🛬 Ultimate Guide to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) – Smart Tips, Budget Hacks & First-Time Travel Help
Welcome to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport – your gateway to Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal! 🇮🇳 Whether you’re flying in for mountains, meetings, or masala chai, this guide has everything you need to survive and thrive at IXC.
From budget eats and WiFi quirks to lounge access and SIM card tips, we’ve made this guide especially useful for international travelers, first-time flyers, budget backpackers and domestic tourists. Let’s dive in!👇
📜 Table of Contents
- 💧 Water Points (Free)
- 🎒 Cloak Room
- 🔌 Charging Stations
- 🚖 Taxi & Bus Stand
- 🚇 Metro/Train Access
- 🍽️ Food & Local Snacks
- 🛋️ Lounge Access
- 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
- 📶 WiFi & Internet
- 💱 Forex & SIM Cards
- 😴 Nap Zones & Prayer Rooms
- 🚻 Toilets & Hygiene
- 🛂 Immigration & Security
- 📦 Baggage & Lost & Found
- 🍼 Baby Care & ♿ Accessibility
- ⚠️ Tourist Traps to Avoid
- 🥪 Food Under ₹100
- 🍢 Unusual Foods to Try
- 🎨 Local Art & Decor
- 🛒 Baggage Trolleys
- 🌐 International Transfers
- 📸 Best Photo Spots
- 📍 Terminals by Airline
- 💡 Final Smart Tips
💧 Water Points (Free)
IXC has safe, clean drinking water dispensers near the boarding gates and waiting areas. Most are RO-filtered and labeled.
Tip: Carry a refillable water bottle and fill it post-security to avoid buying overpriced bottled water.
Hack: Use collapsible bottles if you’re packing light or backpacking.
🎒 Cloak Room
Unfortunately, Chandigarh Airport does not currently have an on-site cloakroom or left-luggage facility.
Warning: No lockers at IXC! If you’re stepping out for a short city trip, arrange storage at a hotel or nearby railway station (Chandigarh Jn).
🔌 Charging Stations
Charging stations with USB ports and plug points are available in waiting lounges, departure gates, and food court seating areas.
Tip: Some chargers may be Indian 3-pin only. Carry a universal travel adapter.
Hack: Power banks are allowed in hand luggage — keep a small one for delays or power cuts.
🚖 Taxi, Auto & Hotel Pickup
Chandigarh Airport offers a decent range of ground transport options just outside Arrivals.
- Prepaid Taxi Counter: Located outside domestic terminal, with fixed fare (₹350–₹500 to city center)
- Uber/Ola: App-based cabs available; pickup is a short walk toward parking area
- Auto-rickshaws: Limited but available; avoid if carrying large luggage
Hack: Book an Uber and walk toward the designated pickup zone to avoid airport surcharge.
Tip: Always ask for a printed prepaid taxi receipt to avoid overcharging.
Tourist Trap: Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed touts inside Arrivals — they may overcharge or reroute.
🚇 Train/Metro Connectivity
Chandigarh Airport does not have a direct metro, but rail and bus connectivity are nearby:
- Chandigarh Junction Railway Station: 10 km (₹150 by cab)
- CTU AC Buses: Run from airport to ISBT Sector 17 & 43
- Nearest Intercity Buses: Sector 43 Bus Stand connects to Shimla, Manali, Delhi
Tip: If connecting to a hill station, prebook an overnight HRTC Volvo from Sector 43 stand.
Backpacker Hack: Shared autos (₹30–₹50) run outside airport road, but you’ll have to walk 500m.
🍽️ Food Court & Local Cuisine
Chandigarh Airport’s food court is small but clean, offering Indian snacks and budget options.
- Café Coffee Day: Sandwiches, coffee, combo meals (~₹200–₹350)
- VegaNation: Punjabi thali, lassi (~₹180–₹250)
- WHSmith: Snacks, packaged foods, water bottles
Tip: Must-try: Chole Kulche or Paneer Parantha if available — authentic Punjabi flavors!
Budget Hack: Grab a Vada Pav + chai combo under ₹100 from CCD counter deals (ask at billing).
Note: No McDonald’s or Burger King. Bring your own meal if traveling with kids or picky eaters.
🥪 Food Under ₹100
- Chai + Mathri Pack: ₹60–₹80 at WHSmith
- Mini Samosa Box: ₹70 near check-in area
- Buttermilk + Bun Combo: ₹50–₹90 (CCD)
Tip: Carry your own dry snacks for longer flights. Airport food is limited for budget travelers.
🛋️ Lounge Access (Free & Paid)
Chandigarh Airport has one lounge in the departure terminal (T1), with basic comfort and food.
- Name: Encalm Lounge
- Hours: 5 AM – 10 PM
- Free Access: Axis Magnus, HDFC Infinia, Diners Club, DreamFolks cards
- Paid: ₹1,200–₹2,000 per visit
- Facilities: Recliners, buffet, coffee, charging stations, newspapers
Hack: Use DreamFolks or Priority Pass app to check if your card gives access before arrival.
Tip: Enquire if they’ll pack food during off-peak hours — helpful for early flyers.
💱 Forex & SIM Cards
📱 SIM Cards
- Available at: Airtel kiosk near Arrival exit
- Documents: Passport, visa page, passport photo
- eSIM: Ask specifically — only Airtel currently offers it at counter
🌍 Forex Exchange
- Counters: Thomas Cook & Centrum
- Location: After Customs & in Departures hall
- Supports: USD, GBP, EUR, AED, INR
Hack: SIMs at the airport are costlier than those at Sector 17 or 22 markets — if you’re staying locally, wait and buy in town.
📶 WiFi Access
- Network: BSNL Airport Free WiFi
- Duration: 45 minutes free with mobile OTP
- Extension: Available at ₹50/hour via payment page
Tip: Register with an Indian number for instant access. International SIMs may fail OTP.
Hack: Lounge WiFi is faster and unrestricted — another good reason to use a credit card to enter.
🛍️ Shopping & Local Souvenirs
Chandigarh Airport has limited shopping, but you can find:
- Books, magazines, packaged foods (WHSmith)
- Punjab Tourism souvenir kiosk (if open): phulkari scarves, handmade decor
Tip: Best souvenirs can be bought at Sector 17 market — skip airport prices unless in a hurry.
😴 Rest Zones & Prayer Rooms
Chandigarh Airport doesn’t have formal sleeping pods but offers a few quiet seating corners.
- Recliner seats: Near Gate 2 in Departures
- Prayer Rooms: Available post-security (separate for men & women)
- Lighting: Low in late-night hours — ideal for short naps
Tip: Early morning flyers can wait at the recliners near security — less crowded than food court area.
Hack: Hotels like Ramada or Velvet Clarks Exotica offer day-use packages (₹1,200–₹1,800) near the airport.
🚻 Toilets & Cleanliness
- Indian + Western toilets available at all terminals
- Cleanliness is above average — frequent maintenance checks
- Sanitary napkin dispensers in women’s restrooms
Tip: The cleanest restrooms are near security hold gates, especially in the lounge corridor.
Warning: Arrival restrooms get crowded during morning international flights — avoid if possible.
🛂 Immigration, VISA & Security
- Domestic: Quick security clearance by CISF
- International: Manual immigration desks for e-Visa & stamped passport holders
- Biometric Scan: Required for international entries
Tip: Carry a printout of your e-Visa or approval letter — immigration may request hard copies.
Warning: Immigration counters are limited — expect 20–40 min queues during morning/evening peak.
📦 Baggage Help & Lost & Found
- Desk: Near Baggage Belt 2, available 24×7
- Contact: Airport Manager Desk (phone listed on official site)
- Porters: Available at ₹200–₹400 (arrange at curbside)
Tip: Take a photo of your bag before check-in — it helps in case of loss or confusion.
Hack: If bags are delayed, request a delivery docket and file a claim on-site — don’t leave before documenting it.
🍼 Baby Care & ♿ Accessibility
- Baby Rooms: Near women’s washrooms in Departures
- Wheelchairs: Available for free — request at airline counters
- Ramps & Elevators: Present throughout terminal
Tip: Inform your airline at least 48 hours in advance for assisted wheelchair boarding.
⚠️ Tourist Traps to Avoid
- Fake SIM vendors: Outside gate — only buy from official kiosks
- Unlicensed taxi agents: Inside Arrival area
- Pricey tour booths: Quoting ₹5000+ for half-day tours — check online instead
Hack: Use official Punjab or Chandigarh tourism counters or apps like RedBus, AbhiBus for verified bookings.
Trap: Some taxi drivers push hotel “recommendations” for commission — decline politely.
🎨 Art Installations & Local Touch
- Punjabi Phulkari Wall: Colorful backdrop at Arrivals entry
- Folk Dhol Mural: Painted on the corridor wall near domestic gate
- Seasonal decor: Rotating art near check-in and visitor area
Tip: These are great Insta backdrops — especially with cabin-size trolleys or turbans!
🍢 Unusual Foods to Try
While the food court is limited, you might occasionally spot quirky regional snacks or pre-packed items worth sampling.
- Amritsari Stuffed Kulcha: Sometimes featured in special menus at VegaNation
- Bhujia Burger: A crunchy twist on a regular sandwich at WHSmith
- Local Milk Sweets: Packaged options like Peda or Patisa, sold near the cash counter
Tip: Ask at VegaNation for their seasonal specials or chef’s recommendations if you want to try something different.
Note: Avoid overly oily snacks if you have a flight within the next hour.
🛒 Baggage Trolleys
Trolleys are widely available both outside and inside Chandigarh Airport terminals.
- Free of charge: Available at Departures, Arrivals, and parking zones
- Porter Service: ₹200–₹400 (book at terminal helpdesk)
Tip: Grab a trolley near the curbside entrance if you’re arriving with heavy luggage — they go fast during morning rush.
Hack: Some porters will help even for free if you engage politely and carry minimal load.
🌐 International Transfers
Chandigarh Airport doesn’t offer direct airside transfer for international flights — you’ll need to clear immigration and re-check-in.
- International Check-in: Separate desk in same terminal (T1)
- Re-clearance: You must re-clear security and immigration even for connecting flights
- Minimum Layover: 3 hours recommended if switching between airlines
Warning: No international transit lounge or transit visa facility — you must enter India formally and check in again.
Tip: For long transfers, relax at the Encalm Lounge (if eligible) or book a nearby hotel like Velvet Clarks for freshening up.
📸 Best Photo Spots at Chandigarh Airport
- Entry Road: With Tricolor backdrop and runway views
- Check-in Hall: Punjabi mural wall + tiled pattern ceiling
- Lounge Corner: If you get window-side seat, you’ll see runway lights at dusk
Hack: Best natural light is between 7–9 AM or 5–7 PM. Use soft filters for mural backgrounds.
📍 Terminals by Airline
- Terminal 1: All Domestic Airlines (IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa, SpiceJet, Alliance Air)
- International Flights: Handled in same building but with separate immigration channel
Tip: Check the terminal column in your airline SMS or app to avoid last-minute confusion.
💡 Final Smart Tips
- 💳 Use DreamFolks, Axis Magnus, or Diners Black for free lounge access
- 🧴 Refill bottles at RO stations inside food court and lounge corridor
- 🚖 If arriving at night, use prepaid taxi — safer than negotiating with random drivers
- 📱 For long layovers, buy a local Airtel eSIM instead of expensive roaming
Note: Chandigarh Airport is compact — arrive 2 hrs early for domestic, 3 hrs for international flights.
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