Travelling around Delhi can be both exciting and challenging. If you’re like most people, you want to explore the city without burning a hole in your pocket. Luckily, Delhi offers some excellent budget-friendly options for getting around. As someone who has lived in Delhi for years, I can tell you that use local transport wisely is the key to saving money on travel. Let me walk you through some tips on how to save money on travel in Delhi.
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Delhi Metro is the Best Way to Travel Smart:
When it comes to getting around in Delhi, the Metro is a life-saver. With Metro, you will not only save money on travel in Delhi but it’s also super-efficient, especially when you’re trying to avoid the city’s notorious traffic jams. Traffic is a big issue in Delhi, especially during peak office hours from 8 AM to 12 PM and 5PM to 10 PM (as good as i have experienced). During these times, roads are packed, and travel time by road can be easily double or even triple.
To avoid traffic and reach your destination on time, always opt for the Metro during these peak hours.
The Metro zips through the city underground and through bridges. It is completely unaffected by traffic. Whether you’re heading to work or just exploring the city, the Metro is the fastest and most reliable way to travel during rush hours.
Tip from a local: Get a Metro Smart Card to save 10% on fares and avoid the hassle of buying tokens for every trip. It’s perfect for daily commuters and saves time.
Government Buses is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Delhi:
Delhi’s bus network is extensive, with buses connecting almost every part of the city. If you’re on a tight budget, buses are a great option to save money on travel in Delhi.
Not only they are much cheaper than cabs, but government buses also have the added advantage of being free for female passengers. This is a fantastic initiative that makes travelling in Delhi even more affordable for women.
However, keep in mind that traffic can be an issue during peak hours. But if you’re travelling outside these times or taking shorter routes, buses are a solid choice for cheap travel.
You can easily find the exact bus route you need by using Delhi Bus Route Finder Tool which helps you navigate the complex bus network in Delhi with ease.
If you’re planning to travel to nearby states from Delhi, don’t worry about expensive train or flight tickets. Just head to one of the city’s major Inter-State Bus Terminals like Kashmere Gate ISBT, Anand Vihar ISBT, or Dhaula Kuan or Sarai Kale Khan Bus ISBT etc.
These bus terminals offer affordable travel options to states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and more. With tickets costing just a few hundred rupees, you can explore different parts of North India without spending a huge.
Tip from a Local: Consider getting a DTC bus pass. With a pass, you can hop on and off buses as many times as you need without worrying about buying a ticket every time. It can be a great way to save money on travel in Delhi.
Use the Metro and Buses Together for Maximum Savings on Travel:
One of the best ways to save money on travel in Delhi is to use a combination of the Metro and buses.
For example, you can take the Metro for longer distances and then hop on a bus for the last leg of your journey. This way, you avoid heavy traffic while still saving a lot of money compared to taking a cab.
The Metro will help you avoid delays during rush hours, and buses will cover areas not connected by the Metro at a fraction of the cost.
Make use of Delhi bus route finder tool while travelling in the metro to get a clear idea to catch the bus right after stepping out of the metro station.
Cabs are Convenient but Not Budget-Friendly
Cabs like Ola and Uber are easily available throughout Delhi, and while they offer convenience, they aren’t the most budget-friendly option. During peak hours, traffic can also make cab rides longer and more expensive due to surge pricing.
Although they’re comfortable and door-to-door they can be significantly more costly compared to the Metro or buses.
If you’re really trying to save money on travel in Delhi, I’d suggest limiting your use of cabs to situations where you absolutely need them, like late-night travel or if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.
Look Out for Off-Peak Discounts
Some travel options, like Ola and Uber, offer off-peak discounts during certain times of the day. Keep an eye out for these offers on the app. The Delhi Metro also has slightly cheaper on weekdays which can save you a few extra bucks.
Use Local Rickshaws and E-Rickshaws
For short distances or last-mile connectivity, e-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are excellent options. They are cheaper than autos and give you a more local experience. Just make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid getting overcharged.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
Peak hours in Delhi can mean crowded metros and more expensive cab fares. If your schedule allows, avoid traveling during rush hours, typically 8AM and 10PM. Not only will you save money on travel but also you’ll also enjoy a more comfortable ride with less crowding.
Conclusion on Saving Money on Travel in Delhi
When it comes to saving money on travel in Delhi, the Metro and buses are your best friends. The Metro is fast, reliable, and immune to the city’s traffic jams, especially during peak office hours. Meanwhile, buses provide an affordable option, especially for women who can travel for free on government buses.
You can travel all over Delhi without spending a huge. So the next time you’re out and about in the city, take the smart and affordable route by hopping on a Metro or bus, and watch your travel expenses shrink.
