A long layover in an unfamiliar airport can be a real drag. Luckily, New Delhi is voted one of the best in Asia, largely thanks to its brand new Terminal 3. We put together this guide of 9 things to do on a layover at New Delhi Airport so you can get the most out of your time:
1. Enjoy a meal
Choose from dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars for a meal to start your layover.
The most variety is located in the newly-built Terminal 3, but you won’t be looking for options in the other two terminals. Choose from a range of Indian cuisine, plus Chinese, French, and Italian options. Sample traditional chai at one of several Indian tea cafes, or opt for Western chains like Starbucks, Subway, McDonald’s, KFC, and more.
2. Relax in a lounge
Are you looking for a one-stop shop offering food, drink, WiFi, and a quiet environment?
Look no further than an airport lounge! Many lounges here offer access to any traveller, no matter your airline or flight class – which means you can fly Economy Class and pay to enter. Pre-book your visit online or use your lounge membership program – some locations even offer private day rooms and showers. Sites and details are available in our New Delhi Airport Guide.
3. Go shopping
Whether you browse the shops or spend big, you won’t run out of places to check out.
Convenience stores, Duty-Free areas, and shops offering technology, travel needs, souvenirs, and more are spread across all three terminals, though you’ll find the most splurge-worthy boutiques in Terminal 3.
4. Freshen up
A shower after a long flight is always a welcome treat! You can either choose the Aqua Pods at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel or the facilities in the Premium Lounge in Terminal 3.
5. Get pampered at a spa
Relax with a spa or massage treatment from one of the many spas available at Terminal 3. Encalm Spa offers express spa treatments on both international and domestic departures, while O2 has a Thai-Indian element to its services and is located on international departures. Look Salon also offers hair, beauty, and nail services on international departures.
6. Pretend to be a pilot
The Cockpit flight simulator offers the chance to pilot your own Boeing 737! Sign up for a 15- or 30-minute option and see what the cockpit looks and feels like for real pilots. The Cockpit is located in Terminal 3’s International Departure area, and making a reservation is recommended.
7. Go sightseeing
Thanks to the airport’s in-city location, it’s easy to leave the airport behind in favour of exploring New Delhi. We recommend at least 7 hours between flights for this option, leaving plenty of time to see a sight or two and high-tail it back to the airport.
Many buses and trains connect the airport with Old Delhi in the city centre. Buses are cheap and a cultural experience, but the Delhi Airport Metro Express gets you downtown a little faster. Taxis might save a little time. Once in the city, try out a tuk-tuk for a traffic experience like no other – not for the faint-hearted!
You can start at the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture, including the main minaret built in the late 12th century. Swing by the India Gate, dedicated to the Indians who fought and died in World War I, then explore the Red Fort, a castle for Mughal emperors that dates to the 1600s. Head to Connaught Place for shops and restaurants. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in New Delhi.
8. WiFi
Hop online thanks to free, unlimited WiFi.
9. Sleep
Thanks to round-the-clock departures, travellers should be fine napping or camping out overnight. Terminal 3 inside security is the most comfortable spot, with couches in the main shopping area, plenty of armrest-free seating, and carpeting for stretching out (though some travellers have reported being asked to stay off the carpet). The airport is noisy and brightly lit, so bring earplugs and eyeshades. Travellers who want to pay for a more traditional sleep experience can head to the Holiday Inn Express, accessible from the domestic and international transit areas of Terminal 3. You can also find sleeping pods in the international departures at T3. A few more hotels are located at or near the airport. See our New Delhi Airport Guide for details and locations.
These are just a few things to do on a layover at New Delhi Airport. Visit our New Delhi Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.