About New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Named after former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Delhi’s main airport is one of the major international air transport hubs for northern India and the entire country. A useful resource for travellers, our New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport guide includes information regarding terminal facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options.

Airport news:

Expansion of the 3 current terminals is planned to combat the expected increase to 100 million passengers a year by 2026. Work on the new terminals has not yet begun.

Information:

There are information counters (tel: +91 124 337 6000) in all terminals. For major enquiries and 24-hour information and assistance, contact the Airport Manager's Offices in the terminals. English is widely spoken by staff at the airport.

Website:

Driving directions:

New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport is located just off National Highway 8, which leads from Delhi to Mumbai.

From Connaught Place in central Delhi, head west via Baba Kharak Singh Marg (which becomes Mother Teresa Crescent) and turn right onto Sardar Patel Marg. Follow this road onto the Delhi – Ajmer Expressway and then on to Airport Road, which leads to the airport entrance. The total drive time from central Delhi to the airport is approximately 30 minutes.

Transfer between terminals:

A free shuttle bus links the two domestic terminals and the international terminal every 20 minutes.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: An air-conditioned bus service leaves from the airport’s terminal 3 every 30 minutes, running to Kashmere Gate ISBT via the Red Fort, LNJP Hospital, New Delhi Station and Connaught Place.

Taxi: Taxi services are located immediately outside the arrivals areas, drivers accept payment by cash or card - avoid the many touts operating at the airport. Among the airport recommended operators are Meru Cabs (tel: +91 11 4422 4422; www.merucabs.com), Mega Cabs (tel: +91 11 4141 4141; www.megacabs.com). Auto rickshaws are also available. Fares to central Delhi tend to fluctuate depending on the driver and the demand.

Public transport rail:

Metro: The Orange line of the Delhi Metro (tel: +91 11 155 370; www.delhimetrorail.com) connects New Delhi Station directly with Terminal 3 of the airport (journey time: 25 minutes). The metro also connects to the domestic Terminal 1 via a regular shuttle bus from Delhi Aero City station. Automated ticket machines are provided to reduce queues. Tourist cards with unlimited metro travel are also available.

Terminal facilities

Money:

Banks and ATMs are available in both domestic and international areas, while bureau de change facilities can be found in Terminal 3.

Food:

There are numerous places to eat in the arrivals and departures areas of the domestic and international terminals. The Terminal 3 departures area has a number of restaurants, bars, cafés and fast-food outlets, while the domestic Terminal 1 also offers a buffet-style restaurant, coffee shops and several fast-food eateries.

Shopping:

Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 3, which has a vast amount of retail space that boasts designer brands such as Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger. Terminal 1 also has a good range of shops ranging from confectioners to souvenir retailers. Some outlets, notably those selling tobacco and alcohol, take payment in US dollars rather than Indian Rupees.

Luggage:

There is a left-luggage facility in the Airport Connect in the airport connect building in Terminal 3. Baggage wrapping services are also available in Terminal 3. A Lost Property Office (tel: +91 11 4248 9616) is on-hand to assist with luggage misplaced (or uncovered) within the terminals.

Other:

The medical centres in each terminal are manned by doctors 24-hours a day. Rest rooms and baby care rooms are available at all terminals. Additionally, Terminal 3 has lounges, nap rooms and shower facilities. Treated drinking water is available at fountains throughout the airport.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

The AMEX Express Platinum Lounge is available to cardholders in Terminal 1. Plaza Premium Lounge runs executive lounges in Terminal 3; these offer a range of services from work space to massages and refreshments.

Conference and banqueting facilities are available at the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi hotel (tel: +91 11 2677 9191; www.radissonblu.com), which is a short distance from the airport.

Communication Facilities:

Paid-for Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. Public telephones and postal facilities are widely available in the terminals.

Disabled facilities:

Adapted toilets, ramps and ambulift facilities for disabled travellers are available. Additionally, Terminal 3 was constructed to be barrier-free for passengers with reduced mobility. Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline in advance of travel. There is a dedicated parking area for disabled travellers.

Car parking:

Short- and long-term car parking is available at each terminal. The large multistorey car park at Terminal 3 has space for more than 4,000 cars and also offers space for motorcycles. The car park at Terminal 1 is just 100m (328ft) from the terminal complex.

Car rental:

There is no dedicated facility for hiring self-drive cars at the airport, as these are not widely available in India (due, in part, to the risk to foreigners unfamiliar with the Indian road conditions and hazards). Instead, Carzonrent offers chauffeur driven cars, as well as limited self-drive options, with desks in the arrivals areas of the terminals.