Travel time in Delhi and Agra

I am taking a very short trip to India. How much time does it take to cross Delhi in a taxi? I am using my Marriott points to stay at the Marriot in District Centre, Saket. I worry about taking time to move around.

Also, if I see the sunset at the Taj at 7:12 PM, can I expect to catch a train back to Delhi at 8:23? I wish I could spend more time but can not.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

For me to see everything around Delhi, such as the landmarks, etc. It took me the whole afternoon and evening. There is alot to see, so expect to sacrifice most of the daytime.

Thanks. I have already resolved that I must take a Taxi from Delhi to Agra--my schedule does not permit a 6AM train. BUt comming back is another story.

I am told by one tour that they will not run taxis from Agra to Delhi at night. Any reason any one knows.

Worst case, I buy a ticket, miss the tain and take a taxi back from Agra to the airport.

I'd rather be trampled by 1000 elephants then take a taxi night-ride on that strip of road. To bad you can't somehow swing the 6am Shatabdi express train and returns at 8:18pm - its the best way to go and gives you plenty of time for all the side jaunts and zero travel stress.

Hmmm in that case, I should be thankful to the gods. I took a trip from Agra to Delhi at night safely. Around a three hour trip or something. The concierge at my hotel set up everything and we payed after we got back. While in Agra, the driver too us to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal, and he instantly appeared while leaving the premises, so it was fantastic.

In Delhi, as a joke, whenever I hail a taxi at night:

taxi driver: Where to (with rupees signs in his eyes)?
me: Agra on the double!?
taxi driver: Not possible at night time sir (with fear in his eyes)!
me: Okay fine - to hotel will be fine!

Haha. I guess for me ignorance is bliss. I had no idea the road between the two cities were so hazardous. Oh well, I'll still be going by car to Agra next time I go, and I'll still come back at night. Am I tempting fate?
On another subject, does anyone know that temple halfway between Delhi and Agra, looks grand and fancy, and has this sign at the entrance near the donation box which says not to donate if you consume meat, eggs, alcohol, etc? It's white and is huge. Looks kind of new. When I went in that night after visiting Agra, there were'nt that many people inside, maybe around 50 odd people.

Tempting fate? Naw! Travelling the safest way possible? Naw! as well. In India with cows roaming, uninspected/unregulated vehicles, road conditions, abundance of lorrie drivers etc. - probably a little safer in daylight with the ambient road life -that's all. Go for it!

How much time can it take to get from the Taj to the train station? Estimates? I will look at a map, but it seems like online maps are hard to come by. I enjoy your posts.

[QUOTE=michaelpeterson]How much time can it take to get from the Taj to the train station? Estimates? I will look at a map, but it seems like online maps are hard to come by. I enjoy your posts.[/QUOTE

It's approx 5-6 miles give yourself 30 minutes but 15 should do fine. 10 if you are an adrenalin junky.

Thanks. This gives me an hour to catch a taxi or other means and make my train. I don't want to miss it. Other advice at the Taj. Can you take a back pack in ok?