Indira Gandhi International Airport

Delhi's IGI Airport runs three terminals linked by a common airside road. Each is dedicated to a different mix of airlines, so check your ticket or boarding pass before you leave for the airport.

T1, T2 and T3 are not within walking distance of each other. If a connecting flight uses a different terminal, allow at least 45–60 minutes to move between them and confirm with your airline whether a free shuttle applies to your itinerary.

IGI Airport is well connected to central Delhi by metro, taxi and bus — the right option depends on how much luggage you're carrying and what time you land.

Delhi traffic is heaviest roughly 8–10 am and 5–8 pm — build in extra buffer if travelling by road at those times.

Parking is metered and split between private and commercial vehicles, with valet and extended-stay options at T3.

• Valet parking is available at T3 through the Airport Parking Service — hand your car over curbside and it's parked for you.
• Park & Fly at T3 covers longer, multi-day stays for travellers heading out on a trip.
• Pre-book parking online with your flight details and PNR to guarantee a spot and skip the queue.

Rates are revised periodically — confirm current charges on newdelhiairport.in before you travel.

T3 is where nearly all of Delhi's airport shopping happens — Delhi Duty Free runs around 11 outlets across arrivals and departures.

• Fashion and accessories: Hugo Boss, Armani Exchange, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Steve Madden, Superdry and Victoria's Secret
• Fragrances, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco and confectionery, plus TWG specialty teas
• 'Click & Collect' pre-ordering through delhidutyfree.co.in — reserve online, then collect at the counter with your passport, receipt and boarding pass

Arriving passengers can bring in duty-free purchases up to ₹50,000, with separate limits on liquor (2 litres) and tobacco (100 cigarettes / 25 cigars / 125g). Departure allowances differ, so check current customs rules before you buy.

T3 has by far the widest food selection, from quick counters to sit-down restaurants; T1 and T2 are more limited but cover the essentials.

• T3: a large food court plus branded outlets, including Bikanervala's Airport Connect for vegetarian meals and Indian sweets, alongside international coffee and QSR chains
• T1: quick-service counters such as Café Coffee Day and Subway — good for a fast bite before a budget-carrier flight
• T2: a step up from T1, with a few sit-down restaurants alongside the quick counters
• Some outlets support ordering ahead through delivery apps for pickup inside the terminal

The Aerocity hub sits right next to T3, putting a wide spread of hotel brands within a five-minute drive; if you just need a bed before an early flight, several budget properties sit even closer.

Several hotels run free airport shuttles — confirm timing directly with the property, especially for late-night arrivals.

Each terminal at IGI is built around a single airside spine, but the walk from check-in to your gate can still be long at T3.

• Download or screenshot the terminal map from newdelhiairport.in before you fly, especially for T3, where gate walks can take 15–20 minutes
• Digital wayfinding kiosks and signage are positioned throughout each terminal — look for the nearest information desk if you're unsure
• If transferring between terminals, follow the dedicated inter-terminal signage rather than trying to shortcut through the car park

A few habits make an IGI departure noticeably smoother.

• Arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one — more during holiday periods or heightened security
• Reconfirm your terminal on your airline's app or booking page the day before travel, since assignments can change
• Use only official prepaid taxi counters or app-based pickup zones — avoid unsolicited offers outside the terminal
• Check newdelhiairport.in's live security wait-time page if you're cutting it close
• Keep your ID and boarding pass accessible; entry to the terminal building itself requires a document check