Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Shamshabad runs a single integrated terminal building split internally into domestic and international sections.

Because it's one building, moving between domestic and international areas is a walk rather than a shuttle ride — much simpler than airports with physically separate terminals.

HYD sits about 24 km from central Hyderabad in Shamshabad; a direct metro link has been planned for years but isn't running yet.

Given the distance from the city, build a generous buffer for road transport, especially during Hyderabad's evening rush hour.

HYD offers multi-level parking with short-stay and long-stay options, plus self-drive access via the outer ring road.

• Multi-level parking structures are sign-posted from the terminal approach road
• Pre-booking or checking rates online avoids surprises at the gate

Confirm current charges on hyderabad.aero before you travel.

Duty-free and general retail is run through GMR Hospitality and Retail within the international section.

• International duty-free covering fragrances, cosmetics, liquor, tobacco and confectionery
• General retail for books, electronics accessories, and Hyderabadi souvenirs and handicrafts
• Hyderabad Duty Free operates the core duty-free stores inside the international departures area

Expect Hyderabad's signature biryani alongside the usual airport food court chains.

• The food court spans both domestic and international sections with a mix of South Indian, North Indian and international quick-service options
• Hyderabad's famous biryani culture is represented nearby — Paradise, a Shamshabad-area institution since 1953, has a presence in the vicinity, alongside other local biryani counters
• 24-hour cafés cover early-morning and late-night flights

GMR Aerocity, right next to the terminal, is Hyderabad's dedicated airport hotel and hospitality zone.

Because the airport is far from the city, an Aerocity stay is often more convenient than a downtown hotel for an early departure or late arrival.

HYD's single-building layout makes it one of the easier Indian airports to navigate.

• Check hyderabad.aero for the current terminal map before you travel
• Signage clearly separates domestic and international sections — follow the overhead boards from the entrance
• Because it's a single terminal, a missed connection between domestic and international flights is a walk, not a transfer bus, but still allow time for security re-screening

A few Hyderabad-specific pointers.

• Don't plan your transport around the airport metro — it remains on hold as of 2026; use TSRTC Pushpak buses or a cab instead
• Allow 40–60+ minutes for the drive from central Hyderabad, more during evening rush hour
• Arrive 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international departures, more during festival travel periods
• GMR Aerocity is a practical base if you have an early flight or a long layover