Cost To Visit New Delhi: Complete 2026 Budget Guide
In this 2026 travel budget guide for visiting New Delhi breaks down everything you need to plan plan your trip, and understand what you can expect to spend food, attractions, and accommodations.
Is New Delhi Expensive to Visit?
Relative to U.S. travel costs, New Delhi is very affordable. You can expect to spend significantly less per day on accommodations, food, and transportation than you would in a major U.S. city. Compared to other major cities in Asia, New Delhi ranks as one of the cheapest capitals to visit, especially when traveling on a budget.
That said, the total cost of your trip depends heavily on your travel season, accommodation preferences, and lifestyle (budget, moderate, or luxury). In this guide, we’ll break down what it costs to visit New Delhi in 2026 and beyond—including the cheapest and most expensive times of year, daily and weekly budgets, flight costs, popular attractions, and which areas of the city offer more value for your money.
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Seasonal Cost
Knowing when to visit New Delhi will greatly affect your travel costs. Prices for flights and accommodations fluctuate throughout the year based on weather, demand, and festivals.
Peak Season (October–March)
- Best weather of the year—cool, dry, and perfect for sightseeing.
- Ideal for exploring historical sites, shopping markets, and attending festivals.
- Hotel rates and flights are at their highest, especially around holidays.
- Expect smog and pollution in November–January, which may impact air quality.
Shoulder Season (April & September)
- April: Hot with rising temperatures, but still manageable for early morning sightseeing.
- September: End of monsoon with lush greenery and fewer tourists.
- Prices are lower than peak, and good deals can be found on hotels and tours.
Off-Season (May–August)
- This is Delhi’s hottest and wettest period, with highs reaching 45°C (113°F).
- July and August bring heavy monsoon rains, especially in the afternoons.
- This is the cheapest time to visit in terms of hotels and flights, though the weather is challenging for sightseeing.
- Great for budget travelers who can handle the heat and humidity.
Most Expensive Times To Visit New Delhi
Expect the highest prices for hotels and flights during:
- Late December to early January – Christmas & New Year holidays
- Diwali (October or November) – India’s biggest festival, with huge demand and limited availability
- Republic Day (January 26th) – Major national event with parades and celebrations
- Holi (March) – A colorful and globally recognized festival, draws large crowds
These periods also align with peak season, so prices can be 30–50% higher than average.
Cheapest Months To Visit New Delhi
The lowest prices are typically found during:
- May to mid-September, especially:
- May – Cheapest hotels and flights but extremely hot
- July & August – Rainy season brings down prices even further
- Ramadan period (dates vary annually) – Less tourist activity, great for deals
Where You Stay
Where you stay in New Delhi drastically affects your travel budget. Some districts offer world-class amenities at luxury prices, while others are great for budget-conscious travelers.
Most Expensive Areas To Stay
- Chanakyapuri
- Upscale diplomatic enclave with 5-star hotels, embassies, and luxury shopping.
- Quiet, green, and secure.
- Close to: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, National Museum
- Connaught Place (CP)
- Central location with shopping, fine dining, nightlife, and colonial architecture.
- Prices reflect the prime real estate.
- Close to: Jantar Mantar, Rajiv Chowk Metro, Janpath Market
- Aerocity
- Modern hotel hub near Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- Best for business travelers or short stays.
- Close to: Airport Express Metro, Worldmark shopping complex
Affordable Areas To Stay
- Karol Bagh
- Mid-range hotels, popular with Indian and foreign tourists.
- Great shopping and food.
- Close to: Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh Metro Station
- Paharganj
- Iconic backpacker area with guesthouses and 2–3 star hotels.
- Very central, chaotic but vibrant.
- Close to: New Delhi Railway Station, Main Bazaar
- South Delhi (Lajpat Nagar, Hauz Khas)
- Good mix of affordable boutique hotels and Airbnb options.
- Lively neighborhoods with food, markets, and metro access.
- Close to: Hauz Khas Fort, Lajpat Nagar Market
Cheapest Areas To Stay
- Mahipalpur
- Budget hotels and guesthouses near the airport.
- Less convenient for sightseeing in central Delhi.
- Poor air quality at times but very affordable.
- Dwarka
- Affordable residential area in West Delhi.
- Metro access but farther from tourist hotspots.
- Good for long stays or travelers on tight budgets.
New Delhi Vacation Costs
Here’s what you can expect to spend across categories:
Avg. Accommodation Cost (Per Night)
| Season | Budget Traveler (INR/USD) | Moderate Traveler (INR/USD) | Luxury Traveler (INR/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | ₹1,000–₹2,500 / $12–$30 | ₹3,000–₹6,000 / $36–$72 | ₹10,000+ / $120+ |
| Shoulder | ₹800–₹2,000 / $10–$24 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 / $30–$60 | ₹8,000+ / $96+ |
| Off-Season | ₹600–₹1,500 / $7–$18 | ₹2,000–₹4,000 / $24–$48 | ₹6,000+ / $72+ |
Food Cost (Per Day)
| Meal | Budget (INR/USD) | Moderate (INR/USD) | Luxury (INR/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | ₹50–₹150 / $0.60–$2 | ₹200–₹400 / $2.40–$4.80 | ₹500+ / $6+ |
| Lunch | ₹100–₹250 / $1.20–$3 | ₹400–₹700 / $5–$8.50 | ₹1,000+ / $12+ |
| Dinner | ₹150–₹300 / $1.80–$3.60 | ₹600–₹1,000 / $7.20–$12 | ₹1,500+ / $18+ |
Transportation Cost
- Metro (Delhi Metro): ₹10–₹60 / $0.12–$0.72 per trip
- Auto Rickshaw: ₹30–₹150 / $0.36–$1.80, negotiate fare
- Uber/Ola (Rideshare): ₹100–₹300 / $1.20–$3.60 for intra-city rides
- Private Driver (Daily): ₹2,000–₹3,000 / $24–$36
- Car Rental (w/ driver): ₹2,500+ / $30+ per day
- Airport Metro Express: ₹60 / $0.72 from airport to city
Attractions
- Red Fort – ₹500 / $6 (foreigners), ₹35 for locals
- Qutub Minar – ₹600 / $7.20
- Humayun’s Tomb – ₹600 / $7.20
- Lotus Temple – Free
- India Gate – Free
- Akshardham Temple – Free (donation-based), water show ₹80 / $1
- Raj Ghat (Gandhi’s memorial) – Free
- National Museum – ₹500 / $6
- Jama Masjid – Entry free, camera fee ₹300 / $3.60
Day Trips From New Delhi
| Destination | Distance | Transport Options | RT Cost (INR/USD) | Highlights & Attraction Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agra | 230 km | Train, Car, Tour Bus | ₹800–₹3,000 / $10–$36 | Taj Mahal ₹1,100 / $13, Agra Fort ₹650 / $7.80 |
| Jaipur | 280 km | Train, Car, Flight | ₹1,000–₹3,500 / $12–$42 | Amber Fort ₹500 / $6, City Palace ₹700 / $8.40 |
| Mathura/Vrindavan | 160 km | Train, Taxi | ₹600–₹2,000 / $7.20–$24 | Temples, Krishna Birthplace (Free–₹50 / $0.60) |
| Haridwar/Rishikesh | 230 km | Train, Bus, Taxi | ₹1,000–₹2,500 / $12–$30 | Ganga Aarti (Free), River Rafting ₹800 / $9.60 |
Daily Budget (Per Person)
| Season | Budget Traveler | Moderate Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | $25–$40 | $60–$100 | $180+ |
| Shoulder | $20–$35 | $50–$90 | $160+ |
| Off-Season | $15–$30 | $40–$80 | $150+ |
Weekly Budget (7 Days)
| Type | Lodging (USD) | Food (USD) | Transport (USD) | Attractions (USD) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Traveler | $100–$150 | $50–$70 | $20–$30 | $20–$30 | $190–$280 |
| Moderate Traveler | $250–$400 | $100–$150 | $40–$60 | $50–$70 | $440–$680 |
| Luxury Traveler | $800+ | $250+ | $100+ | $100+ | $1,250+ |
Flight Cost
Flight costs to New Delhi depend heavily on your departure city, season, and airline. Here are average round-trip prices from major U.S. cities in 2026:
- Peak Season: $900–$1,400
- Shoulder Season: $700–$1,100
- Off-Season: $550–$900
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