Delhi Airport Transportation

By Andrew Lewis on 13 Sep 2023

Located roughly twenty minutes from New Delhi’s city center, Indira Gandhi International Airport—aka Delhi Airport—is the biggest airport in India. If you’re heading to the northern part of the country for popular activities like discovering the capital city or visiting the Taj Mahal, this major airport will be your point of entry to the country and region.

In order to ease the stress of navigating an unfamiliar airport, this essential how-to guide contains everything you need to know,  such as how to get into town, terminal transfers, and more. (Flying into Mumbai instead? We’ve got you covered.)

Delhi Airport Fast Facts

  • Name: Indira Gandhi International Airport
  • Code: DEL
  • Terminals: Three (Terminals One and Two: domestic; Terminal Three: international)
  • Airlines: 80
  • Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, cab service, hotels, dining

How Long Does It Take to Get to Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Depending on traffic conditions, an airport transfer by car can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Taking the Airport Express metro line avoids traffic and takes approximately 20 minutes.

Getting Between Terminals

The airport offers a complimentary shuttle between all three terminals that runs every 20 minutes. Terminals Two and Three are a five-minute walk apart, but getting between Terminals Three and One requires using the bus service. Allow extra time for shuttle transfers in case of traffic.

Getting to and From Indira Gandhi International Airport

From budget-friendly and eco-friendly options, like mass transit, to easy, safe, and convenient rideshares, there are numerous ways to leave and get back to Delhi Airport.

Taxis

A taxi will take you from the airport into the city for around ₹400 INR to ₹500 (US$5 to $6). There are plenty available. Please note: Auto-rickshaws are no longer permitted, so don’t flag one down when you need to head to the airport for a departure.

Rideshares

India has both international rideshares, like Uber, and local options, like Ola, that you can book with an app. Costs vary but are generally slightly higher than normal cab rates.

Public Transit

Delhi Airport offers two options for public transportation from the airport to New Delhi: the Airport Express high-speed train and the bus.

Airport Metro

Part of the Delhi Metro Rail system, the Airport Express Line (or Orange Line) connects the airport to New Delhi Station in the city center. Travel time takes approximately 23 minutes, and trains depart the airport between 4:45 am and 11:15 pm. The frequency of service is every 10 minutes during peak service and every 15 minutes otherwise. Ticketing machines can be found at Terminals Two and Three arrivals.

There are two metro stations that connect to the airport. The Terminal Three Station connects to the international terminal, and the Delhi AeroCity station offers connectivity to the terminals via bus.

Riding the Airport Express has a minimum fare of ₹11 (US$0.15) and a maximum fare of ₹60 (US$0.75).

Bus

With fares starting at ₹27 (US$0.35) for adults, the public Delhi Transport Company (DTC) operates several lines on air-conditioned buses out of Terminal Three. It connects to popular transportation hubs, like New Delhi Station and Connaught Place. Private bus companies also run out of the airport for intercity and interstate travel.

Hotel Transfers

While some hotels in New Delhi offer a complimentary airport shuttle bus, most charge for the service. Airport pickup and transfer can cost upwards of ₹1,000 (US$12) and generally needs to be reserved or arranged in advance.

Parking and Car Rentals

Parking is available at all three terminals at Delhi International Airport, with connections from either multistory parking structures or ground-level car parks to the terminals themselves. The newest multi level parking area at Terminal Three offers payment booths, while the others require you to pay upon exit.

Parking rates start at ₹120 (US$1.50) for up to 30 minutes, ₹170 ($2) for up to an hour, and ₹100 ($1.20) for every subsequent hour after, up to five hours.  A whole day costs ₹600 ($7.30). For longer trips, you can use the nearby Park-n-Fly. Valet parking is also available for ₹500 ($6) for two hours.

If you prefer to rent a car, several car-rental service desks are at different terminals. National Highway 8 goes right past the airport into the city center.

Preparing for Your India Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an India visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to India, including local laws, health and safety, local culture and customs, and the types of visas available, visit our India content hub.