New Delhi Railway Station Guide: Platforms, Exits & Gates

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) has two main entrances: Paharganj on the Platform 1 side and Ajmeri Gate on the Platform 16 side. Which side you should use depends mainly on your platform and how you are arriving — check the platform-side guide below before booking a cab or entering the station.

NDLS has 16 platforms numbered sequentially from Paharganj to Ajmeri Gate, so Platform 1 is nearest Paharganj and Platform 16 is nearest Ajmeri Gate. New Delhi Metro station (Yellow Line + Airport Express) is directly connected to the Ajmeri Gate side via a skywalk, so Ajmeri Gate is usually easier for Metro, Airport Express, Connaught Place and most onward travel. Paharganj is useful only if your hotel is actually in Paharganj.

This guide shows which entrance to use for your platform, how to reach the Metro, which exit to take after arriving, and what to do for early-morning or late-night arrivals.

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New Delhi Railway Station at a Glance#

New Delhi Railway Station: Which Side Should You Use?#

This is the question behind almost every "platform which side" search.

Platforms are numbered sequentially from Paharganj to Ajmeri Gate, so lower numbers are nearer Paharganj and higher numbers nearer Ajmeri Gate (see the table below). If you tell your driver a side, say "Ajmeri Gate side" or "Paharganj side" — not just "NDLS" — and re-check the live platform on the station display before entering.

Platform number to side — quick guide#

This is a layout guide, not a train allocation. Your train's platform can change. Always confirm the final platform on the station display, NTES or 139 before choosing a drop-off side. If you already know you need the Metro, prefer Ajmeri Gate even for a middle platform and use the foot overbridge inside.

Platform 2, 3, 5 and 12: which side?#

• Platform 2, 3, 5: Nearer the Paharganj side. If you are being dropped off and your ticket shows one of these, ask for Paharganj, Platform 1 side. If you need the Metro after arrival on one of these, follow signs inside towards Ajmeri Gate / Platform 16 / Metro.
• Platform 12: Nearer the Ajmeri Gate side. Ask for Ajmeri Gate, Platform 16 side for the shortest walk. For a Paharganj hotel after arrival on Platform 12, follow signs towards Paharganj / Platform 1 inside.

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Ajmeri Gate vs Paharganj: Which Entrance Should You Use?#

This is the most useful decision at NDLS. Choosing the wrong side adds a 10–20 minute walk with luggage across foot overbridges.

Choose Ajmeri Gate if:#

• you are taking the Delhi Metro
• you are going to the airport
• you are heading towards Connaught Place
• your hotel is in central or south Delhi
• you have heavy luggage and want easier Metro access
• you are being picked up from the Ajmeri Gate side

Choose Paharganj if:#

• your hotel or hostel is inside Paharganj
• you are going to Main Bazaar
• someone is specifically meeting you on the Paharganj side

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Which Side Is Platform 1 and Platform 16?#

This is still the easiest rule:

Platform 1 is nearest Paharganj. Platform 16 is nearest Ajmeri Gate. Platforms 2–15 sit sequentially between them.

So if your train arrives on Platform 4 but you need the Metro, you do not need to leave from the nearest road exit. Follow the station signs and foot overbridge towards Ajmeri Gate / Platform 16 / Metro.

Likewise, if you arrive closer to Platform 16 but your hotel is in Paharganj, follow signs towards Platform 1 / Paharganj.

Crossing the entire station with luggage can take time, especially when trains arrive together. Allow roughly 10 to 20 extra minutes if you need to move from one end of NDLS to the other during a busy period.

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New Delhi Railway Station to Metro#

The nearest Metro station is called New Delhi Metro Station.

It serves two important Delhi Metro lines:

• Yellow Line
• Airport Express Line

The Metro is on the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station.

DMRC has a dedicated skywalk connecting the Ajmeri Gate side of the railway station with the nearby New Delhi Metro stations. See also our guide on how to reach New Delhi Railway Station by Metro with luggage.

From your train to the Metro#

After getting off your train:

1. Look for signs saying Ajmeri Gate.
2. If necessary, use the foot overbridge towards Platform 16.
3. Exit towards Ajmeri Gate.
4. Follow signs for Metro / Airport Express.
5. Use the pedestrian connection towards New Delhi Metro Station.
6. Pass Metro security.
7. Choose the Yellow Line or Airport Express depending on your destination.

With large bags, leave some extra time for lifts, security scanning and crowded foot overbridges.

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New Delhi Railway Station to Connaught Place#

Connaught Place is very close to NDLS.

The easiest Metro option is:

New Delhi → Rajiv Chowk

Rajiv Chowk is the main Metro station for Connaught Place and is only one stop away on the Yellow Line.

A cab or auto can also be convenient if:

• you have several bags
• your hotel is not close to a Metro exit
• you arrive very late at night
• you are travelling with children or elderly passengers

Do not rely on a fixed online auto or taxi fare because traffic, app pricing and pickup restrictions change.

For a hotel near Connaught Place, compare the app-cab price before accepting an unsolicited taxi offer outside the station. If you are arriving with luggage and need the Metro, the how to reach NDLS by Metro with luggage guide has the walking details.

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New Delhi Railway Station to Delhi Airport#

NDLS has one of the easiest airport connections in Delhi.

From the Ajmeri Gate side, walk to New Delhi Metro Station and take the Airport Express Line.

For Terminal 3#

Take Airport Express towards the airport and get off at IGI Airport.

For Terminal 2#

The same IGI Airport Metro station serves the T2 and T3 airport area. Follow terminal signs after leaving the Metro.

For Terminal 1#

T1 is served by the Terminal 1-IGI Airport station on the Magenta Line, not the Airport Express station used for T2 and T3.

If you are travelling to T1, check the current DMRC journey planner for the easiest route from your location.

Read our full Delhi Airport terminal transfer guide and the NDLS to Delhi Airport metro vs cab comparison if you need to understand T1, T2 and T3.

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Is New Delhi Railway Station Open at 5 AM?#

Yes. NDLS handles trains throughout the day and night.

However, Delhi Metro lines do not all start at the same time.

Airport Express has historically started earlier than many regular Metro routes, while first-train times on other lines vary by station and direction.

If you arrive between roughly 4 AM and 6 AM:

• check DMRC's current first-train time before depending on Metro
• stay inside the main station area if you need to wait
• use a registered app cab, prepaid taxi or authorised auto if the Metro route you need has not started
• avoid walking through unfamiliar lanes with heavy luggage just to save a small fare

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What to Do If You Arrive at NDLS at 5 AM#

A simple first-time plan is:

If your hotel is near Connaught Place#

1. Exit towards Ajmeri Gate.
2. Check whether the Yellow Line is operating for your journey.
3. If yes, take the Metro to Rajiv Chowk.
4. If not, use an app cab or authorised auto.
5. Ask your hotel about luggage storage if check-in is later.

If your hotel is in Paharganj#

1. Follow signs towards Paharganj.
2. Confirm your hotel's exact location on Maps before leaving the station.
3. Use an auto if the hotel is deeper inside the area and you have luggage.
4. Do not follow people who claim your hotel has closed or moved.

If you are going to Delhi Airport#

Go towards Ajmeri Gate and check the Airport Express service from New Delhi Metro.

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Late-Night Arrival at New Delhi Railway Station#

If you arrive around midnight or later, the main problem is not the railway station itself. It is choosing reliable onward transport.

For a late-night arrival:

• keep your luggage with you
• use a well-lit official exit
• check the cab fare in the app before accepting another offer
• confirm your hotel address before leaving
• do not hand your phone to strangers offering to locate your hotel
• do not follow someone to an unofficial travel office
• share your cab details with someone if travelling alone

If you have a choice between the two sides and are not staying in Paharganj, the Ajmeri Gate side is generally more convenient for onward transport.

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2026 NDLS Entry and Crowd-Control Changes#

New Delhi Railway Station has introduced stronger crowd-management measures.

In March 2026, the Ministry of Railways confirmed that a permanent passenger holding area at New Delhi Railway Station had been commissioned.

The holding-area system includes facilities such as:

• ticket counters
• automatic ticket vending machines
• electronic train information boards
• CCTV
• luggage scanners
• drinking water
• toilets
• passenger announcements
• seating and crowd-management infrastructure

Railways has also been strengthening access control at busy stations.

During crowd-control conditions:

• passengers with confirmed reserved tickets may receive direct platform access
• waitlisted passengers may be directed to designated waiting or holding areas
• access can be more controlled during major festival rush periods

In March 2026, Railways also announced a QR-code-based access-control pilot for New Delhi Railway Station ahead of the Diwali and Chhath rush.

That does not mean every passenger currently uses QR entry every day. Treat it as a developing crowd-management system and follow the instructions displayed at the station.

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How Early Should You Reach New Delhi Railway Station?#

Indian Railways does not have one universal airport-style reporting time for every normal train.

For a simple journey, a practical target is:

These are planning recommendations, not official minimum reporting times.

During Diwali, Chhath, Holi, summer holidays or other major rush periods, arrive earlier because access control and holding areas may add time.

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How to Find Your Platform at NDLS#

Do not depend entirely on the platform number shown many hours before departure.

Platforms can occasionally change.

Before boarding:

1. Check your train number.
2. Look at station display boards.
3. Listen to announcements.
4. Check NTES or official railway information.
5. Confirm the final platform after reaching NDLS.

If the platform changes, follow signs for the foot overbridge.

Do not cross railway tracks.

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Cloakroom and Luggage Storage at New Delhi Railway Station#

New Delhi Railway Station has cloakroom facilities for railway passengers. For detailed timing and charges, see our NDLS cloakroom guide.

Indian Railways rules require deposited luggage to be properly locked and securely packed.

When using the cloakroom:

• carry your valid railway journey ticket
• keep ID available
• make sure the bag can be locked
• keep the cloakroom receipt safely
• check the current charge at the counter
• confirm the counter's collection hours before leaving your bag

Do not depend on old blog posts quoting a fixed ₹20 or ₹30 rate. Railway charges and local arrangements can change.

Can you leave an unlocked backpack?#

Do not depend on it.

Official railway guidance says luggage accepted into cloakrooms should be locked.

If your backpack has no lock, carry a small luggage lock with you.

How long can bags be stored?#

Indian Railways passenger guidance allows cloakroom luggage to be stored for an extended period subject to prescribed charges and rules.

For normal sightseeing in Delhi, most travellers only need a few hours.

If you plan to leave luggage overnight or for several days, confirm the conditions directly at the cloakroom.

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Waiting Rooms, Retiring Rooms and Lounges#

NDLS has several types of passenger waiting facilities.

Waiting rooms#

Indian Railways provides waiting rooms for genuine railway passengers.

Access may depend on:

• your ticket
• travel class
• current crowd conditions
• available capacity

Keep your journey ticket ready.

Retiring rooms and dormitories#

Indian Railways and IRCTC also operate paid retiring-room or dormitory accommodation at selected major stations, including New Delhi.

Availability can be checked through IRCTC.

This is useful if you have:

• an overnight connection
• a very early train
• several hours between trains

Executive lounge#

IRCTC has operated executive lounge facilities at New Delhi Railway Station.

Individual lounge areas can temporarily close for maintenance, so check the current IRCTC listing before planning your layover around a lounge.

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Can You Take Big Bags on Delhi Metro?#

Yes. Railway passengers regularly use Delhi Metro with luggage.

Airport Express is particularly convenient for suitcases because airport travellers commonly use the line.

The main difficulty is crowding.

If possible, avoid carrying several large bags on busy central Metro sections during morning and evening peak periods.

With heavy luggage:

• use lifts where available
• keep bags away from train doors
• allow extra time for security scanning
• avoid blocking escalators
• keep valuables in a smaller bag with you

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The Common "Your Train Is Cancelled" Scam#

One of the most important rules for first-time visitors is simple:

Never accept a stranger's claim that your train has been cancelled without checking it yourself.

A scammer may tell you:

• your train is cancelled
• tourists cannot enter from this gate
• your ticket is invalid
• you need a special tourist ticket
• the railway booking office is closed
• your hotel has closed
• they can take you to an official government office

The goal is often to redirect you towards a private travel agency, taxi, tour or hotel.

What to do instead#

Verify your train using:

• IRCTC
• NTES
• station information displays
• railway enquiry number 139
• official railway staff

Do not verify using a phone handed to you by the person making the claim.

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Arriving by Cab or Auto: Tell the Driver the Side#

You will find many transport options outside New Delhi Railway Station.

Do not just say "NDLS" — tell the driver "Ajmeri Gate side" or "Paharganj side" based on the platform-side guide above, and confirm the live platform before entering. Allow extra time if you are dropped on the wrong side.

The simplest approach is:

1. Open Uber, Rapido or another trusted transport app.
2. Enter your destination.
3. Look at the approximate fare.
4. Use that as a reference even if you eventually take an auto.
5. Confirm the pickup location shown in the app.

Avoid publishing or relying on fixed fares such as "NDLS to CP is always ₹60" because fares change with traffic, demand and time.

Before entering any taxi or auto:

• confirm the destination
• confirm the price or meter/app booking
• keep your bag with you
• keep Maps running if you are unfamiliar with Delhi

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If Someone Says Your Hotel Is Closed#

This is another situation where verification matters.

If a driver or stranger says:

"Your hotel is closed."

or

"That road is blocked. I know another hotel."

do not immediately change your booking.

Call the hotel using the number from:

• your booking confirmation
• the hotel's official website
• the booking platform you used

Do not use a replacement number provided by the stranger.

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Which Exit Should You Take After Arriving?#

If you are exiting after arrival, choose by onward transport:

• For Metro, Airport Express, Connaught Place and most of Delhi: Exit towards Ajmeri Gate / Platform 16 and follow signs to the skywalk to New Delhi Metro station.
• For a Paharganj hotel or Main Bazaar: Exit towards Paharganj / Platform 1.
• Unsure or heavy luggage: Follow the foot overbridge to your preferred side inside the station — do not cross by road with bags.

For late-night arrivals, the main issue is not the station itself but reliable onward transport — see the late-night section below.

Is Paharganj Safe for First-Time Visitors?#

Paharganj is one of Delhi's best-known budget accommodation areas and thousands of travellers stay there.

It is also busy, crowded and full of hotels, shops, autos, travel agencies and people offering services.

For a first visit:

• know your hotel's exact address
• keep bags zipped
• do not display large amounts of cash
• decline unsolicited travel assistance
• avoid following strangers to another hotel or office
• use Maps to understand your direction

If your accommodation is not in Paharganj, there is normally no advantage in leaving NDLS from the Paharganj side.

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NDLS to Paharganj Hotels#

If your hotel is around Paharganj Main Bazaar:

1. Follow station signs towards Paharganj / Platform 1.
2. Exit the railway station.
3. Check your hotel's pin on Maps.
4. Walk only if the distance and route look comfortable with your luggage.
5. Otherwise take a short auto or app-based ride.

Paharganj lanes can be confusing because several hotels have very similar names.

Save your hotel's:

• full name
• complete address
• phone number
• map pin

before arriving.

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New Delhi Railway Station vs Old Delhi Railway Station#

Do not confuse these two.

A ticket saying NDLS means New Delhi Railway Station.

A ticket saying DLI does not.

This mistake can be expensive if you discover it shortly before departure, so check the code before booking your cab.

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New Delhi Railway Station FAQ#

Which exit is best at New Delhi Railway Station?#

For most visitors, Ajmeri Gate is the most convenient because it connects directly with New Delhi Metro Station and gives access to both the Yellow Line and Airport Express.

Use Paharganj if your destination is in Paharganj.

Which platform is on the Ajmeri Gate side?#

Platform 16 is nearest the Ajmeri Gate side.

Which platform is on the Paharganj side?#

Platform 1 is nearest the Paharganj side.

How many platforms are there at New Delhi Railway Station?#

NDLS has 16 platforms.

Which Metro station is closest to New Delhi Railway Station?#

New Delhi Metro Station.

It serves the Yellow Line and Airport Express.

Is there a direct walkway from NDLS to the Metro?#

Yes. DMRC opened a dedicated skywalk connecting the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station with the adjacent New Delhi Metro stations.

Can I go directly from New Delhi Railway Station to Delhi Airport by Metro?#

Yes, for T2 and T3 the Airport Express Line from New Delhi Metro Station is the main Metro connection.

Check your terminal before travelling.

How far is Connaught Place from New Delhi Railway Station?#

Connaught Place is close to NDLS. By Metro, Rajiv Chowk is one stop from New Delhi on the Yellow Line.

Is New Delhi Railway Station open all night?#

The railway station handles trains throughout the night.

However, shops, lounges, cloakrooms, Metro services and other facilities can have separate operating hours.

Can I wait at NDLS after arriving early?#

Railway waiting facilities are available for genuine passengers, subject to ticket eligibility, capacity and current station rules.

Is there a cloakroom at New Delhi Railway Station?#

Yes. NDLS has railway cloakroom facilities.

Your luggage should be properly packed and locked, and you should keep your cloakroom receipt safe.

Do I need a PNR to use the cloakroom?#

Cloakrooms are intended for railway passengers. Carry your valid journey ticket and identification. Do not rely on old blogs that describe the service simply as "PNR locked" because actual verification is handled by railway staff.

Can I use Delhi Metro with a suitcase?#

Yes.

Large luggage is common on the Airport Express. On busy Yellow Line trains, travelling outside peak hours is more comfortable.

How early should I reach NDLS?#

For a first visit, 45 to 60 minutes before departure is a comfortable planning buffer.

During major holiday or festival rush, allowing 60 to 90 minutes is safer.

Is NDLS safe late at night?#

The station is a large, busy transport hub with security and CCTV, but normal big-city precautions still matter.

Use official or app-based transport, keep valuables secure and avoid unsolicited taxi, hotel or ticket offers.

What should I do if somebody says my train has been cancelled?#

Do not follow them anywhere.

Check IRCTC, NTES, station displays or call railway enquiry 139.

Is there an official tourist office at New Delhi Railway Station?#

Yes. Delhi Tourism lists an official tourist information office on the Paharganj side near Exit Gate No. 1.

Verify the office and staff before paying for any service.

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First-Time NDLS Checklist#

• Check that your ticket says NDLS
• Save your train number and PNR
• Check your latest platform after reaching the station
• Use Ajmeri Gate if you need the Metro
• Use Paharganj if your hotel is there
• Keep luggage locked if using the cloakroom
• Keep the cloakroom receipt safe
• Verify train cancellations yourself
• Check app-cab pricing before accepting taxi offers
• Save your hotel address and map pin offline
• Allow more time during festivals and holiday rush

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Bottom Line#

For a first-time visitor, New Delhi Railway Station becomes much easier once you understand its two sides.

Platform 1 means Paharganj. Platform 16 means Ajmeri Gate.

Ajmeri Gate is the better choice for most travellers because the New Delhi Metro station is next to it and gives you access to both the Yellow Line and the Airport Express.

Use Paharganj when your hotel or destination is actually on that side.

If you have luggage, keep extra time for foot overbridges and security. If someone tells you your train is cancelled, your hotel is closed or you must visit another booking office, verify the information yourself before going anywhere.

Most importantly, check NDLS on your ticket, confirm your platform close to departure and follow the official station signs rather than unsolicited directions.

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Sources and Verification#

• Ministry of Railways / PIB: NDLS access control, surveillance and QR-code pilot, 20 March 2026
• Ministry of Railways / PIB: New Delhi Railway Station holding area and crowd-management facilities, 28 March 2026
• Ministry of Railways / PIB: New Delhi Railway Station platforms, entrances and redevelopment information
• Delhi Metro Rail Corporation: 2026 operational Metro network map
• DMRC Annual Report: Ajmeri Gate to New Delhi Metro skywalk
• Indian Railways Passenger Services FAQ: cloakroom, waiting rooms and retiring rooms
• IRCTC: New Delhi Railway Station Executive Lounge information
• Delhi Tourism: official tourist information office at New Delhi Railway Station
• Cover image: Ravi Dwivedi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Last verified: 8 September 2026. Railway access rules, platform assignments, Metro timings and station facilities can change. Check Indian Railways, IRCTC and DMRC for your exact travel date.