The Delhi Airport Express Metro, also called the Airport Express Line or Orange Line, is a fast public transport route in Delhi that links New Delhi with Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector – 25 and serves Indira Gandhi International Airport. The line is 22.7 km (14.1 miles) long, with 15.7 km (9.8 miles) underground and 7.0 km (4.3 miles) elevated between Buddha Jayanti Park and Mahipalpur. It opened on 23 February 2011 and has been operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation since 1 July 2013. Built for quick airport access, the line runs at up to 120 km/h and covers the route from New Delhi to IGI Airport in about 15 minutes.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Line name | Delhi Airport Express Metro / Airport Express Line / Orange Line |
| Route | New Delhi to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector – 25, with access to IGI Airport |
| System | Delhi Metro |
| Length | 22.7 km (14.1 miles) |
| Underground section | 15.7 km (9.8 miles) |
| Elevated section | 7.0 km (4.3 miles) |
| Stations | 7 |
| Opening date | 23 February 2011 |
| Operator | Delhi Metro Rail Corporation |
| Top operating speed | 120 km/h |
| Running time | About 15 minutes from New Delhi to IGI Airport |
Delhi Airport Express Metro Map
Route Map Showing Stations on the Reliance Airport Express Metro Line (Orange Line). Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Delhi Airport Express Metro map in PDF format.
Delhi Airport Express Line Stations
The Delhi Airport Express Line connects New Delhi with Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 and gives direct airport access on a limited-stop route. If you are looking for the stations map or a stations list, these are the seven stops on the line.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | Opened 23 February 2011; interchange with Yellow Line; Magenta Line (Phase 4 – under construction); underground, island platform |
| Shivaji Stadium | Opened 23 February 2011; Magenta Line (Phase 5A – approved); underground, island platform |
| Dhaula Kuan | Opened 15 August 2011; interchange with Pink Line via skywalk; elevated, side platform |
| Delhi Aerocity | Opened 15 August 2011; Golden Line (Phase 4 – under construction); underground, island platform |
| IGI Airport (T-3) | Opened 23 February 2011; IGI Airport (T3); underground, island platform |
| Dwarka Sector 21 | Opened 23 February 2011; interchange with Blue Line; underground, side platform |
| Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector – 25 | Opened 17 September 2023; no interchange; underground, island platform |
All six original stations on the route are known as City Airport Terminals. They include airport-focused features such as security systems, x-ray baggage scanners, explosive detectors, under-vehicle scanners, quick reaction teams, dog squads, and full-height platform screen doors. These features help keep the line safe and improve air conditioning inside stations.
Train timing at Delhi Airport Express Line stations
The train schedule runs from early morning to late night. Peak frequency is every 10 minutes, while non-peak services run every 15 minutes.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| New Delhi station | First train at 4:45 am, second train at 5:15 am, last train at 11:15 pm |
| Dwarka Sector 21 station | First train at 4:45 am, second train at 5:30 am, last train at 11:30 pm |
| Peak hours from Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 | 7:30 am to 7:30 pm |
| Peak hours from New Delhi | 8:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Non-peak hours from Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 | 5:15 am to 7:30 am and 7:30 pm to 11:15 pm |
| Non-peak hours from New Delhi | 5:30 am to 8:00 am and 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm |
The line is built for fast airport transport, with a running time of about 15 minutes between New Delhi and IGI Airport. Since 2023, trains have operated at 120 km/h, making it the fastest metro line in the country.
For assistance, passengers can contact the helpline at 011-22561231.
Operating Hours
The Delhi Airport Express Line operates daily, with different opening hours, operating hours, and last train timings depending on direction. If you are checking opening times, working hours, schedule today, or timings today, use the timetable below as a reference.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Dwarka Sector 21 starting time | First train 4:45 am; second train 5:15 am |
| Dwarka Sector 21 closing time | Last train 11:15 pm |
| Dwarka Sector 21 peak frequency | Every 10 minutes from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm |
| Dwarka Sector 21 non-peak frequency | Every 15 minutes from 5:15 am to 7:30 am and 7:30 pm to 11:15 pm |
| New Delhi starting time | First train 4:45 am; second train 5:30 am |
| New Delhi closing time | Last train 11:30 pm |
| New Delhi peak frequency | Every 10 minutes from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| New Delhi non-peak frequency | Every 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 8:00 am and 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm |
One route timetable note says a train may wait until 11:45 pm to connect with a late Shatabdi service. For the latest train schedule and service updates, you can also call the helpline at 011-22561231.
Delhi Airport Express Metro Fares, Tickets and Cards
The Airport Express Line uses a separate fare system from the rest of the Delhi Metro network. It is a premium transport service with limited stops, direct access to Terminal 3, air-conditioned coaches, and luggage-friendly facilities. Ticket price depends on your origin and destination. For example, the fare from New Delhi to IGI Airport is ₹60 ($0.72), while fares on the line range from ₹10 ($0.12) to ₹60 ($0.72).
Single Journey and Return Journey Tokens
| Origin | Destination | Single Journey | Return Journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Shivaji Stadium | ₹10 ($0.12) | ₹20/₹40 ($0.24/$0.48) |
| New Delhi | Dhaula Kuan | ₹20 ($0.24) | ₹40/₹110 ($0.48/$1.32) |
| New Delhi | Delhi Aerocity | ₹50 ($0.60) | ₹90/₹110 ($1.08/$1.32) |
| New Delhi | IGI Airport (T-3) | ₹60 ($0.72) | ₹110 ($1.32) |
| New Delhi | Dwarka Sector 21 | ₹60 ($0.72) | ₹110 ($1.32) |
Other station pairs follow the same fare pattern, with the cost based on where you board and where you get off.
Trip Cards and Stored Value Cards
Passengers can also use 30-trip and 45-trip cards on the Airport Express Line. These card options are available for different station combinations, and the price varies by route.
| Origin | 30 Trip Card | 45 Trip Card |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | ₹350/₹400 to ₹1600/₹2000 ($4.20/$4.80 to $19.20/$24.00) | ₹350/₹400 to ₹1600/₹2000 ($4.20/$4.80 to $19.20/$24.00) |
| Shivaji Stadium | ₹350/₹400 to ₹1300/₹1600 ($4.20/$4.80 to $15.60/$19.20) | ₹350/₹400 to ₹1300/₹1600 ($4.20/$4.80 to $15.60/$19.20) |
| Dhaula Kuan | ₹350/₹400 to ₹1000/₹1200 ($4.20/$4.80 to $12.00/$14.40) | ₹350/₹400 to ₹1000/₹1200 ($4.20/$4.80 to $12.00/$14.40) |
| Delhi Aerocity | ₹350/₹400 to ₹650/₹800 ($4.20/$4.80 to $7.80/$9.60) | ₹350/₹400 to ₹650/₹800 ($4.20/$4.80 to $7.80/$9.60) |
| IGI Airport (T-3) | ₹350/₹400 to ₹500/₹550 ($4.20/$4.80 to $6.00/$6.60) | ₹350/₹400 to ₹500/₹550 ($4.20/$4.80 to $6.00/$6.60) |
| Dwarka Sector 21 | ₹500/₹550 to ₹1600/₹2000 ($6.00/$6.60 to $19.20/$24.00) | ₹500/₹550 to ₹1600/₹2000 ($6.00/$6.60 to $19.20/$24.00) |
Stored value cards are also available on the line.
Ticketing Options
- Single journey and return journey tokens
- 30-trip and 45-trip cards
- Stored value cards
- QR code-based mobile ticketing
QR-based ticketing lets passengers buy a ticket through mobile apps without going to the station counter. QR-enabled entry and exit gates are available at Airport Express stations. If you are looking for a fare calculator, the draft information does not provide one, but fares depend on the station pair you choose.
Useful Travel Notes
- Children below 3 years travel free.
- Smart cards offer a 10% discount on all trips.
- The minimum recharge amount for a smart card is ₹100 ($1.20).
- The penalty for ticketless travel is ₹250 ($3.00).
- Fares may change, so check current details before you travel.
For assistance, DMRC customer support is available at 011-2256 1231.
Rules and Tips
The Delhi Airport Express Metro is easy to use, though a few practical tips can save time.
- Follow airport signs carefully. From Terminal 3, the metro route is clearly marked and leads down to the station.
- If you arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you may need to transfer to Terminal 3 or Aerocity to join the line. The transfer takes about 10 minutes and costs ₹40 ($0.48).
- After security, join the correct queue at the ticket desk. The local transport line can be longer, so check the signs above the counters first.
- Keep your ticket or token until you exit the station, as you will need it at the turnstiles.
- If you use a recharge card, it helps you avoid ticket queues and makes repeat trips easier.
- Peak service frequency is every 10 minutes, while non-peak service runs every 15 minutes.
- First train and last train timings vary by direction, so check the timetable before you travel. A late-night service may wait until 11:45 pm to connect with a delayed Shatabdi train.
- Leave extra time if you are catching a flight or another train, especially late at night.
- The line is described as a cheap, safe, clean, and modern way to reach the city centre.
The helpline number listed for the Airport Express Line is 011-22561231.