24-Hour Layover in Delhi: What To Do
Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) · India
Who else is transiting DEL right now?
Key Facts
- Airport: Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL)
- Country: India
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- 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.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Delhi signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-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 24 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
Getting out of Indira Gandhi Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Delhi
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Delhi and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse DelhiJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.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
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
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 →