Indira Gandhi International Airport Taxi Scams: How to Avoid Them
Delhi · DEL · Real fare ₹450-650 to Connaught Place (pre-paid or Uber/Ola) · Scam price ₹1,500-3,000+ (fake tourism office scam, unlicensed cars, hotel-switch scam)
Where is the official taxi rank?
T3 arrivals: Delhi Traffic Police pre-paid taxi booth (green + yellow signs) right outside gate. Uber/Ola pickup at Level 2 forecourt.
Common scams to watch out for
Fake "tourism office" scam
Airport greeter directs you to a "government tourist office" outside terminal that resells your entire trip at 5× price + tells you your hotel booking is invalid.
How to avoid: India has no airport tourism office. If someone says your hotel is "closed" or "not available", they're running the scam. Go straight to your booked hotel.
Hotel-switch scam
Driver claims your hotel is "closed/burned/overbooked" + takes you to a partner hotel paying 40% commission.
How to avoid: Show driver hotel booking + address in Hindi. Call the hotel from the airport before leaving. Refuse ALL detours.
Unlicensed taxi at arrivals
Men outside terminal offering "AC taxi, cheap price, ₹500 fixed" — car has no meter, no permit, no insurance.
How to avoid: Use ONLY the police pre-paid booth or Uber/Ola. Ignore all curb-side offers.
Airport express meter fraud
Fake airport express train ticket sellers outside metro.
How to avoid: Buy Metro tickets only from the DMRC counter inside the metro station, never from anyone on the concourse.
Legitimate transport options
| Method | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Metro Airport Express (Orange Line) | ₹60 to New Delhi Station | T3 basement |
| Delhi Traffic Police pre-paid taxi | ₹450-600 | T3 arrivals booth |
| Uber / Ola | ₹350-550 | Level 2 forecourt (short walk) |
| Meru / Mega / Easy Cabs (radio cabs) | ₹500-700 | Pre-book via app |
Emergency + complaint contacts
Tourist Police: 1800 111 363 · Airport: +91 124 337 6000
Skip the taxi risk entirely
The safest way to avoid every scam above is a pre-booked hotel with airport shuttle or transfer service. Book a Delhi hotel with an included airport pickup — no negotiating, no meter drama, no touts.
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