The Delhi Metro has made it much easier to get around the city. It’s a world class metro rail system that’s clean, safe, relatively comfortable and usually on time. Except at rush hour, when it can be unbearably packed, it’s a pretty pleasant way to travel.

If you’ll be taking more than one trip on the Metro, be sure to get a Smart Card at the customer service kiosk, which you’ll find next to the turnstiles. That way, you don’t have to buy a token every time. There’s a rs50 deposit, which you get back when you turn the card in, along with any remaining credit. You also get a 10% discount off the already cheap prices.

The trains don’t run all night, so if you plan to ride the Metro late at night or exceptionally early in the morning, be sure to find out when the last train is running.

You’ll have to pass through a security check no matter where you board. All bags are x-rayed, and passengers are patted down.

The Airport Line will soon be up and running, so it will be a much faster and easier way to get to the airport, especially if you are coming from the train or Paharganj. Both the [old] Delhi and New Delhi stations are on the line. Most of the stations have lifts (elevators), which almost always work, though some are in inconvenient and less-than-obvious locations.

The trains are wheelchair-accessible, as are most of the stations, though some entrances have only stairs. You often have to hunt for the elevator. There’s usually an escalator going up, as well.

There are a few seats in every car reserved for ladies, senior citizens and physically challenged people. If you happen to be in any of these categories, you can easily get a seat. All you have to do is smile and politely ask. Most people will graciously yield up their seat if they aren’t meant to be sitting there, especially because you are a guest in their country. There are a few trains that even have whole cars reserved for ladies.

Although some of them have murals or other themed decorations, most of the stations are pretty uninteresting. One notable exception, however, which could be a destination in itself, is the INA station, whose walls are adorned with samples of many different traditional arts by master artists and craftspersons. It’s beautiful. They put up this display because this is the stop for Dilli Haat. Dilli Haat is definitely worth a visit. It’s a fabulous place to buy traditional art and handicraft items, some of which are really superb. Incidentally, INA market is a great local market that also has a lot of imported foods and appliances.

J.D. Viharini is the author of Enjoying India: The Essential Handbook, a book that shows you how to experience the best of India by offering up tips and cultural essentials that no expat should be without - many of which are scarcely available elsewhere. She maintains a blog about India on her website, www.enjoyingindia.com, where you can also purchase her book. A single woman who has lived and traveled extensively in India, Ms. Viharini has learned that traveling smart and functioning in harmony with the local culture is the key to enjoying life in India. Over the years, she has traveled around India first class, sardine class and everything in between.