Useful tips for New Delhi bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in New Delhi. Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in New Delhi. Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of New Delhi highlights.
Most capital cities are synonymous with bad traffic. But New Delhi likes to take things a little further. Multi lane traffic seems to have no rules, tuctucs and taxis compete for space, and it wouldn"t be India without seeing a cow somewhere on the tarmac. It looks like madness but to the taxi driver it"s all part of the daily routine. They know how to drive these streets so you can sit back and put your hands over your eyes.
Taxis are an essential form of transport for locals and foreign visitors. They"re cheap, plentiful, and convenient. Here we show you the 4 types and some tips for using them.
Most private taxis have GPS, experienced drivers, and are air conditioning. Fares are controlled by the government and these taxis must be pre booked. There are some big nationwide taxi companies that started in Delhi and still provide services here; like India Taxi on Arya Samaj Rd, QuickCabs and MegaCabs. Expect to pay around €1 for every 4-5 kilometres, with increased prices at night.
These taxis are fairly modern estate cars like a Toyota Corolla or equivalent. However, it can be impossible to predict exactly what car you will get. There are some private taxi services that specialise in tourism, like Surjit Tourist Taxi Service in Savita Vihar, and Jeevan Vihar Tourist Service in Connaught Place. With these companies you are guaranteed an English speaking driver experienced in taking tourists. You can also request a particular type of vehicle with these companies.
A recent addition to the taxi market in Delhi is a female only private taxi service, Cabs for Women by Women. It only started in 2013 and is looking to expand across the country.
New Delhi black and yellow taxis are stylish. The Ambassador cabs take you back 40 years and despite being old they are very comfortable. Look out for a grand old car with a yellow roof. Officially you should pay around €1 for every 5-6 kilometres although how close you get to this depends on your luck and bargaining.
Delhi taxi drivers are notorious for getting around the government set fares. Firstly, while it"s law to use the metre, most taxis will force you to negotiate a price for your journey. This is tricky as they"re master negotiators and you don"t know what the price should be. Secondly, many taxi metres are rigged so you may be paying double or triple the correct price. While the police plan to introduce pre paid booths these are currently only available at the airport.
Tuctucs or auto rickshaws are an iconic New Delhi image. You will see them everywhere, spluttering along and squeezing down pedestrianised alleys. It"s the cheapest form of private transport and the one most used by locals. On the metre you should be able to travel around 7-8 kilometres for €1. How many people can you fit in a tuctuc? Logically you would say 2-3, but even as a foreigner you"re likely to get 5-6. It"s not uncommon to see locals jam 10 or more people into the tiny cab, and then have someone sat on the roof. Like the black and yellow taxi you must negotiate.
Like any service taxis work on supply and demand. It"s unlikely your taxi will agree to use the metre so you need to be cunning to negotiate a price. If there is a long line of taxis around offer a price of only a third or quarter of their opening offer. If you don"t their price find another taxi. It"s more tricky when there is less taxis around, as the drivers know that this is when they can make double or triple fares easily.
Carry a map to explain your destination. Point to where it is. Delhi is huge so if you"re taking a taxi across the city then the taxi driver probably won"t know your destination. As a general rule, all taxi drivers will say they know your destination and how to get there. Once you"re in they"ll start asking questions to other drivers to actually find out where it is.
It"s best to pre book a taxi when travelling a night. This is a capital city so unless you"re in a large and confident group you should pre arrange your transport.
You will find taxis nearly everywhere in Delhi and you will rarely have to queue. Most taxi stands are only permitted for up to 16 taxis, but there are some large ones at New Delhi Railway Station, Bhagat Singh on Anand Niketan, and Connaught Place in downtown Delhi.
Cab services are one way to get around New Delhi. If you are looking for other ways to travel around New Delhi, take a look at car rentals with driver in New Delhi or mini bus hire in New Delhi options. For more information and tips about India, visit the travel services page. Get ideas for trips in and around New Delhi on the transport in Delhi page. Requesting quotes is free! Start comparing cab services inNew Delhi today by using our form.
Cab services are one way to get around New Delhi. If you are looking for other ways to travel around New Delhi, take a look at car rentals with driver in New Delhi or mini bus hire in New Delhi options. For more information and tips about India, visit the travel services page. Get ideas for trips in and around New Delhi on the transport in Delhi page.
Requesting quotes is free! Start comparing cab services in New Delhi today by using our form.
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