Navigating Delhi Airport: A Guide To Efficient Transit

how to transit in delhi airport

Transiting through Delhi Airport is relatively simple, but it's recommended to put aside at least 1.5 hours for most flights to account for any long queues for security or delays. The airport is home to three terminals, with all international flights departing from Terminal 3 (T3) and domestic flights operating from T1, T2, and T3. If you have to switch between terminals, you can use the free airport shuttle bus every 20 minutes, walk between T2 and T3, or use a buggy service (reserved for passengers with reduced mobility, senior citizens, pregnant women, and mothers with infants). You can also book fixed-rate cabs, prepaid cab services, radio taxis, car rentals, or app-based cabs. To make the most of your time at the airport, you can explore the shopping and dining outlets, premium lounge facilities, or stay at the Transit Hotel if your next flight is within 24 hours.

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Inter-terminal transport options include free shuttles, cabs, taxis, rentals, and walk-throughs

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi is India's busiest airport and can be confusing to navigate due to its separate domestic and international terminals. The airport has three terminals in total, named Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 (T1, T2, and T3). T3 is used for all international flights and some domestic flights, while T1 and T2 are used exclusively for domestic flights.

Free Shuttles

Delhi Airport provides a complimentary shuttle service that connects all three terminals. The shuttles are free for passengers with a connecting flight from another terminal. However, passengers without a connecting flight must pay a small fee of INR 25. The shuttles operate every 10 to 20 minutes and can be located by following the signs outside the arrivals area of each terminal. To board the shuttle, passengers need to present their boarding pass to the officials at the kiosks to obtain a coupon.

Cabs, Taxis, and Rentals

Passengers can also use prepaid cabs, fixed-rate inter-terminal cabs, or taxis to travel between terminals. These cabs can be booked at the airport or through smartphone apps such as Uber or OLA. All cabs are equipped with air conditioning, digital fare meters, and accept cash or credit card payments. The rates may vary depending on the travel time and distance.

Walk-throughs

Terminals 2 and 3 are within close proximity, with a distance of approximately 1.3 km between them. Passengers can walk between these two terminals in less than 20 minutes. However, the distance between Terminals 1 and 3 is much longer, at about 8.4 km, and would take approximately 2 hours to cover on foot.

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Domestic connections can be tricky, with terminals not connected by air or train

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi is India's busiest airport, with three passenger terminals handling different types of flights. While transiting between international flights in Delhi is relatively straightforward, domestic connections can be more challenging due to the lack of air or train links between terminals.

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 (T1, T2, and T3). Terminals 1 and 2 are used exclusively for domestic flights, while Terminal 3 handles both international and some domestic flights. The distance between Terminals 1 and 3 is approximately 6 kilometres, so transferring between these terminals can be time-consuming.

To navigate between terminals at Delhi Airport, travellers have several options:

  • Free shuttle bus: A complimentary shuttle bus service connects all three terminals and departs every 20 minutes. To board, passengers need to present their boarding pass to officials at kiosks located near the baggage claim area to obtain a coupon for the shuttle.
  • Buggy service: A free buggy service is available for passengers with reduced mobility, senior citizens, pregnant women, and mothers with infants travelling between Terminals 2 and 3.
  • Walk: Passengers can walk between Terminals 2 and 3, which are within close proximity (1.3 km apart).
  • Taxi/cab: Prepaid taxis, fixed-rate inter-terminal cabs, and app-based ride services like Uber or Ola are available for transfer between terminals. These options may vary in price depending on the time of travel and distance covered.
  • Metro feeder bus: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) operates a feeder bus service between Terminals 1 and 2 for a nominal fee.
  • Car rental: Passengers can also opt to rent a car to travel between terminals.

To ensure a smooth transfer between terminals, it is important to check the terminal number on your ticket and plan for a longer layover if your flight requires a terminal change. Additionally, it is recommended to allow for a minimum layover time of 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the connection type.

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International flights depart from Terminal 3, while Terminals 1 and 2 are domestic

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi is the primary international airport serving the city and the National Capital Region (NCR). It is spread over an area of 5,106 acres and is situated about 15 km from the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km from the city centre. The airport has three passenger terminals—Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3—that handle different types of flights. International flights depart from Terminal 3 (T3), while Terminals 1 and 2 (T1 and T2) are used for domestic flights.

Terminal 3 is the largest terminal at Delhi Airport, with the capacity to handle a large number of passengers and flights. It is located in the southwest corner of the airport complex. Terminals 1 and 2 are located in the northeast and southeast corners, respectively. Terminal 1 has been expanded to increase its floor space and improve security lanes, making the transit experience better for domestic travellers.

When transiting between international flights at Delhi Airport, it is relatively straightforward. All international flights depart from Terminal 3, so passengers do not need to leave the terminal. However, when transferring between Terminals, it is important to allow sufficient time, especially if switching between international and domestic flights. The recommended minimum connection time for such itineraries is three hours.

To transfer between terminals at Delhi Airport, passengers have several options. The most convenient option is the free airport shuttle bus that operates between all three terminals every 20 minutes. This service is available to passengers with a boarding pass, who can obtain a shuttle coupon from the kiosks located near the shuttle stops. Additionally, passengers can use prepaid taxis, fixed-rate inter-terminal cabs, rental cars, or app-based ride services such as Ola or Uber. For passengers with reduced mobility, senior citizens, pregnant women, and mothers with infants, a free buggy service is available between Terminals 2 and 3.

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Use the live flight tracker to know the whereabouts of your connecting flight

Transiting at Delhi Airport can be a straightforward process, but it's important to be prepared, especially if you have a tight connection. The airport is vast, with three terminals spread out over a large area, and it can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the layout.

One way to ensure a smooth transition is to use the live flight tracker available at Delhi Airport. This tool provides real-time updates on flight departures and arrivals, so you can always be aware of the whereabouts of your connecting flight. The live flight tracker is easily accessible and offers valuable information to help you navigate your transit.

To use the live flight tracker, locate the displays within the airport that show flight information. These displays will provide up-to-date details on flight statuses, including any delays or cancellations. You can also check the departure and arrival times of international and domestic flights, ensuring that you don't miss your connection. Additionally, you can use the 'DigiYatra' service, which offers a seamless travel experience by using facial recognition technology in place of a physical boarding pass.

By utilising the live flight tracker, you can better manage your time during your layover. If your connecting flight is delayed, you may have extra time to explore the shopping and dining options available at the airport. You can also consider using the premium lounge facilities, which offer gourmet food, branded shopping outlets, and wellness and spa services.

In addition to the live flight tracker, there are other resources to assist with your transit. If you need to switch terminals, you can use the free airport shuttle bus, which operates between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This shuttle can be especially useful if you have a longer layover, as Terminals 1 and 3 are about 6 km apart. Alternatively, you can walk between Terminals 2 and 3, as they are within close proximity.

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The Transit Hotel is available for layovers of less than 24 hours

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi is India's busiest airport and can be a confusing and hectic place to navigate. It is important to be prepared for your transit to ensure a smooth transfer. The airport is home to three terminals, T1, T2, and T3, with T3 being the international terminal. If you have less than 24 hours between flights, you can stay at the Transit Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, located in Terminal 3.

The Transit Hotel is conveniently placed inside the airport terminal, just a short walk from the check-in counters and departure gates. This means guests do not need to leave the airport premises, saving time and money on travel to and from an external hotel. Due to government regulations, guests are also not permitted to leave the hotel premises once they have checked in.

The hotel offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel boasts modern design, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, business services, dining facilities, a 24-hour gym, and a spa. The hotel also provides a laundry service, a concierge service, and currency exchange.

To book a room, you can visit the official website of the Delhi International Airport Transit Hotel, or contact the hotel directly via phone or email.

Frequently asked questions

Delhi Airport has three terminals: 1, 2 and 3. Terminals 1 and 2 are used for domestic flights only, while all international flights and some domestic flights operate out of Terminal 3. The terminals are not connected by air or train link, so you will need to travel by road. You can use the free airport shuttle bus, which runs every 20 minutes, or you can walk between Terminals 2 and 3. You can also use a prepaid taxi, fixed-rate inter-terminal cab, rental car, or book a ride on your smartphone with Uber or Ola.

It's recommended that you put aside at least 1.5 hours for most flights to account for any long queues for security or delays on your incoming flight. Transiting between international flights in Delhi is relatively straightforward, but domestic connections can be more complicated. If you have to switch between terminals, it's worth taking a longer layover.

During your layover, you can explore the shopping and dining outlets within the airport, as well as premium lounge facilities offering gourmet food, branded shopping outlets, and wellness and spa services. If your next flight is scheduled to take off within 24 hours, you can also stay at the Transit Hotel at Delhi Airport's Terminal 3.

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