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Indira Gandhi International Airport Insider Guide

DEL

DEL is a major hub with Terminals 1/2/3. Lounges in T3 are good; traffic outside can be heavy.

🚇 45min Transit to city
🛂 60min Immigration
🔒 60min Security buffer
Leave with 10+ hours+ Leave the airport?
OK to leave: 10h+
🛋️

Lounges

TerminalLoungeAccessShowersGood forPrice (paid)
T3Plaza Premium/Encalm/airline loungesPP/Dragon/Paid/airlineSomeBuffet, showersAbout $25–50 USD
T1/T2Basic PP/contract loungesPP/Dragon/PaidLimitedSnacks/drinksAbout $20–40 USD

T3 has the best lounges; T1/T2 are simpler.

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Traveler notes

  • Security/immigration can be slow; add buffer.
  • Traffic to airport can be heavy; leave early.
🛏️

Sleep / Rest

  • Some seating; lounges or in-terminal hotel better.
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Food

  • Indian/fast food mix; quality decent in T3.
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Showers

  • Available in some lounges, especially T3.
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Luggage Storage

  • Storage available; about $5–10 USD per item/day.
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Transit to City

  • Airport Metro (Orange Line): ~20–30 minutes to city; good option.
  • Taxi: 30–90 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Buffer: Back at DEL 3h intl, 2h domestic.
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Essentials

  • SIM/eSIM: Airport counters; eSIM cheaper beforehand. ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD/INR via bank. Wi‑Fi: Free/OTP-based.

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