Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our New Delhi Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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The REAL surprise is T3 – the international terminal. It’s incredible how they’ve taken EVERYTHING they did wrong and go about doing it absolutely right. – SixSigma1978
DEL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport.
What to Expect
New Delhi Airport (code: DEL) has three terminals (T1, T2 and T3). T1 houses domestic and low-cost airlines, and T2 houses a handful of these airlines relocated while T1 expansions are underway. T3, the newest and most modern of the three, houses both international and domestic flights.
Free WiFi is available, and the airport has several power outlets and mobile charging machines scattered throughout. Be forewarned that some travellers have reported issues retrieving devices from these machines!
For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges, some of which have showers, that economy class passengers can pay to access.
Sleeping in New Delhi Airport
With flights coming and going all day and into the night, plenty of travellers are milling about looking for sleep spots. Terminal 3 is the newest and is the most comfortable for sleeping. T3’s landside area has a lot of places to stretch out, both on armrest-free seating and on the carpeted floors, especially near the shopping area. Overall, there’s a decent amount of seating throughout the airport, and you may get lucky with armrest-free seats, couches, or reclining chairs. Just to let you know, you may have to wait in a landside Visitors Lounge (which can be very limited seating-wise) as security only allows passengers through within three hours of their departure time.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep during your layover, there are sleep pods, a transit hotel inside the airport, and several nearby hotels connected by shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our New Delhi Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Comfortable lounge-style seating is available in the International Terminal, Airside.
New Delhi Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at New Delhi Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security, as three in-transit options offer both short-term and overnight rates. The hotel is accessible to international and domestic passengers in Terminal 3. Sleep pods, perfect for single travellers seeking some privacy, are also available for short-term stays. Off-site, several nearby hotels offer airport shuttles, but for a fee.
Hotels inside New Delhi Airport
Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport – Located inside the transit area. The hotel is divided into two wings, with rooms available in both the International and the Domestic wings of Terminal 3. Access from Level 5, Terminal 3. Hourly rates and day rooms are available. » Check Rates
Plaza Premium Lounge – Private day rooms with attached toilet and shower facilities. Rates start at 2650 INR for 3 hours minimum (single occupancy) and 3725 INR for 3 hours minimum (double occupancy). Three locations: Domestic Arrivals (T3), International Arrivals (T3), Domestic Arrivals Landside (T1).
Plaza Premium Lounge Transit Hotel—Location: Terminal 3, International Arrivals, Arrival Hall. This lounge is in the public area of the airport and offers shower and dayroom options for travellers.
Hotels near New Delhi Airport
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity – Located near Terminal 1 and 3. Walking distance from Aerocity Metro Station, located on the Delhi Airport Express Metro Line. » Check Rates
Hotel Delhi Aerocity – Walking distance from Aerocity Metro Station, located on the Delhi Airport Express Metro Line. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Indira Gandhi Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Encalm Lounge – Location: Terminal 1D, Airside, Domestic Departures, Level 2, Mezzanine. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass.
Terminal 2
- Encalm Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, Food Court Level. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass.
Terminal 3
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, adjacent to Gate 27 and 28. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- Domestic Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, Mezzanine Level. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass.
- Encalm Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, Food Court Level. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website: Air India (T3, Domestic & International).
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Drinking water fountains that provide reverse osmosis-treated water are available free of charge. Locations: throughout the airport.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions are available in all terminals and operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, we cannot confirm the availability of any 24-hour dining options. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Domestic and International passengers can store luggage for up to 30 days in the Left Luggage Room. Rates, depending on the size of the bag, are as follows: Rs. 80/- to Rs. 160/- per bag for up to 2 hours • Rs. 20/- to Rs. 40/- per bag every hour after up to 8 hours • or a flat daily rate of Rs. 200/- to Rs. 600/- per bag, per day. A valid passport or photo ID is required. Location: T3, airport connect building (Metro station) Hours: open 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations are available throughout the airport. A reader tells us, “Some of them, in the food court in terminal 3, have a safe feature too. You can set a code for the phone compartment and come back later to pick up by typing in the code.” (August 2019)
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Showers are available in Terminal 3, Arrivals Area, beside WH Smith. Rates: unknown. Additionally, there are showers available in the Premium Lounges (pay at the door) in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, see Airport Lounges section. Location: Hours: open 24 hours. If you are in transit, you can also use the Aqua Pods at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, see Airport Hotels section.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at New Delhi Airport for two hours. Connect to the “GMR Free Wi-Fi” network and enter your information into the login page to receive your serial number and PIN via SMS text message. Note: an Indian mobile number is required for access; however, if you have an international phone number, visit the WiFi assistance team at the Information Desk to connect.
Security & Safety
Sleeping travellers report little issue from airport staff, though if you’re trying to nap on the floor, security guards may ask you to stick to the carpet rather than the tiled areas.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at New Delhi Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in T3 International Arrivals and Departures areas. You can pay with US$, Euros, INR and Sterling Pound at the Duty-Free shops. A variety of retail shops are available throughout the airport, including at least seven convenience shops throughout the terminals for any last-minute items. The airport’s website indicates that all shops are open 24 hours.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Diaper-changing facilities, baby cots, toys and more are available in the Child Care Lounges, located in every terminal.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Food Court.
- Gaming – Amoeba offers a gaming area that is fun for the family. Locations: Terminal 3 International Arrivals and Domestic Arrivals.
- Strollers – If you are travelling with young children, get them around the airport faster in a free stroller. Locations: T1D, T2 and T3. Visit the information desk for assistance.
Flight Simulator – Live your dream of being a pilot or amp up those pre-flight jitters at The Cockpit flight simulator. Experience piloting a Boeing 737 in varying visibility and weather patterns, with over 24,000 airfields to choose from! Location: T3 International Departures Hours: unknown.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the Information Kiosks for assistance. Locations: can be found in all terminals.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your bags? Luggage carts are available, however, at the time of this update we do not know if the trolleys are provided free of charge.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by wrapping them in plastic at the Secure Wrap. Location: T3, Landside, Check-In Hall.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – If you feel unwell or injure yourself, a medical center can be found in each terminal: Terminal 1, Landside, Domestic Arrivals Hall • Terminal 2, Landside, Check-in Hall • Terminal 3, Landside and Airside – Domestic/International Pier • Transfer Area • Food Court.
- Pharmacy – Guardian Pharmacies are located throughout the terminals and are open 24 hours. Additionally, passengers can visit Apollo Pharmacy for any last-minute medications. Location: Terminal 3, International Departures.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: T1 Arrivals • T1D • T2 Departures • T3 International Departures and Arrivals areas • T3 Domestic Departures and Arrivals areas.
- Currency Exchange – Central Bank of India, Centrum and Thomas Cook offer foreign currency exchange services in the following locations: T1 Departures • T3 International Departures • T3 International Arrivals • T3 Domestic Departures • T3 Domestic Arrivals.
Parking – A multi-level parking garage is located at T3. Payments are made at centralized payment stations inside the elevator lobby as you exit the terminal. At T1 and T2, you would pay at the exit gate as you leave the airport grounds. Rates from Rs. 100 (30 minutes) to Rs. 500 (up to 24 hours). Valet parking is also available at T3. Rates from Rs. 350 for 2 hours.
Prayer Room – Take a moment to reflect quietly or pray at one of the airport’s prayer rooms. The rooms have been partitioned to provide a separate male/female space. Locations: T1, Airside • T2, near Security • T3, Airside – Domestic Pier Junction, near the smoking room and International Pier Junction, near the Airtel Shop.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us, “SIM cards are available for purchase in international arrivals next to exit 4. The price was 450 rupees for a 2GB/day data plan lasting one month, as of August 2023. The booth can be found just as you exit from collecting your luggage. It is next to a Costa Coffee and an ATM.” Another reader says, “You can buy sim cards landside. On the 24th April I bought an airtel sim valid for one month for 400 rupees. It has given me free calls and texts and 1.5GB data per day. It was simple to set up and reliable. The shop is almost immediately on exiting the arrivals formalities.” (April 2023)
Smoking Rooms – Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. Locations: T1, Airside, near the food court • T2, near the Security • T3 Domestic Pier, transfer area and food court • T3 International Pier, transfer area and food court.
Spa – Express spa treatments are available at Heaven on Earth Spa Express in Terminal 1. O2 Spa offers spa treatments with a Thai-Indian element in T3 Domestic and International Departures.
Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in New Delhi and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices at the airport can probably be of assistance. Akbar Travels (T3, International and Domestic Departures Halls) • Make My Trip (T1, Arrivals and Departures • T3 International and Domestic Departures Halls) • Taj India Tours (T3, International Departures Hall).
WiFi – see “Airport WiFi / Internet and Mobile Charging” above.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at New Delhi Airport
Bus
Buses in Delhi are cheap and one of the most common ways to travel around the city. The airport is served by both state-owned DTC buses and buses run by private contractors.
Note: All buses serving Terminal 3 arrive and depart from a staging area opposite Centaur Hotel. The airport’s DIAL shuttles provide 24-hour service between this staging area and terminals, departing every 15 minutes.
Car Rentals
Carzonrent is available on-site to offer self-drive car rental or chauffeur-driven cars and limousines for hire.
Hotel Shuttles
A few hotels provide an airport shuttle: Hotel City Star • Prime Balaji Deluxe • Hotel Grand Godwin.
See also Airport Hotels above for hotels within walking distance.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
DEL airport offers a free shuttle bus service between the Domestic and International terminals. Buses run in 20-minute intervals 24 hours a day.
Taxi
Air-conditioned taxis are available around the clock at taxi ranks outside the terminals. These airport-approved taxis are equipped with GPS-integrated meters to track location and ensure meter accuracy. Terminal 3 International Arrivals is served by Meru Cabs and Mega Cabs, while Terminal 1C Domestic Arrivals is served by Easy Cabs. Outside of the airport, passengers can hail a ride to the airport from any of the black and yellow taxis that serve the city of Delhi.
Train
The Delhi Airport Metro Express is a fast and convenient way to travel between the airport and the city. Passengers travelling with select airlines can check in for their flights at the New Delhi Metro Station Check-In facilities. For schedules and fare information, go to the DMRC website.
Connections to long-distance trains are available at Indian Railways New Delhi Station, just a short walk from the New Delhi Metro Station.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.