Reaching Delhi Airport by Metro is one of the ways to avoid traffic, especially during peak hours. Traffic is a major hassle for everyone. The metro keeps you out of it. But there is one thing to remember: Delhi Airport’s three terminals are not served by the same metro station. Terminal 1 is connected to the Magenta Line, while Terminals 2 and 3 are served through the IGI Airport station on the Airport Express (Orange Line).
If you are travelling to Delhi Airport for a flight choosing the metro route can save you time and unnecessary walking.
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Delhi Airport Metro Connectivity at a Glance
The most convenient Metro service for the Delhi Airport is the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) for Terminal 2 & 3 and Magenta Line for Terminal 1. Orange Line will run from New Delhi Railway Station directly to IGI Airport T3 in approximately 20–25 minutes, while the Magenta Line serves T1 with a dedicated underground station.
| Airport Terminal | Nearest Metro Station | Metro Line |
| Terminal 1 (T1) | Terminal 1–IGI Airport | Magenta Line |
| Terminal 2 (T2) | IGI Airport | Airport Express/Orange Line |
| Terminal 3 (T3) | IGI Airport | Airport Express/Orange Line |
As per the current map of DMRC, the Orange Line (Airport Express) from New Delhi goes through the airport towards Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25, while the Magenta Line will direct connectivity with the airport Terminal 1.
How to Reach Delhi Airport Terminal 3 by Metro?
For passengers travelling to Terminal 3 (International Flights), the Airport Express Line is generally the most convenient option.
From New Delhi Metro Station to Terminal 3
- Reach New Delhi Metro Station.
- Line: Airport Express Line (Orange Line)
- Follow the signs for the Airport Express/Orange Line.
- Board the train towards Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.
- Route: New Delhi-> Shivaji Stadium-> Dhaula Kuan-> Delhi Aerocity-> IGI Airport (T3)-> Dwarka Sector 21-> Yashobhoomi-> Dwarka Sector 25
- Get down at IGI Airport Metro Station.
- Travel Time: 20 – 25 minutes from New Delhi station
- Fare: ₹60 (New Delhi to IGI Airport), up to ₹100 for longer routes
- Follow the airport signs towards Terminal 3.
- Operating Hours: First train- 4:45 AM, last train- 11:30 PM
- Special Feature: Some airlines offer city check‑in counters at New Delhi Metro station- you can drop bags before boarding the metro.
The Airport Express connects New Delhi with airport-area stations including Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Aerocity and IGI Airport.
Why choose Airport Express?
The Airport Express is designed with a goal of fast Airport connectivity. It is especially helpful for passengers who are starting their journey from Central Delhi or arriving at New Delhi Railway Station.
Tip: If you are carrying heavy luggage, give yourself more time to walk from the metro station to the terminal.
How to Reach Delhi Airport Terminal 2 by Metro?
Terminal 2 (T2) is slightly different.
At present Terminal 2 does not have its metro station. Passengers generally use the IGI Airport Metro Station on the Airport Express Line. That station serves the T3 Airport Complex. Then passengers keep walking to T2.
A pedestrian subway is being built to link the Airport Express station near Terminal 3 with Terminal 2. That planned subway will reduce the walking distance a lot.
So, if your flight departs from Terminal 2 do the following:
Route: Airport Express Line (Orange Line)-> IGI Airport Metro Station (T3)-> follow Airport/Terminal transfer signs-> T2
Always check the Terminal shown on your flight ticket before you leave for the airport.
How to Reach Delhi Airport Terminal 1 by Metro?
Terminal 1 has its own metro station on the Magenta Line, called IGI Airport T1–
From Rajiv Chowk-> Yellow Line to Hauz Khas
Line: Magenta Line
If you are starting from the Yellow Line:
- Take the Yellow Line towards the appropriate direction for Hauz Khas.
- Change trains at Hauz Khas.
- Take the Magenta Line towards Janakpuri West.
- Route: From Rajiv Chowk-> Yellow Line to Hauz Khas-> interchange to Magenta Line-> Terminal 1
- Get down at Terminal 1–IGI Airport (underground, 5–7 min walk to terminal via covered subway with travelators)
- Travel Time: 35 minutes from Rajiv Chowk
- Fare: ₹11 – ₹64 depending on distance
- Operating Hours: First train- 5:30 AM, last train- 11:30 PM
The Magenta Line route from Terminal 1 includes Shankar Vihar, Vasant Vihar, Munirka, R.K. Puram, IIT Delhi and Hauz Khas before continuing towards the Botanical Garden.
From Botanical Garden
Passengers coming from Noida can take the Magenta Line directly towards the Terminal 1 side and get off at IGI Airport T1. The Terminal 1 station and Botanical Garden are on the same Magenta Line route.
How to Reach Delhi Airport from New Delhi Railway Station?
This is one of the simplest Airport-Metro journeys. If your train arrives at New Delhi Railway Station- you can connect to the Airport Express/Orange Line at New Delhi Metro Station.
Route: New Delhi-> Shivaji Stadium-> Dhaula Kuan-> Delhi Aerocity-> IGI Airport-> Dwarka Sector 21-> Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25.
For T3 (Terminal 3), exit at IGI Airport.
For T1 (Terminal 1) however, take the Magenta Line route assuming the Airport Express is the direct option.
How to Reach Delhi Airport from Rajiv Chowk?
Rajiv Chowk is connected to the Yellow and the Blue Lines, making it a key station where people can switch between trains.
For Terminal 3
Take the Yellow Line from Rajiv Chowk to New Delhi, then change to the Airport Express/Orange Line for IGI Airport.
For Terminal 1
Take the Yellow Line to Hauz Khas, then change to the Magenta Line, and travel towards Janakpuri West until you arrive at Terminal 1–IGI Airport.
Key Metro Tips for Passengers
1. Check Your Terminal First
Before you get on the metro, make sure whether your flight is from T1, T2 or T3. Do not follow someone’s advice to take the Airport Express without confirming your terminal first.
2. Keep Extra Time for Luggage
Metro travel itself can be quick, but getting inside the station, passing security checks, changing train lines and walking to the airport terminal can take extra time. The Airport Express allows generous baggage up to- 32 kg per person. Regular metro has stricter limits only up to- 15 kg per person.
3. Use the Correct Direction
At interchange stations, check the train destination displayed on the platform and signs before boarding. Make sure the train you are boarding is going to the place.
4. Plan for Flight Check-In Time
Do not calculate your journey based only on metro travel time. You must also keep additional time for:
- Walking inside stations
- Interchanges
- Airport terminal transfers
- Check-in
- Security screening
- Immigration, if applicable
5. Check Metro Updates Before Travelling
Metro timings, service patterns, fares and airport access arrangements can change. For the latest information, always check the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) website or the Delhi Metro app before you leave.
6. Frequency: Metro Trains every 10-15 minutes
Trains run regularly every 10 to 15 minutes during hours. This makes it easier to plan your journey without waiting.
7. Payment: Tokens, Smart Cards and QR tickets via DMRC app/WhatsApp are accepted.
8. Last Train: Last train at around 11:30 PM– plan accordingly if you have late‑night flights, arrive at the station before this time. Don’t risk missing the train.
Conclusion
Travelling to Delhi Airport by Metro is easy. The terminal you are going to decide the best way to go. For Terminal 1, use the Magenta Line and get off at Terminal 1–IGI Airport. For Terminal 3, use the Airport Express/Orange Line and get off at IGI Airport. For Terminal 2, use the IGI Airport station and follow the airport’s terminal-transfer arrangements.
To ensure a hassle-free travel experience, check your flight terminal first, ensure you allow some extra time for luggage and getting to the terminal access and verify the latest metro service information before you start your journey.
FAQs
Which Metro line goes to Delhi Airport?
The Airport Express/Orange Line connects the airport area with New Delhi, while the Magenta Line provides direct metro access to Terminal 1.
Which Metro station is closest to Delhi Airport T1?
Terminal 1-IGI Airport on the Magenta Line serves Terminal 1.
Which Metro station is used for T3?
Passengers generally use IGI Airport Metro Station on the Airport Express/Orange Line for Terminal 3.
Does Airport Express go directly to Terminal 1?
No. T1 is served by the Magenta Line, not the Airport Express.
Does Delhi Airport Terminal 2 have a Metro Station?
T2 currently does not have an independent metro station. Airport Express passengers use the IGI Airport station near T3 and then transfer towards T2. A dedicated pedestrian subway connection is being developed.
Is Metro cheaper than a Taxi to Delhi Airport?
The metro is generally a more economical option than taking a taxi, although the exact cost depends on your starting station, route and terminal. Airport Express fares are separate from standard Delhi Metro fares.
