Delhi Airport Guide

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is Delhi's primary airport. The airport operator places it approximately 16 km from the city centre.

The airport has three terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic operations in a separate terminal area.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Domestic operations; the upgraded terminal reopened on 26 October 2025.
• Terminal 3 (T3): An integrated domestic and international terminal with direct Airport Express metro access.

T2 and T3 are near one another but their connection is landside. T1 is farther away and requires a road transfer. Delhi Airport provides a terminal shuttle, and also lists a walking route between T2 and T3. Always verify the operating terminal in the current airline record: some airlines use more than one terminal and the assignment can depend on flight number.

The Airport Express/Orange Line serves T3 and nearby T2 via IGI Airport station; T1 has its own station on the Magenta Line.

Key fact: T3 handles domestic and international operations in one building. A transfer involving T1 or T2 is landside; complete arrival formalities, move to the next terminal, and clear its departure security.

Terminal Layout

• Terminal 1: Domestic terminal, in a separate area from T2/T3.
• Terminal 2: Domestic terminal near T3. It reopened after an upgrade in October 2025.
• Terminal 3: Integrated domestic and international terminal, with separate domestic and international passenger processes.

The airport's T2 reopening notice allocated operations by airline and, for IndiGo, by flight-number range. Those assignments can change. Check the airline's current terminal information rather than using an old carrier list.

Terminal 1/2 to Terminal 3 Transfers

Delhi Airport's inter-terminal shuttle guide says the shuttle links T1, T2, and T3, usually every 20 minutes. Connecting passengers must show a boarding pass or ticket at the shuttle kiosk and obtain a coupon for a complimentary ride. The airport also lists a landside walking route between T2 and T3; use the shuttle, taxi, or mobility-assistance service if that walk is unsuitable.

Do not walk between T1 and T2/T3. The road journey and terminal procedures can vary with traffic and queues.

Minimum connection times and through-baggage handling are airline and itinerary specific. Use the airline's protected connection, and add a large buffer for separate tickets or a terminal change.

International Arrival Process (Terminal 3)

If arriving internationally at T3 and connecting to a domestic flight:

1. Follow signs to immigration.
2. Collect checked baggage when instructed and clear customs.
3. Follow the airline's connection route and re-check bags if required.
4. For T3 domestic departures, continue to the domestic departure process in T3.
5. For a T1 or T2 departure, enter the public arrivals area, take the landside terminal transfer, and clear security at the next terminal.

For international-to-international travel, follow the transfer signs and airline instructions. Eligibility to remain in transit depends on documentation, boarding passes, and whether baggage is checked through.

DEL is southwest of central Delhi. Road time varies widely with congestion. Public transport is terminal-specific:

• T3 (and nearby T2): the Airport Express/Orange Line serves IGI Airport station at T3. From T2, use the marked landside route or airport transfer to T3.
• T1: Terminal 1-IGI Airport station is on the Magenta Line.

Taxis, app-based cabs, private cars, and buses also serve the terminals. Confirm the terminal before choosing the metro station or road drop-off.

Uber and Ola (India's largest rideshare platform) are both widely available at DEL. Follow signs to the designated pickup zones outside arrivals.

Typical rideshare fares:

• Connaught Place: ₹400-600 (~$5-7 USD)
• Paharganj: ₹350-500 (~$4-6 USD)
• South Delhi: ₹500-800 (~$6-10 USD)
• Gurgaon Cyber City: ₹300-500 (~$4-6 USD)
• Noida Sector 18: ₹700-1000 (~$8-12 USD)

Fares vary based on time, traffic, and surge pricing. Ola tends to have more driver availability; Uber may offer slightly better pricing.

Prepaid Taxis: Official prepaid taxi counters are located in the arrivals hall. Pay a fixed fare before exiting - this avoids haggling and provides a receipt. Rates are government-regulated:

• Connaught Place: ₹450-550
• South Delhi: ₹600-800

Both AC and non-AC options are available. Prepaid taxis are safe and recommended for first-time visitors.

Avoid: Touts offering taxi services outside the official counters - always use prepaid or app-based rides.

Delhi Metro serves the airport through two different lines and stations. Consult the current DMRC network map and journey planner for service times and fares.

Airport Express Metro

1. From T3, follow signs to IGI Airport station and take the Airport Express/Orange Line toward central Delhi.
2. From T2, first follow the airport's landside directions to the T3 metro station.
3. From T1, follow signs to Terminal 1-IGI Airport on the Magenta Line.
4. Purchase the fare product offered at the station or through an accepted DMRC channel and check the last train before a late arrival.

The Airport Express serves New Delhi station and Shivaji Stadium; the wider metro network provides onward connections. T1's Magenta Line follows a different corridor, so a transfer may be needed for central Delhi.

Bus Service

Delhi Transport Corporation buses also serve the airport. Routes and stopping patterns can change, so use the airport or DTC journey information for the terminal and travel date rather than relying on a fixed fare or frequency.

DEL offers multi-level parking at both terminals:

• Terminal 3 Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP): 4,300 spaces
  • First 30 min: ₹100
  • Each additional hour: ₹80
  • Daily maximum: ₹600
• Terminal 1 Parking: Smaller capacity
  • Hourly: ₹60
  • Daily: ₹500

Long-term parking: Economy parking available at reduced rates (₹200-300/day) with shuttle service to terminals. Pre-booking recommended during peak travel seasons.

Valet parking is available at T3 for ₹800/day.

Delhi Airport offers extensive dining options, particularly in Terminal 3:

Terminal 3

International Departures:

• Dilli Streat: Local street food in a hygienic setting (chaat, parathas, kebabs)
• Punjab Grill: North Indian fine dining
• Pind Balluchi: Punjabi cuisine
• Starbucks: Multiple locations
• McDonald's, Subway, Dunkin': Fast food options

Domestic Departures:

• Chaayos: Indian tea café
• Burger King
• Food Court: Multiple quick-service options

Terminal 1

• Food Court: Quick-service Indian and international options
• Café Coffee Day: Indian coffee chain
• Travel Food Services: Sandwiches and snacks

Best for: Authentic Indian food - try Dilli Streat for Delhi street food classics like chole bhature, golgappa, and kebabs. Punjab Grill offers a proper sit-down meal if you have time.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport:

• Network: "Delhi Airport Free WiFi"
• Limit: Free for 45 minutes, then paid options available
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; may struggle with video streaming

To connect: Select the network, enter your mobile number to receive an OTP (works with Indian and international numbers), and verify. For extended use, purchase premium WiFi packages at information counters.

Lounges offer unlimited high-speed WiFi.

SIM cards are available at arrivals in both terminals:

Carriers available:

• Airtel: Largest private network, good coverage
• Jio: Affordable data plans, 4G/5G coverage
• Vodafone Idea (Vi): Reasonable coverage in urban areas

Typical tourist SIM plans:

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Airtel	Tourist SIM	₹799-999	1.5-2GB/day, unlimited calls, 28 days
Jio	Prepaid	₹349-499	1.5-2GB/day, unlimited calls, 28 days

Requirements: Passport, visa, and passport-size photo required for SIM activation. Activation typically takes 4-24 hours due to verification requirements. Purchase your SIM immediately upon arrival to allow time for activation.

Some travelers prefer buying an eSIM before arrival (Airalo, Holafly) for immediate data access.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, before and after immigration:

• Major banks: HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis Bank, Yes Bank
• International network: Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus
• Withdrawal limit: ₹10,000-20,000 per transaction (varies by bank)
• ATM fees: ₹200-400 per international transaction (plus your bank's foreign transaction fees)

Currency Exchange: Thomas Cook and other exchange counters operate in arrivals. Airport rates include a significant markup (5-10%). For better rates:

• Withdraw from ATMs (usually better exchange rate despite fees)
• Exchange in the city at authorized money changers (Connaught Place has competitive rates)

Tip: India is increasingly card-friendly in urban areas, but keep cash for street vendors, auto-rickshaws, and smaller establishments. ₹2,000-5,000 in small denominations is useful upon arrival.

Delhi Airport offers extensive duty-free and retail shopping, primarily in Terminal 3:

Duty-Free (T3 International)

• Delhi Duty Free: Liquor, tobacco, perfumes, electronics, chocolates
• Local specialties: Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, jewelry, spices, tea
• Electronics: Limited selection; verify warranty and voltage compatibility

Notable Stores

• FabIndia: Indian clothing and home goods
• Forest Essentials: Ayurvedic luxury beauty products (excellent gifts)
• Good Earth: Premium Indian design and home décor
• The Bombay Store: Curated Indian souvenirs
• WHSmith: Books and magazines

Best buys: Indian textiles (pashminas, silk), spices (saffron, cardamom), tea (Darjeeling, Assam), Ayurvedic products. Prices are higher than city shops but convenient for last-minute purchases.

Duty-free allowances for India: Arriving passengers can bring 2L alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and goods worth ₹50,000 duty-free.

DEL has numerous lounges, with the best options in Terminal 3:

Priority Pass Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge (T3 International Departures): Good food selection, showers available, can get crowded
• Travel Club Lounge (T3 Domestic): Basic amenities, quick-service food
• Encalm Privé Lounge (T1): Domestic terminal option, decent quality

Credit Card Lounges

• American Express Lounge (T3 International): Amex Platinum cardholders, high quality
• Mastercard Lounge (T3): Select premium Mastercard holders

Airline Lounges

• Air India Maharajah Lounge (T3): Air India Business Class, Star Alliance Gold
• Vistara Lounge (T3 Domestic): Vistara Business Class and premium members
• Emirates Lounge (T3): Emirates Business and First Class
• British Airways Lounge (T3): Oneworld Business Class and Emerald status

Pay-Per-Use

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Walk-in access from ₹2,500 (~$30 USD) for 3 hours
• Encalm Lounge (T3): From ₹2,000 (~$24 USD) for 3 hours

Tip: T3 lounges vary widely in quality. Plaza Premium is consistently reliable; the Air India lounge has been renovated and improved.

At the Airport

• Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport: Connected to T3 via walkway, 5-minute walk from arrivals. Rooms from ₹8,000/night (~$95 USD). Day-use rooms available for ₹4,000-5,000.

Near the Airport

• JW Marriott Aerocity: 5-star luxury, 5 minutes from T3. Rooms from ₹12,000/night.
• Pullman New Delhi Aerocity: Modern business hotel, 5 minutes from T3. Rooms from ₹9,000/night.
• Ibis New Delhi Aerocity: Budget-friendly, reliable quality. Rooms from ₹4,000/night (~$48 USD).
• Lemon Tree Premier: Good mid-range option. Rooms from ₹5,000/night.

Aerocity is a planned hospitality district near T3 with multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops. Free shuttles run between Aerocity hotels and T3.

Budget Options

• Zostel Delhi (Paharganj): Hostel chain, 40 minutes from airport. Beds from ₹800/night.
• Bloomrooms @ Link Road: Near the metro, affordable. Rooms from ₹3,500/night.

For late-night arrivals or early-morning departures, the Holiday Inn or Ibis Aerocity are convenient choices.

Delhi is a city of contrasts - ancient monuments alongside modern malls, historic bazaars next to trendy cafés. Key attractions are well-connected by metro.

Must-See Attractions

• Red Fort: Mughal-era fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site (₹50 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners). 45 minutes from airport.
• Qutub Minar: 73-meter medieval tower, beautiful grounds. 30 minutes from airport.
• Humayun's Tomb: Precursor to the Taj Mahal, stunning gardens. 40 minutes from airport.
• India Gate: War memorial and iconic landmark, pleasant evening walks. 40 minutes from airport.
• Lotus Temple: Bahá'í temple with striking architecture, peaceful atmosphere. 35 minutes from airport.

For Long Layovers (6+ hours)

• Chandni Chowk: Old Delhi's famous market street - spices, textiles, street food. Take the metro to Chandni Chowk station.
• Connaught Place: Colonial-era shopping district, restaurants, bookstores. Easy metro access.
• Hauz Khas Village: Trendy neighborhood with cafés, boutiques, and ancient ruins. Good for food and shopping.

Day Trips

• Agra (Taj Mahal): 4-5 hours by road, 2 hours by Gatimaan Express train. Book a guided tour or take the train from Hazrat Nizamuddin station.
• Jaipur: 5-6 hours by road, 4.5 hours by train. The "Pink City" is worth an overnight stay.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Extreme variations. Summer (April-June) is very hot (40-47°C). Winter (December-February) is cool and foggy (5-20°C). Monsoon (July-September) brings heavy rain. October-November and February-March are ideal visiting months.
• Air Quality: Delhi's air quality can be poor, especially in winter (October-January). Consider bringing an N95 mask.
• Dress Code: Delhi is cosmopolitan, but modest dress is appreciated at religious sites. Remove shoes before entering temples and mosques.
• Bargaining: Expected at markets and with auto-rickshaws. Start at 40-50% of the asking price.
• Safety: Use official taxis, keep valuables secure, and be cautious with unsolicited help at tourist sites.
• Tipping: ₹50-100 at restaurants (if service charge not included), ₹20-50 for small services.

Getting Around the City

The Delhi Metro is efficient, affordable, and covers most tourist areas. For short trips, auto-rickshaws are convenient - negotiate fare before starting or insist on the meter (₹25 base fare). Ola Auto in the Ola app provides fixed pricing for auto-rickshaws.

For a quick layover: Take the Airport Express to New Delhi, explore Connaught Place, grab a meal, and return. Allow 4-5 hours minimum.