Indira Gandhi International Airport · DEL

Stopover in Delhi: what to do and when to leave

Delhi airport is split across three terminals, and an international connection can involve immigration, baggage, customs, a terminal transfer and a second security check. The Airport Express makes central Delhi reachable, but only a long layover leaves enough room for a controlled city visit.

Calculate my scale

With less than 10 hours, stay at DEL. From 11–13 hours, Connaught Place can fit if you can enter India, your baggage is checked through and you reserve at least three hours for the return to the correct terminal.

Your safety comes first. Reviewed on August 23, 2026 · Guidance, not immigration authorization.

Quick decision

Leave for Delhi?

Only from 11 h of stopover

And only if you have confirmed entry, luggage to your destination and a protected return.

RequirementEntry and visa

Check India's current entry or transit conditions before crossing immigration.

LuggageBilled to destination

Confirm whether baggage is checked through or must be collected for customs and re-check-in.

ReturnReturn at least 3 hours before an international departure.

Guidance margin, not an official requirement.

Calculate my caseSee official transportation

Depending on the duration

What to do during your stopover

2–5 h

Stay near your gate

Terminal changes and formalities can consume the whole connection; use dining, rest or a lounge instead.

6–10 h

DEL without rushing

Keep the layover inside your terminal and avoid depending on a cross-city return.

11–13 h

Connaught Place

Take the Airport Express toward New Delhi and keep the visit to one compact, reversible area.

14 h or more

India Gate with margin

Add one nearby landmark only after fixing the return train and the route to your departure terminal.

Safe decision

What changes
the calculation

Calculate the time you can actually use. Not all scale is useful time.

Entry requirements

Visa, eTA or exemption depending on your nationality.

Minimum connection time

Consider the MCT of the airport and your itinerary.

Procedures and controls

Immigration, security and possible additional procedures.

Transfers

Transfers between terminals and to the city center.

Day and time

Traffic, schedules and city activity.

Imprevistos

Delays, door changes or operating conditions.

Door to door timeYour scale is reduced like thisSee breakdown

They are indicative ranges. The line, the time and a change of terminal can extend each section.

  1. 01
    Arrival0:00

    Confirm T1, T2 or T3, baggage and the next check-in.

  2. 02
    Immigration and exit0:45–1:30

    Passport, route, baggage and queue change the duration.

  3. 03
    To Connaught Place0:30–0:55

    Airport Express plus station access and final connection.

  4. 04
    Protected return3:00 before

    Train, terminal transfer, security and gate count.

Routes with margin

Choose a plan you can cancel

Airport Express + walk/ride

Connaught Place

11–13 hour layover

A compact central area with a controllable rail return.

Open route
Airport Express + taxi/metro

Connaught Place + India Gate

14 hours or more

Only with entry complete and the return route fixed.

Open route

Inside the airport

Plan B without leaving

When not all conditions are met, the best plan is to conserve energy and connection.

Three terminals

T1, T2 and T3 require different access plans; confirm both flights before leaving.

Airport Express

The rail segment is only part of the journey: add terminal, platform and final city access.

Airside plan B

Dining, lounges and rest protect the connection when formalities run long.

Quick answers in DEL

Find what you need

Don’t guess where it is. Choose what you are looking for and we will tell you which area to check, with the official directory just one click away.

Try a quick search:

T1, T2 or T3 · confirm terminal and security side

A break without missing the gate

Delhi airport's current dining offer is distributed across T1, T2 and T3. Use the official airport directory for the area on your boarding route.

See location and official route

The shops, hours and accesses change. This guide points out where to check it; The official airport directory has the final say.

Your scale, without improvising

Make it yours in 30 seconds

Choose how much margin you have, mark the three critical checks, and save the guide to return to during your trip.

How long is your layover?

Recommended plan

Connaught Place

Delhi. Leave only if entry, baggage and transportation (Return at least 3 hours before an international departure.) are resolved before you start.

before leaving0/3
Return to the airportAirport Express · metro · taxi · check transport and service alertsPlan B insideRest, rooms and official servicesCity routeConnaught Place · confirm the destination before leaving

Your connection is not generic

Plan your stopover in Delhi

Our tool estimates your actual time, shows you what you can do, and helps you decide with confidence.

Calculate my scale

Frequently asked questions

Before deciding

Can I leave DEL during a layover?

Yes, if you meet India's entry conditions, your baggage situation is clear and you keep enough time for immigration, ground transport, security and the correct departure terminal.

Which Delhi airport terminal has the Airport Express?

The airport's official transport guidance connects the Airport Express with the Terminal 3 area. Travellers using T1 or T2 must include the correct terminal link and walking time.

What can I do on a 12-hour layover in Delhi?

Connaught Place is the most controllable first choice. Keep the visit to one area, decide the return train before starting and be back at DEL at least three hours before departure.