Is the Delhi metro suitable for tourists to use?
Sep 27, 2018, 1:00 pm
#1
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
Is the Delhi metro suitable for tourists to use?
I keep reading about how crowded and potentially dangerous public transport such as buses and trains are for western tourists. But does the same apply to the Delhi metro? I am someone who believes in using public transit when it's a reasonable choice and I would be interested in opinions as to whether that is the case here.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Sep 27, 2018, 11:38 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,678
i use the metro occasionally to travel between delhi - gurgaon....it is definitely crowded but perfectly safe....
Sep 28, 2018, 3:08 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
Would it be less crowded and dangerous for Eastern tourists?!
I have travelled around Delhi using the metro extensively, I've taken the Mumbai local trains (way more crowded than Delhi metro, and no AC), and the recently opened Hyderabad Metro (my 2nd home is in HYD, but I'm a "Western" person, not ethnically or racially Indian). I've also travelled over 30,000km across India by trains and several thousand km by bus. I don't suggest the latter, just because the roads suck. the trains can be an amazing experience, but if you're concerned about the metro being safe maybe not for you.
I have travelled around Delhi using the metro extensively, I've taken the Mumbai local trains (way more crowded than Delhi metro, and no AC), and the recently opened Hyderabad Metro (my 2nd home is in HYD, but I'm a "Western" person, not ethnically or racially Indian). I've also travelled over 30,000km across India by trains and several thousand km by bus. I don't suggest the latter, just because the roads suck. the trains can be an amazing experience, but if you're concerned about the metro being safe maybe not for you.
Sep 28, 2018, 6:07 am
#6
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
Sounds like I should give it a try. The nearest station to my hotel appears to be a newly opened (in August) station on the pink line.
Sep 28, 2018, 12:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SZX/NYC
Programs: Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 29
I used the metro when I visited Delhi last month and find it to be perfectly acceptable - it was crowded, but the AC was nice and cold, the trains are new (comparing to New York standards), and helped me avoid the traffic. I would definitely recommend the Airport Express though - it was a very comfortable ride (similar to Hong Kong's airport express) and gets you in downtown New Delhi in less than 20 minutes. Best of all, it only costs less than one USD. If you don't have too many luggage, I'd definitely choose the metro over taxi/Uber.
Oct 5, 2018, 4:08 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: Eternal Search for LT Club
Posts: 66
@samwise6222 - This is off-topic but your TR about missed flight is epic and as someone who get a thrill out of being just on time /barely making it scared the crap out of me. NeverAgain.
Oct 5, 2018, 10:21 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA Exp / Marriott Titanium / Hilton Gold / Hyatt Globalist / United Silver
Posts: 958
@samwise6222 - This is off-topic but your TR about missed flight is epic and as someone who get a thrill out of being just on time /barely making it scared the crap out of me. NeverAgain.
Oct 10, 2018, 2:21 am
#12
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Oct 10, 2018, 8:20 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA Exp / Marriott Titanium / Hilton Gold / Hyatt Globalist / United Silver
Posts: 958
If you are a traveling couple, you can let your gf/ so/ wife in a much comfier car (w/o unwanted touching) by traveling like this.
(sorry for the paint job)
Last edited by samwise6222; Oct 10, 2018 at 9:22 am
Oct 29, 2018, 8:31 pm
#14
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
Getting back to everyone as the OP -- rode the metro a bunch of times while in Delhi. It's a good system, works fine, with frequent trains. Sure it can get crowded but I never saw it anywhere near as crowded as the subway gets in Hong Kong, not to mention Tokyo. Cheap too; most rides are 30 rupees (about 35 cents US), but if you buy a cash card, it is even cheaper.
Despite it already being a large system, the main negative is that stations are often not near the key tourist attractions, so you have to toss in a walk or tuk-tuk ride at each end.
Despite it already being a large system, the main negative is that stations are often not near the key tourist attractions, so you have to toss in a walk or tuk-tuk ride at each end.
Dec 21, 2018, 1:46 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 1
Hey,
Delhi metro is suitable for tourists. The entire metro system is very organized and there are signs everywhere in case you feel lost.
The help-desk people are also very helpful!
All-in-all Delhi metro is very much east to use.
The only downside is that there will be a lot of people travelling and that might surprise tourists.
Delhi metro is suitable for tourists. The entire metro system is very organized and there are signs everywhere in case you feel lost.
The help-desk people are also very helpful!
All-in-all Delhi metro is very much east to use.
The only downside is that there will be a lot of people travelling and that might surprise tourists.