New Delhi, India

DEL layover guide

Delhi Indira Gandhi International. City centre is roughly 20 minutes away each way.

🛋️ Lounge access at DELShowers, food and quiet seats on your layover. Check which DEL lounges Priority Pass covers.
Priority Pass lounges →Affiliate link

What to do by layover length

Under 4 hours: stay in the airport

  • The Aerocity hotel district next to the airport has restaurants and is one metro stop away.

4 to 8 hours

A short city visit can work if your passport allows entry. Allow about 40 minutes round trip, plus immigration both ways and at least 2 hours before departure to get back through security.

8 hours or more: leave the airport

Airport Express metro line from Terminal 3 to New Delhi station, about 20 minutes.

Transit and visa basics

Most visitors need a visa or an e-Visa to enter India. Official source. Also check your airline's connection rules and the official Delhi Indira Gandhi International website.

Lounges

Lounge access depends on your airline, ticket class, or a membership. Search Priority Pass lounges at DEL, or check lounge listings on the airport's website.

Get Priority Pass lounge accessAffiliate link

Store your bags

Heading into New Delhi for a few hours? Drop your bags at a luggage storage spot.

Find luggage storage with Radical StorageAffiliate link

Airport transfer

Short on time? A pre-booked ride takes the guesswork out of getting to the city and back.

Book a transfer with KiwitaxiWelcome PickupsGetTransferAffiliate link

Tours near New Delhi

Long layover? Short tours that fit your time:

GetYourGuide tours in New DelhiViator tours in New DelhiAffiliate link

Airport hotels

Many hotels are in Aerocity, next to the airport. For an overnight or a day room:

Hotels near DEL on Booking.comAffiliate link

Delayed or missed your connection?

Under EU and UK rules (EU261/UK261), delayed or cancelled flights can qualify for compensation.

Check your claim with AirHelpCompensairAffiliate link

Stay connected

Airport Wi-Fi can be slow or time-limited. An eSIM gives you data the moment you land.

Get an eSIM from AiraloAffiliate link

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Times are typical and can change with traffic, construction and timetables. Confirm before you leave the airport. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.

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