New Delhi Airport Information

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

• (91)11 2566-1000 for Terminal 1 (1A and 1B Domestic)
• (91)11 2560-2000 for Terminal 2 (International)

Website: www.newdelhiairport.inPalam, 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of the city.

45 minutes to one hour during normal traffic. The road to the airport becomes very congested during peak hours.

New Delhi Airport Development Fee:

From March 1, 2009, departing international passengers must pay a 1,300 rupee ($28) Airport Development Fee, and domestic passengers 200 rupees ($5).

New Delhi airport is India's second busiest airport but is expected to grow to be the busiest by 2010. Currently it handles around 20 million passengers a year. The airport was leased to a private operator in 2006, and is going through a major upgrade. Renovation of the international terminal is complete, with improved baggage screening, check in, and immigration. A new domestic terminal is expected to become operational in 2009, and a huge third terminal is planned to be built by 2010.

New Delhi airport has the following terminals:

• Terminal 1A - Domestic departures (Air India, Kingfisher Airlines).
• Terminal 1B - Domestic departures (all other domestic airlines including Jet, JetLite, Kingfisher Red, IndiGo, Go Air, and Spice Jet).
• Terminal 1C - Domestic arrivals.
• Terminal 2 - International departures and arrivals.

The domestic and international terminals are located five kilometers (three miles) apart and are connected by free transfer buses. These leave every 30 minutes to one hour and take around 15-20 minutes.

• Due to security threats, luggage storage facilities have been suspended at the airport.
• Wireless internet is available from the Airtel counter only in the security hold area of Terminal 2. Not in the domestic terminal.
• Passengers with special needs such as wheelchairs are catered for by reserved parking slots, ramps, and bathrooms. Wheelchairs and attendants are available inside the terminals.
• Money exchange counters and ATMs are inside the terminals.
• There's a railway reservation counter in the arrival hall of the International Terminal (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 2 p.m. on Sunday).

The most popular way to get to your hotel from New Delhi airport is by taking a prepaid taxi. You'll find a counter in both the domestic and international terminals as you exit the airport. The prepaid taxi fare is around 250 rupees ($5.50) to Paharganj, and less than 200 rupees to Connaught Place. Be aware that it's likely the driver will try one of the popular scams, so never give the receipt to him until you reach your destination. Buses and call taxis are also available at the airport. Alternatively, most hotels will pick you up from the airport for around 500-700 ($11-15) rupees.During winter, from December until February, New Delhi airport is often badly affected by fog. The problem is usually the worst in the early mornings and evenings, although at times blankets of fog will remain for days. Anyone traveling during this time should be prepared for flight delays and cancellations. When transferring between the terminals, plan for it to take at least 60 minutes. Buses don't always come regularly.Unfortunately, New Delhi airport no longer has retiring rooms for passengers wanting to freshen up or rest between flights. There are however a number of hotels near the airport, mostly located along National Highway 8 in Mahipalpur. Compare prices and find reviews of these hotels on Kayak, About.com's Travel Partner.

• Airport Hotel -- very conveniently located opposite the domestic terminal. It doesn't receive good reviews though. Facilities are quite basic and rooms are reportedly not very clean. Expect to pay around $100 for a double room plus tax.
• Centaur Airport -- another not particularly appealing but conveniently located airport hotel that caters to the masses. Double rooms start from around $140 plus tax.
• Hotel Lohmod -- situated on the Mahipalpur Extension, this hotel is relatively inexpensive but has reports of poor management. Double rooms cost from $65 to $95 plus tax.
• Radisson Hotel Delhi -- the best option for a decent stay near the airport. This luxury hotel is located on Highway 8, around 5 minutes drive from the international terminal and 10 minutes from the domestic terminal. You can get a double room for less than $300, including tax.
• Shanti Palace -- quite a pleasant and clean midrange option, with rooms that have been recently refurbished. It's one of the better choices if you want to stay near Delhi airport. Rooms cost from $140 plus tax.
• Hotel Star -- located around 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel is quite an acceptable budget choice. It's fairly clean and professionally run. Try to get a room in the newer wing if possible. Double rooms at the hotel start from around $40 plus tax.