Indira Gandhi International Airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is India's busiest airport and the primary gateway to Delhi and northern India. Located approximately 16 km southwest of central Delhi, the airport handles over 70 million passengers annually and serves as the main hub for Air India (now Tata-owned) and IndiGo.

The airport has three terminals:

• Terminal 3 (T3): The main terminal handling all international flights and most domestic full-service carriers. This is one of the largest terminal buildings in the world, spanning 5.4 million square feet.
• Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic terminal primarily used by IndiGo, SpiceJet, and other budget carriers. Located separately from T3.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Smaller domestic terminal used by select carriers during peak hours. Connected to T1 by a short airside walkway.

Important: T1/T2 and T3 are located on opposite sides of the airport with no airside connection. Transfers between these terminals require exiting security and traveling by road (15-25 minutes depending on traffic).

The airport is connected to central Delhi via the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line, providing fast, affordable access to New Delhi Railway Station and Connaught Place.

DEL is approximately 16 km southwest of central Delhi. Travel times vary significantly by destination and traffic:

• Connaught Place/New Delhi Railway Station: 30-50 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by Metro
• Paharganj: 30-45 minutes
• South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash): 30-50 minutes
• Gurgaon (Cyber City): 20-30 minutes
• Noida: 45-75 minutes
• Agra: 4-5 hours by road, 2 hours by Gatimaan Express train (from Hazrat Nizamuddin station)

Delhi traffic can be severe, especially during morning (8-10 AM) and evening (5-9 PM) rush hours. The Delhi Metro Airport Express is the fastest and most reliable option for reaching central Delhi.

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.

The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line (Orange Line) is the fastest and most reliable way to reach central Delhi.

Airport Express Metro

1. Follow signs to "Metro" in Terminal 3 (departure level) or Terminal 1
2. Purchase a token or use a Delhi Metro Card at the station
3. Take the Orange Line directly to New Delhi Railway Station (20 minutes) or Shivaji Stadium for Connaught Place (25 minutes)

Destination	Fare	Time
New Delhi Railway Station	₹60 (~$0.75 USD)	20 min
Shivaji Stadium (Connaught Place)	₹60 (~$0.75 USD)	25 min

From New Delhi or Shivaji Stadium, transfer to the Yellow Line or Blue Line for destinations across Delhi. Regular metro fare is ₹10-50 depending on distance.

Metro Hours

• First train from airport: 4:45 AM (to New Delhi)
• Last train from airport: 11:30 PM (to New Delhi)
• First train to airport: 5:15 AM (from New Delhi)
• Last train to airport: 11:00 PM (from New Delhi)

Trains run every 10-15 minutes during the day, more frequently during peak hours.

Delhi Metro Card

Purchase a Delhi Metro Smart Card (₹150, including ₹50 refundable deposit and ₹100 stored value) for convenience. Cards work on all metro lines and offer 10% fare discounts.

Bus Service

DTC Airport Bus Service operates between the airport and various Delhi locations (₹50-100). Buses are less frequent and slower than the metro but run to more destinations. Check schedules at the bus stand outside T3.

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.