New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) is known as India’s busiest aviation hub. It serves over ten million passengers every year. While it is equipped with all the best-in-class facilities and amenities, what catches travelers off guard is navigating this mega hub’s different terminals, particularly from Terminal 1 (T1) to Terminal 3 (T3). Unlike other modern airports, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport are physically separate complexes that are approximately 8 kms away from each other. So how do you navigate it? Let’s understand!
Delhi Airport Layout
The IGI Airport in New Delhi operates three active passenger terminals. Each terminal serves specific flight sectors and airline models.
Terminal 1
This terminal is primarily dedicated to domestic and low-cost carriers. This includes select SpiceJet and IndiGo domestic arrivals and departures.
Terminal 2
This terminal is dedicated to select domestic operations. It is located adjacent to Terminal 3 and is at just a short walking distance of about 5 to 10 minutes. You can walk via a covered walkway to reach T3 from T2.
Terminal 3
This is the flagship integrated terminal that handles all the domestic and international flights by full-service carriers. This includes Air India along with select flights from other domestic operators.
T1 is located on the eastern edge of the airfield, and T3 is on the western side. Hence, there is no walking path between these two terminals. Passengers have to travel via the airport perimeter road network to reach there.
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All About Delhi Airport T1 To T3 Transfer
There are three primary ways to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3:
The complimentary DIAL shuttle bus
Prepaid or app-based taxis
Delhi metro network
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The Complimentary DIAL Shuttle Bus
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) operates a dedicated inter-terminal shuttle bus service. This service is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week, and 365-days-a-year service that connects T1, T2, and T3. It has a frequency of 20 minutes during the day and every 20 to 30 minutes during the night.
This shuttle is a 100 percent complimentary service for passengers who hold a valid onward flight ticket or boarding pass departing from the terminal (destination). If you do not have an onward connection or are with non-flyers, you might have to pay a nominal fee of INR 30 to INR 40.
Once you collect your bags and exit the secure arrivals halls into the general arrival concourse in Terminal 1, look for a counter or kiosk that reads Inter-Terminal Transfer. The bus departs directly from the designated shuttle lane.
At Terminal 3, the shuttle drops passengers at the T3 Arrivals Forecourt. This is located near Gate or Pillar 14. From here, you can reach the Departures level on the second floor via elevators or escalators.
Sequence For Using Shuttle Service For IGI Airport Terminal Transfer
Follow the overhead signage boards after deplaning towards Arrivals and Baggage Claim.
If your tickets are booked through a single PNR, make sure to confirm whether your bags are checked through to your final destination. If yes, you can bypass this part and walk towards the exit directly.
If your flights were booked on separate tickets, you will have to collect your checked luggage and take it with you.
Locate the Inter-Terminal Transfer Kiosk or Desk inside the terminal arrivals area.
Present your confirmed onward flight ticket or boarding pass departing from T3.
The agent will scan your credentials and give you a complimentary shuttle token.
Now exit the terminal doors and head to Lane 1.
Hand over the token to the bus marshal, load your luggage, and board.
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Total Travel Time
Make sure you do not confuse the total connection time with actual driving time.
Deplaning and walking through T1 will take about 10 to 15 minutes. If you are on separate tickets, baggage reclaiming might take 20 to 25 minutes. Waiting for the next shuffle and transfer desk verification will take 20 minutes. The road journey from T1 to T3 will take another 20 to 30 minutes. Now the elevators to T3 Departures, entry queue, and check-in will take 25 to 30 minutes.
Prepaid Taxis and App-Based Cabs
If you are tight on time, travelling with extensive luggage, or traveling with any elderly member, you can opt for a private door-to-door cab service. The estimated travel time with respect to traffic during rush hours is about 15 to 25 minutes.
Delhi Metro
Both Terminal 1- IGI Airport Station and IGI Airport Station at Terminal 3 offer rapid transit across Delhi NCR, but they do not directly connect at the airport. This is why Delhi Metro is not one of the most recommended options.
Also Read: How To Reach Delhi Airport T3 By Metro? Route, Fare And Travel Time
Note: This article was compiled after verifying current publicly available information.
Summing Up
Transferring from terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport is quiet easy if you understand the drill. Make sure you take advantage of the convenient and complimentary airport shuttle service which departs every 20 minutes. The second best option is to opt for prepaid taxis.
