official channels — there is no need for any reseller:
- Ticket counters and vending machines at every station
- The official DMRC app (QR ticket)
- A rechargeable Delhi Metro smart card
See current fares and the app on the official DMRC website. We never link to ticket resellers.
Schedule & frequency
Trains run from about 05:00 to 23:40 (from New Delhi), roughly every 10 minutes at peak and 15 minutes off-peak. Times shift periodically — confirm the first/last train for your date with DMRC.
Luggage
Each passenger may carry hand luggage; large-bag rules and any size limits are set by DMRC. Passengers on select airlines can use city check-in at New Delhi station (drop bags and collect a boarding pass before the train) — confirm which airlines currently participate with DMRC, as the list changes. Cloak-room storage is available at some stations for a small fee.
Accessibility
Stations and trains are step-free with lifts and dedicated spaces; staff can assist passengers with reduced mobility. Request assistance at the station on arrival.
Express vs taxi
For a full breakdown see Delhi Airport Express vs taxi & Ola/Uber. In short:
| Airport Express | Taxi / Ola / Uber | |
|---|---|---|
| Time, New Delhi ↔ T3 | ~15–20 min, fixed | 30–75 min, traffic-dependent |
| Cost | ₹60 | Several times higher; surge at peaks |
| Best for | Solo / couples, light bags, near a station | Groups, heavy bags, door-to-door, late nights |
Break-even: the train wins on cost for one or two travellers; once you are a group of three or four sharing one cab, a taxi can match or beat it — and wins outright if your hotel is far from a metro station.
First-time tips
- Security screening applies at metro entry — arrive a few minutes early.
- Keep your QR ticket or smart card handy for the exit gate too.
- From Terminal 1/2, allow extra time to reach the Terminal 3 platform.
- Still deciding? Read is the Delhi Airport Express worth it?
More Asia airport trains: browse the Asia region.