Red Fort or Lal Qila stands as a glorious icon reflecting India’s rich medieval history. The UNESCO World Heritage Site draped in red sandstone is one of the most recognizable historic monuments in the country. This is the place where our national flag unfurls, countless national events take place, and hundreds of Indian and foreign tourists visit each day. If you too are planning to visit the Red Fort in Delhi but don’t know how to, here’s the only guide you need to read!
How To Reach Red Fort In Delhi? Air, Rail, Metro Routes Explained
History Of Red Fort
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan began construction of Red Fort in 1638 and completed it in 1648 when he moved his capital from Agra. Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, it served as the main residence for Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. Built from red sandstone, the fort represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture and serves as a major symbol of Indian sovereignty.
Red Fort or Lal Qila was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. He commissioned work on the Red Fort in 1639, and it was completed in 1648. Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, it was initially known as the Qila-i-Mubarak or the ‘Blessed Fort’.
The Red Fort gets its name from the use of red sandstone in its construction. With a near octagonal shape of the facade, it served as the official residence of the Mughal rulers for nearly 200 years. Today, it stands as a blazing symbol of Indian medieval heritage and is a monument of national importance.
Red Fort Ticket Price For Indians And Foreigners And Other Details
Red Fort is a ticketed monument, requiring you to purchase a ticket at a nominal fee upon entry.
The entry fee for Indian nationals is INR 35, whereas that for foreigners is INR 550. A separate ticket is required for the sound and light show, which generally costs between INR 20 and INR 60.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Best time to visit: Before noon; ideal months to visit are from November to February or July to September
Also Read: How To Visit The Taj Mahal: Ticket Cost, Timings & Best Routes
How To Reach Red Fort In Delhi?
By Air
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the closest major airport, serving the Delhi National Capital Region. It enjoys excellent connectivity to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Jaipur, etc, as well as international destinations across the globe. From the airport, you can easily take a cab to reach the Red Fort, which is about 20 km away.
Alternatively, you can use the Delhi Metro directly from the airport to reach the Red Fort. However, note that it will involve changing metro lines twice, the route of which has been stated below:
Orange Line: IGI Airport to New Delhi ➤ Yellow Line: New Delhi to Kashmere Gate ➤ Violet Line: Kashmere Gate to Lal Quila
By Rail
The New Delhi Railway Station is the closest railway station to the Red Fort. It is located about 4 to 6 km away from the fort. As one of the most important railway junctions serving Delhi NCR, it is well-connected to major railway junctions across India. You can find trains to New Delhi from almost any corner of the country.
Once you reach the railway station, you can find a rickshaw, a cab, or a bus to reach the Red Fort.
By Metro
The Lal Quila Station on the Violet Line is the closest metro station to the Red Fort on the Delhi metro network. It is about 1 to 1.5 km away and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk. The Violet Line is connected to the Red, Yellow, Magenta, and Blue Lines of the Delhi metro network, so getting to the Red Fort from most parts of the city isn’t a hectic task. Refer to the Delhi metro route map to plan your journey in advance.
By Road
The Red Fort or Lal Qila is located in the historic Old Delhi neighborhood of the city. It enjoys good road connectivity, both within Delhi and outside Delhi. You can find rickshaws, buses, and cabs from almost any corner of the city to reach the Red Fort as it is a popular tourist destination.
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Summing Up
The Red Fort is one of the most iconic historic monuments in India, known for its stunning beauty, rich history, and architectural grandeur. In this guide, we’ve given you information about how to visit the Red Fort, ticket information, and timings. When are you visiting this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site?
