Landing at the airport of New Delhi is to open a door to another universe. As soon as the wheels of the plane touch down, a mixture of nerves and excitement awakens: you are entering India. The New Delhi Airportofficially Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)will be your first welcome to this infinite country of colors, aromas and contrasts. And although it may seem like a place of passage, the experience of your arrival can set the pace of your trip.
For many travelers, this airport is the first contact with India, and it can feel like a whirlwind of sensations: people moving in every direction, advertisements on hindi and in English, immigration queues and the humid heat that sneaks in when you go outside. But there is nothing to be afraid of: New Delhi Airport is modern, organized and ready to welcome millions of people from all over the world every year.
Knowing how to get around, what to expect and what services are available to you will give you a smooth welcome, to start discovering India on the right foot 😊.
This guide is designed for you: to make your arrival (or stopover) in Delhi easier and not waste time.
New Delhi Airport Key Facts
- Full name: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) - in Hindi: इंदिरा गांधी अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे पर अड्डे पर
- IATA Code: DEL.
- Location: About 16 km from the center of New Delhi.
- Terminals:
- T1Domestic flights of low-cost airlines such as IndiGo or SpiceJet.
- T2Domestic flights of some national airlines.
- T3The largest and most modern terminal, where most international flights arrive and depart.
- Traffic: is one of the busiest airports in Asia, handling more than 70 million passengers annually.
- Formerly it was called Palam Airport (it only consisted of T1) but changed its name to Indira Gandhi International Airport when T2 was opened in 1986.
New Delhi Airport Terminals
New Delhi Airport is like a city within a city, where each terminal has its own character. Understanding their differences will make you move around safely and stress-free.
⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT - At New Delhi Airport you can only access the terminals if you have a valid ticket and identification document. You can show your ticket on paper or in digital format on your cell phone. If you are one of those who always run out of battery...better bring a printed copy or you will not be able to enter. Accompanying persons are not allowed to enter. Please note that you will only be allowed to enter 6 hours before your flight for international flights and 4 hours before for domestic flights.
Terminal 1 (T1) - domestic flights
Terminal 1 is the oldest of the 3 terminalsThe terminal was part of the Palam airport. local low-cost airlines with flights to domestic destinations such as Indigo, GoAir, Spicejet and Jagson. Arrivals are located at 1C and departures at 1D.
If you have to move between terminals, between T1 and T3 there is a shuttle bus or shuttle bus every 20 minutes (free of charge). To access this service you must have a valid ticket for a connecting flight.
Please note that from this exit there is no direct access to the Metro and the best way to get to the city will be by Taxi, Uber or OlaCabs.
It is a simple terminal but with everything you need. Below is the list of restaurants, stores and lounges in Terminal 1 of New Delhi Airport.
Terminal 2 (T2) - domestic flights
Terminal 2 is quieter, like a way station between the overflowing energy of T1 and the sophisticated order of T3. This terminal has recently been renovated and has new, modern facilities. T2's annual traffic can reach up to 12 million passengers.
If you have a connecting international flight, you will need to transfer to T3, something that can take up to 20 minutes on the shuttle free of charge. To use this service you must have a valid ticket for a connecting flight.
It is the departure point for domestic flights of companies such as SpiceJet or Indigo. It offers the essentials for a comfortable trip: rest areas, quick options to grab a bite to eat before boarding, and easy access to cabs and Uber. It's also right next to T3 so you can easily access the metro station.
Below is the list of restaurants, stores and lounges at Terminal 2 of New Delhi Airport.
Terminal 3 (T3) - international flights
T3 is the jewel in the airport's crown and the gateway to the airport. departure for international flights (and some domestic). It is the newest terminal, opened in 2010 and it is one of the largest terminals in the worldIt can handle up to 40 million passengers a year. The most iconic feature of this terminal is the representation of themudras that give you a warm welcome in your first steps through the airport, but the airport is also home to other artistic figures that immerse you in Indian culture.
The Terminal 3 New Delhi Airport is designed as a vertical space, where each level has its own purpose.
In the first level is the departures area, with a layout that clearly separates access for domestic and international flights. For domestic flights, boarding gates are distributed between Section C (gates 27-36) and Section D (37-41 and 42-62). On the other hand, international flights depart from Section A (gates 1-3 and 4-14) and Section B (15-26).
If you go up to the second levelIn the airport, you will find part of the airport lounges and a lively dining area with options for all tastes. The third and fourth levels are reserved exclusively for the VIP lounges, whereas in the FIFTH LEVEL is located in the Transit HotelThe new, separate wings for international and domestic passengers, perfect for resting during long layovers without leaving the airport.
If you have to move between terminals, T3 is connected to T1 and T2 with a shuttle bus every 20 minutes (free of charge). To access this service you must have a valid ticket for a connecting flight.
In addition, right in front of this terminal is the Airport Express Metro station, which connects in just 20 minutes to the heart of Delhi.
Your arrival at New Delhi Airport (T3)
The Terminal 3 (T3) is very well signposted and with spacious areas, although at peak hours it can be quite busy.
Once landingsYou will be directed to the immigration area. But before arriving, you will find a table with the immigration papers that you have to fill out and present with your visa and passport (sometimes they provide you with these papers during the flight, but in many cases they do not).
Then, you will go down the escalators and on your left side you will find the Mudras mural (this is the most photographed place 📸 of the airport).
In front of you on the left hand side you will also have a multitude of immigration lines. On the floor there are colored lines indicating which zone you should go to according to your passport or visa type. The LiLa line in Zone 2 is for e-Visa or electronic visas.
In ImmigrationIf you have a visa, be prepared to show your passport, visa in passport or e-visa confirmation document, in addition to the document you have filled out. Here is my visa guide for Indiaso that you know which document to print.
Once you exit immigration, you will find yourself in the immigration area. baggage claim. In this area, next to the information desk, there is a machine to get the code for the WIFI, in case you need it. You will also find a currency exchange service.
Once you have your luggage you will go out to the arrivals area where you will find prepaid cab counters, a store to buy the SIM card, more exchange offices, ATMs, a snack and beverage store and information booths.
💡If you want to have internet from the moment you land, the best option is to buy an eSIm in advance. Holafly is a very good option and you have an 5 % discount from this link (coupon MIVIAJEALAINDIA).
💡To get the best exchange rate and avoid extra commissions, the N26 Travel Card is the best option. You can read all the benefits in my article on the best cards for travellers.
And once you exit the building, cross over and you will find the Metro station and if you continue on the right hand side, the Uber and Olacab cab parking.
Tip: keep your boarding pass until you leave the airport, as some checkpoints may ask for it again.
New Delhi Airport Services
The airport is designed with all the amenities so that you have everything without having to leave the premises:
- VIP rooms (lounges): several lounges with snacks, drinks and rest areas. Some can be paid for even if you do not have a premium card.
- Free Wifi: If you do not have an active Indian mobile number, you can easily connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi. Just go to the information desk or a self-service Wi-Fi machine. Scan your passport (or show it at the counter) to receive a unique code. Then enter your KYC ID and the code into the login portal, following the on-screen instructions.
- Stores and restaurants: from international brands to stalls with chai, samosas and Indian sweets.
- Currency exchange and ATMs: exchange houses are open 24h, but they usually have high commissions. My advice: change just enough for the cab and use ATMs.
- Luggage storage: useful if you have a long layover and want to go out of town. They can store your luggage for up to 30 days. It is located in T3 and if you are an international passenger, you can present your passport or boarding pass to access this service. Here are the prices.
- Medical services and pharmacies: available at T3.
Transportation to and from New Delhi Airport
New Delhi airport is very well connected to the city and is very close, although the time to get there can vary considerably depending on the transport you choose. there is a lot of traffic in Delhi 🚗🚗🚗🚗! I indicate you the options:
- Prepaid cab: the safest and most direct option. You pay at the counter (fixed rate) and a cab is assigned to you.
- Uber or Ola: They work well in Delhi, but you have to ask for them from the designated areas of T3 (leaving the terminal, go to the right hand side, to the parking lot for uber and Olacab. I share the location of access points for cabs.
- Metro Airport Express: fast, economical and air-conditioned. It connects T3 to Connaught Place in about 20 minutes. Here you go subway schedules.
- Private transfers: recommended if you arrive at night or if you want total comfort. Many agencies offer this service.
- Buses: are inexpensive, but not recommended if it is your first time and you are traveling with heavy luggage.
What to do on a long layover in New Delhi
😴Rest
If you have more than 6 hours, you can take the opportunity to rest in a lounge or stay at a nearby hotel or the airport transit hotel.
🛒Shopping
Just a short walk from the airport (2km), you have the GMR Aerocity shopping center. It is small but very close to the airport and has stores, a hairdresser and several good dining options - ideal if you have little time between flights!
Another option is to go to the Ambience Mall in Gurgaon (12Km). It is a bit further away and the journey can take you between 15-25 min by cab but it is a large mall with about 230 stores and restaurants. Here you can find everything from international brands to Indian fashion brands. If we talk about food, there are options here with all kinds of gastronomy.
🗺️Visitar the city
Take advantage and discover some of the most fascinating places in India's capital city. Make sure you have enough time as traffic in Delhi is dense and immigration formalities can be lengthy as well.
Qutub Minar
In this complex you will discover the tallest brick minaret in the world and a mosque among other vestiges. It was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak to celebrate the victory of the settlement in the city of Delhi. Read more about the Qutub Minar.
Mehrauli Park
a good plan if you want to walk in a park with a lot of history. Mehrauli is much more than just the neighborhood where the Qutub Minar stands: it is one of the most important seven ancient cities that shaped what we know today as Delhi. To stroll through its streets and ruins is to travel to a past that goes back even before the time of Shahjahanabad. In this historical corner coexist more than 100 structures and monuments that keep secrets of dynasties, conquests and cultures that left their mark.
8h or 5h tour with pick up and transfer to the airport.
This is an organized tour with visits to some of the most important monuments of Delhi. See the details of the Tour for stopover in Delhi and the times you need.
Hotels near New Delhi Airport
If you need a hotel to rest on a long layover, your flight arrives early in the morning or you have an early morning flight...it is best to stay close to the airport.
The Hotel Ibis AerocityIt is an economical option with good service. Nothing fancy but with everything you need for your short stay. The rooms and bathrooms are small, keep that in mind 😊.
The hotel Lemon Tree Premier AirportThe hotel is mid-priced and has very comfortable facilities, good service and a swimming pool for a dip. I stayed here during the COVID-19 confinement and the staff is fantastic.
If you are on a tight budget and want a luxury hotel with maximum comfort, I recommend the hotel Andaz Plaza (Hyatt). I have stayed there several times and love it. The rooms are huge overlooking the tropical pool or the airport runway, the bathrooms are the most 🛀. The pool is very top, surrounded by greenery and the service impeccable throughout the hotel.
Websites / Apps of interest - Delhi Airport
Official Website from New Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
Interactive Terminal Maps from Indira Gandhi International Airport
Stores at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Restaurants at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Other Services at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Services for long stopovers at Indira Gandhi International Airport
The App from New Delhi Airport
Real-time flight information at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At which terminal does my international flight arrive?
Most of the international flights arrive and depart from the Terminal 3 (T3)which is the largest and most modern at the airport.
Are there direct flights to Spain from New Delhi airport?
No, there are currently no direct flights (Before the Covid-19 pandemic there was an Air India flight from Madrid). See my article to get cheap flight to India.
How can I get from New Delhi Airport to the city center?
The fastest and most economical option is the Metro Airport Expresswhich connects T3 to Connaught Place in about 20-25 minutes. You can also opt for prepaid cabs, Uber, Ola or private transfers.
Can I sleep at the airport if I have a long layover?
Yes, the T3 has the Holiday Inn Express Transit Hotel, located inside the terminal, as well as lounges and VIP lounges that can be paid by the hour.
Where can I change money at New Delhi airport?
There are several exchange houses open 24 hours in the arrivals and departures areas. My advice is to change only a small amount, as commissions are usually higher than in the city.
Is it safe to use New Delhi airport cabs?
Yes, as long as you use the prepaid cabs (at the official counter inside the terminal) or apps such as Uber/Ola. Avoid accepting unauthorized cabs. I recommend you to read my article about The most common scams in India
Is there free Wi-Fi at New Delhi airport?
Yes, the airport offers Free Wi-Fi. If you do not have an Indian mobile number, you can obtain a unique code by scanning your passport at the self-service kiosks or asking at the information desk.
Where do I buy a SIM card for my cell phone?
In the Terminal 3Just in the arrivals area, you will find official Airtel and Jio booths, open 24 hours a day. If you want to have internet access from the moment you land, the best option is to buy an eSIm in advance. Holafly is a very good option and you have an 5 % discount from this link (coupon MIVIAJEALAINDIA).
How far in advance should I arrive for an international flight?
It is advisable to Arrive at least 3 hours in advance.The security and immigration controls can be time consuming, especially at peak times.
What food options are available at Delhi airport?
There is a wide variety: from 24h coffee shops such as Costa Coffee or Starbuckseven Indian food stalls where you can try samosas, masala dosas or a comforting chai.
How do I change terminals at New Delhi airport?
The airport offers free shuttles - free shuttle bus every 20 minutes for passengers with confirmed connections.
Is there luggage storage at New Delhi airport?
Yes, the T3 has a left-luggage office for hours or days, ideal for long stopovers if you want to go out and explore Delhi. You can see all the details here.
Can I smoke at the airport?
Yes, there are designated smoking areas in the terminals, but they are clearly marked and smoking is not allowed in common areas.
What can I find at Duty Free from New Delhi airport?
Perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, chocolates, Indian souvenirs, tea, spices and handicrafts. It is one of the Asia's largest duty free shopswith good offers on local products.
Is there overnight transportation into the city from New Delhi airport?
Yes, the prepaid cabs and services such as Uber are available 24h. The metro does not run all night (it usually closes between 23:30 and 5:00).
Is it necessary to show the ticket to enter the terminal?
Yes, in India it is required to submit ticket (printed or digital) and passport to access the interior of the terminal.
What do I do if my flight has a long layover and I want to leave the airport?
If it is an international stopover and you want to go out, make sure you have valid visa for India. If you don't have it, you can wait in the lounge or book a room at the Transit Hotel.
What do I do if I lose my luggage at New Delhi airport?
You should contact Lost & Found" counter inside the terminal and fill out a lost luggage report (PIR).
Where can I find tourist information?
In the arrivals area of T3, there is a official tourist information deskwhere they guide you about transportation and places to visit.
Are there pharmacies and medical care?
Yes, the T3 has pharmacies and a 24h medical center for emergencies. Remember to always travel with travel insurance. I use HeyMondo as they have the best coverage and prices, and for being a reader of MiViajealaIndia you get a 5% discount on this one. link.
The New Delhi Airport is not just a modern infrastructure: it is the threshold to a country that will change the way you see the world. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of arrivals, your journey begins. Breathe, smile and let yourself go. From this first step, India begins to speak to you, to whisper its millenary stories.
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