The Delhi Metro Airport Express — officially the Orange Line — is the fastest and most affordable way to travel between Indira Gandhi International Airport and central Delhi. At a flat fare of ₹60 and a journey time of just 22 minutes to New Delhi railway station, it is dramatically cheaper and faster than taxis or autos, especially during peak hours.
At a Glance
- Airport
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Line
- Orange Line (Airport Express)
- Journey time (T3 → New Delhi)
- 22 minutes (T3 to New Delhi station)
- Fare
- ₹60 (flat fare, all passengers)
- Frequency
- Every 10–15 min (day) · Every 30 min (late night)
- First train
- ~04:45 from New Delhi / ~05:00 from IGI T3
- Last train
- ~23:30 from New Delhi / ~23:45 from IGI T3
How to Use the Delhi Metro Airport Express
The Airport Express runs from the underground metro station at IGI Airport Terminal 3. Follow the "Metro" signs after exiting the arrivals hall — the station is a 5-minute walk, with travelators and clear signage.
Buy a single-journey token (₹60), use your Metro Smart Card, or scan a UPI/QR code from the DMRC app at the fare gate. Trains are air-conditioned, dedicated to airport passengers, and have ample luggage space.
The line runs north-east to New Delhi railway station with stops at Aerocity (for budget hotels near the airport), Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, and Dwarka Sec 21. From New Delhi station, the Yellow Line takes you one stop to Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place), the commercial heart of Delhi.
All Airport Express Stations & Journey Times
| Station | From IGI T3 | Connections |
|---|---|---|
| IGI Airport T3 | Start | Terminal 3 arrivals (free shuttle to T1, T2) |
| Aerocity | ~5 min | Airport hotels, NH-48 |
| Dwarka Sec 21 | ~9 min | Blue Line (Line 3) interchange |
| Dhaula Kuan | ~15 min | NH-48, Ring Road |
| Shivaji Stadium | ~19 min | Connaught Place (10 min auto) |
| New Delhi | ~22 min | Yellow Line → Rajiv Chowk (1 stop) |
Onward Connections from New Delhi Station
New Delhi Metro station connects to the Yellow Line (Line 2). From New Delhi you can reach:
- Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place) — 1 stop south on Yellow Line (commercial centre, most hotels)
- Central Secretariat — 3 stops south (government area, India Gate vicinity, interchange to Violet Line)
- Kashmere Gate — 2 stops north (interchange to Red and Violet lines for Old Delhi, ISBT)
- HUDA City Centre (Gurugram) — Continue south on Yellow Line (about 45 min total)
Tips for the Airport Express
- The Airport Express runs from Terminal 3 — take the free inter-terminal shuttle if arriving at T1 or T2.
- Trains run every 10–15 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes late night.
- Your Metro Smart Card works on the Airport Express — no separate ticket needed.
- From New Delhi station, interchange to the Yellow Line for Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk) — one stop.
- Journey to Dwarka Sec 21 (west Delhi) is also possible direct on the Orange Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Airport Express Delhi?
₹60 flat fare regardless of destination on the Orange Line. Pay with Metro Smart Card, token, or UPI.
How often does the Airport Express run?
Every 10–15 minutes during the day (approx 5 am–11 pm). Check the DMRC app for exact departure times.
Does the Airport Express go to Gurugram?
No direct service. Take the Orange Line to Dwarka Sec 21, then interchange to the Blue Line towards Noida, or take the Yellow Line to Huda City Centre (Gurugram).
Can I take luggage on the Airport Express?
Yes. There is designated luggage space. Large bags go through X-ray security at the station entrance.
See also: Delhi Metro Smart Card · Delhi Metro fare chart · Full Delhi Metro guide
Source: DMRC official website. Verify schedules and fares before travel.