How long a layover do I need to leave DEL and see Delhi?

Plan for at least 6 hours. You lose roughly an hour to immigration on arrival and need about a 2.5-hour buffer to get back, re-check in and clear security before your next flight — the tool subtracts all of that and shows your real free time.

How do I get from DEL to central Delhi?

The quickest option is Airport Metro Express (~20 min, about $1). To New Delhi Station, fast & cheap

Is it safe to leave my bags at DEL?

Most major hubs have left-luggage / baggage storage (typically from about $10 per bag per day). On a single ticket your checked bags usually transfer automatically; on separate tickets you may need to collect and re-check, which eats into your time.

🛬 Layover · DEL · Delhi

Layover in Delhi (DEL) — can you leave the airport?

The metro makes central Delhi a 20-minute ride — but sort your e-Visa before you fly. Check below whether you can leave Delhi airport on your passport, exactly how much time you’ll have, how to reach the city, and what to do.

LAYOVER AIRPORT

YOUR PASSPORT

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Can you leave the airport at DEL?

Most nationalities need an India e-Visa arranged before arrival to leave the airport; transit passengers staying airside don't. Apply ahead.

Getting from DEL into Delhi

Airport Metro Express — ~20 min, about $1. To New Delhi Station, fast & cheap
Taxi/Uber — ~40 min, about $8. Use prepaid or app; traffic varies

Best things to do on a Delhi layover

India Gate
Humayun's Tomb
Qutub Minar
Red Fort & Old Delhi
Lotus Temple
Lodi Gardens — ~12 km away
National Museum — ~13 km away

Other India airports

BOMMumbai AMDAhmedabad BLRBangalore GOIGoa HYDHyderabad COKKochi

More layovers in Asia

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Popular layover hubs

AMSAmsterdam BKKBangkok PEKBeijing ORDChicago DOHDoha DXBDubai FRAFrankfurt HKGHong Kong ISTIstanbul KULKuala Lumpur

FAQ · DEL layover

Delhi layover — your questions

Usually yes, if your passport qualifies for visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or an e-visa/ETA arranged before you fly. Most nationalities need an India e-Visa arranged before arrival to leave the airport; transit passengers staying airside don't. Apply ahead. Use the planner above with your passport for a clear verdict.