Planning a taxi ride in Delhi? Fares start at ₹25 and a 10 km trip costs around ₹175. Here's everything you need to know before you travel.
Delhi is a massive, fast-moving city where getting around by taxi is both common and affordable — but only if you know what to expect. Fares are metered and generally reasonable, starting at just ₹25, yet first-time visitors are often targeted by touts and overcharging drivers. This guide gives you the exact numbers and the street-smart knowledge to ride with confidence.
Delhi taxis operate on a metered system. The meter starts at ₹25 the moment you set off, and ₹15 is added for every kilometre travelled. So a straightforward 10 km ride — say, from Connaught Place to Hauz Khas — should cost you around ₹175 before any additional charges. Keep in mind that some drivers may add a small luggage surcharge for large bags, and late-night rides (typically after midnight) can attract a night-time premium of up to 25%. Always confirm whether the meter is running at the start of your trip, and ask for a receipt when you arrive.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) sits roughly 16–20 km from central Delhi depending on your destination. Based on the standard meter rate, expect to pay approximately ₹265–₹325 for a metered taxi into the city centre. The single safest and most hassle-free option for arrivals is the official airport prepaid taxi counter, located inside the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed fare upfront, receive a receipt, and hand it to your assigned driver — no meter disputes, no surprises.
Delhi has a well-documented history of taxi scams targeting tourists, particularly around the airport, railway stations, and major tourist sites. Being aware of the most common tactics will save you money and stress.
Watch out for these common scams in Delhi: (1) Flat-rate refusals — some drivers refuse to use the meter and insist on a 'fixed price' that is two or three times the metered fare, especially near Paharganj and Connaught Place. Always insist on the meter or use an app. (2) Rigged or tampered meters — older black-and-yellow taxis sometimes have meters that tick over faster than they should. If the fare seems to be climbing unusually quickly, note it and cross-check against the standard rates. (3) Unofficial airport taxis — touts outside arrivals pose as official taxi drivers and charge wildly inflated fares. Never follow someone who approaches you unsolicited. (4) The 'hotel is closed' detour — a driver claims your booked hotel is full, flooded, or shut down, then takes you to a commission-paying guesthouse instead. Ignore this entirely; call your hotel directly if you have any doubt.
For any journey under 5 km in central Delhi, the Delhi Metro is almost always faster and cheaper than a taxi — especially during rush hour. A metro token costs as little as ₹10–₹50 depending on distance. Buy a Tourist Card for unlimited travel across one or three days and skip the queues entirely.
Taking a taxi in Delhi is generally safe when you stick to verified options. Uber and Ola rides are logged, tracked, and linked to your account — making them the lowest-risk choice, particularly for solo travellers and for journeys after dark. Official prepaid taxis from the airport are equally well-regulated. The risks rise sharply if you accept rides from unregistered drivers or negotiate informally on the street without fixing terms in advance. Women travelling alone are advised to use app-based cabs rather than hailing on the street, share trip details with someone they trust, and sit in the back seat. As with any major city, basic awareness goes a long way — and Delhi's formal taxi infrastructure, when used correctly, works well.
How much does a taxi from Delhi airport to the city centre cost?
Based on the standard metered rate of ₹25 base fare plus ₹15 per km, a 16–20 km trip from Indira Gandhi International Airport to central Delhi should cost approximately ₹265–₹325. Using the official prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals locks in a fixed fare and is the recommended approach.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Delhi?
Tipping is not expected or mandatory in Delhi taxis. That said, rounding up to the nearest ₹10 or ₹20 for a helpful driver is appreciated. For a ₹175 fare, paying ₹200 would be a generous and well-received gesture. Never feel pressured to tip if the service was poor or the driver tried to overcharge you.
What payment methods are accepted in Delhi taxis?
Cash (INR) is accepted everywhere and remains the default. Uber and Ola support in-app card payments, UPI, and digital wallets like Paytm, making them convenient if you prefer not to carry cash. Street-hailed and prepaid airport taxis are usually cash only, so keep small-denomination notes handy.
What is the best time to take a taxi in Delhi to avoid traffic?
Delhi traffic is heaviest on weekdays between 8–11 am and 5–9 pm. If you can travel between 11 am and 4 pm on a weekday, or early morning on weekends, you'll move significantly faster and your metered fare will be lower. For airport runs, budget extra time during evening rush hour — a 20 km journey can take 90 minutes or more when traffic is bad.
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