Airport Overview
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is India's busiest and most important airport, serving the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Located 16 km southwest of central New Delhi in Palam, the airport handles over 70 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest in Asia. It serves as the primary hub for Air India and IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share. The airport is operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a joint venture between the GMR Group and Airports Authority of India.
Terminal 3 (T3), which opened in 2010, is one of the largest airport terminals in the world by floor area, featuring an impressive interior with hanging gardens, art installations, and a distinctive wave-shaped roof. The airport consistently wins awards for its service quality and cleanliness standards for the South Asia region.
Terminals
Terminal 1 (T1) handles domestic operations for low-cost carriers primarily IndiGo and SpiceJet. T1 has been expanded with a new T1D extension. It is more compact than T3 but efficiently handles high-volume domestic traffic.
Terminal 2 (T2) is currently not in regular commercial operation and has been kept in reserve/used for special operations. Most traffic from the old T2 has moved to T3.
Terminal 3 (T3) is the main international terminal and also handles domestic operations for Air India, Vistara (now merged into Air India), and various international carriers. T3 features extensive retail (over 100 shops), multiple dining options, premium lounges, and an art walk with curated Indian art installations.
WiFi Availability
Free WiFi is available at DEL via the "Delhi Airport Free Wi-Fi" network, powered by Google Station (now operated by a local provider). Authentication requires a phone number for OTP verification. Speeds are generally adequate for browsing and video calls. The service is available throughout T1 and T3 in all public and airside areas. International travelers can connect using an Indian SIM or use the web login option where available. Airtel and Jio SIM cards with generous data packages are available at counters in both terminals' arrivals halls.
Transport to City Center
Delhi Airport Metro Express (Orange Line)
The fastest option to central Delhi is the Airport Express Metro Line, which connects T3 and the Domestic Terminal (Shivaji Stadium stop, near T1) to New Delhi Railway Station and Dwarka Sector 21. The journey from T3 to New Delhi Railway Station takes approximately 20 minutes and costs INR 60. Trains run every 10–15 minutes from approximately 04:45 to 23:30. The metro station is integrated into T3's lower level. From New Delhi, connect to other metro lines for broader city access.
Bus Services
DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) public buses connect both terminals to various parts of Delhi at nominal fares (INR 10–30). AC Volvo buses serve major hotels and ISBT (Interstate Bus Terminal) for INR 75–100. The journey takes 45–90 minutes depending on destination and traffic.
Taxi and Rideshare
Pre-paid taxis are available from counters inside the arrivals halls at both T1 and T3. Fares to central Delhi are approximately INR 500–800 for standard vehicles and INR 800–1,200 for AC cabs. Ola and Uber are widely available from designated pick-up zones outside the terminals. The journey to Connaught Place takes approximately 30–50 minutes without traffic but can exceed 90 minutes during peak hours.
Airport Lounges
Air India Maharaja Lounge (T3, International) — The flagship Air India lounge offering premium Indian and international cuisine, bar service, shower rooms, and reclining seats. Available to AI business/first class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
Air India Maharaja Lounge (T3, Domestic) — A domestic lounge for Air India passengers on domestic routes, with lighter refreshments and comfortable seating.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T3, International) — Independently operated lounge accepting Priority Pass, DragonPass, and credit card access. Features hot buffet, bar, showers, and business facilities. Multiple units in T3.
Encalm Hospitality (Privie) Lounge (T3) — A premium lounge available on a day-pass basis, offering spa services, premium food, and excellent facilities beyond the standard lounge experience.
IndiGo IndiEat & IndiLounge (T1) — A combined dining and lounge area for IndiGo passengers with refreshments and comfortable seating before domestic departures.
Hotels Near the Airport
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity — A luxury AccorHotels property in the Aerocity hotel zone, directly accessible from T3 via a 5-minute shuttle. Features 418 rooms, a large pool, multiple dining restaurants, and spa.
JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity — One of Delhi's finest hotels, offering world-class accommodations, a rooftop pool, award-winning restaurants, and excellent business facilities. 10 minutes by shuttle from T3.
Ibis New Delhi Aerocity — A budget-friendly option in the Aerocity zone with clean rooms and a food court. Free shuttle to T3 makes it convenient for early flights.
Aloft New Delhi Aerocity — A trendy mid-range Marriott brand hotel in Aerocity with a lively W XYZ bar, rooftop pool, and modern design aimed at younger business travelers.
The Grand New Delhi — A classic luxury hotel approximately 15 minutes from the airport in Vasant Vihar, popular with government and diplomatic visitors for its sprawling gardens and formal dining.
Food and Restaurants
Indian Accent Express (T3) — A casual outlet from the renowned Indian Accent restaurant, offering refined Indian cuisine with contemporary plating. A unique fine-dining experience in an airport setting.
Spice Route (T3, Airside) — Serves pan-Indian cuisine including butter chicken, biryani, and regional thali sets, with an emphasis on North Indian flavors.
McDonald's (T1 and T3) — Multiple outlets with an India-specific menu featuring McAloo Tikki, Maharaja Mac (chicken), and Masala Dosa burger options. No beef or pork products.
Starbucks (T3) — Several locations in T3, popular for coffee and pastries. India-specific offerings include chai lattes and turmeric latte variants.
Sagar Ratna (T3) — A beloved South Indian chain serving crispy dosas, idli sambar, and vadas with filter coffee. Vegetarian-only menu.
Punjab Grill (T3) — An upscale Punjabi restaurant serving tandoori specialties, dal makhani, and butter naan in a refined setting — one of the better sit-down dining options before departure.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights; DEL security and immigration can be very slow during peak periods, especially in the morning and late evening.
- The Airport Express Metro is the single best way to reach central Delhi — Delhi road traffic is among the worst in the world at peak hours.
- India's e-Visa system is efficient; most nationalities can apply online at least 4 days before travel. Processing is typically within 72 hours.
- Pre-paid taxi counters inside the terminal are safer than arranging cabs outside; avoid touts in the arrivals hall who may overcharge.
- Indian Rupee (INR) cannot be brought into or out of India in large amounts; exchange or withdraw cash at the airport before heading to the city. ATMs are widely available at both terminals.
- Air quality in Delhi can be extremely poor between October and January; if you are sensitive to pollution, carry a quality mask and consider this when planning outdoor sightseeing.
- T3's art installations include over 3,500 pieces of Indian art and craft — the terminal is itself a cultural experience if time permits exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal handles international flights at Delhi Airport?
Terminal 3 (T3) handles all international flights and domestic operations for Air India and its codeshare partners. Terminal 1 (T1) handles domestic flights for IndiGo, SpiceJet, and other low-cost carriers. Most visitors arriving on international flights will use T3.
How do I get from Delhi Airport to Connaught Place?
The Airport Express Metro from T3 reaches Shivaji Stadium station (near Connaught Place) in approximately 16 minutes for INR 60. The total journey including a short walk or auto-rickshaw from the station takes about 25–30 minutes. By taxi, the journey takes 30–60 minutes and costs approximately INR 400–600 depending on traffic.
Is there a hotel inside Delhi Airport?
There is no hotel physically inside the terminal buildings at DEL. However, the Aerocity hospitality district adjacent to T3 has over 20 hotels ranging from budget to luxury, all within 5–10 minutes by free shuttle bus. Options include JW Marriott, Pullman, Novotel, Ibis, and others.
Can I get a SIM card at Delhi Airport?
Yes. Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea) counters are located in the arrivals hall of T3. Tourists must present their passport and visa for registration under Indian telecom regulations. Tourist SIM packages with 28–30 days of data are available from INR 299–699. Note that SIM activation may take a few hours, so purchase immediately upon arrival if you need connectivity quickly.