Hyderabad Airport Information

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)

• (91)40 6654-6370 or 1-800 419-2008

Website: www.newhyderabadairport.comShamshabad, 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of the city center.

One to two hours.

Hyderabad Airport User Development Fee:

Departing international and domestic passengers must pay user development fees of 1,000 rupees ($20) and 375 rupees ($8) respectively.

Hyderabad airport is brand new and opened in mid March 2008. It's operated by a private company and handles around 7 million passengers a year. The airport is excellent with world class facilities, including "in line" baggage screening machines, plenty of check-in and immigration counters to prevent delays, and good crowd control. The main drawbacks are the high prices of cafeteria and duty free items, costly taxi charges, and the levying of user development fees.The Hyderabad airport has a single integrated domestic and international terminal. It's been constructed in a way to allow for future expansion as the airport grows.

• Wireless internet is available free for 45 minutes.
• Porters can be hired to carry luggage.
• Money exchange counters and ATMs are provided.
• There are 13 business class lounges with various facilities, including business centers, shower and napping facilities (see airport hotel section below), and a gym.
• Spa facilities, including massage and beauty treatments, are offered.
• The airport also has numerous food and beverage outlets, and a duty free area and bookstore.

The easiest way to get to the city center from the airport is to take a prepaid taxi but the fare is relatively costly at around 300-500 rupees, depending on distance. Alternatively, an air conditioned Aero Express shuttle service is in operation. The fare to the city is only 120-150 rupees. The buses run every 30 minutes from 3.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and every hour after that.The domestic user development fee is usually included in the ticket cost but otherwise must be paid at the airport like the international user development fee. If you don't have a credit card, be sure to keep some cash handy.

The new Hyderabad airport is well equipped for those want to rest and refresh themselves between flights. The airport's Plaza Premium Lounge offers nap packages with shower and lounge usage starting from 1,400 rupees ($30) for four hours. A 20 minute shower costs 300 rupees ($6). The Lounge is located opposite the car park and below the airport village area.

Hotel Novotel Hyderabad Airport provides rooms for those wishing to stay at the airport. It's a luxury business hotel.