Navigating from IGI Airport Delhi to NDLS Railway Station at Night: A Comprehensive Guide

If you land at IGI Airport Delhi at 3:30 AM and need to catch a train from NDLS by 6:00 AM, finding the fastest and safest route can be challenging. This guide will help you reach your train station in time, even in the early hours of the morning.

Fastest and Safest Routes Overview

Both Ola and Uber taxis are excellent options for night travel, especially as they can operate without traffic during the early hours. However, there are strategic ways to optimize your journey for speed and safety. Here, we explore the quickest and most reliable methods to reach NDLS Railway Station from IGI Airport Delhi in just under one and a half hours.

1. Ola/Cab Service

For direct and hassle-free travel, hiring a taxi or an Ola/Uber is the best option. Starting from your arrival at IGI Airport, it typically takes about half an hour to collect your baggage and clear security. Once outside the terminal, simply book a cab and proceed to the Ola parking area. There, take any available cab; with no traffic on the roads at this hour, you will reach NDLS Railway Station within one hour.

If you book a cab in advance, it can be even faster. Ensure you use a reputable service like Ola or Uber, as these apps can help you find the closest cabs and track their arrival. Since there is minimal to no traffic post midnight, you can expect to reach NDLS by around 5:30 AM, giving you plenty of time to clear the station and get to your train.

2. Airport Metro Express

For cost-effective and convenient travel, consider taking the airport metro express, which can be particularly useful if you are arriving at Terminal T3. The first train departs from Dwarka Sec 21 at 4:45 AM and reaches T3 in approximately 8 minutes. From T3, it takes around 20 minutes to reach NDLS Railway Station. Exit from gate 5 and you will be at the Ajmeri Gate side of the railway station.

In the case of catching train platforms 1 or 16, exit from these gates to access your platform. If you are taking the Bhopal Shatabdi from platform 1 or the Vande Bharat from platform 16, you may need to cross all 16 platforms. Be prepared for the additional time required for luggage screening at NDLS.

Note that the second train after the first one departs at 5:15 AM. If your train departs at 6:00 AM, you should leave the airport by 4:45 AM at the latest to ensure you catch the first train and make it to the station in time. Happy journey!

3. Prepaid Taxis and Other Options

For those who prefer prepaid taxis, you can hire a taxi directly to NDLS Railway Station once you have cleared immigration and baggage. This can be a reliable method, especially if you are not near an Ola or Uber drop-off point. Even in the early morning, there should be no significant traffic, so your journey should take around one hour.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to use the airport metro, you can book a taxi or a prepaid cab. Since there is no Metro service, you must rely on a taxi service to reach NDLS in time.

Summary and Conclusion

Reaching NDLS Railway Station from IGI Airport Delhi at 3:30 AM and making it to your train by 6:00 AM requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Whether you choose a taxi, an airport metro, or a prepaid taxi, ensuring you book your ride in advance is your best bet to stay on track. Keep an eye on your watch and leave the airport with ample time to collect your belongings, clear the terminal, and reach your destination. Safe travels!