India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [349]
ATM and catch a cab between the two terminals; cost is around Rs 250. Also, note that the domestic airport has two terminals, 1A and 1B, also connected by free shuttle bus; check which one you need to be at before leaving. Indira Gandhi International Airport ( 011/2560-2000; www.delhiairport.com) lies 20km (12 miles) southwest of Connaught Place (the city center), 40 minutes to an hour away. The cheapest way (but one to be avoided) to get into town is to catch a State Transport bus (Rs 50 plus luggage fee), but if you’ve just crossed time zones you’ll want to opt for a taxi: Choosing, let alone negotiating with, a taxi driver is likely to make your head spin, so we recommend you prebook with Easycabs ( 011/4343-4343; www.easycabs.com). You can do this on their website; the driver will wait for you in case of flight delay, though waiting charges are applicable. If you don’t want to prebook, find the Easycab counter at the airport where you can pay on pre-paid basis by cash or credit card; rates range from Rs 300 to Rs 600 for rides from the airport to the main hotels in town. If you want to do it for less it’s best to book a taxi at the official prepaid taxi kiosk (just outside the arrivals hall; ask for directions, and don’t be sidelined by those who claim they will take you at the same price). It offers fixed rates, with a small fee for each piece of large luggage, but expect to pay between Rs 200 and Rs 300 (25% more from 11pm–5am); these government-monitored cabs are not in as good condition as the private companies. Note that if you’ve just arrived in India, it’s not worthwhile to hire an auto-rickshaw; they may be cheaper than taxis, but they’re very slow and bound to be uncomfortable if you’re burdened with luggage—plus, you will almost certainly be pressured into handing over more money even if the price has been discussed upfront. You can of course ask your hotel to arrange the transfer, though this will more than likely double the price (we’ve included these in reviews of recommended accommodations throughout); some room categories at upmarket chains include chauffeured transfers in the rate. Note that you can change money at the international airport at the State Bank of India or Thomas Cook counters (both 24 hr.).
By Train Of the five stations, most trains arrive at either New Delhi Station, a 10-minute walk from Connaught Place, or at Old Delhi Station in Shahjahanabad. (Note that if you’re traveling on to Agra, you may need to catch the passenger train that leaves from Nizamuddin Station, south of Connaught Place.) For rail inquiries and reservations, call 131 from 8am to 8pm. All stations are well-serviced by taxis and auto-rickshaws. Again, head for the prepaid auto-rickshaw and taxi counters or negotiate the fare upfront—expect to pay Rs 50 to Connaught Place, slightly more to Shahjahanabad/Old Delhi—or insist on using the meter, although there is no guarantee they haven’t been rigged (see rates under “Getting Around,” below). Note that if you plan to travel elsewhere in India by train, you don’t necessarily need to prebook all your train trips in Delhi (see chapter 3 for details on train travel) but you may prefer to get organized here. It’s still easiest to do this with a recommended travel agent—while it’s become easier to book independently thanks to the Internet, there are complication such as foreigner quotas and not being able to choose your berth, as well as sometime difficulties with credit card payments; unless you’re familiar with the system you can save yourself these headaches by using the services of a professional for very little additional money! Sadhana Travel ( 011/2646-5312, 011/4161-8278, or 98-1005-2471; www.sadhanatravels.com) offer professional assistance with air travel and tour itineraries; or work with a travel agent attached to your hotel. However, keep in mind that on some trains a small quota of seats is set aside for foreign travelers. A travel agent cannot book these seats; you will need to go to the station to a special counter to book them (again, see chapter 3).
GETTING