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Delhi Public Transport - Tips and Tricks!

There you are out of the swanky T3 terminal of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi and you think ‘it’s not so bad mate!’. The thought changes as you exit the automatic gates, out into the wild we call Delhi. You can see a thousand eager taxi and auto rikshaw drivers charging towards you as you try to navigate your luggage through walls of people! Yes it is scary… but here’s what to do

Taxi and Auto tips:

1. Just smile, ignore  and move till you can find a place where you can think clearly.

2. Keep your destination address handy.

3. Look for a prepaid Taxi and Auto(auto rikshaw) booth. They are government operated and ensure that you are not taken for a ride(!).

4. Book for a cab in advance. You can contact Meru Cabs for online/phone booking of cabs. They cost more but are more reliable and comfortable than conventional cabs and autos.

5. SMS the license plate number of the taxi/auto you have hired to your trusted contacts.

6. Use the maps in your phone/handbook! The roads are pretty much named so you will have a fair idea of the destination.

Trick: Keep your cool and you will do fine. The key is planning in advance(unless you are really adventurous)

When going out for sight seeing on your own, you will be mobbed by many auto and taxi drivers. They WILL overcharge you and the buses will be too confusing to travel on. These tips will help you:

1. Keep a map handy. Know your conversion rates. Unless you stay on the moon, you would now how much a cab charges for say 5 kms in your city. Apply common sense, if it costs you 10$ for 10 kms in your city, then it wont cost you a 100$ for 10 Kms in Delhi!

2. Take the bus only if you want to experience it or when you know you are going to stay for a long time. Ask for help with route numbers, bus stops, destinations etc and you will get it.

3. If you are commuting late, keep the private cab service numbers handy as public transport after 9/10 PM is very unreliable/absent.

4. Try to hire a private cab for the entire day. It is convenient and economical.

5. Always insist to pay as per the meter reading.

Trick: When your taxi/Auto driver does not agree to go by meter and you have no option, BARGAIN. With Delhi Metro reaching many ares of Delhi, it provides a very convenient way of traveling to many places. You can check your handbook or the local Delhi metro stations for the coverage areas.

Summary

Safety should be your first priority, then comfort and/or economy as per your preference. Keep your cool and apply common sense! If you do not want to travel much, try to stay near the airport. You can get plenty of rooms like these near the airport.

To experience the city, we suggest you stay in our Connaught Place accommodations. It is close(click for location) to bus terminals, metro rail and auto/taxi stands and provides one with good opportunities to explore the city independently.