Airports & Transfers in Delhi

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Airports & Transfers

Delhi's two airports are close together, about 23 km (14 mi) southwest of Connaught Place. International flights use Indira Gandhi International Airport, whereas domestic flights use Palam Airport. (Just tell your taxi driver you're going to the "international" or "domestic" airport.) Palam has two terminals, but they're far apart and your driver isn't likely to know which one you need -- so when you buy or reconfirm a domestic ticket, find out which terminal to use.

The trip between either airport and Delhi itself should take about 30 minutes if you arrive before 9 AM or after 8 PM. During the day, traffic can increase the time to an hour. Every major hotel provides airport transfers for Rs. 500-Rs. 1,000, depending on the hotel's location.

Taking a cab is the easiest way to reach your hotel. A taxi from the international airport to the city center should cost Rs. 250-Rs. 300; from the domestic airport, Rs. 200-Rs. 250. To avoid being overcharged, use the prepaid taxi service in either airport, run by the Delhi Traffic Police from a counter near the exit. Unfortunately, hucksters have set up similar services, so ignore the men shouting at you and press on toward the door. In the domestic airport, the counter is just inside the exit; at the international airport, leave the building altogether and use the outdoor counter with the yellow sign. Your destination determines the fare, to which a small fee for each piece of luggage is added. Pay in advance at the counter, then take the receipt and exit. When you get outside, people might try to help you with your luggage; ignore them, and make sure they do not touch your things. Wheel your luggage down the ramp toward the black taxis with yellow tops, at which point the drivers will appear. If your receipt contains a taxi number, use that cab; if not, the drivers will decide among themselves who should take you. Tell the driver where you're going, and hold on to the receipt until you arrive. Tips are not expected.

Be aware that people at the airports, and even at hotel-reservation counters, may try to trick you into booking a hotel room by claiming that your prior reservation is invalid. Ignore them. If you do need a room, go to the Government of India Tourist Office counter.