If you're flying into Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) for the first time, you'll have about 90 minutes between landing and your hotel. This guide walks every step in order — immigration, baggage, SIM, forex, transport, scams to spot. Pre-book your private airport transfer before you board so a driver with your name card and verified license is waiting.
The 90-Second Summary
- Immigration: 30–60 min (e-Visa lane fastest)
- Baggage: 15 min after immigration
- SIM (Airtel/Jio counter pre-customs): 10 min
- Forex (better rates outside the airport, but airport fine for ₹5,000): 5 min
- Driver meet at exit gate 5 or 6: 5 min
- Drive to central Delhi: 25–45 min
Which Terminal Is Yours
T3 is international + Air India domestic. T1 is LCC domestic (IndiGo, SpiceJet — partial). T2 is full-service domestic. Most first-time international arrivals land at T3.
Immigration: e-Visa Lane vs Others
If you have an e-Visa, head to the dedicated e-Visa counter — usually 15-20 min wait. Regular foreign-passport queue can hit 60-90 min on heavy arrival days. Indian passport queue is fastest. Have your filled-in arrival card, e-Visa printout (or screenshot), passport with 6+ months validity, and the address of your first stay.
Baggage Claim and Customs
Belt assignments shown on screens — usually belts 7-12 for international arrivals. After collecting bags, exit through the green channel if you have nothing to declare; red channel for high-value items, electronics over personal allowance, or commercial goods. Customs random-checks; be polite, the officers are professional.
SIM, Forex, Cab — In That Order
SIM: Buy at the Airtel or Jio counter just past customs. Bring passport + visa + 1 photo + ₹500-700. Activation takes 2-4 hours; you'll get a QR for self-activation. Skip the touts hustling SIMs outside.
Forex: Airport rates are 1.5-2% worse than city. Exchange ₹2,000-5,000 for first-night taxi/snack, switch to ATM withdrawal in the city. Don't exchange large amounts at the airport.
Transport: Three options. Prepaid taxi at the airport counter (cheapest, queue can be slow, driver may not speak English). Uber/Ola from the official app ride zone (clear, but 25-min wait peak times). Pre-booked private transfer (your name card at exit gate 5 or 6, driver photo and license shared via WhatsApp before you boarded). For overnight arrivals or solo travellers, pre-booked is the call.
Common Scams to Watch For
- "Your hotel called, they cancelled your booking" — fake; never give them your hotel name or let them "help" you find another
- "Let me help with your bag" — touts who then demand ₹500 tip; politely decline ("nahin, dhanyavaad")
- "My meter is broken" — for prepaid/Uber cabs, refuse and report driver-id
- "You need to pay tourist tax at this counter" — there is no such tax at IGI; it's a scam pulled on confused travellers
Monsoon and Fog: Late-Season Caveats
Dec-Jan: Delhi fog can divert flights to Jaipur, Lucknow, or Amritsar. If your flight diverts, the airline arranges onward bus transport — frustrating but free. Jul-Aug: monsoon storms cause arrival delays; minimal disruption usually.
Late-Night Arrivals (Post-11 PM)
Airport is 24/7 — restaurants T3 stay open till 1 AM, food courts T1 stay open till midnight. If your driver is delayed, there are seating areas in the welcome plaza (post-customs). Solo female travellers: stay in the lit areas of the arrival plaza, not the curbside taxi staging where touts hover.
Inter-Terminal Transfer (T1 to T3 etc.)
Free shuttle bus runs every 20 min, 24 hrs. T1 ↔ T3 takes 25-30 min including security. T2 ↔ T3 is 12-15 min via covered walkway. See our full inter-terminal transfer guide.
Female Traveller Safety Notes
IGI is one of India's safest airports — well-lit, heavily policed, security cameras throughout. Pre-booked private transfers share driver photo + vehicle plate + GPS tracking with you before pickup. If you're solo and arriving past midnight, always pre-book; never accept ride offers from strangers in the parking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does immigration take at Delhi airport?
30-60 minutes typically. e-Visa lane is fastest (15-20 min); regular foreign-passport queue can hit 90 min on heavy days.
Is Delhi airport safe at night for tourists?
Yes — IGI is well-lit, heavily policed, and 24-hour. Pre-book private transfer for solo or post-midnight arrivals.
Where is the SIM card counter at Delhi airport?
Airtel and Jio counters are just past customs in the arrival hall, before exit. Bring passport, visa copy, and one photograph.
What's the cheapest way from Delhi airport to city?
Prepaid taxi at airport counter — ₹400-600 to central Delhi. Metro is cheapest at ₹60 but only runs 6 AM-11 PM and luggage handling is tricky.
How much should I tip at Delhi airport?
Porter: ₹50-100 per bag. Driver: not expected but 5-10% appreciated for long airport pickups.
Can I exchange currency at Delhi airport?
Yes — multiple counters in arrivals hall. Rates 1.5-2% worse than city. Exchange small amount (₹2,000-5,000), switch to ATM in city.
What if my flight is diverted due to fog?
Airline arranges onward bus transport from divert airport (Jaipur/Lucknow/Amritsar). Slow but free. Keep airline app open for updates.
Do I need a printed e-Visa or is digital OK?
Officially printed is required; in practice immigration accepts the screenshot. Have both to be safe.
Pre-Book Your Airport Transfer
Driver waits 4 hrs free • Photo + license shared before pickup • English-speaking drivers • Female-safety protocol available.
Book Transfer →
