ARRIVE WITH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE · DEL
Arriving in Delhi from abroad: find your terminal, compare Airport Express Metro and taxis, and prepare connectivity, money and a late-night backup.
Indira Gandhi International Airport
For an international arrival at Delhi, confirm Terminal 3 on your flight details, finish immigration, baggage and customs, then choose your onward ride. The Airport Express serves T3; taxis have designated pickup areas. Save your hotel address before leaving Wi-Fi.
The airport identifies T3 for international and domestic services, with T1 and T2 domestic only. Recheck your actual flight and terminal with the airline.
Prepare entry documents with the document checklist and confirm requirements through its official sources. This guide does not determine visa eligibility.
Use these as steps, not a promise to clear arrivals within an hour.
STEP 01
Follow the signs for your passport category, identify your baggage belt and complete customs before going to the public meeting area. Resolve missing-bag issues with the airline before you leave.
STEP 02
The airport lists T3 app-cab pickup in the Multi-Level Car Park at Level 0. Follow the current signs and the booked service instructions; a driver waiting at a different terminal is not nearby.
STEP 03
The Airport Express is the airport rail option for T3. Check the operating hours and your final connection before buying a ticket. Include the walk, interchange and last ride to the hotel when comparing it with a taxi.
Delhi Metro commuter guide, hosted by Delhi Airport ↗Delhi Airport: first-time flyer transport guidance ↗
STEP 04
If an app or Wi-Fi sign-in fails, ask the official information desk to help you locate an authorised taxi counter or contact your accommodation. Agree the destination and a usable payment method before boarding.
Compare the complete journey to your address. Fares, departures and pickup zones are set by the operator and can change.
Useful for: A planned rail connection into Delhi
T3 connects to the Airport Express; T1 uses the separate Magenta Line. Check which station and line match your terminal and final destination.
Before choosing: Train operating hours, interchange and the last leg to your accommodation.
Delhi Airport: first-time flyer transport guidance ↗Delhi Metro commuter guide, hosted by Delhi Airport ↗
Useful for: A direct ride with luggage
Delhi Airport lists prepaid, fixed-rate and app-based options. T3 app-cab pickup is in the Level 0 Multi-Level Car Park rather than at an arbitrary arrivals door.
Before choosing: Current pickup zone, fare basis, tolls, parking, luggage capacity and payment method.
Useful for: A connecting flight from T1 or T2
The airport provides terminal-transfer guidance and a complimentary shuttle. Its T3 guide directs shuttle passengers towards Pillar 10 and requires a boarding pass for the transit coupon.
Before choosing: Your next terminal, current shuttle boarding point and the airline connection requirements.
Prepare any travel eSIM before departure according to its activation rules. A data-only plan does not provide an Indian phone number. If airport Wi-Fi requires an OTP you cannot receive, ask airport staff about the available access process rather than depending on a stranger’s phone.
SIM cards & eSIM preparation →Keep an international card and access to some rupees available for the first ride. Tourist UPI involves separate provider eligibility and verification; it is not a requirement for leaving the airport. Check the taxi or ticket counter’s accepted payment method first.
Cards, cash & visitor UPI →Check the last usable train for your entire journey, allowing time for immigration and baggage. If the connection no longer works, use a confirmed hotel pickup or an authorised airport taxi option. Confirm that your hotel will receive you after the actual arrival time.
Arrange mobility or other airport assistance with the airline before travel. For a terminal change, ask whether the planned route and vehicle work for your needs; do not assume a walking connection is suitable with luggage or reduced mobility.
Plan accessible travel →No. The airport directs T2/T3 passengers towards the Airport Express and T1 passengers towards the Magenta Line. Check your terminal and current access route before choosing a train.
No. Device compatibility, operator verification, activation and visitor-wallet onboarding can take time. Arrange the first ride with a communication and payment backup.
Published and source-checked 28 October 2026 by JustArrived. This is a researched planning guide, not an airport announcement or an on-site inspection. Current signs, airline instructions and operator notices take precedence.
Terminal roles, services and T3 pickup location.
Airport Express for T2/T3 and Magenta Line for T1.
Airport Express stations and interchange facilities; use the operator for current timetables.
Inter-terminal shuttle and transit-coupon arrangements.
Some official sites and social updates need JavaScript or sign-in. If a source is unavailable, confirm the relevant detail with airport staff or the operator before travelling.
Report a correction →For an emergency in India, call 112. Open emergency help. Travel conditions and service availability can change; keep a communication and payment backup.
