Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is India’s largest and busiest airport, handling millions of domestic and international passengers every year. Spread across multiple terminals, it can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. But with a clear understanding of the terminal layout, parking, lounges, restaurants, and transport options, navigating IGI Airport becomes smooth and stress-free.
In this detailed Delhi Airport Terminal Map Guide, we’ll cover everything from terminal maps to parking areas, lounges, restaurants, and metro connectivity—so you can plan your journey like a pro.
Overview of Delhi Airport
- Official Name: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Location: South-West Delhi, about 16 km from the city center (Connaught Place).
- Passenger Volume: Handles 70+ million passengers annually, making it the busiest in India.
- Terminals: 3 passenger terminals — T1 (Domestic LCCs), T2 (Domestic overflow), T3 (International & Premium Domestic).
- Transport: Connected by Delhi Metro, airport shuttle, cabs, buses, and expressways.
- Awards: Consistently rated among the best airports in Asia in its category.
Terminal Overview (with Layouts)
| Terminal | Airlines / Use | Key Sections / Scale | Facilities | Travel Type / Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (T1) T1C & T1D wings |
IndiGo (domestic flights), SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Go First (when operational) | Divided into T1C and T1D wings | Food courts, ATMs, pharmacy, baggage belts, car rental counters | Exclusively domestic low-cost airlines. Always check boarding pass—some flights may move to T2. |
| Terminal 2 (T2) | IndiGo & SpiceJet (domestic overflow to ease T1 congestion) | Smaller, functional, modern design | Food stalls, coffee outlets, seating lounges, check-in counters | Domestic overflow terminal. Check boarding pass—IndiGo & SpiceJet operate from both T1 and T2. |
| Terminal 3 (T3) | Air India, Vistara, and most international carriers (Emirates, BA, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.) | Largest terminal at Delhi Airport; spread across 8 levels; handles >34 million passengers annually | Duty-free shops, high-end lounges, baggage claim halls, info kiosks, childcare rooms, currency exchange | International + premium domestic. Primary international gateway of India. |
Note: All flight operations from Terminal 2 has been shifted to Terminal 1 till further notice. For flight information, kindly contact the concerned airline.
Parking at Delhi Airport Terminals
| Terminal | Capacity / Types | Features | Rates / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 Parking | Capacity: Over 4,300 vehicles; Two-level parking (MLCP + surface) | Convenient for T1 pickup/drop | Hourly + long-duration parking available |
| Terminal 2 Parking | Smaller capacity compared to T1 & T3 | Close to terminal; convenient for short-stay pick-ups and drops | Best for short stays |
| Terminal 3 Parking (MLCP) | Multi-Level Car Park with 4,300+ slots; VIP parking; separate 2-wheeler zones | Large MLCP; secure long-term parking available | Daily + long-term options. Tip: For stays 2+ days use T3 long-duration parking for safety & convenience. |
Restaurants & Dining Options
| Terminal | Quick Eats / Cafes | Notable Features | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | KFC, Domino's, Subway; Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee | Mostly grab-and-go, casual options | Expect quick-eat choices; not many fine-dining options |
| T2 | Starbucks, Café Coffee Day; small snack stalls | Smaller range of options; convenient for short waits | Good for coffee and quick snacks |
| T3 | Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Indian restaurants; extensive food court | Duty-free food & liquor outlets; premium dining lounges | Best terminal for dining variety—ideal for foodies |
Lounges at Delhi Airport
| Terminal | Lounges | Facilities | Access / Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 (Domestic) | Plaza Premium Lounge (T1D) | Seating, food, Wi-Fi, beverages | Accessible via pay-per-use or membership |
| T2 (Domestic) | Limited lounge options; some card/airline tie-ups | Basic waiting areas; occasional pay-per-use lounges | Check credit-card benefits or airline entitlements |
| T3 (Domestic & International) | Air India Maharaja Lounge (Intl), Plaza Premium (Dom & Intl), Emirates/Lufthansa/SQ lounges | Buffet dining, recliners, showers, nap rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, business centers | Many lounges allow pay-per-use (approx. ₹2,000–₹3,000). Check eligibility for complimentary access. |
Tip: Always re-confirm terminal and lounge access with your airline before travelling — terminal assignments and airline operations can change.
All flight operations from Terminal 2 have been moved to Terminal 1 until further notice, as instructed by GMR. For flight information, please contact the relevant airline.
Delhi Metro & Airport Connectivity
Delhi Airport is well connected via road and rail, but the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line is the most efficient option.
- Line: Airport Express Line (Orange Line).
- Route: New Delhi Station ↔ Dwarka Sector 21.
- Travel Time: ~20 minutes from T3 to New Delhi station.
- Stations: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Aerocity, IGI Airport (T3), Dwarka Sec-21.
- Frequency: Every 10 minutes during peak hours.
- Fare: ₹50–₹60 approx.
Connectivity to Terminals:
- Metro directly connects to Terminal 3.
- Shuttle buses available from T1 & T2 to T3 metro station.
Other Options:
- Taxis: Prepaid taxi counters available.
- Ride-hailing apps: Ola, Uber, and airport-exclusive cabs.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Connects terminals and nearby city spots.
Passenger Tips for Smooth Travel
- Always check your terminal: Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate from multiple terminals.
- Arrive early: 2 hours for domestic, 3 hours for international.
- Download terminal maps: Keep offline access for easy navigation.
- Use lounges for long layovers: Worth the price for comfort.
- Stay connected: Free Wi-Fi available (requires OTP verification via mobile).
- Metro = best option: Fast, reliable, and affordable compared to taxis in heavy traffic.
Conclusion
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is not just India’s busiest hub, but also one of Asia’s most modern and well-connected airports. With three terminals — T1 for domestic low-cost carriers, T2 for domestic overflow, and T3 for international & premium airlines — it can be daunting at first glance.
But once you understand the terminal layout, parking zones, dining options, lounges, and metro connectivity, navigating becomes easy. Whether you’re a business traveler rushing for an international meeting or a family heading for a domestic holiday, this Delhi Airport Terminal Map & Guide gives you all the tools to travel stress-free.
So next time you’re flying through Delhi Airport, arrive prepared—and enjoy a smooth experience at India’s busiest gateway to the world.