Is Indira Gandhi International Airport going to be a nightmare or smooth sailing?
Let me tell you straight up.
I’ve been through this airport more times than I can count.
And I’ve seen people stress out over nothing.
Here’s everything you actually need to know about Delhi’s main airport.
Getting To and From Indira Gandhi International Airport
Airport Express Metro Line
The fastest way in and out.
Takes 20 minutes to New Delhi Railway Station.
Runs every 10-15 minutes.
Costs around ₹60-80 depending on your stop.
No traffic jams. No haggling. No drama.
Uber and Ola
Pick them up from the designated areas.
Terminal 1: Ground floor Terminal 2: Ground floor
Terminal 3: Multi-level car park
Expect ₹300-800 to central Delhi depending on surge pricing.
Airport Shuttle Bus
Cheap but slow.
₹50-100 to various parts of Delhi.
Takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Good if you’re not in a rush and want to save money.
Pre-paid Taxis
Fixed rates. No arguments about the meter. Available 24/7.
More expensive than ride-sharing but reliable.
Which Terminal Am I Flying From?
Terminal 1 (T1)
Domestic flights only.
IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoFirst.
Smaller and older. Gets crowded fast. Arrive 2 hours early minimum.
Terminal 2 (T2)
Mostly domestic.
Some international flights.
Air India, Vistara, Alliance Air.
Terminal 3 (T3)
The big one.
Most international flights. Some domestic flights.
Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines. Also IndiGo and Vistara domestic.
Check your ticket or airline website. Terminals are NOT interchangeable. Missing this detail ruins your day.
Security and Check-in at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Domestic Flights
Arrive 2 hours early.
That’s not negotiable.
Security lines get long. Especially during festival season. Especially on Fridays and Sundays.
International Flights
Arrive 3 hours early.
Immigration takes time. Security is thorough. Better safe than sorry.
Fast Track Security
Available at T3.
Costs ₹1000-1500.
Worth it if you’re running late or hate lines.
Food and Shopping Inside the Airport
Terminal 1
Limited options.
McDonald’s, Cafe Coffee Day, some local joints.
Don’t expect luxury dining.
Terminal 3
Food court heaven.
Haldiram’s for Indian snacks. Burger King for fast food. Punjab Grill for fancy Indian. Starbucks for coffee addicts.
Shopping: Duty-free stores. Local handicraft shops. Electronics stores.
Prices are airport prices. Everything costs 2-3x normal rates.
WiFi and Charging Stations
Free WiFi available throughout.
Connect to “GMR Free WiFi.” Enter your phone number. Get OTP. You’re in.
Charging stations everywhere.
Look for the power outlet symbols. Bring your own cable. Some stations have built-in cables but they’re often broken.
Lounges Worth Your Money
Terminal 3 Lounges
Travel Club Lounge – Best bang for buck. ITC Hotels Green Lounge – Premium experience. Plaza Premium Lounge – Solid middle ground.
Entry fees: ₹1500-3000 for 3-4 hours.
What you get: Free food and drinks. Quiet space. Better WiFi. Shower facilities. Comfortable seating.
Worth it if: You have a long layover. You want to avoid crowds. You need to work in peace.
Money Exchange and ATMs
Currency exchange counters on every terminal.
Rates are terrible. Exchange only what you absolutely need.
ATMs everywhere.
HDFC, SBI, ICICI all available. International cards work fine. ₹150-250 transaction fee for foreign cards.
Pro tip: Get rupees before you arrive or use your hotel’s exchange rate.
Transit and Layovers
Domestic to Domestic
Stay in the departure area. No need to collect baggage if it’s checked through.
International to International
Transfer security check required. Immigration if leaving secure area. Can take 45-60 minutes.
Domestic to International (or vice versa)
Always collect baggage. Go through full check-in process again. Allow 2-3 hours minimum.
Hotel Options Near Indira Gandhi International Airport
Inside the Airport (T3)
Nirula’s Hotel – ₹8000-12000 per night. Good for short layovers. Book in advance.
Within 2km
Holiday Inn Express – ₹4000-6000. Lemon Tree Premier – ₹5000-7000. Red Fox Hotel – ₹3000-4000.
Budget Options (5-10km away)
OYO hotels – ₹1500-2500. Zostel – ₹800-1200. FabExpress – ₹2000-3000.
Free shuttle service available from most hotels.
Common Mistakes People Make
Wrong terminal. Double-check before leaving home.
Underestimating travel time. Delhi traffic is unpredictable. Add buffer time.
Not downloading offline maps. Airport WiFi can be spotty in some areas.
Carrying restricted items. Check baggage restrictions online. Power banks over 20000mAh not allowed.
Not keeping important documents handy. Boarding pass, ID, visa (if international). Don’t bury them in your bag.
Emergency Contacts and Important Numbers
Airport Information: +91-124-3376000
Medical Emergency: +91-124-4797000
Lost and Found: +91-124-4797788
Customs: +91-11-25603300
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How early should I reach Indira Gandhi International Airport?
2 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights. During peak season or festivals, add an extra hour.
Is there free WiFi at Delhi airport?
Yes, “GMR Free WiFi” is available throughout all terminals. You’ll need to verify with your phone number.
Can I sleep at the airport overnight?
Terminal 3 has some comfortable seating areas, but it’s not ideal for sleeping. Consider booking an airport hotel or nearby accommodation.
What food options are available for vegetarians?
Plenty of vegetarian options available, especially at Terminal 3. Haldiram’s, McDonald’s (has veggie options), and most Indian restaurants cater to vegetarians.
Are there shower facilities at the airport?
Yes, shower facilities are available in premium lounges and some hotels within the airport premises.
How much does parking cost at IGI airport?
₹50-70 per hour for the first few hours, with daily rates ranging from ₹400-600 depending on the terminal and parking area.
Can I exchange currency at the airport?
Yes, currency exchange counters are available at all terminals, but rates are not favorable. It’s better to exchange money in the city or use ATMs.
Is the airport accessible for disabled passengers?
Yes, the airport provides wheelchair assistance, accessible washrooms, and special assistance services. Contact your airline in advance to arrange assistance.
What items are not allowed in carry-on luggage?
Liquids over 100ml, sharp objects, power banks over 20000mAh, and lighters are restricted. Check the airport website for a complete list.
How do I get between terminals?
Free shuttle buses operate between terminals every 20-30 minutes. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Bottom line about Indira Gandhi International Airport?
It’s big, it’s busy, but it’s manageable if you plan ahead.
Arrive early. Know your terminal. Keep your documents ready.
And remember – millions of people transit through this airport every year without issues.
You’ll be fine too.
Safe travels through Indira Gandhi International Airport.
