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Key Facts
- Airport: Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL)
- Country: India
- Layover window: 6 hours
- Recommended time outside: 4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
- Visa & Entry: India e-Visa required for most nationalities — apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. Available for 180+ nationalities. Some nationalities (Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives) visa-free.
Insider tip
IGI has three terminals — T1 (domestic budget), T2 (not in use), T3 (international + Air India domestic). Confirm your terminal — T1 is 4km from T3.
Getting to Delhi City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Metro (Airport Express Line) | $2 | 20 min to New Delhi station |
| Taxi / Ola | $8–15 | 30–60 min |
Top Delhi: Where to Go
Qutb Minar Complex
30 min from city centreUNESCO site closest to the airport — 12th-century minaret in a garden. Open from sunrise, INR 40.
Chandni Chowk & Red Fort
45 min from city centreMughal-era bazaar street — paratha alley (Gali Paranthe Wali) is the most photographed food street in India.
Lodhi Garden
35 min from city centreFree 15th-century tombs in a green park. Popular with Delhi's morning joggers — peaceful and very photogenic.
Eat Like a Local in Delhi
Chole bhature at Sitaram Diwan Chand in Paharganj — Delhi's most famous breakfast, INR 100. Opens at 8am.
6-Hour Itinerary
0–45 min
Clear immigration and transit formalities
Check visa requirements before your flight — many nationalities get free transit entry.
45–90 min
Head to city centre by express transport
Most major hub airports have an express rail link that is faster and cheaper than taxis.
90–210 min
Explore the closest landmark district in Delhi
Stick to neighbourhoods within 20 minutes of the city centre for safe timing.
210–270 min
Lunch or dinner at a local restaurant
Airport food costs 2–3x more than city restaurants — worth eating out if time allows.
270–360 min
Return to airport (allow 90 min before departure)
International flights require check-in 2–3 hours before departure. Do not cut it close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 6-hour layover in Delhi?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 6 hours enough to leave Indira Gandhi Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Indira Gandhi to Delhi city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Indira Gandhi?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at DEL
Book a transfer or rental from Indira Gandhi Airport
Fixed-price airport transfer, licensed drivers, or pick up a rental car — compare and book ahead so you skip the taxi queue.
Things to do in Delhi
Tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences — book ahead to skip queues.
Trains & buses from Delhi
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Delhi
Compare 400+ airlines departing Indira Gandhi Airport
Hotels near Delhi Airport
A day-use hotel near the airport is a great option for a 6-hour layover.
Other layover guides for Delhi
Planning a longer stay in Delhi?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Delhi Destination Guide →