Delhi Airport Metro Guide
How to reach IGI Airport Terminal 1 & Terminal 3 by Delhi Metro — routes, fares, and timings
Quick overview
T3
Terminal 3 (International)
Airport Express Line (Orange) — 20 min from New Delhi station
Fare: ₹11–₹75 (~$0.15–$0.90)
T1
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Magenta Line — direct station 'Terminal 1 – IGI Airport'
Fare: ₹11–₹64 (~$0.15–$0.75, regular metro)
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Operating Hours
Airport Express 4:40 AM – 11:40 PM, Magenta Line 5:50 AM – 11:00 PM
Frequency: Every 10 minutes
Terminal 3 — Airport Express Line (Orange)
The Airport Express Line is the fastest metro route to IGI Airport Terminal 3 (international flights). It's an express service with only 6 stations, running non-stop between key points.
Route (all stations)
New Delhi
Shivaji Stadium
Dhaula Kuan
Delhi Aerocity
IGI Airport
Dwarka Sec 21
Plan your route to the airport →
Key details
- Journey from New Delhi: ~20 minutes
- Fare: ₹11–₹75 (~$0.15–$0.90) · Smart Card gives 10% off
- Frequency: Every 10 minutes
- Connections: New Delhi (interchange with Yellow Line) · Dwarka Sec 21 (interchange with Blue Line)
💡 Tip: Some airlines have check-in counters at New Delhi metro station. You can drop your bags and go through to the platform hands-free. Check with your airline before travel.
Terminal 1 — Magenta Line
Terminal 1 (domestic flights — IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoFirst) is served by the Magenta Line at the station named 'Terminal 1 – IGI Airport'.
How to reach from Rajiv Chowk
- Take the Yellow Line from Rajiv Chowk towards Huda City Centre
- Get off at Hauz Khas (interchange station)
- Change to the Magenta Line towards Janakpuri West
- Get off at Terminal 1 – IGI Airport
Key details
- Journey from Rajiv Chowk: ~35 minutes
- Fare: Regular metro fare applies — ₹11–₹64 (~$0.15–$0.75)
- Interchange: Hauz Khas (Yellow ↔ Magenta)
⚠️ Important: The Airport Express Line does NOT serve Terminal 1. If your flight is from T1, use the Magenta Line — not the Airport Express.
Travel time from major stations
Approximate journey time and fare to each airport terminal
| From Station | To Terminal 3 | To Terminal 1 | Interchanges |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 20 min, ₹60 (~$0.70) | 45 min, ₹43 (~$0.50) | 0 / 1 |
| Rajiv Chowk | 25 min, ₹60 (~$0.70) | 35 min, ₹43 (~$0.50) | 1 / 1 |
| Kashmere Gate | 30 min, ₹75 (~$0.90) | 40 min, ₹54 (~$0.65) | 1 / 2 |
| Anand Vihar | 40 min, ₹75 (~$0.90) | 50 min, ₹54 (~$0.65) | 2 / 2 |
| Huda City Centre | 55 min, ₹75 (~$0.90) | 50 min, ₹64 (~$0.75) | 2 / 2 |
Interchanges: Number of line changes needed (T3 route / T1 route). Fewer interchanges = easier journey with luggage.
Tips for airport metro travellers
- Last Airport Express from New Delhi: ~11:00 PM
- First Airport Express: 5:00 AM from New Delhi, 4:40 AM from Yashobhoomi
- Luggage limit: Max 15 kg per person, dimensions 60 × 45 × 25 cm. All bags go through security scanners.
- Free WiFi available at airport metro stations
- Auto/taxi stands available outside both terminal metro stations for last-mile connectivity
- Late night / early morning flights: Metro doesn't run 24/7. For flights before 5 AM or after 11 PM, consider cab services (Uber, Ola) or the Delhi Airport Express bus service.
Frequently asked questions
How to reach IGI Airport by metro?
For Terminal 3 (international): Take the Airport Express Line (Orange) from New Delhi station — it reaches IGI Airport in about 20 minutes. Fare is ₹60 from New Delhi. For Terminal 1 (domestic): Take the Magenta Line to 'Terminal 1 – IGI Airport' station. From Rajiv Chowk, change at Hauz Khas to Magenta Line (~35 min total).
Which metro line goes to Delhi Airport?
Two lines serve the airport: the Airport Express Line (Orange) goes to Terminal 3 via stations New Delhi → Shivaji Stadium → Dhaula Kuan → Delhi Aerocity → IGI Airport → Dwarka Sec 21. The Magenta Line has a direct station for Terminal 1 called 'Terminal 1 – IGI Airport'.
What is the Airport Express Line fare?
Airport Express fares range from ₹11 to ₹75 depending on distance. New Delhi to IGI Airport costs ₹60. Smart Card holders get a 10% discount on all fares. The Airport Express uses the same DMRC smart card and token system as the rest of Delhi Metro.
Which metro station is nearest to Terminal 1?
The station 'Terminal 1 – IGI Airport' on the Magenta Line is directly connected to Terminal 1. It's a short walk from the station exit to the terminal entrance. Important: the Airport Express Line does NOT serve Terminal 1 — that only goes to Terminal 3.
How long from New Delhi metro station to airport?
From New Delhi metro station to IGI Airport Terminal 3 via the Airport Express Line takes approximately 20 minutes. Trains run every 10 minutes, from 5:00 AM to 11:40 PM from New Delhi and 4:40 AM to 11:15 PM from Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25. Including walking time within the station, budget about 25–30 minutes total.
Is Airport Express the same as Delhi Metro?
Yes, the Airport Express Line is part of the Delhi Metro network, operated by DMRC. It uses the same smart card and ticketing system. However, it has a slightly different fare structure (₹11–₹75 vs ₹11–₹64 for regular lines) and operates as an express service with only 6 stations. Trains are also more spacious with luggage racks.
Can I carry luggage in metro to airport?
Yes, you can carry luggage on the metro to the airport. The official limit is one bag up to 15 kg with dimensions not exceeding 60 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm. All bags must pass through X-ray security scanners at station entry. Airport Express trains have dedicated luggage space. For oversized bags, consider a cab instead.