Delhi Airport Terminal Transfer Guide 2026: T1, T2 & T3
Delhi Airport terminal transfer guide 2026: T1 to T3, T2 to T3, shuttle bus, metro stations, walking route, airline terminals and connection times.
Delhi Airport has three passenger terminals — T1, T2 and T3 — and they are not all in the same building. Terminal 1 is roughly 8 km from Terminal 3 by road, while T2 and T3 are next to each other and can be reached on foot.
If your Delhi Airport connection changes terminals, the correct transfer depends on where you are going, whether your bags are checked through, and whether your flights are on the same booking.
The simplest rule is:
- T1 ↔ T3: take the airport shuttle or a cab. Do not walk.
- T1 ↔ T2: take the airport shuttle or a cab.
- T2 ↔ T3: walking is usually easiest; shuttle and assistance options are also available.
- International flights: operate from T3.
- T1: has its own Magenta Line metro station.
- T3: has the IGI Airport station on the Airport Express Line.
For getting from the airport into Delhi, see our Delhi Airport to city guide. If you arrive after midnight, see the Delhi Airport late-night arrival guide.
Delhi Airport T1, T2 and T3: Quick Transfer Guide#
| Transfer | Best Option | Practical Transfer Time | Walking? |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 → T3 | Airport shuttle or cab | Allow 30–45+ min including waiting | No |
| T3 → T1 | Airport shuttle or cab | Allow 30–45+ min including waiting | No |
| T1 → T2 | Airport shuttle or cab | Allow 30–45+ min including waiting | No |
| T2 → T1 | Airport shuttle or cab | Allow 30–45+ min including waiting | No |
| T2 → T3 | Walk or shuttle | Around 10–20 min walking | Yes |
| T3 → T2 | Walk or shuttle | Around 10–20 min walking | Yes |
Traffic, shuttle waiting time, security and baggage collection can make the total connection much longer than the actual journey between terminals.
Which Airlines Use T1, T2 and T3 at Delhi Airport in 2026?#
Terminal assignments changed significantly after the upgraded Terminal 2 reopened in October 2025.
Terminal 1 — Domestic#
T1 currently handles a large share of Delhi Airport's domestic low-cost operations.
Typical T1 airlines include:
- IndiGo: most domestic 6E flights other than the specific T2 and T3 number ranges
- Air India Express: domestic flights
- Akasa Air: domestic operations
- SpiceJet: domestic operations
Terminal 2 — Domestic#
T2 is fully operational again and is not a closed or temporary terminal.
Current major operations include:
- IndiGo 6E 2000–2999: T2
- Air India AI1XXX domestic flights: T2
For example, an Air India domestic flight such as AI1737 normally indicates a T2 operation because it belongs to the AI1XXX series.
Terminal 3 — International + Domestic#
T3 handles all international flights at Delhi Airport as well as several domestic operations.
Typical T3 operations include:
- All international flights
- IndiGo 6E 5000–5999
- IndiGo international flights
- Air India international flights
- Air India domestic flights that are not assigned to T2
- Air India Express international flights
- Other international airlines
Delhi Airport Free Shuttle Between T1, T2 and T3#
Delhi Airport operates an inter-terminal shuttle service connecting T1, T2 and T3.
For most travellers changing terminals, this is the easiest option between T1 and T2/T3.
Shuttle frequency#
Published airport and airline information currently gives slightly different frequencies.
You may see:
- buses quoted as running every 10 minutes, or
- buses quoted as running approximately every 20 minutes.
For planning purposes, assume you may wait up to 20 minutes.
The service operates throughout the day and night.
Is the Delhi Airport terminal shuttle free?#
For passengers with a genuine connecting flight, the terminal shuttle is generally complimentary when you show your onward boarding pass and obtain the required transfer coupon.
Delhi Airport's transfer information also states that passengers who are not connecting to another flight may have to pay a small transfer charge.
If you are travelling on two separate tickets and do not yet have the boarding pass for your second flight, ask the transfer counter before boarding.
Where do I catch the shuttle?#
After arriving, follow signs saying:
Inter Terminal Transfer
or
Shuttle Bus
The exact bay or pillar can change because of airport traffic management, so following the airport signs is safer than relying on an old gate number found online.
Keep your onward boarding pass and flight details ready.
T1 to T3 Delhi Airport Transfer#
This is the terminal transfer that needs the most planning.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are roughly 8 km apart, on different sides of the airport complex.
Best option: airport shuttle#
After arriving at T1:
- Follow signs towards Arrivals.
- Look for the Inter Terminal Transfer counter.
- Show your onward boarding pass.
- Ask whether your airline has a dedicated connection process.
- If directed landside, take the inter-terminal shuttle to T3.
- At T3, follow the instructions for your onward flight.
The road journey itself can take around 20–30 minutes, but you should allow 30–45 minutes or more when shuttle waiting time and traffic are included.
Can I walk from T1 to T3?#
No.
Although technically possible to cover the distance on roads, T1 and T3 are around 8 km apart and the route is not designed as an airport pedestrian connection.
Do not attempt to walk between them with luggage.
T3 to T1 Delhi Airport Transfer#
The reverse journey works in the same way.
If you arrive at T3 and your next flight leaves from T1:
- Complete the arrival formalities required for your flight.
- Ask the airline transfer desk whether you qualify for its connection service.
- Follow Inter Terminal Transfer signs.
- Take the airport shuttle to T1 if directed landside.
- Proceed towards the correct check-in or security area at T1.
If you are arriving internationally, additional immigration, baggage and customs rules apply. Do not use the normal domestic transfer estimate for an international arrival.
T2 to T3 Delhi Airport: Can You Walk?#
Yes. T2 and T3 are next to each other and walking is usually the easiest way to transfer between them.
A marked pedestrian route connects the terminal areas.
Depending on your starting and ending point inside the terminals, allow roughly 10–20 minutes.
Follow the airport signs rather than leaving the airport complex towards the main road.
Passengers with reduced mobility, senior citizens, pregnant passengers and travellers with infants may also be able to use airport assistance or buggy services between T2 and T3.
Is the new T2–T3 subway open?#
Not yet.
A new pedestrian subway is being built between the IGI Airport Metro station near T3 and T2.
It is expected to make access to T2 significantly shorter once completed, but as of 24 August 2026, passengers should continue using the existing marked pedestrian route or shuttle.
Do not plan your connection assuming the new subway is already operational.
Can You Transfer Airside Between Delhi Airport Terminals?#
This is more complicated than simply asking whether your flights are on the same PNR.
Do not assume that a single PNR automatically means you can remain airside.
Delhi Airport and airlines have been improving airside transfer arrangements during 2026, particularly for connections involving T1, T2 and T3.
However, eligibility depends on:
- your airline
- domestic or international journey
- whether your baggage is through-checked
- whether you already have your onward boarding pass
- the transfer route available on the day
Some airlines, particularly Air India and Air India Express, provide dedicated assistance for eligible connecting passengers and can transfer through-checked bags between terminals.
What should you do?#
Ask the airline transfer desk before exiting the secure area.
Say:
“My next flight is from another terminal. Are you transferring me airside, or should I exit and take the public terminal shuttle?”
This is much safer than automatically walking out of arrivals.
Same PNR vs Separate Tickets#
Your booking type makes a major difference.
Same PNR / Through Ticket#
If both flights are on the same booking:
- your airline may transfer checked baggage automatically
- you may receive your second boarding pass at the first airport
- airline staff may guide you through a dedicated transfer route
- the airline may provide assistance if the first flight is delayed and causes a missed protected connection
But you may still need immigration, security or customs depending on the journey.
Separate Tickets / Self-Transfer#
If you bought two unrelated flights:
- Collect your checked baggage.
- Exit the arrivals area.
- Transfer to the next terminal.
- Check in again.
- Drop your baggage again.
- Clear security again.
- Complete immigration if your next flight is international.
Treat this like arriving at the airport for a completely new flight.
A short 90-minute terminal change is not a good idea for separate tickets.
International to Domestic Transfer at Delhi Airport#
International flights arrive at Terminal 3.
If your next flight is domestic from T1, T2 or T3, you generally need to complete India's arrival formalities first.
Typical process:
- Arrive at T3.
- Clear immigration.
- Collect checked baggage.
- Clear customs.
- Use the airline's transfer/baggage-drop facility if available.
- Transfer to T1 or T2 if required.
- Clear domestic security.
- Go to your departure gate.
Even when baggage has been tagged to your final destination, passengers entering India normally need to follow the international-arrival baggage and customs process at Delhi.
Because immigration queues can vary significantly, allow a large connection buffer.
Domestic to International Transfer at Delhi Airport#
International departures operate from T3.
If you arrive domestically at T1 or T2:
- Check whether your baggage is through-checked to the international destination.
- Ask airline staff for the correct transfer process.
- Transfer to T3.
- Complete international departure security and immigration.
- Proceed to your gate.
If your baggage is not through-checked, you will need to collect it and check it in again at T3.
How Much Time Should You Allow for a Delhi Airport Terminal Transfer?#
There is no single safe minimum for every passenger.
An airline-sold protected connection can have different rules from a self-transfer on separate tickets.
These are planning buffers, not official minimum connection times:
| Situation | Comfortable Buffer |
|---|---|
| Same terminal, same booking | Follow airline connection time |
| T2 ↔ T3, same booking | Around 2 hours |
| T1 ↔ T2/T3, same booking | Around 2.5–3 hours |
| Different terminals, separate domestic tickets | Around 3.5–4 hours |
| International → domestic, separate tickets | Around 4–5 hours |
| Domestic → international, separate tickets | Around 4–5 hours |
Weather, delayed baggage, immigration queues, road traffic and airport security can all increase transfer time.
If you have a long connection, see our Delhi Airport 6–10 hour layover guide.
Delhi Airport Metro: T1, T2 and T3#
The metro situation is much simpler than many older airport guides suggest.
Metro for Terminal 1#
T1 already has its own Delhi Metro station: Terminal 1-IGI Airport.
It is on the Magenta Line.
You do not need to go to Aerocity and take a shuttle just to access T1 by metro.
Metro for Terminal 3#
T3 is served by IGI Airport Metro Station on the Airport Express, also commonly called the Orange Line.
The Airport Express connects the airport with locations including:
- Delhi Aerocity
- Dhaula Kuan
- Shivaji Stadium
- New Delhi
- Dwarka Sector 21
- Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25
Metro for Terminal 2#
T2 does not currently have its own independent metro station.
The closest airport metro access is the IGI Airport station near T3, followed by the pedestrian connection towards T2.
A much shorter new subway connecting the metro station towards T2 is expected later in 2026.
Should You Take the Metro From T3 to T1?#
Usually, no.
Although T3 and T1 both have metro access, they are served by different lines and there is currently no simple airport-side metro connection between the two terminals.
For an actual flight connection, the airport shuttle or a cab is normally much easier.
A future Aerocity–Terminal 1 metro extension has been approved as part of Delhi Metro Phase V(A), but it is not open for passengers yet.
Do not arrive at Aerocity expecting a direct operational metro connection from Aerocity to T1 today.
Taxi or Uber Between Delhi Airport Terminals#
A cab can make sense if:
- you have several suitcases
- you are travelling with children
- you have elderly passengers
- you are on a self-transfer
- you do not want to wait for the shuttle
Uber, Ola, prepaid airport taxis and other cab options are available.
Prices are dynamic, so there is little value in relying on a fixed fare quoted in an old travel guide.
During busy periods, road traffic can also mean that a cab is not significantly faster than the terminal shuttle.
For T2 ↔ T3, taking a taxi is usually unnecessary because the terminals are close enough to walk.
Delhi Airport Self-Transfer Checklist#
If your flights are on separate tickets:
- Confirm both terminal numbers before landing.
- Screenshot the second flight's booking details.
- Complete online check-in if available.
- Collect all checked baggage.
- Exit arrivals.
- Follow Inter Terminal Transfer signs.
- Use the airport shuttle or cab.
- Check in and drop bags at the new terminal.
- Clear security again.
- Check the gate number after security.
Keep both flight bookings easily accessible on your phone.
If you want to leave bags at the airport during a longer connection, see our Delhi Airport luggage storage guide.
“I land at Delhi T1 on IndiGo at 10 AM and connect to an Air India flight from T3 at 1 PM on a separate ticket. Is three hours enough for the terminal transfer?”
Delhi Airport Terminal Transfer FAQ#
Is there a free shuttle from Delhi Airport T1 to T3?#
Yes, connecting passengers can generally use the inter-terminal shuttle by showing their onward boarding pass and following the transfer process at the airport.
Published frequencies vary, so plan for up to around 20 minutes of waiting plus the road journey.
How long does T1 to T3 take at Delhi Airport?#
The road journey can take roughly 20–30 minutes, but you should budget 30–45 minutes or more after including shuttle waiting time and traffic.
This does not include baggage collection, check-in or security.
Can I walk from Delhi Airport T1 to T3?#
No. T1 and T3 are roughly 8 km apart and walking is not a practical terminal transfer.
Use the airport shuttle or a cab.
Can I walk from T2 to T3 at Delhi Airport?#
Yes.
T2 and T3 are adjacent and have a marked pedestrian connection. Allow approximately 10–20 minutes, depending on where you start and finish inside the terminals.
Is Delhi Airport T2 open in 2026?#
Yes.
Terminal 2 reopened after renovation in October 2025 and currently handles domestic Air India and IndiGo flights.
Which IndiGo flights use Delhi Airport T2?#
Under IndiGo's published terminal allocation, flights numbered 6E 2000–2999 use T2.
Flights 6E 5000–5999 use T3, while most other domestic IndiGo flights use T1.
Always verify the terminal on your boarding pass.
Which Air India flights use T2?#
Air India domestic flights numbered in the AI1XXX series generally operate from T2.
Other Air India domestic flights and Air India's international operations use T3.
Which Delhi Airport terminal handles international flights?#
Terminal 3.
Delhi Airport's international arrivals and departures operate from T3.
Does Delhi Airport T1 have a metro station?#
Yes.
Terminal 1-IGI Airport station is on the Delhi Metro Magenta Line.
Which metro station is for Delhi Airport T3?#
Use IGI Airport Metro Station on the Airport Express Line.
Can I take the metro from T3 to T1?#
It is technically possible to travel through the wider Delhi Metro network, but it is not a convenient airport terminal transfer.
For T3 ↔ T1 connections, use the airport shuttle or a cab.
Is the Aerocity to T1 metro open?#
No.
The Aerocity–Terminal 1 extension has been approved as part of Delhi Metro Phase V(A), but it is not yet open for passenger service.
Is the new T2–T3 subway open?#
No.
The new pedestrian subway connecting the T3 Airport Express metro station area with T2 is expected later in 2026. Until then, use the existing walking route or airport shuttle.
Do I need to clear security again when changing terminals?#
It depends on your airline, booking and type of connection.
Passengers on separate tickets should expect to exit and clear security again.
Passengers on a protected connection may receive an airline-assisted transfer, but do not assume that having one PNR automatically means you can stay airside. Ask airline staff before leaving the transfer area.
Do I need to collect bags when connecting from international to domestic?#
Usually yes.
After arriving internationally at T3, passengers entering India normally complete immigration, collect baggage and clear customs before continuing to a domestic flight.
Your airline may then provide a transfer baggage-drop facility.
How much time should I keep for a separate-ticket T1 to T3 connection?#
For a self-transfer involving checked baggage, around four hours is much safer than two or three hours.
You need time to collect luggage, change terminals, check in again and clear security.
Bottom Line#
Delhi Airport terminal transfers are much easier once you remember one key difference:
T2 and T3 are neighbours. T1 is not.
For T2 ↔ T3, walking is usually the easiest option.
For T1 ↔ T2 or T1 ↔ T3, use the airport inter-terminal shuttle or a cab.
T1 already has its own Magenta Line metro station, while T3 is served by the Airport Express. The future Aerocity–T1 metro connection and shorter T2 metro subway will improve airport connectivity further, but neither should be treated as an operational transfer option yet.
Most importantly, check the terminal shown on your boarding pass on the day of travel. Delhi Airport's flight distribution can change, and a correct terminal number matters more than any general airline list.