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Indira Gandhi International (DEL) — Airport Guide

Complete guide to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) in New Delhi, India. Find lounges, restaurants, sleep options, transport links, and jetlag recovery facilities.

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Indira Gandhi International Airport Guide

Lounges, food, WiFi, sleep, hotels, and transport at DEL

Official website

Terminal Transfers

How to navigate between terminals

FromToWalkRecommendedSecurityTransport
T3T130 min150 min
Recheck
Bus
T2T318 min45 min-
-
T1T230 min70 min-
-
T1T330 min150 min
Recheck
Bus

Lounges at Indira Gandhi International

22 lounges · 16 terminals

22 lounges found

Air India Maharaja International Business Class Lounge

Air India Maharaja International Business Class Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), mezzanine
Encalm Lounge

Encalm Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 1D (Domestic), after security, level 4 and level 5
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge

Encalm Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 1D (Domestic), after security, level 4 and level 5
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge

Encalm Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), after security, Food Court level, near the Encalm Spa
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge

Encalm Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), after security, Food Court level, near the Encalm Spa
Priority Pass
Air India Maharaja Lounge

Air India Maharaja Lounge

Terminal Terminal 3
Allways Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge

Allways Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi International (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), level 4, Lounge Area B
Priority Pass
American Express The Centurion Lounge

American Express The Centurion Lounge

Terminal Terminal 3
Air India Maharaja Domestic Lounge

Air India Maharaja Domestic Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi International (DEL), Terminal 3 (Domestic), mezzanine
Priority Pass
Air India Maharaja International First Class Lounge

Air India Maharaja International First Class Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi International (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), mezzanine
Priority Pass
Air India The Maharaja Lounge

Air India The Maharaja Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), after security
American Express Lounge

American Express Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi International (DEL), Terminal 3 (Domestic), near gates 27-28
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge (Arrivals)

Encalm Lounge (Arrivals)

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), landside (outside security), Arrivals zone, near Food Court and exit gate 4
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge Del Terminal 2

Encalm Lounge Del Terminal 2

Terminal DEL, Terminal 2
Priority Pass
Encalm Prive Del International

Encalm Prive Del International

Terminal Delhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International)
Priority Pass
Encalm Prive Del Terminal 1

Encalm Prive Del Terminal 1

Terminal DEL, Terminal 1
Priority Pass
RuPay Exclusive Lounge

RuPay Exclusive Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (Domestic), near gate 41
Domestic Lounge

Domestic Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (Domestic), after security, Food Court level
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge

Encalm Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 1D (Domestic), after security, level 4 and level 5
Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge

Encalm Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), after security, Food Court level, near the Encalm Spa
Priority Pass
Encalm Xenia Lounge

Encalm Xenia Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), after security, level 4
The Emirates Lounge

The Emirates Lounge

Terminal New Delhi - Indira Gandhi (DEL), Terminal 3 (International), after security
All lounges at Indira Gandhi International

Food & Drink

17 dining options

Cafes

Baba's Beans Coffee Bar

cafe

BAKERS STREET CAFE

cafe

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters | Terminal 1, IGI Airport

cafe

Cafe Espresso

cafe

Cafeccino

cafe

Caffè Tonino (IGI)

cafe

Costa Coffee

cafe

Indira Gandhi International Airport Coffee

Indira Gandhi International Airside Cafe

Indira Gandhi International Costa Airport

Indira Gandhi International Starbucks Airport

Indira Gandhi International Terminal Cafe

OM CAFE

cafe

Taste of India airport cafe

cafe

The Coffee Bean

cafe

Third Wave Coffee

cafe

Tim Hortons T3 Departure

cafe
All cafes

Sleep & Rest

Rest and recovery options

Lounge Beds

Some lounges offer lie-flat beds for rest.

Spa Services

Spa treatments available in the terminal.

Showers

Shower facilities in the terminal

Shower Facilities

Showers available in the terminal.

Delhi: New T3 good but crowded, smog issues, other terminals poor.

Layover Tips

Making the most of your time at Indira Gandhi International

Minimum connection time: 45 minutes
4h: With 4 hours at DEL, stay airside. Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 has decent lounges (Plaza Premium Lounge, Air India Maharaja Lounge), showers, and nap areas. Explore the shopping arcade for Indian handicrafts, books, and souvenirs, or try North Indian dishes at outlets like Street Foods by Punjab Grill or Dilli Streat. Use free Wi‑Fi to plan your trip, and allow at least 60–90 minutes for immigration and security if you must change terminals or re‑clear security. Avoid going into the city; traffic and formalities make it too tight.
8h: With about 8 hours, you can consider a quick city visit if your layover is during the day and you have an e‑visa or visa on arrival (if applicable). Clear immigration and take a taxi or app cab (Uber/Ola) or the Airport Express Metro to central Delhi. A compact route: head to India Gate and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House for photo stops, then continue to Connaught Place for a walk, coffee, and a quick meal. If time permits, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib nearby for a peaceful cultural stop. Be back at the airport 3 hours before an international flight (2 hours for domestic), and factor in 45–60 minutes each way for traffic.
24h: With 24 hours, you can see several highlights. After checking into a hotel in Aerocity or central Delhi, start with Old Delhi: visit Jama Masjid, then take a cycle‑rickshaw through Chandni Chowk to see the spice market (Khari Baoli) and try street food with a reputable guide. Continue to the Red Fort (exteriors and museum if time allows). In the afternoon, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Lodhi Garden, then head to India Gate and Kartavya Path for an evening stroll. Alternatively, swap in Qutub Minar and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. For shopping and dining, explore Khan Market or Connaught Place. Return to your hotel early enough to rest, and reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure, allowing extra time for peak‑hour traffic.

By Layover Duration

4-Hour Layover

With 4 hours at DEL, stay airside. Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 has decent lounges (Plaza Premium Lounge, Air India Maharaja Lounge), showers, and nap areas. Explore the shopping arcade for Indian handicrafts, books, and souvenirs, or try North Indian dishes at outlets like Street Foods by Punjab Grill or Dilli Streat. Use free Wi‑Fi to plan your trip, and allow at least 60–90 minutes for immigration and security if you must change terminals or re‑clear security. Avoid going into the city; traffic and formalities make it too tight.

8-Hour Layover

With about 8 hours, you can consider a quick city visit if your layover is during the day and you have an e‑visa or visa on arrival (if applicable). Clear immigration and take a taxi or app cab (Uber/Ola) or the Airport Express Metro to central Delhi. A compact route: head to India Gate and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House for photo stops, then continue to Connaught Place for a walk, coffee, and a quick meal. If time permits, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib nearby for a peaceful cultural stop. Be back at the airport 3 hours before an international flight (2 hours for domestic), and factor in 45–60 minutes each way for traffic.

Overnight Layover

With 24 hours, you can see several highlights. After checking into a hotel in Aerocity or central Delhi, start with Old Delhi: visit Jama Masjid, then take a cycle‑rickshaw through Chandni Chowk to see the spice market (Khari Baoli) and try street food with a reputable guide. Continue to the Red Fort (exteriors and museum if time allows). In the afternoon, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Lodhi Garden, then head to India Gate and Kartavya Path for an evening stroll. Alternatively, swap in Qutub Minar and Mehrauli Archaeological Park. For shopping and dining, explore Khan Market or Connaught Place. Return to your hotel early enough to rest, and reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure, allowing extra time for peak‑hour traffic.

Full layover guide for New Delhi

Getting There & Away

Transport options to/from the airport

tips: Allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hours (roughly 8:00–11:00 and 17:00–21:00). For layovers, staying in Aerocity minimizes travel time. Keep small change for autos and local purchases. In summer, carry water and sun protection; in winter, expect chilly evenings and possible fog affecting flights. Use official airport taxis or app cabs, and avoid unmarked vehicles. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and carry a scarf or shawl. Air quality can be poor, particularly in winter—sensitive travelers may want a mask.
from_airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is about 15–20 km from central Delhi. The fastest option is the Delhi Airport Express Metro from Terminal 3 to New Delhi or Shivaji Stadium stations (about 20 minutes). Trains run roughly every 10–15 minutes during operating hours. Prepaid taxis, app‑based cabs (Uber, Ola), and hotel cars are widely available from all terminals; travel time to central areas is typically 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Aerocity hotels are just a 5–10 minute drive from the terminals.
public_transit: Delhi’s Metro network is extensive and generally the easiest way to get around, with lines connecting Old Delhi, Connaught Place, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas, and more. The Airport Express links to the broader Metro system at New Delhi and Dhaula Kuan. Purchase a smart card or day pass for convenience. Auto‑rickshaws are plentiful for short hops; insist on the meter or agree a fare in advance. Buses are cheap but crowded and less intuitive for visitors. App‑based cabs are useful for door‑to‑door trips, especially at night or where Metro coverage is limited.
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googleMapsLinksAdded: true

Local Dining

Food areas and local cuisine near the airport

Food Areas

Chandni Chowk

Street‑food heaven with chaat, jalebi, parathas, kebabs, and sweets; go with a guide if you’re short on time or wary of crowds.

Connaught Place (CP)

Central hub with everything from street snacks to cafes, bars, and multi‑cuisine restaurants, plus easy Metro access.

Khan Market

Upscale market area with cafes, bakeries, and bistros serving Indian and international fare, popular with locals and expats.

Hauz Khas Village

Trendy cluster of restaurants and bars overlooking a lake and medieval ruins, good for evenings and casual dining.

Aerocity (near DEL Airport)

Modern hotel and dining district adjacent to the airport, with a wide range of Indian and global restaurants ideal for layovers.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Karim’s (Jama Masjid)

Legendary Old Delhi eatery serving Mughlai classics like mutton korma, kebabs, and biryani near Jama Masjid.

Paranthe Wali Gali

Historic lane in Chandni Chowk known for stuffed parathas fried in ghee with a variety of fillings and chutneys.

Saravana Bhavan (Connaught Place)

Popular South Indian vegetarian chain offering dosas, idlis, and thalis in a central, easy‑to‑reach location.

Bukhara (ITC Maurya)

Iconic fine‑dining restaurant specializing in North‑West Frontier cuisine, famous for dal Bukhara and tandoori dishes.

Indian Accent (The Lodhi)

Award‑winning modern Indian restaurant offering inventive tasting menus and contemporary takes on regional dishes.

Services

Airport amenities and facilities

Spa

5 locations

Medical

Medical services available

Currency & ATM

Currency exchange

Luggage Storage

Storage available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this airport

Average security wait time at Indira Gandhi International is approximately 30 minutes. Consider TSA PreCheck or fast track options for shorter waits.

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DEL Airport (DEL) Guide — Lounges, Food, Sleep… | Aerobase