Which is the Nearest Railway Station to Delhi International Airport?

The nearest railway station to Delhi Airport is Delhi Cantonment (DEC), which is around 11 km away. But most travelers choose New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), which is around 15–16 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport. NDLS serves better connectivity across India and is also easily accessible through the fast and reliable Airport Express Metro from Terminal 3. Due to its strong network and easy excess it remains the preferred choice for passengers arriving on domestic as well as international flights.

If you’re landing in Delhi and heading straight to take a train, this guide is about the distance, connectivity and transport options to the nearest railway station, so you can avoid unnecessary delays.

All Railway Stations Near Delhi Airport

IGI Airport connects to several railway stations within Delhi. We have listed the closest railway stations below to make it easier for you and your travel plans.

If you are landing at T3 after a long flight from USA to Delhi, Airport Express Metro directly takes you to New Delhi Railway Station. So, NDLS is the safest option.

Best Railway Station for Different Routes from Delhi Airport

After coming out of the IGI airport, you just want the next part of your journey to be easy. And here, many travellers get confused. Delhi has many railway stations nearby and each of the connects to distinct parts of India. So, if you know from where your train departs and the exact distance from airport, you have the edge to plan your transfer conveniently rather than rushing at the last minute. 

Going to Agra? Choose New Delhi Railway Station

NDLS is the safest and closest railway station for those who want to go and see the Taj Mahal. From Delhi airport terminal 3 to railway station, Airport Express Metro connects you directly to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 to 25 minutes.

Travelling to Jaipur? Pick NDLS or Delhi Cantt.

When you choose to board a train to Jaipur, you have two choices — NDLS and Delhi Cantt. Among these two, NDLS is the safer and a common pick among travellers. You will see more train options to Jaipur, better waiting areas and easier connectivity. Alternatively, Delhi Cantt Railway Station is closer than NDLS. You can also get trains going to Jaipur from here. But it is smaller and has fewer amenities than NDLS.

Going to Varanasi? Stick With NDLS

Varanasi is one of India’s busiest spiritual and cultural places and most travelers fly from USA to India to see Varanasi. So, if you’re one of them, you can board trains to Varanasi from New Delhi Railway Station. The trains include overnight sleeper options, daytime express, and a high frequency of departure. Other Delhi stations rarely offer the same variety for this route. If Varanasi is your destination after landing in Delhi, plan for NDLS.

How to Reach the Nearest Railway Station from Delhi Airport

To reach the nearest railway station to IGI Airport, there are totally 3 ways: Airport Express Metro Delhi, Ola/Uber, and Prepaid Taxis. 

1. Airport Express Metro From T3 or T2 of Delhi Airport

The cheapest way to reach NDLS from Delhi airport is by using the high speed Airport Express Line. For this, you must:

• Go to the IGI Airport Metro Station. From Terminal 3, follow signs for Airport Express Metro. From Terminal 2, it is about a 5–10 minute walk.
• Board the Orange Line metro toward New Delhi.
• The fare is around ₹60.
• You will arrive at the NDLS Platform 16 (Ajmeri Gate side) within 20–25 minutes.

From T1 of Delhi Airport

Delhi Airport Terminal 1 (T1) has its own metro station on the Magenta Line, which connects to the wider Delhi Metro network through easy transfers. To reach New Delhi Railway Station from T1:

• Board the Magenta Line from Terminal 1–IGI Airport Metro Station.
• Get down at Hauz Khas and change to the Yellow Line.
• Take the Yellow Line towards Samaypur Badli.
• Get off at New Delhi Metro Station.

From there, you can walk directly to New Delhi Railway Station (Ajmeri Gate side). This route takes about 40–50 minutes.

2. Uber/Ola – Comfortable but Traffic Dependent

Uber/Ola operate from Delhi Airport and are easy to book through the app once you arrive. The fare of the rides through these ranges between ₹400 and ₹700 from Airport to NDLS, with higher prices during peak hours or bad weather. The journey takes 30 to 60 minutes, though travel time increases during rush hours (8–11 AM and 5–9 PM). Booking a cab makes the most sense if you’re traveling in a group, carrying multiple large suitcases, heading to Delhi Cantonment or Old Delhi Railway Station, or if metro timings don’t align with your arrival.

3. Prepaid Taxi – Safe & Fixed-Price Alternative

Prepaid taxi counters are available inside the airport arrivals area, making the process straightforward after you land. You simply pay at the official counter, receive a printed slip, and are assigned a driver from the designated taxi queue outside. Taxi fare from Delhi airport to railway station is similar to Ola/Uber. Many travelers prefer this option because there is no surge pricing, no need to use a mobile app, and the service is regulated by the airport, which adds a sense of reliability and clarity.

Conclusion

If you’re booking cheap last minute flights from USA to India and planning to continue your journey by train from Delhi, then you must arrive before 8 PM. You must avoid booking trains departing less than 2 hours after landing. Also, consider next morning trains if traveling with family. Before finalizing your travel plans, USA–Delhi flight options on Flyopedia to ensure convenient arrival times that align with your train schedule.