The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the 8th largest airport in the world handling nearly 70 million passengers per yearboth domestic and international. The airport was initially named Palam Airport after the suburb of the same name and was then renamed in 1986after India"s only female Prime Minister.
Awarded "The Best Airport in Central Asia" and "Best Airport Staff in Central Asia" in 2015, this airport offers a range of facilities including a duty-free shopping mall and free Wi-Fi in all terminals. It is also accessible from the city center by taxi, shuttle bus, and rail.
Quick Facts
- The Indira Gandhi International Airport was originally called Palam Airport.
- There arethreeterminals currently operating at the Delhi Airport.
- The airport is well-connected to downtown via bus, taxi, and rail.
- Aerocity is an areanear the airport with many luxury hotels.
- Restaurants, bars, cafes, a mall, and free Wi-Fi are some of the facilities available inside the airport.
Delhi Airport
The main airport in Delhi is the Indira Gandhi International Airportwhich is also often called the Delhi Airport by locals.The airport was during World War II as an air force station and was originallycalled Palam Airport after the suburb of the same name.
In 1986, the airport was renamed after India"s only female Prime Minister when a new terminal was inaugurated to keep up with increasing air traffic.
The Indira Gandhi International Airportis now the 8th largest airport in the world connecting Delhi to a large number of domestic and international cities.
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Most international visitors coming to India by air will arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airport has three terminals, two are domestic and one is international. The facilities here include banking and ATM services and free Wi-Fi in all terminals.
Transportation to and from the airport is very good with the availability of taxis, trains, and shuttle buses. Aerocity, a hotel complexbetween T1 and T3, is where you can find many luxury hotels that cater to airport travelers.
International Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport
All major international airlines fly to India, usually as a stop-over onroutes between Asia and the West. Western airlines such as Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, United Airlines, and Virgin Airways all have regular flights to Delhi.
Aside from western airlines, flights operated by Air China, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines also regularly fly to Delhi.
| Departing From | Non-stop/Connecting Flight | Flight Time | Recommended Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Non-stop flights are available from San Francisco, New York, and Chicago | Approximately 15 hours | Air India and United Airline |
| United States | Connect through Dubai, which is about 3 hours from Delhi | Approximately 18 hours | Emirates via Dubai |
| Australia | Non-stop flights are available between Melbourne and Delhi | Approximately 12 hours | Air India |
| Australia | Connect through Singapore, which is about 6 hours from Delhi | Approximately 15 hours | Virgin Australia |
| Europe | Non-stop flights are available from London and Paris | Approximately 8 hours | Air France and British Airways |
| Southeast Asia | Non-stop flights areavailable from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur | Approximately 8 hours | Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines |
| Southeast Asia | Connect through Calcutta when flyingfrom Bangkok.Calcutta is about 2 hours from Delhi | Approximately 8 hours | IndiGo |
| China | Non-stop flights are available from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shanghai | Approximately 7 hours | Cathay Pacific, China Southern, and China Eastern |
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
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Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
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Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
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Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
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Jul 2023
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Very supportive
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
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Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
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Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
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Jul 2023
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Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
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Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
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Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
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Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
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Jun 2023
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Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
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Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
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May 2023
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May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
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May 2023
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Domestic air travel via Indira Gandhi International Airport
Flights to major tourist hubs in India such as Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Leh areavailable at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Domestic airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, SpiceJet, and Vistara all offer flightsto these destinations.
GoAir offers 17 flights to Mumbai from Delhi. Most of these flights operate daily and fly between 2 a.m. and 11 p.m. IndiGo offers three flights from Delhi to Varanasi all of which operate daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
GoAir is one of the few airlines that offer flights between Delhi and Leh. The airline has four flights everyday to Leh between 5 and 9:30 a.m.
| Destination | Flying time (approximately) | Prices (starting from) |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 2 hours | US$ 60 |
| Calcutta | 2 hours | US$ 60 |
| Kochi | 3 hours | US$ 110 |
| Varanasi | 1½ hours | US$ 50 |
| Leh | 1½ hours | US$ 80 |
| Udaipur | 1 hours | US$ 50 |
Terminals of Indira Gandhi International Airport
Delhi Airport consists of three terminals T1, T2, and T3. T1 is hometo domestic and low-cost airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet. T1 is further divided into Terminal 1C, used for domestic arrivals, and Terminal 1D, used for departures.However, T1 has been temporarily closed for renovations.
T2 has been redesigned to temporarily host the low-cost airlines of T1 including GoAir, IndiGo, and SpiceJet while the expansions of T1 are underway. Once T1 reopens, T2 will be demolishedto build the new T4.
T3 is the newest and most modern of the three terminals and is used for international and domestic flights from airlines such as Air India and Vistara.
There are plans to expand the airport in the future by building terminals 4, 5, and 6 at a later stage. Once completed, all international flights will move to these three new terminals and T3 will then be used only for domestic air traffic.
A free shuttle bus connects the two domestic terminals to the international terminal and runsevery 20 minutes. It is also possible to walk between T2 and T3 in about five minutes.
You can take the free shuttle bus, a cab, or theAirport Express train to transfer between T1 and T3.
| Terminal | Flight | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Domestic | GoAir, IndiGo, and SpiceJet |
| 2 | Domestic | GoAir, IndiGo, and SpiceJet |
| 3 | Domestic full-service and international | Air India and international flights |
How to get there?Shuttle busesare availableto transfer between terminals.To reach the city center,you can go by taxi, bus, or train.
Facilities of Indira Gandhi International Airport
The international airport offers banking and ATM services in both domestic and international areas. You can also find currency exchange facilities in T3.
Restaurants can be found in both the domestic and international terminals. The T3 departure areahas many restaurants, bars, cafes, and fast-food outlets. T1 offers a buffet-style restaurant, coffee shops, and some fast-food chains.
There is a duty-free shopping mall inside T3. This mall has a vast amount of retail space boasting designer brands such as Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger. A good range of shops selling snacks and souvenirs can also be found in T1.
Free Wi-Fi is available in all terminals. However, to access it, users must get a password sent to their cell phone via text message.
Reserved parking spots, ramps, and, bathrooms are provided for passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs and attendants are also available inside the terminals. The medical centers in each terminal are manned by doctors 24-hours a day. Restrooms and baby care rooms can also be found in all terminals.
There is a luggage storage facility located in the Airport Connect at the Skywalk Level of T3which is available to both domestic and international passengers. The maximum amount of time that luggage can be stored there is 30 days. Baggage wrapping services are also available in T3.
| Facilities | Information |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | The maximum luggage storage period is 30 days. |
| Free Wi-Fi | Not stableand you need to have phone service to access it. |
| Banking and ATM services | Accessible banking facilities and money-exchange servicesare available in both domestic and international areas. |
| Facilities for passengers with special needs | Wheelchairs, reserved parking spots, ramps,and special bathrooms are all available. |
| Food and restaurants | There are restaurants in both the domestic and international terminals. Coffee shops are open for early breakfast and stay open late. |
| Duty-free shopping mall inside T3 | Sells souvenirs like traditional clothing, handicrafts,and beauty products |
Leaving the Indira Gandhi International Airport
Generally, it takes about an hour to get to from the airport to downtown Delhi if thereisn't too much traffic.
Prepaid taxis are by far the most popular way to travel between hotels and the airport. You can find pre-paid taxi counters in both the domestic and international arrival areas. At the international terminal, there is a counter inside the terminal and another at the taxi bay outside.
Airport bus services are available 24-hours a day in all terminals andtake passengers tocentral Delhi every 10 to 20 minutes. Stops include Connaught Place, New Delhi Railway Station, the Red Fort, and Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate.
Many hotels also offer airport pick-up services and private hotel transfers. The cost of these services will include an airport parking charge and entry feewhichwere paid by the vehicle before picking you up.
The Delhi AirportExpress train line, also known as the 'Orange Line', can also be used totravel between the airport and the city center. It runs from T3 to the New Delhi Metro Station. Trains depart every 10 to15 minutes from 5 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
| Type of Transport | How to Book | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Pre-paid taxis with fixed rates can be booked at taxi counters | 1 hour | 700 to 800 rupees |
| Airport Bus | Can be found inside and outside the arrivals area | More than1 hour | 200 rupees |
| Airport Pick-Up | Arranged by hotel | 1 hour | 1,000 to 3,000 rupees |
| Metro | Can be found by following the signs to the metro station near T3 | 30 minutes | 100 rupees |
Hotels Near the Delhi Airport
Many international business hotels can be found near the airportand are ideal places for business clients or groups to stay.
The newly built airport hotel complex called Aerocity is locatedbetween T1 and T3. Aerocity is a convenient place to stay because all of its hotels arelocated within a 5-kilometers of the airport. Hotels in Aerocity provide many entertainment facilities such as shops, bars, and restaurants for their clients.
Downtown Delhi is the perfect place for tourists wanting to experience the city and the culture. We recommend you stay at the Imperial, the Claridges, the Maidens, or the Lalit.
| Name | Star | Cost | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloft Aerocity | 5 | 9,000 to 18,000 rupees | A 24-hour fitness center, a Korean spa, and an outdoor swimming pool with poolside chairs and sun umbrellas. |
| Pride Plaza | 5 | 9,000 to 12,000 rupees | A fitness center, swimming pool, and luxurious Sohum Spa |
| Novotel | 5 | 10,000 to 17,000 rupees | A fitness center, massage treatments, and a boutiqueshop. |
| Holiday Inn | 4 | 6,500 to 12,000 rupees | An outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, gift shop, and beauty salon. |
| Ibis | 3 | 5,500 to 6,000 rupees | 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor heated swimming pool |
Aloft Aerocity
Aloft Aerocity hotel is onlytwo kilometers away from the Delhi International Airport. It is a luxury hotel located conveniently close to the city"s main attractions such as Humayun"s Tomb and Qutub Minar.
The hotel offers different types of king and twin rooms with rates ranging from 6,000 to 16,000 rupeesper night.
This hotel is equipped with a 24-hour fitness center, a Korean spa, and an outdoor swimming pool with poolside chairs and cabanas.
The Nook restaurant in the hotel serves both Indian and international cuisine and the signature bar lounge offers drinks, finger food, and live performances.
Address: 5B IGI T3 Road Delhi, Aerocity, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Official website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/delal-aloft-new-delhi-aerocity/
Pride Plaza
Located 18 kilometers away from Connaught Place, the Pride Plaza houses 385 beautifully designed and opulent rooms with amenities such as 42-inch LED TVs and high-speed internet.
Deluxe, superior, and premium roomsare offered in this hotel with rates ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 rupees per night.
At Pride Plaza, guests can enjoy recreational facilities including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a luxurious Sohum Spa.The hotel also offers 24-hour restaurants including Café Pride, Oriental Spice, and Mr. Confectioner.
Address:Hospitality District Asset 5A, Aerocity, Delhi 110037, India.
Official web: https://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi-aerocity/overview/
Novotel
The Novotel is easy to reach from the airport through the Airport Express train line which is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Novotel is also close to some of Delhi's most interesting districts such as Cyber Cityand Connaught Place. Delhi"s main shopping malls like DLF Promenade, Emporio and Worldmark are also close to the hotel.
Kingrooms,twin rooms, and suites are available at this hotel. The price ranges from 6,000 to 15,000 rupees per night.Some of the amenities offered here include a fitness center, massage treatments, and a boutiquestore.
There is also a multi-cuisine restaurant and a sports bar withgreat food and drink selections.
Address:IGI Airport Aerocity GMR Hospitality District Asset No 02, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Official website: https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-7560-novotel-new-delhi-aerocity-/index.shtml
Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn isonly three kilometers away from the airport, 16 kilometers away fromIndia Gate, and 22 kilometers away from the Red Fort. They offer complimentary Wi-Fi and airport transfers with certain rooms.
The hotel also offerssuperior and executive rooms and suites. Prices of these rooms range from 5,000 to 11,000 rupees per night.
Guests can enjoy some of the hotel"s amenities including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, spa treatments, a gift shop, and a beauty salon.
Dining options include Viva All Day Dining which serves Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also served at the Hangar Lounge and Bar.
Address:Hospitality District, Asset Area 12, Aerocity Access Rd, Aerocity, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India
Official website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/new-delhi/delap/hoteldetail
Ibis
Ibis Aerocity is only a 10-minute drive from the airport. It is also very close toattractions such asQutub Minar, the India Gate, and Connaught Place.
Ibis Aerocity offers twin and queen rooms which are equipped with LED HD TVs, mini-fridges, and safety deposit boxes.The price per night at this hotel is normally between 3,500and 4,000 rupees.
While staying at this hotel, guests can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and heated outdoor swimming pool. The on-site restaurant, Spice IT,serves Indian, Oriental, and European delicacies as well as authentic regional dishes.
Address:Asset no 9 Indira Gandhi International Airport Aerocity Hospitality District, Delhi 110037, India
Official website: https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-7484-ibis-new-delhi-aerocity/index.shtml
Explore Delhi with Asia Highlights
It is easy for first-time travelers tofeel overwhelmed when arriving in Delhi at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. At Asia Highlights,we can help book your trip and plan your travel itineraryfor you so that you can just relax and enjoy your time in India without a worry in the world.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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