Delhi Airport Terminal Transfer: T1, T2 and T3 Options

Contents

1. What flights operate from each terminal at Delhi Airport?
2. How do passengers transfer between terminals T1, T2, and T3?
3. How long should travelers allow for terminal transfers?
4. What are the details of shuttle bus service between terminals?
5. Can passengers use the Delhi Metro for terminal transfers?
6. What taxi and app-based ride options are available for transfers or travel from Delhi Airport?
7. What parking options and rates are available at each terminal for travelers?
8. Comparison Table: Transfer Options Between Delhi Airport Terminals
9. Frequently asked questions
10. The bottom line
11. Sources & methodology

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi comprises three terminals—T1, T2, and T3—which are connected via free shuttle buses running every 20 minutes, the Delhi Metro Airport Express, and 24/7 taxi services. Passengers should allocate approximately 60 to 90 minutes for terminal transfer, considering shuttle wait times, travel distance, and possible security checks.

What flights operate from each terminal at Delhi Airport?

Delhi Airport's terminals serve distinct types of flights and airlines, helping passengers identify where their flights depart and arrive.

• Terminal 1 (T1) mainly handles domestic flights with low-cost carriers such as IndiGo and SpiceJet.
• Terminal 2 (T2) functions as an additional domestic terminal, hosting airlines like Air India and GoAir.
• Terminal 3 (T3) is the largest and most modern terminal, managing most international flights along with many full-service domestic airlines.

According to the official Delhi Airport site, this division aids smoother passenger flow and terminal management.

How do passengers transfer between terminals T1, T2, and T3?

Passengers can use several convenient options to move between the three terminals:

• Free shuttle bus: A dedicated shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between T1 and T3, stopping at T2 in between. This service is free and operates within the airport premises, making it the most common transfer method.
• Delhi Metro Airport Express: The Airport Express line connects Terminal 3 directly to New Delhi Railway Station and central transit points, with access extended to Terminal 1 via Aerocity Metro Station and a feeder bus or shuttle service.
• Taxis and app-based rides: Taxi counters offer prepaid fixed-fare taxis 24/7. Popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola also operate at all terminals, allowing flexible transfers.

These options provide passengers with choices based on their luggage, convenience, and time constraints (Delhi Airport Terminals).

How long should travelers allow for terminal transfers?

It is advisable to allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for transferring between terminals at Delhi Airport. This timeframe accounts for shuttle bus intervals, transit time between terminals, security re-checks when applicable, and potential congestion during peak hours.

Walking between terminals is not feasible due to the airport’s layout and distances involved.

Planning your transfer with a buffer ensures a less stressful connection (Delhi Airport Terminals).

What are the details of shuttle bus service between terminals?

The free inter-terminal shuttle bus service is a passenger-friendly way to transfer within the airport without additional cost.

• The shuttle operates approximately every 20 minutes.
• It runs between T1 and T3, with a stop at T2, covering all three terminals.
• The service runs within airport premises and is designed to handle passenger transfers efficiently.
• Passengers are encouraged to check for possible operational updates before travel.

This shuttle is the default transfer method for many due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness (Delhi Airport Terminals).

Can passengers use the Delhi Metro for terminal transfers?

The Delhi Metro Airport Express line offers a faster, rail-based option for reaching Terminal 3 and accessing surrounding transit hubs.

• The Airport Express line connects directly to Terminal 3’s metro station.
• Since March 2018, Terminal 1 can be accessed via the Aerocity Metro Station. Travelers may take a feeder bus or the airport shuttle bus for the last leg to T1.
• Metro trains run daily from 4:45 am to 11:30 pm with a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes, providing a reliable schedule.

Metro fares for this line include a ₹60 single journey to central Delhi stations, which is a good value for speedy travel (Delhi Airport Metro, Delhi Airport Terminals).

What taxi and app-based ride options are available for transfers or travel from Delhi Airport?

Taxi and private ride services provide flexible and direct options for terminal transfer and onward journeys.

• Prepaid taxi counters inside all terminals offer fixed-rate fares to avoid haggling or scams, operating 24/7.
• Taxi fares to central Delhi typically range from ₹400 to ₹700 depending on traffic and vehicle type, with a 25% surcharge for rides between 11 pm and 5 am.
• Popular app-based services such as Uber and Ola operate at the airport, requiring app booking but often providing faster pickup and various car types.

These options help travelers with luggage or those preferring private rides, though they cost more compared to shuttle or metro services (Delhi Airport Taxi).

What parking options and rates are available at each terminal for travelers?

Parking facilities are available at all terminals, serving passengers who arrive with their own vehicles.

• Short-term parking zones are located immediately in front of all terminal buildings for easy access.
• Terminal 3 offers a Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facility with extensive space and valet parking services.
• Typical parking fees for private cars are approximately ₹120 for up to 30 minutes, ₹170 for 30 minutes to 1 hour, ₹100 per additional hour up to 5 hours, and ₹600 for 5 to 24 hours.

These rates provide reasonable options for different parking durations at the airport (Delhi Airport Parking).

Comparison Table: Transfer Options Between Delhi Airport Terminals

Frequently asked questions

What exact time should I allocate for transfers between T1 and T3 compared to T1 to T2 or T2 to T3?

Passengers should allow 60 to 90 minutes for terminal transfers, with the T1 to T3 route taking longer due to the greater distance. Transfers between T1 to T2 or T2 to T3 are shorter but still require a buffer for shuttle waits and security checks.

Are there any security re-checks involved when transferring between terminals that affect transfer time?

Depending on your airlines and transfer type (especially international to domestic or vice versa), security screening may be required when moving between terminals, which can add time. Always check with your airline for transfer procedures.

Is it possible or advisable to walk between any of the terminals at Delhi Airport?

Walking between terminals is not practical due to the airport layout, distance, and lack of pedestrian pathways. Use shuttle buses, metro, or taxis instead for safety and convenience.

Has there been any recent disruption or construction affecting shuttle or metro services between terminals?

Passengers should check the official airport website or terminal notices for any temporary service disruptions or schedule changes, as maintenance or upgrades might occasionally affect transfers.

Are there special arrangements or assistance for passengers with heavy luggage or special needs during terminal transfers?

Airport staff and services provide assistance for passengers with heavy luggage or mobility needs. Request help at airline counters or airport information desks to arrange transfers and support.

The bottom line

Delhi Airport terminals T1, T2, and T3 serve specific flight categories and are interconnected by free shuttle buses, Delhi Metro, and taxi services. Travelers should plan transfers with 60 to 90 minutes buffer time to accommodate transit and security procedures. Choosing the right transfer option depends on convenience, luggage, and urgency.

For more on related travel practicalities, see our guides on Hidden Costs in International Tour Packages and Vetri Payanam Scheme: Free Bus Travel for Women in Tamil Nadu.

Sources & methodology

We reviewed the primary references below when checking the time-sensitive facts in this guide. Product features, prices, rules and eligibility can change, so confirm important details with the linked authority before acting.

1. Delhi Airport Terminals www.delhiairport.comIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi comprises three terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and Terminal 3 (T3). T1 primarily handles domestic flights operated by low-cost carriers such as IndiGo and SpiceJet. T2 serves as an additional domestic terminal, accommodating airlines like Air India and GoAir. T3 is the largest and most modern terminal, handling most international flights and many domestic full-service airlines. The terminals are connected by free inter-terminal shuttle buses, taxis, and the Delhi Metro Airport Express, facilitating convenient transfers for passengers. The shuttle bus operates approximately every 20 minutes between T1 and T3, with T2 located between them. Passengers transferring between terminals should allow at least 60–90 minutes, especially during peak traffic hours. The Airport Express Metro connects T3 with New Delhi Railway Station in about 15–20 minutes, with a fare of ₹60.00 for a single journey. For passengers traveling to T1, it's advisable to alight at Aerocity Metro Station and then take the Metro Feeder Bus or the Airport shuttle bus to T1. Taxi services are available 24/7 from all terminals, with fares to central Delhi ranging between ₹400 and ₹700, depending on traffic and vehicle type. Prepaid taxi counters are located within the airport premises to avoid scams. Additionally, app-based ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola operate from the airport, requiring the respective mobile applications for booking. For private transfers, passengers can book services in advance, with drivers waiting in the arrivals hall upon flight arrival. Parking facilities are available at all terminals, with short-term parking areas located directly in front of the terminal buildings. The Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facility at T3 offers extensive parking options. Valet parking is also available at T3 for added convenience. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 30–45 minutes earlier if planning to park during peak travel periods. For more detailed information, refer to the official Delhi Airport website.
2. Delhi Airport Metro www.delhiairport.comThe Delhi Airport Express Metro, also known as the Orange Line, is the fastest way to travel between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and New Delhi city center. The metro station is located within Terminal 3 (T3), and since March 2018, it can also be accessed from Terminal 1 (T1). For passengers traveling to T1, it's recommended to alight at Aerocity Metro Station and then take the Metro Feeder Bus or the Airport shuttle bus to T1. The first train departs at 4:45 am from New Delhi Airport, and the last train departs at 11:30 pm from both directions, with a frequency of every 15 minutes during non-peak hours and every 10 minutes during peak hours. The journey from New Delhi to T3 takes approximately 19 minutes. Fares vary depending on the destination, with a maximum fare of ₹60.00 for a single journey from DEL Airport to New Delhi. Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters located at the stations or at automatic ticket issuing machines in T3 (domestic and international arrivals) and outside T1 Arrivals.
3. Delhi Airport Taxi www.delhiairport.comTaxis are available 24/7 at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for passengers traveling to New Delhi city center. Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals area of all terminals. Passengers can choose between official prepaid airport taxis, app-based services such as Uber or Ola, and private taxi companies. Prepaid taxi counters are located within the airport premises to avoid scams. Taxi fares to central Delhi typically range between ₹400 and ₹700, depending on traffic and vehicle type. A surcharge of 25% is applicable for late-night travel from 11 pm to 5 am. App-based ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola operate from the airport, requiring the respective mobile applications for booking. For private transfers, passengers can book services in advance, with drivers waiting in the arrivals hall upon flight arrival. It's advisable to use official taxi services to ensure safety and avoid potential scams.
4. Delhi Airport Parking www.delhiairport.comIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) offers convenient and well-organized parking facilities at all three terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and Terminal 3 (T3). Short-term parking areas are located directly in front of the terminal buildings, ideal for quick visits such as dropping off or picking up passengers. Typical parking rates for private cars are approximately ₹120 for up to 30 minutes, ₹170 for 30 minutes to 1 hour, ₹100 per hour for additional hours up to 5 hours, and ₹600 for 5 to 24 hours. For commercial vehicles, rates start at about ₹200 for the first 30 minutes and up to around ₹700 for 24 hours. The Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facility at T3 offers extensive parking options and operates 24/7. Valet parking is also available at T3 for added convenience, with typical rates starting at about ₹500 for the first two hours, with additional charges depending on the duration. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 30–45 minutes earlier if planning to park during peak travel periods. Payment can usually be made at automatic kiosks or exit gates using cash, cards, or electronic systems such as FASTag.