Overview
ISBT Anand Vihar is one of Delhi's three principal inter-state bus terminals (the others being Kashmiri Gate and Sarai Kale Khan). It sits in East Delhi, straddling the border with Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, which makes it the natural departure point for buses heading northeast — toward Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and beyond.
The terminal is part of a deliberately planned multi-modal hub. Within a short walking distance — and connected by a dedicated foot overbridge — you have Anand Vihar Railway Station, Anand Vihar Metro Station (served by the Blue and Pink lines of the Delhi Metro), and rapid bus connections into Ghaziabad and the NCR. For budget travelers moving between Delhi and the Himalayan foothills or the Gangetic plains, this hub is a practical and often unavoidable waypoint.
The area around ISBT Anand Vihar is predominantly functional rather than scenic — dense with small eateries, luggage shops, mobile recharge stalls, and budget lodges catering to transit passengers. It is not a leisure destination but a working transit node, and understanding how to navigate it efficiently will save time and reduce stress for onward journeys.
Before You Go
Visas
India requires a visa for most nationalities. For current requirements specific to your passport, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Indian Bureau of Immigration website. Do not rely on third-party summaries, as rules change.
Key preparations
- Book bus tickets in advance during peak travel periods: Diwali, Holi, summer school holidays (May–June), and the Delhi-Dehradun/Haridwar pilgrim season. State transport and private operators sell tickets online and at counter windows at the terminal.
- Arrive with time to spare. The terminal is large and counter numbering can be confusing on a first visit. Platforms are organized roughly by destination state, but verify your platform with counter staff.
- Currency: Carry sufficient INR cash. While some counters and private operators accept UPI (digital payment), smaller food stalls and porters work cash-only.
- Health: Delhi's air quality can be poor, especially October–January. Travelers with respiratory sensitivities may want to carry an N95 mask. Stay hydrated, particularly in summer when temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C.
Getting There
By Metro
The Delhi Metro is the most reliable way to reach Anand Vihar ISBT from central Delhi or the airport. The Blue Line (Line 3) connects Dwarka Sector 21 (adjacent to IGI Airport's Terminal 3 via Airport Express interchange at New Delhi) to Anand Vihar. The Pink Line (Line 7) also serves Anand Vihar Metro Station, connecting areas like Majlis Park and Shiv Vihar. Verify current interchange stations and fares on the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official website or app before travel.
By Rail
Anand Vihar Railway Terminal (station code: ANVT) is a dedicated terminus handling trains to and from eastern and northeastern India, as well as several services to Uttarakhand. It is separate from the main New Delhi Railway Station. A covered footbridge links ANVT directly to the bus terminal, making combined rail-bus journeys feasible.
By Road
- Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are readily available from across Delhi. Traffic on NH9 and the ring roads can be heavy during peak hours — allow extra time.
- Several Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus routes serve Anand Vihar; check current routes on the DTC website or Delhi Transit app.
From IGI Airport
The most practical route is the Airport Express Metro to New Delhi station, then the Blue Line to Anand Vihar. A direct cab is faster but more expensive; journey time varies significantly with traffic.
Getting Around
Within the terminal
The ISBT is large. On arrival, orient yourself by destination state — counters and platforms are broadly grouped. Ask at the central inquiry counter if you cannot locate your operator. Porters (coolies) are available and will quote a fee before handling your luggage; agree on the price upfront.
Onward from Anand Vihar
- Metro: The metro station is connected to the terminal and railway station via the foot overbridge. This is the quickest way into central Delhi.
- Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws ply between the metro station, railway station, and the bus terminal for very short hops within the immediate area. Negotiate the fare or insist on the meter.
- App-based cabs can be booked from outside the main terminal exit; designated pickup zones may shift, so check the app for the current pin location.
Things to See & Do
Anand Vihar ISBT is not a sightseeing destination. Its value to travelers is entirely as a transit gateway. That said, it functions as an effective launchpad for some of northern India's most compelling destinations.
- Haridwar and Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): Both are reachable by direct bus from Anand Vihar, making this the most common departure point for Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri and yoga retreats.
- Dehradun: Regular state (UPSRTC, GMOU) and private buses connect Anand Vihar to Uttarakhand's capital.
- Lucknow and Varanasi: Frequent overnight buses serve these Uttar Pradesh cities, useful for travelers on a budget who prefer to save on accommodation costs by traveling overnight.
- If you have a layover, the nearby Akshardham Temple (accessible via the Blue Line metro, one stop at Akshardham station) is one of Delhi's most visited landmarks and worth a few hours.
Food & Drink
Food options inside and immediately around ISBT Anand Vihar are basic but functional. Expect dhabas (roadside eateries), fast food counters, and chai stalls rather than sit-down restaurants.
- Dhabas around the terminal serve north Indian staples: dal, sabzi, roti, and rice meals at low prices. Quality and hygiene vary; choose busy, well-lit establishments.
- Packaged snacks and drinks — biscuits, namkeen, bottled water, and cold drinks — are available from numerous kiosks inside the terminal. Stick to sealed, branded packaged water.
- Chai stalls are everywhere. A cup of milky, sweet chai is the universal travel companion at Indian bus stands.
- For a sit-down meal before a long journey, the area along Vikas Marg and near the metro station has slightly more established eateries, though nothing upscale. Verify current options locally.
Practical Information
Luggage
There is a cloak room / left-luggage facility at Anand Vihar Railway Terminal; verify current availability and charges at the station. The bus terminal itself may have limited storage — confirm on arrival.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at Anand Vihar Metro Station under the DMRC scheme. Mobile data (Jio, Airtel, Vi) is strong throughout the area. International travelers should purchase a local SIM at the airport on arrival to avoid roaming charges; carry your passport as it is required for SIM registration.
ATMs and Money
ATMs from major Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) are available near the metro station and within the railway terminal. Availability of functioning ATMs can vary; carry adequate cash before arriving.
Toilets
Paid public toilets are available inside the bus terminal and railway station. Carry small change (verify locally for current charges). Standards vary; facilities inside the railway station are generally better maintained.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Delhi Police helpline: 1091 (women's helpline)
Verify all emergency numbers locally on arrival, as these are standard Indian national numbers.
Safety
Anand Vihar ISBT is a busy, functional transit hub and is broadly safe during daylight hours. As with any large bus terminal anywhere in the world, exercise standard precautions.
- Touts and commission agents operate around the terminal entrance, offering to 'help' find bus tickets or accommodation. They earn commissions and may redirect you to substandard options. Go directly to official counters or use the pre-booked confirmation you already have.
- Overcharging: Auto-rickshaw drivers at busy terminals sometimes quote inflated fares to new arrivals. Use app-based cabs for a metered price, or agree on a fare before boarding an auto.
- Luggage: Keep bags close, particularly in crowded waiting areas and on the footbridges. Use the luggage belt or lock on backpacks if possible.
- Solo women travelers should be aware that the terminal and its surroundings can feel crowded and overwhelming at night. Traveling during daylight or with a companion when possible is advisable; the metro is generally a safer option than auto-rickshaws after dark.
