Delhi DEL: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Indira Gandhi International Airport

When arriving to Indira Gandhi International Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to Indira Gandhi International Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Indira Gandhi International Airport, also known as Delhi Airport, is one of the busiest airports in India. It's situated 10 miles (16 kilometers) from New Delhi city center and consists of three terminals. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights, Terminal 2 for international flights, and Terminal 3 operates both domestic and international flights. Many of the travelers who pass through these terminals get to see tons of amazing monuments and sights in New Delhi. Besides visiting attractions, visitors can look forward to being entertained at cultural concerts in the city's sprawling green parks. Some of the main airlines that fly to Delhi Airport are Air China, Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Air Mauritius, Austrian Airlines, and Ariana Afghan Airlines.

What's the best way to get from Indira Gandhi International Airport to the city center?

Using public transportation from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Delhi city center is the easiest and most convenient option for visitors. Some of the options include buses, the metro, taxis, and car rentals. Delhi Transport runs a public bus service between the airport and Delhi city center every half hour. The buses pick up passengers from Terminal 3 and stop at central New Delhi. Another inexpensive and reliable means of transport is the airport metro line, also known as the "Orange Line." The Metro Express train is accessible from Terminals 1 and 3, and goes straight to New Delhi Metro Station. Travelers can also hail a taxi. Cabs provide a more comfortable option, but they come at a higher price. They can be found in the designated taxi areas outside of all three terminals.

How far is the city center from Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Indira Gandhi Airport is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Delhi city center. Without traffic, it takes about 25 minutes by taxi to reach the center from the airport, or 30 minutes by bus. With the metro line, travelers can get from the airport to the city center within 20 minutes. The metro might be a better option than a taxi or bus, especially during peak hours when traffic is congested.

What services are there at the Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Indira Gandhi International Airport serves its passengers with a variety of services. Car parking is available at all three terminals, accommodating over 4,000 cars. There's also affordable baggage storage at Terminal 2. More facilities can be found in Terminal 3. They include special dining areas, a prayer room, and a smokers' lounge. Delhi Airport provides room for children to play, as well as diaper changing rooms. Travelers can also use the money exchange counters and ATMs at the airport and browse the many shops. The airport has plenty of eateries, ranging from Indian restaurants to Western cafés and bars. Free WiFi is available, and safe mobile phone charging stations can be found throughout the airport.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Indira Gandhi International Airport has made great efforts to make passage through the airport easy, especially for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. There are floors with tactile paving, counters at a low height, wide doors, and signage to guide passengers through the airport. The airport also provides various facilities for disabled travelers, such as motorized wheelchairs that can handle a capacity of 250 kilograms and come with a check-in bag and wheelchair assistant. There are also reserved parking spots, washrooms, and phones for the disabled. Travelers can make their special assistance requests through their airline or the airport staff.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Indira Gandhi International Airport

If venturing to Delhi during winter (December to February), travelers should know that Delhi Airport usually gets affected by fog, especially in the morning hours and evenings. The fog can result in flight delays or cancelations. Travelers arriving at Delhi Airport in the middle of the night or those with a layover can nap on one of the couches in the shopping area in Terminal 3. For uninterrupted sleep, travelers could also opt for one of the sleeping pods in Terminal 3, which can be reserved hourly.