New Delhi Airport Guide

sleeping in new delhi airport — New Delhi Airport (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer)

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.

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 passenger terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 handle domestic flights, while Terminal 3 handles both domestic flights and all international flights.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, along with power outlets and charging stations in waiting areas, lounges and near departure gates. Travellers without an Indian mobile number can obtain WiFi access through an Information Desk or self-service WiFi kiosk. For added comfort, paid lounges are available in all three terminals, including several that economy class travellers can access by paying at the door or through eligible lounge programs and bank cards. Some Terminal 3 lounges also offer showers and nap facilities.

Sleeping in New Delhi Airport

Sleeping at New Delhi Airport is possible, but comfort varies considerably by terminal. Terminal 3 is the best bet, with some recliners, armrest-free seating and quieter rest areas, while recent travellers describe Terminal 2 as particularly uncomfortable for sleeping and the airport can remain busy and noisy throughout the night. If you are arriving well before your next flight, keep in mind that departure-terminal entry is restricted to 6 hours before international flights and 4 hours before domestic flights. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in New Delhi Airport.

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.

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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.

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 sounds like a nightmare, 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
Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside
Mid-range transit hotel. This is the best option for international transit passengers. The Encalm Transit Hotel is designed for passengers who do not want to clear immigration. It offers private rooms and showers, with both short-stay and overnight rates. Access: Valid onward boarding pass required

Encalm Sleep Pods
Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside.
Budget 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.

Hotels at New Delhi Airport

Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport
Terminal 3, Level 5, Landside.
Mid-range hotel. 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.

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 1D

Encalm Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Domestic Departures, Airside, Mezzanine Level 5, near food court. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 2,550 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs • Select credit card access.

Encalm Privé Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Domestic Departures, Airside, Mezzanine Level 5. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes – nap rooms. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 4,000 for 2 hours).

Terminal 2

Encalm Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Domestic Departures, Airside, Security Hold Area, 2nd Floor, near food court. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 2,550 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs • Select credit card access.

Terminal 3

Encalm Lounge – There are 4 locations:

(Terminal 3, Domestic Departures) – Location: Terminal 3, Domestic Departures, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 2,550 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs • Select credit card access.
(Terminal 3, Domestic Departures – Food Court) – Location: Terminal 3, Domestic Departures, Airside, Mezzanine Floor, near food court. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 2,550 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs • Select credit card access.
(Terminal 3, International Departures) – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 4,150 for 2 hours) • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs • Select credit card access.
(Terminal 3, Landside Arrivals) – Location: Terminal 3, Arrivals, Landside, Ground Level, near Gate 4. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 2,550 for 2 hours).

Encalm Privé Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, Level 3. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes – nap rooms/sleeping pods. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (INR 5,150 for 2 hours).

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.

Terminal 3

Air India Maharajah Lounge – Lounge Access: Air India First and Business Class domestic passengers • Eligible Maharaja Club members.

(Domestic) – Location: Terminal 3, Domestic Departures, Airside, domestic side of Terminal 3. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Unknown. Dedicated Rest Zone: Unknown. Sleep Facilities: Unknown.
(International) – Location: Terminal 3, International Departures, Airside, international pier. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Unknown. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Unknown.

Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 1D, Domestic Departures, Airside, Level 4, near Gate No. 2 in the Security Hold Area (SHA). Hours: Unknown. Showers: Unknown. Dedicated Rest Zone: Unknown. Sleep Facilities: Unknown. Lounge Access: Eligible American Express Card Members.

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.

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.

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.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

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 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.

Airlines

New Delhi Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeroflot • Air Arabia • Air Astana • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air India • Air Mauritius • AirAsia • All Nippon Airways • Allaince Air • American Airlines • Ariana Afghan Airlines • Akasa Air • Azerbaijan Airlines • Bhutan Airlines • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • China Eastern Airlines • Druk Air • Emirates • Ethiad Airways • Ethiopian Airlines • Finnair • flydubai • Flynas • Gulf Air • IndiGo • Iraqi Airways • Ita Aiways • Japan Airlines • Jazeera Airways • Kam Air • KLM • Korean Air • Kuwait Airways • LOT Polish • Lufthansa • Mahan Air • Malaysia Airlines • Malindo Air • Nepal Airlines • Oman Air • Pakistan International Airlines • Qantas Airways • Qatar Airways • Saudia • Shandong Airlines • Singapore Airlines • SpiceJet • SriLankan Airlines • Swiss • Tajik Air • Thai Airways • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Uzbekistan Airways • Virgin Atlantic • Vistara.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The 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.

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.