Layover guides
Delhi layover guide
If you have a layover of several hours you can step out of Delhi's IGI Airport and glimpse the capital’s bustling streets. In a short visit you can see a slice of Old Delhi or the modern Connaught Place area.
DEL · Indira Gandhi International Airport
14 km to the centre
Fastest way into the city: about 20 min
Leave the airport with at least 6 hours
How long is your layover?
6 hours is too short to leave the airport
Passport control, the trip into the city and the way back would leave less than 2 hours. Stay at the airport and rest.
Inside the airport you can relax in lounges, book a short stay at the transit hotel, or explore the duty‑free shops and art installations.
About 3 hours in the city
Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
Airport Express Line → New Delhi Metro Station (Connaught Place) · about 20 min-
1
about 1 hourNational Museum
National Museum: Large museum housing artifacts from India's history, good for a quick cultural overview.
0.5 km-
2
about 1 hour
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid: Massive 17th‑century mosque near Chandni Chowk, impressive arches and bustling surroundings.
- Back to the airport · about 20 min
Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Open this layover as a plan About 7 hours in the city
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Airport Express Line → New Delhi Metro Station (Connaught Place) · about 20 min
-
1
about 1 hour
National Museum
National Museum: Large museum housing artifacts from India's history, good for a quick cultural overview.
- 0.5 km
-
2
about 1 hour
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid: Massive 17th‑century mosque near Chandni Chowk, impressive arches and bustling surroundings.
- 1.1 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan: Official residence of the President, impressive dome and expansive lawns visible from outside.
- 2 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Red Fort
Red Fort: 17th‑century Mughal fortress with massive walls and historic museums, worth a walk through Delhi's past.
- 3.1 km
-
5
about 1 hour
India Gate
India Gate: War memorial arch set in a broad boulevard, good for a quick photo and a pause.
- Back to the airport · about 20 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
A night in the city and a full day of sightseeing
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Airport Express Line → New Delhi Metro Station (Connaught Place) · about 20 min
-
1
about 1 hour
National Museum
National Museum: Large museum housing artifacts from India's history, good for a quick cultural overview.
- 0.5 km
-
2
about 1 hour
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid: Massive 17th‑century mosque near Chandni Chowk, impressive arches and bustling surroundings.
- 1.1 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan: Official residence of the President, impressive dome and expansive lawns visible from outside.
- 2 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Red Fort
Red Fort: 17th‑century Mughal fortress with massive walls and historic museums, worth a walk through Delhi's past.
- 3.1 km
A night in the city-
5
about 1 hour
India Gate
India Gate: War memorial arch set in a broad boulevard, good for a quick photo and a pause.
- 1.3 km
-
6
about 1 hour
Purana Qila
Purana Qila: Ancient fort with massive walls and a small museum, offers a sense of old Delhi.
- 1.9 km
-
7
about 1 hour
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb: Grand Mughal garden tomb, early example of Persian‑inspired architecture.
- Back to the airport · about 20 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Times are estimates. Visa rules depend on your nationality: check official sources and your airline before you leave the airport.
Getting into the city
Airport Express Line
→ New Delhi Metro Station (Connaught Place) · about 20 min
Runs every 10‑15 min; pay via smart card or token
Delhi Transport Corporation AC Bus (Route 101)
→ Central Delhi (Connaught Place) · about 45 min
Every 30 min; cash or smart card accepted
App‑based or prepaid taxi
→ Central Delhi · about 35 min
Available 24 h; pay by cash or app, traffic may vary
Good to know
Leaving the airport
You must clear immigration and customs before leaving the airport; visa requirements depend on your nationality and should be verified with official sources.
Left luggage
Left‑luggage counters are available in Terminal 3 for a fee.
If you stay at the airport
Inside the airport you can relax in lounges, book a short stay at the transit hotel, or explore the duty‑free shops and art installations.
A quick bite
Grab a quick serving of pani puri at the Delhi Haat market near the airport exit.
Written with AI using Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Check details before you travel. Wikivoyage: Delhi
Layover tips
Carry a metro smart card for faster travel
Avoid peak traffic (8‑10 am, 5‑8 pm)
Keep valuables close and use reputable taxis
Questions about a layover in Delhi
How much time do I need to leave the airport?
Allow at least 2 hours for immigration, travel, sightseeing and 1 hour to return through security.
Can I store my carry‑on luggage?
Yes, paid left‑luggage services are provided at Terminal 3.
Is it safe to walk around the city?
Stick to well‑lit areas, use reputable transport and keep an eye on your belongings.
Do I need a visa to step out?
Visa rules vary by nationality; check the latest Indian consular guidelines before travel.
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