Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Layover Guide

Making the most of your stopover at Indira Gandhi International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.

Your DEL Layover at a Glance

City AccessStay airside

Best use of a long layover

Without a pre-arranged Indian visa, staying airside is the realistic choice — a few hours at the Terminal 3 transit hotel or a paid lounge/spa is more useful than attempting to leave.

Inside the airport

Terminal 3 has the Holiday Inn Express transit hotel (with day-use 'Aqua Pod' nap capsules for travelers who don't need a full room), the Encalm pay-per-hour lounge and spa, the Travel Club Lounge, and free retiring/waiting rooms for a basic lie-down.

The Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport T3 sits inside the terminal's transit area itself — access requires a same-day T3 boarding pass and stays are capped at one night by regulation, with guests unable to leave the premises once checked in.

India allows visa-free airside transit only for passengers on a single ticket with through-checked bags who stay inside the international transit area. Anyone wanting to actually exit into Delhi needs a valid Indian visa arranged in advance (there is no visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, and the e-Visa must be applied for online before travel) — so unless you already hold one, don't plan a city trip.
Transit visa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate of India before travel.

Layover Duration Guide

Under 3 hrs
Stay Airside

Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.

3 – 6 hrs
Airport Exploration

Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.

6 – 12 hrs
Quick City Visit

Enough time to visit New Delhi city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.

12 hrs+
Overnight Stay

Book a nearby hotel. You can explore New Delhi properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.

Hotels Near DEL

Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.

Recommended · Hotels
Find Hotels Near DEL

Airport hotels, transit stays and New Delhi city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.

Search hotels →

LandingAtlas may earn a commission when you book through affiliate links. This does not affect the price you pay.

City Tours from DEL

Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.

Recommended · Tours
New Delhi Layover Tours

Half-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of New Delhi without missing your connection.

Browse tours →

LandingAtlas may earn a commission when you book through affiliate links. This does not affect the price you pay.

Practical Tips for Your DEL Layover

Use left-luggage storage at Indira Gandhi International Airport if you plan to leave the terminal — most airports offer coin lockers or staffed storage near arrivals.
Get a India eSIM before your layover so you have data for maps and translation the moment you land.
Download offline maps for New Delhi in advance — useful if you leave the terminal and connectivity is patchy.
Always allow at least 3 hours buffer before your next departure when leaving the airport — immigration queues are unpredictable.
Check your next airline's check-in deadline. Some require you to be at the gate 45–60 minutes before departure.
Recommended · eSIM
Stay Connected in India

Activate a India eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.

Browse India plans →

LandingAtlas may earn a commission when you purchase through affiliate links.

← Back to Indira Gandhi International Airport overview