Getting Around New Delhi

New Delhi is a major business travel destination, but in many ways its transportation system has yet to catch up with its business demands. Learn what your options are, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

The Problem With Meters

In New Delhi, the main form of transportation is by taxi of some form. These forms can include everything from a fully air conditioned car to a man-powered open air rickshaw. However, they both share one significant drawback: in New Delhi, a cab with a meter is not guaranteed to be a cab that actually abides by the metered rate. In fact, most New Delhi cab drivers handle cab fare as they always have, using negotiation upon arrival at a destination.

If you choose to hail a cab, be prepared to negotiate, and don't expect the meter to be accurate, reasonable, or functional. In particular, don't expect the amount on the meter to correlate with the distance you travel.

Why You Don't Want To Walk

Many first time New Delhi business travelers assume that they will be able to walk from one location to another with relative ease. They are surprised to arrive in the city and discover that, although beautiful, New Delhi is incredibly dusty and rather grimy. Street level is not pretty, and walking will almost certainly ruin your freshly-pressed business travel attire. Generally, you want to avoid being in the open air.

The Best Solution Is Pre-Contracted Private Driver

For business travel, the best way to ensure promptness and a minimum of disturbance and stress is often to arrange a private driver before ever leaving your home country. Travel companies are often able to arrange this service, or at least to recommend local companies that will provide what you need without overcharging or fixing the price at the last minute. A private driver gives you the convenience of a taxi without the problems of New Delhi taxi drivers.

If You Must Use A Taxi

If you have no other option but to choose a taxi, endeavor to find one that is pre-paid, or be prepared to haggle. Unfortunately, pre-paid taxis are rare outside of the airport, and found there only because the Delhi Police run that service.

If you can't find a pre-paid taxi, hail the nicest looking cab you can find and hope for the best -- but be prepared to be overcharged if you're wearing a suit and look like you're on business travel.