The essential guide for navigating Delhi

Delhi is a sprawling metropolis with 33 million residents, bringing all the hustle, bustle, and transport challenges that come with it. While exploring the old city—home to many key historical sites—is best done on foot, you'll also want to get acquainted with Delhi's efficient metro system, along with rideshares, cars, and autorickshaws, to fully experience everything the city has to offer.

Explore the intricate pathways of the old city on foot

The attractions of Old Delhi are closely packed and best explored on foot; it’s a delight to wander through the lively streets. If you’re concerned about getting lost (which is a legitimate concern!), there are numerous guided walking tours available, including those that support former street children, like those offered by Street Connections.

Take advantage of Delhi’s metro system

Once you venture past the historic district of old Shahjahanabad, walking becomes less practical. However, Delhi's extensive metro system is both fast and efficient, with signage available in Hindi and English. The first carriage is designated for women only—look for the pink sign on the platform.

While some metro stations can be large and bustling, if you need to switch lines, just look for the colored footprints on the floor that correspond to your line, and follow them to the right platform.

Metro Tip: Opt for a Smart Card instead of a Tourist Card. Smart Cards typically offer better value and can be used on the Airport Express, unlike Tourist Cards.

Skip the hassle of haggling with rideshares

In the past, negotiating with autorickshaw drivers was one of the more stressful parts of traveling in Delhi. Fortunately, rideshare apps have transformed transportation in India's major cities in recent years.

You can utilize Uber and Ola for both autorickshaws and cars. These services provide more affordable fares and remove the need to haggle, while also eliminating the need for small change to pay drivers or explain your destination.

However, there are a few caveats. Firstly, you’ll need an Indian SIM card to access rideshare services. Obtaining a SIM involves some paperwork, so it's easiest to get one at the airport before leaving the arrivals area. If you need to acquire a SIM in the city, it's advisable to arrange it through your hotel, as you require a local contact to verify your application.

The second issue is that sometimes the driver may call to confirm the pickup location, which can be challenging if you don't speak Hindi.

Zoom around the city in an autorickshaw

Much like tuk-tuks in Southeast Asia, autorickshaws are three-wheeled motorized vehicles featuring a tin or canvas roof and sides. They typically accommodate two passengers (though you'll often see many more crammed in) and have limited space for luggage. They are also known as autos, scooters, and riks.

Autorickshaws are usually about half the cost of a taxi. They come with a meter, but it's rarely used. Be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in, unless you're using a rideshare app. Riding in an auto is quite enjoyable, though the open windows can make it noisy (and chilly in winter).

Delhi’s growing fleet of e-rickshaws (electric rickshaws) resembles golf carts and provides a more eco-friendly option compared to autorickshaws and taxis. Many operate as shared vehicles on fixed routes for very affordable fares, though they can also be hired for private trips. Fares are generally comparable to those of autorickshaws.

Autorickshaw Tip: If you don't have a rideshare app, you'll need to pay cash for your ride. Ensure you have small denominations, as drivers seldom carry change.

Arrive in style with a taxi

Taxis provide the most comfortable transportation, but they usually cost twice as much as an autorickshaw. Similar to autos, make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey unless you’re using a rideshare app.

The Delhi Traffic Police operates prepaid taxi booths at the airport, New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Old Delhi railway stations, as well as major bus terminals. There are also several women-driven taxi services available in Delhi; consider trying Sakha Consulting Wings.

Choose pedal power for your journey

A cycle-rickshaw is a pedal-powered vehicle featuring a seat for two passengers in the back. Most come with a canopy that can be raised during rainy weather or intense sunlight, but can be lowered to make room for luggage. Be sure to negotiate your fare beforehand—while these rides are cheaper than autorickshaws, remember that it's more physically demanding for the rickshaw-wallah.

Power your own pedals

While cycling independently in Delhi isn’t advisable, a bicycle tour offers a fantastic way to discover the city. DelhiByCycle, started by a Dutch journalist, provides an exciting way to explore Delhi. Tours focus on distinct neighborhoods—Old Delhi, New Delhi, Nizamuddin, and the banks of the Yamuna—and begin early to avoid heavy traffic.

Explore extensively with a car and driver

As you travel further south in Delhi, the city becomes more spread out. To visit sites like the UNESCO-listed Qutab Minar or Tughlaqabad, hiring a car and driver is an excellent choice.

You can negotiate fares with taxi drivers, but it's wise to ask your hotel for a driver recommendation—this offers a good level of security and reliability, often at a better rate. Expect to pay around ₹10 to ₹13 per kilometer.

Buses & local transport

Most travelers find it cumbersome to navigate the intricate network of buses, vikrams, and tempos (large three-wheelers) that operate on fixed routes throughout the city.

Transportation accessibility in Delhi

Most Metro stations in Delhi feature lifts, step-free access to platforms, and wheelchair seating. Some locations are equipped with an induction loop system for hearing assistance.

For destinations not along the metro line, hiring a taxi is your best option. Ezy Mov offers wheelchair-accessible taxi services in Delhi, but availability is limited, so it's advisable to book well in advance.