Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our New Delhi Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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The REAL surprise is T3 – the international terminal. It’s incredible how they’ve taken EVERYTHING they did wrong and go about doing it absolutely right. – SixSigma1978
DEL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport.
What to Expect
New Delhi Airport (code: DEL) has three main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) for domestic low-cost airlines, Terminal 2 (T2) for additional domestic flights during T1’s ongoing expansion (began 2019, expected completion 2026), and Terminal 3 (T3), the newest and most modern of the three, for international and most full-service domestic flights.
Free WiFi is available, and the airport has several power outlets and mobile charging machines scattered throughout. Be forewarned that some travellers have reported issues retrieving devices from these machines!
For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges, some of which have showers, that economy class passengers can pay to access.
Sleeping in New Delhi Airport
With flights coming and going all day and into the night, plenty of travellers are milling about looking for sleep spots. Terminal 3 is the newest and is the most comfortable for sleeping. T3’s landside area has a lot of places to stretch out, both on armrest-free seating and on the carpeted floors, especially near the shopping area. Overall, there’s a decent amount of seating throughout the airport, and you may get lucky with armrest-free seats, couches, or reclining chairs. Security may redirect floor sleepers to carpeted areas for safety, though enforcement is inconsistent. You may have to wait in a landside Visitors Lounge (which can be very limited seating-wise) as security only allows passengers through within three hours of their departure time.
If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep during your layover, there are sleep pods, and a transit hotel inside the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our New Delhi Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours. Security checkpoint hours by terminal appear consistent with official guidance and recent traveller reports. Overnight airside access still requires a valid boarding pass.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Lounge-style seating is available airside in Terminal 3, including areas near Gates 27–28 and the Quiet Room (Level 4, near Gate 15). Seating here includes cushioned chairs and some recliners, but availability depends on crowd levels.
There are no dedicated rest or sleep zones beyond these spaces. Terminals 1 and 2 do not currently offer comparable quiet or recliner-style areas, so overnight comfort there is limited.
Cots
Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at New Delhi Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
New Delhi Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods & Day Rooms
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport (Terminal 3 only)
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: No
If sleeping in a chair isn’t appealing, Terminal 3 offers several in-transit sleep options. Passengers on qualifying connections can stay airside without clearing immigration. Both short-stay and overnight rates are available, depending on the facility and room type. These options are primarily suited to solo travellers or short layovers, not families with significant luggage.
Transit Hotels
Encalm Transit Hotel – This is the best option for international transit passengers. The Encalm Transit Hotel is located airside in Terminal 3 and is designed for passengers who do not want to clear immigration. It offers private rooms and showers, with both short-stay and overnight rates. Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, airside. Access: Valid onward boarding pass required
Encalm Sleep Pods – Best for solo travellers with long layovers. Encalm Sleep Pods provide a private, enclosed space to lie down for a few hours. Comfort is basic, and these are better suited to short rest periods rather than a full night’s sleep. Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, airside.
Hotels at New Delhi Airport
Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport – Connected to Terminal 3, but the hotel is landside, meaning travellers must clear immigration and customs to access it. This option is best suited to passengers entering India or those on domestic connections. Location: Terminal 3, Level 5 (landside). » Check Rates
Hotels near New Delhi Airport
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity – Located near Terminal 1 and 3. Walking distance from Aerocity Metro Station, located on the Delhi Airport Express Metro Line. » Check Rates
Hotel Delhi Aerocity – Located on the Delhi Airport Express Metro Line. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Indira Gandhi Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
- (Terminal 3, International Departures) – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, food court level. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (Terminal 3, Landside Arrivals) – Location: Terminal 3, Domestic Arrivals Level, after baggage reclaim, near food court. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes.
Encalm Privé Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, Level 3, next to Encalm Spa. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 3601 for up to 2 hours) • Business and First Class passengers of select airlines • Select credit card holders.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door rates available. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Air India Maharajah Lounge – Lounge Access: Air India First and Business Class domestic passengers • select elite frequent flyers (Maharaja Club members).
- (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 3, Domestic Departures, Airside, food court level, mezzanine floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No.
- (International) – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, food court level, mezzanine floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private rooms with beds).
Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, after security hold area, Gates 27–28. Hours: Open 24 hours (based on standard Centurion Lounge operations, as no specific hours listed). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Express Platinum Card Members • select premium passengers.
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Free drinking water refill stations are available airside:
- T1: near Gate 5
- T2: near Gate 15
- T3: near Gates 27 and 41
Landside options are limited to filtered taps (T3 Level 1, Arrivals) or bottled water purchases.
Food & Drinks
Food outlets operate with varying schedules. A reader (April 2025) tells us there are 24-hour food options, but we don’t have locations. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
The Cloakroom service allows luggage storage for up to 30 days. Passport or photo ID is required. Hours: Open 24 hours
Locations:
- T3, landside, Level 1 (Arrivals)
- T1, landside, Level 2 (near check-in)
Rates:
- Rs. 100–200 (first 2 hours)
- Rs. 20–40 per additional hour (up to 8 hours)
- Rs. 300–600 per day (flat daily rate)
Mobile Charging
Free charging stations are available throughout the terminals. Some units in the T3 food court reportedly include lockable phone compartments (reader report, August 2019). Additional reported locations:
- T1: Airside, near Gate 8
- T2: Airside, near Gate 12
- T3: Airside, near Gates 27 and 41 • Landside, Level 2 (near food court) • T1 Level 1 (Arrivals)
Expect limited availability during busy periods. Power outlets can be scarce — bring adapters and a power bank if possible.
Showers
There are no standalone shower locations, but you will find them in a few lounges:
- Encalm Lounge – Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, Level 3, next to Encalm Spa ($)
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel – T3, airside. (see the Airport Hotels section). ($)
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available. A mobile phone number is required.
- Indian numbers: Connect to “GMR FREE WIFI”, enter your number, receive an OTP, then set a 4-digit PIN.
- International numbers: Visit an Information Desk or WiFi kiosk to receive access credentials.
Traveller reports indicate the WiFi is generally reliable in Terminal 3, but weaker and inconsistent in Terminals 1 and 2.
Security & Safety
Sleeping travellers report little issue from airport staff, though if you’re trying to nap on the floor, security guards may ask you to stick to the carpet rather than the tiled areas.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at New Delhi Airport. Petty theft issues have been reported on the landside. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Business Centre – A staffed business centre with meeting rooms and basic office services (Wi-Fi, printing, scanning, refreshments).
Location: Terminal 3, Metro Building.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 3 international arrivals and departures. Additional retail shops and convenience stores are spread across all terminals for last-minute needs.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Diaper-changing facilities are available in the terminals. Locations: Unknown.
- Children’s Play Area – A small play area for children is available in Terminal 3.
- Strollers – Free strollers are available for use inside the terminals. Ask at an Information Desk.
Information Desk – Staffed information kiosks are located throughout all terminals.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your bags? Trolleys are available throughout the terminals.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping is offered by EnWrap in Terminals 2 and 3 (landside, departures).
- Porters – Protective luggage wrapping is offered by EnWrap in Terminals 2 and 3 (landside, departures).
Medical Services
- Medical Services – Medical centres are available in all terminals, covering both domestic and international areas. Additional clinics operated by Medanta Healthcare are also present in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
- Pharmacy – Pharmacies are available throughout Terminals 2 and 3, with additional locations in Terminal 1. Many operate 24 hours.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available in all terminals, both arrivals and departures.
- Currency Exchange – Foreign currency exchange counters operated by banks and exchange companies are available across all terminals, including international and domestic areas.
Parking – Short- and long-term parking is available at all terminals. Valet parking is offered at Terminal 3.
Prayer Room – Quiet prayer rooms with separate male/female areas are available in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, both airside and near security checkpoints.
SIM Cards – SIM cards are sold at telecom counters in Terminal 3 (domestic and international arrivals) and other designated areas. A reader tells us, “SIM cards are available for purchase in international arrivals next to exit 4. The price was 450 rupees for a 2GB/day data plan lasting one month, as of August 2023. The booth can be found just as you exit from collecting your luggage. It is next to a Costa Coffee and an ATM.” Another reader says, “You can buy sim cards landside. On the 24th April I bought an airtel sim valid for one month for 400 rupees. It has given me free calls and texts and 1.5GB data per day. It was simple to set up and reliable. The shop is almost immediately on exiting the arrivals formalities.” (April 2023)
Smoking Rooms – Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking rooms located across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, including selected transfer and food court areas.
Salon & Spa – Short spa and grooming services are available in Terminal 3 departures, including Encalm Spa, O2 Spa, and Look Salon.
Travel Agencies – Short spa and grooming services are available in Terminal 3 departures, including Encalm Spa, O2 Spa, and Look Salon.
WiFi – see “Airport WiFi / Internet and Mobile Charging” above.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at New Delhi Airport
Bus
Buses in Delhi are cheap and one of the most common ways to travel around the city. The airport is served by both state-owned DTC buses and buses run by private contractors.
Note: All buses serving Terminal 3 arrive and depart from a staging area opposite Centaur Hotel. The airport’s DIAL shuttles provide 24-hour service between this staging area and terminals, departing every 15 minutes.
Car Rentals
Carzonrent is available on-site to offer self-drive car rental or chauffeur-driven cars for hire. Locations: T1, Arrivals • T3, Domestic Arrivals • T3, International Arrivals.
Hotel Shuttles
See Airport Hotels above for hotels within walking distance.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
DEL airport offers a free shuttle bus service between the terminals. Buses run in 20-minute intervals 24 hours a day. After baggage check, follow the signs for the free shuttle service. You can give your boarding pass to the officials in charge at the kiosks to get a coupon for the bus.
Taxi
Several taxi companies operate at Delhi Airport, including Ola Cabs, Meru Cabs, and Mega Cabs. The taxi stand locations vary depending on the company. You can check the New Delhi Airport’s official website for more information.
Train
The Delhi Airport Metro Express is a fast and convenient way to travel between the airport and the city.
Connections to long-distance trains are available at Indian Railways New Delhi Station, just a short walk from the New Delhi Metro Station
Last updated: 2026-01-06
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.