Most Important Update : New Delhi railway station is going through major up gradation and redevelopment ,in fact as per the plan almost all terminal building on Paharganj side and Ajmeri Gate side is going to demolished and would be constructed as per new plan, big portion of Paharganj side terminal has been demolished and large scale construction has been started ,plan Is to complete everything in 2029 so till construction is completed passengers having train to/from may have to face problem ,so arrive little early for your departure ,some facilities may be closed, come prepared .
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is one of the major railway stations serving India’s capital. It connects Delhi with numerous cities across the country and is an important arrival point for domestic and international travellers.
If you are visiting Delhi for the first time, navigating the station can be confusing. The crowds, multiple entrances, transport options and unfamiliar railway procedures can make the experience challenging, particularly for foreign tourists.
In this guide, I will explain the station’s main entrances, passenger facilities, accommodation options, food, local transport, metro connectivity and common scams to watch out for. The aim is to help you plan your arrival or departure and make your journey as smooth as possible.
Important: There is a mega modernisation project of New Delhi railway station is going on so few station facilities, ticket-office arrangements, transport pickup points and operating hours can change. I will try to update the blog as much as possible still please check the relevant official sources before travelling.
1. Major Railway Stations in Delhi
Several railway stations serve Delhi and its surrounding areas. The main stations include:
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): A major railway station with trains connecting Delhi to many parts of India.
- Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI): Also known as Delhi Junction.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM): An important station for long-distance trains.
- Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT): Serves various routes, particularly towards eastern and northern India.
- Delhi Cantt Railway Station (DEC): Serves selected routes from the western part of Delhi.
Always check the station code printed on your ticket. A train departing from Old Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin does not depart from New Delhi Railway Station.
2. Understanding the Two Main Entrances
New Delhi Railway Station has two main sides:
- Paharganj side: Associated with Platform 1.
- Ajmeri Gate side: Associated with Platform 16.
The side you should use depends on your platform, arrival point and destination. Check your ticket and the station’s current signage before entering.
The Paharganj side is convenient for travellers staying in the Paharganj area, including around Main Bazaar Road. The Ajmeri Gate side provides access to the New Delhi Metro station and the Airport Express connection.
3. Railway Station Facilities
Reservation and Ticket Counters
Although most travellers nowadays book their train tickets online through IRCTC, those who still prefer to book tickets at the counter can visit the reservation office on the Paharganj side of New Delhi Railway Station.
The reservation office is located in a separate building called the IRCA Building, just outside the main railway station complex. To reach it, exit the station through the Paharganj-side exit and turn left. The building is located less than 100 metres from the exit gate, within the campus on your left.
International Tourist Bureau for Foreign Travellers
The International Tourist Bureau (ITB) is a dedicated railway ticket booking office for foreign tourists and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians). Apart from New Delhi, such facilities have been available in a few other cities, including Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and Agra Cantt.
FTB is situated at first floor of main building Paharganj (PF 1) side .
In cities where an International Tourist Bureau is not available, foreign travellers can use the regular railway ticket booking office, known as a Computerised Reservation Centre. At some reservation centres in major cities, a separate counter is also available for foreign tourists and NRIs.
This video guide provides a useful overview of fake tourist offices and explains how to reach the genuine International Tourist Bureau.
Important update: At the time of writing, the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi Railway Station appears to be non-operational. I have not yet been able to confirm whether this closure is permanent or temporary, and I will update this section when more information becomes available.
Until then, foreign tourists can use the regular railway reservation office located outside the main station complex on the Paharganj side. Counter No. 124 is designated for foreign tourists. Please confirm the counter’s current availability and location with railway staff before visiting, as arrangements may change.
Be cautious if strangers approach you and claim that the railway ticket office is closed, your ticket is invalid, or you must visit another office outside the station. Verify such claims independently.
Official website: https://www.irctc.co.in/
Unreserved Tickets
These unreserved ticket counter are located on both sides of New Delhi Railway Station. On the Paharganj side, the reservation office is situated in the main station building, while on the Ajmeri Gate side, it is located on the first floor of the main building.
Follow the station signs and use official ticketing channels. Do not purchase tickets from unauthorised agents.
Waiting Rooms and Executive Lounge
Waiting facilities are available for eligible passengers, subject to the applicable rules and availability.
New Delhi Railway Station can become extremely crowded, particularly during peak travel periods and festivals. Seating may be limited, so plan accordingly.
A paid executive lounge is available ,one is situated at Paharganj side (at P.F. No 1) and another at Ajmeri Gate side on main building.
Porters and Luggage Assistance
Porters can help passengers carry luggage between the station entrance, platform and train.
If you are arriving at the station to catch a train, you will find them near the drop-off areas and Metro station exits .
If you are arriving by train, porters will be among the first to enter the coach , even before the train comes to a complete halt.
There is government rate for porter service but its useless,its practically impossible to follow such low wages. If you decide to use their services, agree on the charges before allowing anyone to handle your luggage. Clearly specify your destination or drop-off point to avoid any confusion or disputes later. If possible, note down or take a photo of the person’s identification badge and badge number for your safety and future reference.
Before accepting assistance:
- Confirm the price before and where to drop before handing over your luggage.
- Look for authorised identification and ask for the applicable rate.
- Try to Keep valuables, passports and important documents with you.
- Do not allow anyone to pressure you into paying an unclear or excessive amount.
Avoid letting an unfamiliar person take your luggage away before you have agreed on the service and price.
Cloakroom and Left-Luggage Facilities
A railway cloakroom or luggage-storage facility is available for eligible passengers, you need an arrival or departure ticket .
The facility is available on Platform No. 1 and Platform No. 16 and operates 24 hours a day, except for a 15-minute break during each staff shift change, which takes place three times a day.
4. Accommodation Near New Delhi Railway Station
If you have a long connection between trains, an early-morning departure or a late-night arrival, staying near the station may be convenient.
Railway Retiring Rooms and Dormitories
Indian Railways provides retiring-room and dormitory accommodation at selected stations, subject to availability and eligibility.
For New Delhi Railway Station, check the official IRCTC Tourism retiring-room booking service for current availability, booking rules, room categories and charges.
Website: https://www.rr.irctctourism.com/
Booking in advance is advisable, especially during busy travel periods.
The Airport Express Metro station at New Delhi offers dormitory facilities that are also available for short stays. These can be a convenient option for travellers who have a gap of a few hours between trains and need a place to rest.
There are two such accommodation facilities at the Metro station, and both also offer private rooms at reasonable rates. Depending on your budget and requirements, you can choose between a dormitory bed and a private room.
These facilities can be particularly useful if you have a long waiting period between trains and would prefer to rest comfortably rather than spend several hours at the railway station.
Hotels in Paharganj
Hotels in Paharganj and How to Reach Them from New Delhi Railway Station
Paharganj has hundreds of budget hotels and guesthouses, making it a popular choice for travellers visiting Delhi. However, the area is also extremely crowded, and visitors should be cautious of scams and pickpocketing, particularly in busy areas.
If you need suggestions for hotels at Paharganj or any other area in Delhi feel free to ask,will try to suggest you the best option available.
If you are staying at a hotel in Paharganj, exit New Delhi Railway Station through the Paharganj-side exit (Platform No. 1 side).
Walking to Your Hotel
If your hotel is located close to the railway station, particularly along Main Bazaar Road, you can consider walking to your hotel if you are travelling with manageable luggage. The road generally remains busy until late evening, but as in any crowded part of Delhi, it is important to stay alert and keep your belongings secure.
Taking a Shared E-Rickshaw
Shared e-rickshaws are another convenient option for travelling along Main Bazaar Road. You can find them near the beginning of the road after exiting the railway station complex. They operate along Main Bazaar Road towards RK Ashram Marg Metro Station, making them useful for reaching hotels situated along this stretch.
Reaching Hotels on Other Roads
If your hotel is located on DB Gupta Road, Arakshan Road or another road away from Main Bazaar Road, or if you have heavy luggage, consider hiring a cycle rickshaw, e-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw.
Beware of Overcharging
After exiting the station, you may encounter several auto-rickshaw drivers approaching passengers and offering rides. If you prefer to avoid this crowd, walk out of the railway station complex, where you can look for e-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.
A few important tips:
- Always agree on the fare before boarding any rickshaw or auto.
- Clearly communicate your hotel’s name and exact drop-off point.
- For shared e-rickshaws, confirm the route and fare per passenger before boarding.
- Keep your luggage and valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Don’t rely on app based auto for short distance from railway station to hotels at Paharganj.
5. Food Options at New Delhi Railway Station
Basic restaurants and food kiosks are available on Platforms 1 and 16. In addition, you will find numerous stalls across the station’s other platforms selling packaged food, snacks and drinks, making it easy to grab a quick bite or refreshments before boarding your train.
Restaurants Near New Delhi Railway Station: Food Prices and Hidden Charges
Paharganj has plenty of eateries offering a variety of meals at budget-friendly prices. As soon as you exit the New Delhi Railway Station complex on the Paharganj side, you will see several restaurants along the main road. However, I would recommend being cautious when choosing restaurants located immediately outside the station, particularly those directly on the main road.
There have been complaints about some eateries allegedly misleading customers about their prices. For example, the staff may tell you that a thali costs ₹X, but when you finish your meal, you may receive a bill that is much higher than expected.
The explanation may be that the quoted price covered only the basic items, while salad, butter and other accompaniments were charged separately. The problem is that these additional charges may not be clearly explained when the food is served, leaving customers with a bill that can be two or even three times the price they initially expected.
Another practice to watch out for is the way prices are displayed. Some menu boards prominently show prices for full plates, while the words “half plate” may be printed in very small letters. Travellers who assume the displayed price is for a full plate may end up paying twice as much as they expected.
I am not suggesting that every restaurant in the area follows these practices, but travellers should be careful and check prices before ordering. My suggestion is to explore a little farther from the railway station, where you may find better dining options.
Tips to avoid unexpected charges:
- Confirm whether the quoted price is for a full plate or a half plate.
- Ask whether salad, butter, accompaniments and other extras are included.
- Check the menu and the final bill before paying.
- If anything is unclear, ask the staff to explain the complete price before placing your order.
Food Options on the Ajmeri Gate Side of New Delhi Railway Station
When it comes to food, the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station has far fewer options than the Paharganj side.
There is a food court near the Metro station entrance, offering a few familiar options, including KFC, Wow! Momo, Domino’s and Haldiram’s. This is a convenient place to grab a quick meal or snack before or after your train journey.
However, once you step outside the railway station complex, decent food options become quite limited near the Ajmeri Gate exit. You will come across a few street vendors and small food stalls, but I would recommend skipping these and looking elsewhere for a meal.
My recommendation: If you are looking for a better variety of restaurants and budget-friendly food near New Delhi Railway Station, the Paharganj side generally offers more choices than the Ajmeri Gate side.
If you have time just take auto to CP.just 5 min ride and ample of good restaurants and cafes.
6. Getting Around Delhi from the Railway Station
You can continue your journey by metro, app-based taxi, auto-rickshaw, bus or hotel-arranged transfer. The best choice depends on your destination, luggage, arrival time and budget.
Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis at New Delhi Railway Station
If your destination is not too far away, an auto-rickshaw can be a good option, especially for solo travellers or couples with luggage.
As soon as you exit from Platform No. 1 or Platform No. 16, you will likely be approached by several auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. Although registered auto-rickshaws and taxis are required to use meters where applicable, but drivers prefer to negotiate a fixed fare instead.
If you decide to hire an auto-rickshaw directly, negotiate the fare and agree on the final price before boarding. You may find better offers by walking farther towards the exit, away from the crowd of drivers near the platform entrances.
If you are familiar with travelling in India and have a reasonable idea of local fares, negotiating directly with a driver may work well. However, if you are unfamiliar with Delhi or unsure about the appropriate fare, using a prepaid auto-rickshaw service is a more straightforward option.
Prepaid Auto-Rickshaw Service
Prepaid auto-rickshaw booths are available on both the Ajmeri Gate side and the Paharganj side of New Delhi Railway Station.
At the prepaid booth, simply tell the staff your destination or locality. They will inform you of the applicable fare, and once you pay, you will be assigned an auto-rickshaw. Carry cash, as card payments may not be accepted at the booth. You might have to wait for an auto-rickshaw to become available, but this option can be safer and less stressful, particularly for first-time visitors.
Hiring a Taxi from New Delhi Railway Station
If you are travelling to a distant destination within Delhi or the National Capital Region (NCR), or if you are travelling in a larger group with substantial luggage, hiring a taxi may be a more comfortable option.
As with auto-rickshaws, you will encounter several taxi drivers approaching passengers as they leave the station. You can negotiate a fare directly with a driver, making sure to agree on the total price before starting the journey, or use a prepaid taxi service for a more structured arrangement.
Prepaid taxi booths are available on both the Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj sides of the station.
For further information, you can visit the Delhi Traffic Police website for prepaid booths.
App-Based Cabs
Ride-booking services can be convenient for travelling to hotels, tourist attractions and other parts of Delhi.
Before booking:
- Enter your destination accurately.
- Follow the app’s instructions for the pickup location.
- Check the vehicle registration number and driver details.
- Confirm that the vehicle matches the booking before getting in.
- Share your trip details with someone you trust if appropriate.
Station traffic can be heavy, so allow additional time for the driver to reach the pickup point.
7.Metro Connectivity at New Delhi Railway Station
Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have an extensive Metro network connecting most parts of Delhi and several major areas of the NCR. New Delhi Railway Station is served by two Metro lines: the Yellow Line and the Orange Line (Airport Express Line). The Metro stations are located within the railway station complex, on the Ajmeri Gate side.
If you are travelling without heavy luggage and know your destination, the Metro is an excellent option for getting around Delhi. For last-mile connectivity, you can use e-rickshaws or auto-rickshaws, which are readily available near many Metro stations.
Keep in mind that trains can get extremely crowded during peak hours, so consider travelling outside these periods if you have luggage. Metro operating hours vary by line and station, but services generally run from early morning until late evening. Check the timings for your specific route before travelling.
Airport Express Metro: New Delhi Railway Station to Delhi Airport
The Orange Line (Airport Express Line) connects New Delhi Railway Station directly to Delhi Airport in less than 20 minutes. It is one of the fastest, most convenient and relatively comfortable ways to travel between the railway station and the airport. It is generally less crowded than many other Metro lines.
The Airport Express Line typically operates from around 4:30–4:45 AM until approximately 11:30 PM.
The line serves the following stations:
- New Delhi: Convenient for passengers arriving at or departing from New Delhi Railway Station.
- Shivaji Stadium: Useful for reaching parts of central Delhi.
- Dhaula Kuan: An interchange point for onward road connections.
- Delhi Aerocity: The most convenient Airport Express station for accessing Terminal 1, using the airport’s feeder bus service.
- IGI Airport: Serves the airport’s Terminal 3 area.
- Dwarka Sector 21: The western terminus, with connections to other Metro services.
Travelling to Terminal 1
If your flight departs from Terminal 1 (T1), take the Airport Express Line to Aerocity and then use the airport feeder bus to reach the terminal. Regular feeder buses are available, but allow sufficient time for the transfer. If you are in a hurry, you can also consider taking a taxi from Aerocity.
For flights departing from Terminal 3, the Airport Express Line is particularly convenient because the IGI Airport station serves the Terminal 3 area. If your flight departs from Terminal 2 disembark at Airport (T3) metro station and then less than 10 min walk passing T3.
For official information, visit the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation website.
How to Walk from New Delhi Airport Express Metro Station to New Delhi Railway Station
Many travellers have reported difficulty finding their way out of the Airport Express Metro station and walking to New Delhi Railway Station, particularly if they need to reach the Paharganj side. To make the transfer easier, here is a step-by-step guide explaining how to get from the Airport Express Metro station to the railway station.
Step 1: Get off the train at New Delhi Metro Station
The platform of the Airport Express Metro station is located at level G-3 (three levels below ground level). After getting off the train, take the escalator or elevator one level up.
Step 2: Walk towards the exit
After going up one level, follow the passage towards the exit. There is only one exit route from this level, so you can simply follow the other passengers without worrying about which direction to take.
Step 3: Cross the AFC gates
After passing through the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates, you will see a hall. On the left, there are escalators and elevators leading to the upper levels. At the extreme left, towards the end of the hall, you will also find airline check-in counters.
Step 4: Go up to ground level (G)
If you are heading to New Delhi Railway Station, take the escalator or elevator up to ground level (G). From the hall after the AFC gates, you need to go up two more levels to reach the ground level.
Step 5: Exit the Metro station
Once you reach ground level, follow the signs and exit the building. You will be directly in front of New Delhi Railway Station .At right side you can see the Sky Bridge connecting metro station to Railway station, use the sky bridge and you will directly reach New Delhi railway station.
8. Bus Services from New Delhi Railway Station
New Delhi has an extensive Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus network connecting different parts of the city. However, buses may not be the most convenient option for first-time visitors to India or travellers carrying heavy luggage.
One useful exception is DTC Airport Express Route 4, which has been used as an economical option for travelling between New Delhi Railway Station and Delhi Airport, particularly when the Metro is not operating.
This service operate around the clock, with limited stops along the route. It connects ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi Railway Station, Dhaula Kuan and Delhi Airport terminals, with services running in both directions.
Where to Catch the Airport Bus
The bus stop for New Delhi Railway Station is located on the Ajmeri Gate side, on the main road in front of the Airport Express Metro station building.
You can find its location here: New Delhi Railway Station Bus Stop — Google Maps.
Is It Safe to Travel by Bus?
Travelling by DTC bus is generally a safe, practical and economical option. However, in my opinion, the surroundings of this particular bus stop may feel uncomfortable at night, especially for travellers unfamiliar with the area and ladies kids.
If you are arriving from the airport, getting off the bus and proceeding directly into the railway station is relatively straightforward. However, waiting at the bus stop to catch a bus to the airport may be less pleasant, particularly for women travelling alone at night.
If you need to travel to the airport during Metro operating hours, the Airport Express Line is generally the more convenient choice. Outside Metro operating hours, consider the bus if you are comfortable with the waiting arrangements, or use a prepaid taxi for a more convenient journey.
9. Hotel Pickup and Private Transfers
Most hotels offer pickup services from the railway station.
This can be particularly useful if you are arriving late at night, travelling with children, carrying heavy luggage or visiting Delhi for the first time.
Confirm the pickup price, meeting point and contact details with the hotel before your journey. If the hotel offers a platform pickup, verify the arrangement in advance rather than assuming it will be available.
When your driver arrives, confirm their identity and vehicle details before leaving the station.
10. Common Scams and Safety Tips
New Delhi Railway Station is a busy transport hub. Most journeys can be completed without difficulty, but visitors should remain alert to unsolicited offers and misleading claims.
These precautions are especially useful for travellers unfamiliar with Delhi.
The Fake Train Cancellation Scam
This is one of the most commonly reported scams targeting tourists at New Delhi Railway Station, and it has been a concern for years. Although it can happen throughout the year, the risk may be greater during winter, when dense fog across North India causes train delays and cancellations. During such periods, the station can become particularly chaotic, creating opportunities for scammers to target confused travellers.
How the Scam Works
A tourist arriving at New Delhi Railway Station may be approached by someone between the baggage-scanning area and the platforms. The person may pretend to be a railway official or approach the traveller as a friendly local offering help.
The scammer asks to see the tourist’s train ticket. After looking at it, they claim that the train has been cancelled and that the traveller must book another train or arrange alternative transport.
They may then tell the tourist about a supposed government tourist booking office located outside the railway station. Sometimes, the scammer personally escorts the traveller to the office; in other cases, an accomplice takes over.
These offices are not genuine railway-authorised tourist offices. Instead, they may pressure travellers into hiring taxis at heavily inflated prices, particularly those planning to visit popular tourist destinations such as Agra, Jaipur and other nearby cities.
Remember: Never rely on an unsolicited stranger’s claim that your train has been cancelled. Verify the information through official railway channels before making any alternative arrangements.
How to Avoid This Scam
Keep the following precautions in mind when arriving at New Delhi Railway Station.
1. Check the electronic train display boards
Electronic display boards are installed at various locations throughout the station, including near the station building’s entrances. These boards show important information such as the train number, train name, scheduled arrival or departure time, and platform number. If a train is cancelled, cancellation information may also be displayed.
Check the board yourself rather than relying on someone who approaches you unsolicited.
2. Locate your platform and coach position
Once you know your platform number, proceed to the designated platform and check the coach-position indicators. These indicators are installed at regular intervals and generally display coach positions in both Hindi and English.
They help you identify where your coach is expected to stop, even before the train arrives.
3. Verify any cancellation or delay
If someone tells you that your train has been cancelled or substantially delayed, check the latest information through official Indian Railways enquiry services or ask authorised railway staff. Do not immediately agree to book another ticket or hire a taxi based on a stranger’s advice.
4. Ask the right people for help
If you are unsure where to go, seek assistance from railway staff or security personnel. You can also ask a fellow passenger who appears to be travelling with their family, or approach an established food stall for basic directions.
Be cautious if someone insists on taking you to a particular office, travel agency or taxi operator.
5. Be wary of unsolicited offers
A genuine railway employee should not pressure you into hiring a private taxi or booking an alternative journey through an unofficial office. If someone claims to represent the government or Indian Railways, verify their identity and the information they provide independently.
Another variation of the fake railway official scam is the “wrong ticket” scam, which specifically targets foreign tourists.
In this version, the scammer tells the traveller that the ticket they are carrying is valid only for Indian citizens and that foreign tourists are not allowed to travel using that ticket. The scammer then directs the tourist to a supposed government-approved Foreign Tourist Office, where the traveller is pressured into booking an alternative train or hiring a taxi at an inflated price.
Another variation involves claiming that the ticket must be validated or checked in a day before departure. The scammer says that because the traveller has not completed this process, the ticket is now invalid.
These claims are misleading. Foreign tourists can travel on regular railway tickets; they are not restricted to tickets booked under the Foreign Tourist quota. Indian Railways does offer a Foreign Tourist quota on eligible trains and classes, but it is an additional booking facility, not a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals.
Is Your Train Ticket Valid for Travel?
If you have a valid, confirmed train ticket booked through an authorised channel, you do not need to visit a separate tourist office to validate it before travelling.
Your ticket or booking confirmation contains the information needed to identify your journey, including the train details and PNR number. You should also carry the required original identification document. For foreign tourists, this generally means a valid passport and any other documents required for their circumstances.
For an e-ticket booked online, you can use the booking confirmation and PNR to check your current reservation status. If your ticket was initially waitlisted and later becomes confirmed, you generally do not need to buy a new ticket simply because the reservation status has changed. Check your updated coach and berth details using the PNR.
You can also access eligible bookings through the IRCTC account used to make the reservation.
Important: An e-ticket that remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation may not be valid for travel under Indian Railways rules. Always check the final reservation status before boarding.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never accept a stranger’s claim that your ticket is invalid without independently verifying it.
- Check your PNR and reservation status through official railway enquiry services.
- Do not pay anyone for unnecessary ticket validation or verification.
- If you need assistance, approach authorised railway staff or official railway enquiry counters.
Remember: Foreign tourists do not need to book exclusively through the Foreign Tourist quota, and a stranger cannot invalidate your ticket simply by claiming that it is meant for Indian passengers only.
Fake Ticket Offices and Tourist Information Centres
Be cautious if someone tells you that an official ticket office is closed and directs you to another office outside the railway station.
Some fraudulent operators may pose as railway employees, tourist officials or helpful locals.
Before visiting a ticket office, confirm its location through official railway sources or authorised staff. Do not accept unsolicited directions that involve getting into a vehicle or paying an unknown agent.
Another Scam to Watch Out For: “Your Hotel Is Closed” or “There Are Riots”
Another scam that travellers should be aware of involves false claims that their hotel has closed, burned down, or become inaccessible because of riots or a curfew. This scam is reported more frequently at airports, but railway station arrivals can also be targeted.
Foreign tourists, particularly those who do not yet have an Indian SIM card or access to mobile data, can be especially vulnerable because they may be unable to contact their hotel easily to verify the driver’s claims.
How the Hotel Closure Scam Works
A tourist hires an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach a hotel they have already booked. After leaving the railway station and travelling some distance, the driver suddenly claims that the hotel is closed, has burned down, or is no longer accepting guests.
The driver may then ask whether the tourist has an Indian phone number. If the traveller cannot make a call, the driver may pretend to contact a government office or the hotel to verify the information. The person on the other end of the call, who may be an accomplice, confirms the driver’s story.
The driver then offers to take the tourist to a supposed government-approved tourist office. From there, the traveller may be pressured into booking another hotel and transport at heavily inflated prices, sometimes at accommodation of a much lower standard than the original booking.
How to Protect Yourself
- Contact your hotel directly. Save its phone number, address and booking confirmation before arriving in Delhi.
- Do not rely on calls made by the driver. Verify claims independently using your hotel’s official contact details.
- Arrange your transport carefully. Use an official prepaid taxi booth or a reputable transport service whenever possible.
- Do not agree to change hotels under pressure. If a driver claims that your accommodation is inaccessible, seek independent confirmation before making alternative arrangements.
- Take genuine safety warnings seriously. If there is credible information about a riot, curfew or other emergency, follow official instructions and seek assistance from authorised personnel rather than relying solely on the driver.
My advice: Always keep your hotel booking confirmation and contact details accessible offline. If you do not have an Indian SIM card, you can use station Wi-Fi or ask authorised railway or police personnel for assistance.
Pickpocketing and Luggage Safety
Crowded stations can create opportunities for theft.
Keep your wallet, phone, passport and other valuables secure. Avoid placing important documents in an easily accessible pocket or leaving bags unattended.
Be especially careful when boarding trains, using escalators, standing in queues or moving through crowded entrances.
Unsolicited Help
If someone approaches you and insists on helping with tickets, accommodation, currency exchange or transport, politely decline it.
If you require help, approach uniformed railway personnel or an official information counter.
Foreign travellers should keep a working phone, their hotel address and important travel details accessible.
11. Useful Tips for First-Time Visitors
Before arriving at New Delhi Railway Station, keep the following points in mind:
- Check the station code on your train ticket.
- Confirm your platform and train status using official information.
- Choose the entrance that best suits your platform and onward destination.
- Keep your luggage and valuables secure.
- Confirm prices before accepting porter or transport services.
- Check the current metro route, fare and operating hours.
- Verify hotel details and pickup arrangements in advance.
- Allow extra time for congestion and navigating the station.
- Be cautious of anyone who claims that your train, hotel or ticket is invalid without verifiable evidence.
- Final Thoughts
Conclusion
New Delhi Railway Station can feel overwhelming on your first visit, but a little preparation can make the experience much easier.
I have tried to cover the most important information a first-time visitor may need when arriving at New Delhi Railway Station, including transport options, food, accommodation, Metro connectivity and common scams.
Knowing the difference between the Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate entrances, understanding the available transport options and taking basic precautions against scams can help you navigate the station with greater confidence.
Whether you are travelling to another city, visiting Delhi as a tourist or transferring to the airport, plan your journey in advance and verify time-sensitive information through official sources.
I hope this guide helps you make your journey through New Delhi Railway Station smoother and more comfortable.
If you have recently travelled through the station and noticed any changes to its facilities, entrances or transport arrangements, please share your experience in the comments. Your information may help other travellers plan their journeys.
Happy Traveling
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