Delhi Airport: A Complete Guide to Indira Gandhi International Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (DEL) is the busiest airport in India and a major hub for international travel. Don’t let that make you nervous, the Delhi airport is very organized and quite nice. In fact, it was voted the best airport in South Asia by Skytrax in 2023.
This guide will give you all the information you need to make your journey through the airport as stress-free as possible. I live in Delhi and have flown in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport more times than I can count. I know the shops, restaurants, lounges, toilets and special services!
Short on time? Here’s what to expect:
Complete Guide to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport is a great airport to go through. It’s super organized, clean and calm.
Only ticketed passengers are allowed inside Indian airports, so the airports are relatively quiet. The chaos starts once you pass through the exit doors!
Here’s everything you should know to help you travel through Delhi’s airport.
Quick Facts
- Indira Gandhi International Airport code: DEL
- Website: https://www.newdelhiairport.in/
- Location: Delhi airport is located in south west Delhi, about 16 km from the city centre
- only ticketed passengers are allowed inside the Delhi airport
👉 Check the status of your flight on the Delhi airport live flight tracker. This is especially important for morning flights departing in winter when Delhi gets a lot of heavy fog that causes flight delays.
Terminals at the Delhi Airport & Airport Shuttle
The Delhi airport has 3 terminals. All international flights and many domestic ones operate out of Terminal 3. If you are arriving or departing on an international flight, you will be in Terminal 3.
Terminals 1 and 2 are domestic terminals. Terminal 2 is right beside Terminal 3, and you can walk from one to the other in less than 5 minutes. Terminal 1 is further away and you’ll have to use the free airport shuttle.
The airport shuttle kiosk is located at pillar 10 just outside Terminal 3. Show your ticket or boarding pass and ID at the kiosk to get your shuttle ticket. There’s a shuttle every 20 minutes. It stops at Terminal 2 also, but if you’re coming from Terminal 3 can just walk over (you have to exit the terminal to do this).
Airport Lounges
There are several lounges in the Delhi airport. Depending on your airline, or membership privileges you may be able to use the lounges for free.
The best lounges are Air India’s Maharaja Lounge (Star Alliance) and the Encalm Prive Lounge in Terminal 3. There’s also an American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3.
All terminals have pay per use Encalm Lounges. Several premium airlines not belonging to Star Alliance have privileges at the Encalm Lounge, as well as Priority Pass holders.
Where to Eat in Delhi Airport
Food options are a mix of Indian and international. You’ll find several restaurants, coffee shops and fast food places in all terminals.
Terminal 3 has the biggest selection of restaurants, a good sized food court and a bar. If you like South Indian food, head to Carnatic Cafe. It’s one of Delhi’s best cafes, and it finally opened up a location in Terminal 3 at the Delhi airport.
Where to Shop in Delhi Airport
Terminal 3 has excellent shopping. There’s a good selection of Indian, international and luxury brands. If you need last minute gifts or souvenirs, you can pick up something Indian at Haldiram’s (Indian snacks and sweets), Forest Essentials (Ayurveda beauty products) or Ahujasons (shawls and pashminas).
Terminal 3 is also where duty free is located. Delhi Duty Free has a pre-order option where you can shop up to 30 days before your international flight, and collect your order when you arrive at the airport. They also offer a complimentary personal shopper service.
Terminals 1 and 2 have more mid range shopping with several casual Indian clothing stores. There’s no duty free in either terminal.
What to do on a Layover in Delhi Airport
If you’ve got a few hours between flights and don’t feel like eating or shopping, there’s a couple of good options for passing the time.
Encalm Spa
What could be better between flights than a massage? Encalm Spa has locations in both domestic and international departures of Terminal 3. Encalm offers 45, 60, 75 and 90 minute signature massages as well as Thai, synchronized, foot, head, back and dry massages. You can also book a ‘shower massage’ which lets you use a shower room for 30 minutes.
Email Encalm Spa to make a booking in advance: spa@encalm.com
Oxy Pure Oxygen Bar
India’s first oxygen bar is located in Terminal 3 of the Delhi airport. Oxygen therapy has a lot of benefits, and many travellers report feeling rejuvenated and being able to sleep better on their flight after a session. It’s also known to cure hangovers and help ease headaches.
Delhi is infamous for its poor air quality, so a visit to the oxygen bar is a really good thing to do for yourself when leaving the city.
Where to Sleep on Your Layover at Delhi Airport
Travellers that have a connecting domestic or international flight from Terminal 3 within 24 hours can stay at the Holiday Inn transit hotel. Check in is located near the arrivals transfer area. Once guests have check in to the hotel they are not permitted to leave until close to flight departure time. The hotel is non smoking.
🎈 Check prices and availability at the Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport T3
Another option are the sleeping pods located in Terminal 3 departures. Because the pods are located inside the secure international departures area, only passengers departing on international flights can use them. I’ve never stayed in these pods, but I’ve seen them – they are literally right in the middle of the airport near the gates.
https://transitpodservices.com
If you don’t want to pay for a hotel room or sleeping pod, there are lie flat lounge chairs in the departure area near the gates. Delhi airport is open 24 hours, so it never gets totally quiet, but you’ll have a better chance of getting some rest on one of these loungers. Just keep belongings close.
Longer Layover in Delhi? Head to Aerocity
If you have a longer layover (keep in mind passengers are required to arrive 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight), you can head to Aerocity. Aerocity is right next to the Delhi airport and has many hotel, shopping and dining options.
You will find better hotels at Aerocity for around the same price or less than the cost of the transit hotel in Terminal 3.
I recommend these Aerocity hotels:
Roseate House New Delhi (luxury)
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel (luxury)
Lemon Tree Premier (mid-range)
Ibis New Delhi (mid-range)
Aerocity was built with international travellers in mind, but it’s become a hot spot for Delhiites as well because of the dining and entertainment options. Plus it’s connected by Delhi metro which means you can scoot into Delhi quickly if you want to explore the city or do a half day sightseeing tour.
Services at Delhi Airport
VAT Refund
Non-residents who meet the requirements on minimum spending, eligible goods and length of time in India may be able to get a VAT refund when departing the country. Make sure to bring all receipts and complete the necessary documents.
VAT refund for tourists is something new. Airport staff may not be very helpful or knowledgeable about where or how to claim a refund. It may be worthwhile getting help through a company like airssist:
Contact airssist for VAT refund
Free WiFi and Charging Stations
Travellers can access free high speed internet in all terminals of the Delhi airport. Just connect to GMR Free Wi-Fi on your device. You will be sent an OTP to your Indian phone number. Don’t have an Indian phone number? No problem, get a Wi-Fi coupon code from one of the Wi-Fi kiosks or an Information Desk.
There are charging outlets in all terminals at the food courts and near the boarding gates.
ATM and Currency Exchange
Delhi Airport has ATMs and currency exchanges in all terminals. When using an ATM in Delhi, don’t forget to select the “without conversion” option so the exchange rate is set by your bank, not the ATM bank.
The rate you will get at the airport currency exchange will not be as favourable as the ones in Delhi. These two currency exchanges in Delhi have good rates.
Getting a SIM
There is an Airtel kiosk at arrivals of Terminal 3, before the exit. If you plan to get a local SIM, I strongly recommend you get a pre-paid tourist SIM here instead of in the city. It will be much easier – trust me on this! Airtel is a one of the better cell providers in India.
Luggage Storage
Terminal 3 has a secured luggage storage area that is open 24/7. Look for the signs ‘Left Luggage’ or ‘Cloak Room’. You can leave your luggage for a couple of hours up to several days for a reasonable fee. Passengers must show a boarding pass and ID.
Atithya Meet and Greet Service
Delhi airport offers a customized meet and greet service called Atithya. A uniformed representative can meet you on arrival or departure and arrange baggage handling, lounge access, and provide assistance to make your time in the airport as stress-free as possible.
This is a great service for seniors, and anyone travelling with small children.
Public Transportation & Taxis from Delhi Airport
There are a lot of options to get into the city from the Delhi airport. Two ways I do not recommend are renting a car (driving is nuts in Delhi), and public buses.
- Private transfer booked through your hotel: The easiest but most expensive option. Find out in advance exactly where your driver will meet you – inside or outside the terminal and at which exit.
- Mega Cabs or Meru Cabs pre-paid taxi: Pre-pay for your ride at the ticket booth just outside Terminal 3, then head over to the first traffic island to give your ticket at the kiosk and get your taxi.
- Uber or Ola: The cheapest taxi option but you need data to book one. There are pick up zones at all 3 terminals.
- Delhi metro: The cheapest and fastest way to get into Delhi. There is a dedicated metro airport line. The Delhi metro is excellent; it’s clean, efficient and safe.
👉 While the airport terminal is calm, once you walk out the exit doors it’s chaotic. Ignore everyone that approaches asking if you need a ride. Touts will lie and tell you the metro isn’t running, that Uber isn’t available, or that your hotel burned down so they can take you somewhere else and earn a commission.
FAQs about Delhi Airport
Does Delhi have 2 airports?
At the moment no, Delhi has one international airport. A second international airport is under construction in Noida (just outside of Delhi). Jewar International Airport is scheduled to begin operations at the end of April 2025.
Is the Delhi airport big?
Delhi is a big airport – it’s the largest airport in Asia. But it is well organized and easy to navigate, especially the international terminal, T3.
How much time does it takes for immigration at the Delhi airport?
That really depends on how many flights are arriving at the same time. Allow yourself 30 minutes for immigration.
The Wrap-up on Delhi Airport: A Complete Guide to Indira Gandhi International Airport
Although it’s the largest airport in Asia, the Delhi airport is well organized and clean. One thing I forgot to mention, the water in the water fountains is filtered. It’s supposed to be safe for drinking but I suggest drinking bottled water only, just in case.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
