Card, Token or Cash? Getting Around In Delhi's Public Transport

Delhi’s public transport is an adventure by itself. The traffic on Delhi roads can seem like a scene from a movie where every vehicle has a mind of its own. A word of advice, do no attempt to drive. Such high-end skills are best left to the locals. So what are the options you have if you decide to travel by public transport? As with everything in India you have the entire spectrum on offer. From the futuristic Metro to the human-powered rickshaw.

By The Delhi Metro

The best way to move around Delhi is to hop on to the Metro. Especially for destinations in Old Delhi, Paharganj, President’s House, and now Qutub Minar. Currently, fares range from Rs. 8 to Rs. 30.

Metro Trains run from 6 AM in the morning till about 1100 PM in the night. There are three lines:

Line 1 (Red Line): Dilshad Garden-Kashmere Gate-Rithala
Line 2 (Yellow Line): Jahangirpuri-Kashmere Gate-Connaught Place-Central Secretariat (to be extended all the way to Gurgaon by next week)
Line 3 (Blue Line): Noida – Connaught Place-Dwarka Sector 9

Tickets:

Smart Card/Travel Card: Travel Cards are available in the denominations of Rs. 50/- and can be recharged in a multiples of Rs 50/- to a maximum limit of Rs. 800/-.
- Refundable Deposit: Rs.50 only
- Validity: One Year from the date of purchase or one year from the date of recharge whichever is later.

Tourist Card: For unlimited travel over short periods. There are two kinds of cards – 1 day and 3 day.
- Value of 1-Day Card: Rs 70
- Value of 3-Day Card: Rs 200
- Refundable Deposit: Rs 50/- payable at purchase (refundable on return of card)

Token: For a single journey only. Tokens are valid only on the day of purchase and the value depends on the destination. Look up the fare for your destination station on the Token table.

Information in Hindi and English

Getting on, Traveling, Getting Off

These are the steps to follow, as outlined by the Delhi Metro:

Enter Through The Ticket Gates

Ticket gates display an illuminated GREEN arrow. Hold your ticket (Token or Card) close to the area indicating space for Smart Cards or token on the machine. If your ticket is valid, the gates to the left of the machine will open and you can enter the Paid Area.

Board The Metro Train

While waiting for the train on the Platform always stand behind the Yellow line.

When the train arrives allow passengers to alight before you board.

When you hear the warning signal and the Yellow door light flashes, indicating the closing of the doors, STOP. Do not attempt to rush through the doors.

Alight From The Metro Train

Route Maps are displayed inside the train above each of the doors.

The name of the next station will be announced over the Public Address system.

Proceed to the ticket gates that display an illuminated GREEN arrow.

Hold your CARD, close to the machine for Gates to open. If you have a Single-Journey TOKEN, insert it into the machine.

The Multiple-Journey Card

The Single-Journey Token

Do stand in queue.
Do limit your baggage to 15 Kgs, not exceeding 60 cm (Length) X 45 cm (Breadth) X 25 cm ( Height) in size.
Do stand on the left side of the escalators and while moving keep to the right.
Do remember that the train stops for 30 seconds only.
Do show your tickets to Metro personnel, when asked to.

Don’t

Don’t bring eatables inside the station premises.
Don’t bring pets inside.
Don’t smoke.
Don’t carry firearms.
Don’t travel without your smart card or token.
Don’t jump over the ticket barrier.
Don’t share your card or token with another person on the same journey.
Don’t cross the yellow line on the platform.
Don’t step onto the Metro tracks.
Don’t travel on the roof of the train.
Don’t try to force the doors open.

You can see the Metro routes here.

By Bus

Delhi has the world’s largest fleet of buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas. In fact, buses, all the taxies and three-wheelers also run on natural gas.

You are expected to buy a ticket for your destination when you board. Every bus has a ticket collector who will issue you a ticket. Fares range from Rs. 2 to Rs. 10. Buses are generally crowded during rush hour. To avoid the rush, look out for red-color AC buses which have a higher fare but are less crowded.

Buses Connect Almost All Parts Of The City

If you know your origin and destination, you can look up the relevant bus route here.

By Taxi and Three-Wheelers

Best for point to point travel, Taxis and Three-Wheelers are supposed to run by the meter but generally don’t. Decide on the price with the driver first and then hop in. Fares start at around Rs. 50. At the airport and the railway stations, the traffic police runs a Pre-Paid Service. You state your destination, pay the full fare at the booth and get a receipt. When you reach the destination, you hand over the receipt to the driver.

Delhi Taxi: Black, Yellow and Curvy

This is very convenient as the fares are fixed and there is no chance of you being overcharged. Remember; do not handover the receipt before you have reached the destination. Also, India does not have a tipping culture. You are not expected to tip the driver.

By Rickshaw

In certain parts, especially Old Delhi, you have the option of riding the human-powered rickshaw. This is the best way to navigate the chaotic streets. It truly is an experience you should not miss. Fares start from Rs. 20.