Car rental in Delhi

You don't need a car inside Delhi, and most visitors wouldn't want to drive here. Traffic is heavy and chaotic, the Metro covers much of the city, and app-based cabs are cheap. For trips out of the city, hiring a car with a driver is the normal choice. A rental makes sense for Agra, Jaipur or the foothills of the Himalaya, especially with family or luggage. In November 2026, listings started from about US$55 a day, but budget for tolls, fuel and parking as well.

When a car is worth it

Agra. The Yamuna Expressway makes the Taj Mahal an easy day out. Allow about three to four hours each way, depending on where in Delhi you start.

Jaipur. The road to Jaipur is about 280 km, roughly five to six hours each way, so most people stay overnight. Stops at Neemrana or Abhaneri can break the drive.

Rishikesh and Haridwar. Both are on the Ganges, about 240 to 290 km north of Delhi. Allow around five to six hours each way, and stay overnight if you can.

Before you book

Your licence. India generally expects your home licence plus an international driving permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. UK government travel advice, for example, asks for the 1949 permit alongside a UK licence. A permit issued under another convention, such as the 1968 Vienna one, may not be accepted. How long a foreign licence is valid can vary by state, so confirm with the rental company or an official source before you travel.

A driver. Ask whether the quote includes a driver, whether there is a daily distance limit, and what extra applies to overnight trips. Also ask whether the car can be taken into other states and whether any fees apply.

Where to collect the car. Pick up at Indira Gandhi International Airport if you're heading straight out, or at a branch on the side of the city you're leaving from. This avoids crossing the centre.

Insurance. Check the excess for damage and what is covered after an accident or a breakdown. Photograph the car before you drive off, including any existing scratches.

Driving in India

The basics. Traffic drives on the left. Expect constant horn use, scooters and autorickshaws cutting in, and cows and dogs on the road. Vehicles sometimes drive the wrong way, so stay alert and avoid driving at night where you can.

Tolls. Toll sections on national highways and expressways are paid electronically with a FASTag. Ask whether the car has one and how toll charges are settled.

Traffic and parking. Rush hours are long and parking in central areas is limited. Leaving before about 6 a.m. makes getting out of the city much easier.

Smog and fog. From about October to January, smog and fog can cut visibility, especially in the early morning. When air quality is very poor, restrictions can apply to some vehicles, so ask the rental company.