Flying domestically from Delhi? This is your essential Delhi Airport T1 & T2 (domestic) guide. Unlike the sprawling T3, these terminals handle India’s busiest low-cost carriers and come with their own unique quirks. This guide goes beyond just listing facilities; it anticipates the inconveniences—from confusing airline terminals and crowded spaces to the crucial metro connection gaps—to ensure your journey is genuinely smooth.
Navigating Delhi’s busy domestic terminals, T1 and T2.
🛬 1. Arriving at Delhi Airport T1 & T2
Domestic arrivals at Delhi Airport T1 & T2 are straightforward. You disembark, walk to the baggage claim hall, and exit. There is no immigration or customs. Free Wi-Fi (“GMR Free Wi-Fi”) is available via OTP login.
🔍 Immigration & VISA
Not applicable for domestic flights. You will bypass this entire process.
🧾 Customs Process
Not applicable for domestic flights. You can exit directly after collecting your baggage.
📱 SIM Card / eSIM
Physical SIM card kiosks are not available in the domestic arrival halls. This service is primarily at the T3 international terminal.
💱 Forex (Rate Comparison)
Forex services are extremely limited or unavailable at Delhi Airport T1 & T2. This is handled at the international terminal (T3).
you can checkout this website for forex:
🏧 ATMs & UPI Access
ATMs from major banks (SBI, ICICI, etc.) are available in the arrival halls of both T1 and T2, located near the main exit gates. UPI is universally accepted at all vendors.
🎒 Cloak Room (Left Luggage)
There is no public cloakroom or left-luggage facility at Delhi Airport T1 & T2. The only official airport facility is at T3, located in the Airport Connect Building.
💊 Pharmacy / Medical Store
A basic 24/7 Apollo Pharmacy is available in the departures area of Terminal 1 (landside). It stocks essential medicines, but for a wider range, you’d need to go to a city pharmacy.
👶 Baby-Friendly Facilities
Dedicated, well-equipped Baby Care Rooms are available in both terminals, with changing tables and seating. Strollers are usually permitted right up to the gate; check with your airline about collecting it at the aircraft door upon arrival.
♿ Disabled Access
Both T1 and T2 are wheelchair accessible with ramps and adapted restrooms. Pre-booking wheelchair assistance with your airline is highly recommended, as staff can be stretched thin during busy periods.
🧳 Lost Baggage Help
Each airline (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa) has its own baggage service counter in the arrivals hall. If your bag is missing, file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) *before* exiting the baggage claim area.
🔄 Inter-Terminal Transfers
This is the most critical point for T1/T2 travelers. T1, T2, and T3 are separate buildings.
🧰 2. Facilities & Navigation
T1 and T2 are smaller than T3 but have all the necessary facilities. They can get extremely crowded, so navigation is about managing the queues and crowds.
🚰 Water Points
Free, clean drinking water dispensers are located near all washrooms post-security. Carry an empty bottle to refill.
🚻 Toilets Review
Toilets are functional and cleaned regularly, but they are often very crowded. For a cleaner option, use the washrooms in the lounge (if you have access) or find one at the far end of the terminal, away from the main food court.
🔌 Charging Stations
Charging points with USB and plug sockets are available in seating areas but are notoriously difficult to find free. Don’t rely on them.
🛋️ Lounges (Free vs Paid)
- Terminal 1 (Departures): Has a new Encalm Lounge.
- Terminal 2 (Departures): Also has an Encalm Lounge.
Access is via eligible cards or paid entry. These lounges are smaller than those at T3 and can have waiting times during peak hours. They offer a much-needed escape from the terminal chaos.
📶 Wi-Fi Speed
Free “GMR Free Wi-Fi” is available. It requires an OTP and is decent for basic tasks. For video calls or large downloads, the lounge Wi-Fi is more stable.
🖥️ Self Check-In
Kiosks for all major airlines are located at the departure entrances. Use them to print your boarding pass and bag tags.
📦 Bubble Wrap Points
Baggage wrapping services are available in the departure halls before check-in for a fee. Useful for backpacks or non-standard luggage.
🍴 3. Food & Shopping
Options are more limited and functional compared to T3, focusing on quick bites and travel essentials.
💸 Food Under ₹150
- Masala Chai / Coffee from stalls like Chai Point.
- Samosa / Puff Pastry from various snack counters.
- Idli / Vada from South Indian outlets like Vaango.
- Packed snacks from WHSmith or Relay stores.
🍽️ Food Review
Dominated by fast-food chains (KFC, Starbucks) and Indian chains (Vaango, Haldiram’s). Seating in the main food court is extremely limited; you may need to wait for a table to open up during meal times.
🛍️ Duty-Free (Pros & Cons)
There is NO duty-free shopping at the domestic T1 and T2 terminals as this is reserved for international passengers. Retail is limited to convenience stores (WHSmith), some clothing, and souvenir shops.
🛫 4. Departing from T1 & T2
The departure process is efficient but can feel chaotic due to the sheer volume of passengers for low-cost carriers.
✈️ Airline Terminals
- Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily used by SpiceJet and Akasa Air. Some IndiGo flights also operate from here (flight numbers 6E 2000-2999).
- Terminal 2 (T2): Primarily used by IndiGo (most other flight numbers).
⏰ How Early to Arrive
Aim for 2 hours before departure. During morning (6-9 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) peaks, security queues can be very long (30-45 minutes).
🚖 5. Transport
Getting to Delhi Airport T1 & T2 requires knowing which transport option serves which terminal.
🚕 Taxi Stand (Prepaid & App Cabs)
Prepaid taxi counters and designated pickup zones for Uber/Ola are available at both terminals. This is the most direct way to get to/from the terminals door-to-door.
🚇 Metro / MRT Train
- Terminal 1: Is served by its own “Terminal 1-IGI Airport” station on the Magenta Line. This is perfect for connectivity to South Delhi, Hauz Khas, and Noida.
- Terminal 2: Has NO direct metro station. You must go to the T3 station on the Airport Express (Orange) Line and then walk 5-7 minutes to the free shuttle bus stop for the transfer to T2.
Quick Transport Checklist
- To T1: Taxi/App Cab direct, or Magenta Line Metro direct.
- To T2: Taxi/App Cab direct, or Airport Express Metro to T3 + Free Shuttle Bus.
- Between Terminals: Free Airport Shuttle Bus only.
📸 6. Local & Travel Fun
The domestic terminals are built for efficiency, not leisure. For any real sightseeing, you’ll need to leave the airport area. T1’s Magenta Line metro connection makes this surprisingly feasible on a longer layover.
📸 Best Photo Spots
There are very few photo spots within T1/T2. The best opportunities are outside:
- Aircraft Close-ups: The boarding gates offer good views of planes on the tarmac.
- Indian Air Force Museum: A short taxi ride from T1. Features vintage aircraft and military history displays. A must for aviation enthusiasts.
🛬 Plane Spotting Corners
The official “Plane Spotting Area” is located near the T1 runway. It offers a clear view of landings and takeoffs but is basic. Serious spotters use the service roads nearby, but this is not officially sanctioned and you may be asked to leave.
✨ Instagrammable Corners
For truly Instagrammable spots, you must leave the terminal. The T1 Magenta Line metro offers direct access to:
- Hauz Khas Village: Trendy cafes, deer park, and ancient ruins by a lake. (20-25 mins by metro).
- Lodhi Art District: Vibrant street art murals on entire buildings. (30-35 mins by metro).
🗺️ Places to Visit Nearby
- Aerocity (4-5 hour layover): Take a taxi or shuttle to T3 and then one metro stop. A hub of high-end hotels and restaurants like Plum by Bent Chair for a good meal.
- Hauz Khas Village (5-6 hour layover): Direct access from T1 via Magenta Line. Explore ruins, cafes, and the deer park.
- Dilli Haat (6-7 hour layover): Take Magenta Line to Janpath, then a short auto-rickshaw. An open-air market with food and crafts from all over India.
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🛠️ Hack: For a short layover, the most practical “escape” from T1 is via the Magenta Line. From T2, your best bet is a quick taxi to Aerocity.
⚠️ Tourist Traps to Avoid
Standard Delhi scams apply once you exit. Be wary of taxi drivers offering “tours” or claiming your hotel has “closed.” Always use the official prepaid taxi booth or an app like Uber/Ola.
💡 7. Hacks, Tips & Warnings
This is a summary of the most crucial advice for navigating Delhi’s domestic terminals.
🛠️ Smart Hacks
- DigiYatra App is Essential: It is the single best way to beat the infamous queues at T1 and T2. Register before you leave for the airport.
- Power Bank is Non-Negotiable: Charging points are scarce and always in use. A power bank is a must.
- Use the T1 Landside Food Court: For a calmer, less crowded meal, eat at the food court outside departures at T1 before you enter security.
💡 Handy Tips
- Confirm Your IndiGo Terminal: This is the most common and costly mistake travelers make. Check your flight number and the airline’s website *on the day of travel*.
- Budget 3 Hours for Transfers: If connecting between T1/T2 and T3 with checked luggage, a 2-hour buffer is not enough. Aim for 3 to be safe.
- Metro for Predictability: If traveling during peak traffic hours, the Metro is a far more reliable and stress-free option than a taxi.
⚠️ Common Warnings
- Extreme Crowds: T1 and T2 operate beyond their capacity. Be prepared for long queues, limited seating, and a noisy, chaotic environment.
- The T2 Metro Gap: Do not underestimate the time and hassle required to get from the T3 metro to T2. It is not a quick or seamless journey.
- Limited Retail & Food: Do not expect the vast shopping and dining options of T3. Eat beforehand if you are particular about your food choices.
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