Red Fort: Tickets and Tours

Also known as “Lal Qila,” Red Fort is an architectural masterpiece nestled in the Old Town district of Delhi. Designed by the architect behind the Taj Mahal, this fortress showcases the many faces of India over the past 300 years, including its history with colonization.

By going on a Red Fort tour, you can dive into the city’s past and discover how India gained independence, as well as admire an exquisite display of Mughal architecture.

Here's all you need to know about Red Fort tickets, one of the most exciting attractions in Dheli.

How much do Red Fort tickets cost?

You can purchase Red Fort tickets online, which gain you access to the attraction for either the morning or afternoon.

• Adults: INR550 (US$7)
• Children: Free

Should you book in advance?

While not mandatory, booking your Red Fort tickets in advance is advisable as the attraction is popular with tourists. Whether you’re choosing to guide yourself around the fortress or select a guided tour, purchasing your passes ahead of time will save you unwanted stress upon arrival in Delhi.

You can choose a morning or afternoon slot on the day of your preference, making it easy to shape the rest of your itinerary around this excursion, and you’ll be able to predict how busy the fort will be by seeing how many tickets are available for each time slot.

What are the best Red Fort tours?

Audio-guided Red Fort tour

An audio-guided Red Fort ticket enables you to wander the site at your own leisure, pausing at parts that pique your interest and skimming over those that don’t.

All the while, you’ll enjoy an engaging commentary, informing you of the fort’s history through its different eras, from the city’s Mughal rule to its colonization and finally, its independence.

An extra benefit of this type of Red Fort excursion is that you can, if you choose, participate in it more than once for no additional charge.

Private Red Fort tour

If you’re looking for greater personalization than an audio tour allows, why not select a private guided tour of Red Fort? You’ll stroll the site side by side with a knowledgeable guide who is dedicated to your enjoyment and can fill you in on every detail of the fort.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to ask any questions that spring to mind, deepening your understanding of this attraction. You’ll hop between the different palaces that form the fort, learning about their uses over the centuries, before being escorted back to your hotel.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Red Fort and other attractions?

Combination Red Fort tickets and tours are an ideal choice for those with limited time to spare in Delhi. You’ll cover several destinations in just a few short hours, enabling you to see as much of the city as possible. You’ll also usually save money versus booking a multitude of different tours.

And finally, you can rest easy in the knowledge that all admission tickets, and transportation are pre-arranged for you.

• Old Delhi sunrise cycling tour plus Red Fort:

Watch the bustling city of Delhi come to life as candy colors fill the sky on this early morning adventure, covering a number of sites, including Red Fort, Fatehpuri Masjid and Chawri Bazar.

• Red Fort and Old Delhi walking tour: Get up close to the action on a walking tour of Old Delhi through its aromatic spice market, 17th-century fortress and religious monuments.

• Red Fort tour plus Taj Mahal and Baby Taj:

Discover India’s most celebrated monument — the Taj Mahal — alongside Red Fort and the Baby Taj, a mausoleum, often referred to as the “practice run” for the main Taj Mahal.

What will you see inside?

Red Fort was constructed in the 17th century at the request of Emperor Shah Jahan after India’s capital city was changed from Agra — the home of the Taj Mahal — to Delhi.

The landmark was designed by none other than Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect behind the impressive Taj Mahal, and showcases Mughal design perfectly.

The site was bombarded during the 18th century and many of its historic artifacts, and artworks were stolen. It once again suffered during the British retaliation to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. However, despite these raids, Red Fort remains largely in-tact and visitors can explore its intricate walls, and tea house.

In 1947, a flag was raised at Red Fort’s Lahori Gate to signify India’s hard-earned independence from British rule. Since that time, there has been an annual ceremony to mark Indian independence held here, which includes raising the flag and a speech by the current prime minister.

In 2007, Red Fort gained status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and today attracts over 100,000 visitors every year.

How to get there?

Red Fort is located in the Old Delhi region of the city and can be reached via an array of public transportation services. However, because of its location, you’ll find that regardless of which method of public transportation you take, you will need to complete your journey on foot.

One of the easiest ways to reach the site is by catching the Metro and departing either at Chawri Bazar or Chandni Chowk, both of which are a further 20-25 minutes from Red Fort on foot.

Those who tire easily may prefer to catch one of the city’s tuk tuks, which are inexpensive and easily accessible, to complete the final leg of their journey.

Taking a train to Red Fort is also an option and the nearest station is the Old Delhi Railway Station. By departing here, you’ll also be left with a walk of approximately 20 minutes.

Alternatively, take a bus from anywhere in the city to the Kashmiri Gate Bus Station, via a number of routes, including Line 12, 18b, 26 and 126. From there, you can once again walk to your destination, approximately 2 kilometers away, or hail a tuk tuk.

What are the opening times?

Red Fort is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Red Fort is wheelchair friendly, meaning that everyone can enjoy delving into the history’s past through the site.

However, not all destinations in Delhi are accessible for persons with disabilities, which is why you should check the booking page of your chosen tour if you are opting for a combination excursion, to see if it is appropriate for all members of your party.

If not, those with limited mobility can instead choose from a host of other attractions in Delhi.

When is the best time to visit Red Fort?

The best time to visit the Red Fort in Delhi is during the winter months from October to March. It's advisable to avoid the scorching summer and the rainy monsoon season for a more enjoyable visit.

Which other attractions can be visited in Delhi?

• Lotus Temple
• Humayun's Tomb

Travel tips

• Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring. Also, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
• Delhi's climate can be hot, particularly during the summer months. Carry water to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• To enhance your experience consider using the audio guide or hiring a local guide to understand the historical and architectural significance of the Red Fort.
• Follow the rules and guidelines provided by the authorities in order to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.