Delhi

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Getting to Birmingham Airport is easy however you decide to travel. Its central, convenient location makes it easy to reach by every mode of transport.

If you prefer to drive to the airport, you’ll find a choice of 7 car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via the courtesy shuttle bus. Book a car park space online in advance and save up to 70%.

It’s easy to take public transport to the airport - you can travel either by bus or train. Buses drop you right at the terminal building. Alternatively, if you choose to travel by train, you will disembark at Birmingham International train station. There is then a short ride on the free Air-Rail link which will take you straight to the terminal building.

Once you’re inside the terminal, you’ll find excellent facilities to use before you fly. With shops and restaurants, as well as a range of other amenities, such as lounges and a prayer room, our international airport has everything you need!

If you fancy doing a bit of shopping before your flight, we’ve got lots of shops for you to browse. Head to World Duty Free for tax free prices on all your favourite brands, including spirits and perfume. Boots has all your last-minute health and beauty essentials like forgotten toothpaste or makeup remover. For electrical items, try InMotion. We also have a great selection of fashion and jewellery stores for you to browse.

Grabbing a bite to eat at Birmingham Airport couldn’t be easier, we’ve got a range of cafés, bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. You’ll find all your favourite coffee shops like Costa and Caffé Nero, as well as sit-down meal options like Factory Bar and Kitchen and Wetherspoon. Running a bit late? Grab something on the go for the plane: Pret a Manger has everything from sandwiches to soups, and Burger King is everyone’s fast food favourite.

Where currency is closed, visit one of our Travelex stores to learn more about the rules and regulations or ask for advice. You'll find one conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building.

If you’re travelling on business, book into the Regus Express Lounge, which includes workstations (ThinkPods), comfy seating, laptop stands, secure Wi-Fi and printers and scanners.

Arriving at Delhi Airport

Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport) is located about one hour away from the main city and is well connected. There are three terminals in Delhi Airport: T1 and T2 operate domestic flights from low cost carriers, and T3, the main terminal, operates domestic flights and all international flights. All terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus. 

The Delhi Metro is one of the fastest ways to travel in Delhi and the most reliable means of transport to transfer from the airport to downtown. The journey will take around 15 minutes. The metro runs from 04.45am to 11.30pm and you will find metro stations at both Terminal 1 and 3. The cheapest option to get into the city is via bus and there are several local and private bus options. Taxis can be found outside the terminal buildings and journey time is about 30 minutes into the city.

If you would like some independence in Delhi, pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Delhi

Get used to the idea of crowds, because Delhi is one of the most populated cities in India. The people of Delhi are called Delhi-ites but you will find people from all over India in its capital. A busy city that holds an infinite amount of history, culture, life, food and temples; this magical place must be seen to be believed.

Hindi is the most commonly spoken language in Delhi, but most locals speak good English, so you shouldn’t face many language barriers.

The best months to visit Delhi are February, March, October or November. Delhi has unbearably hot summers and foggy winters, so it is advised to avoid these seasons.

Culture in Delhi

Haggling is part of India’s culture, so make sure you bargain for everything! The simplest way is to cut the quoted price in half and then negotiate your way to a middle figure.

If you want to experience an Indian festival, you should plan your visit around the same time as the Holi Festival or Diwali. The Holi Festival commemorates the victory of good over evil and marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season. To celebrate Holi, people spend the day smearing coloured powder and water all over each other, having parties and dancing!

Two things that stand out about Delhi are the rich history and the mouth-watering food. Sample some of its delightful street food like chaat, a dish with vegetables or raw fruit and spices and momos, a type of dumpling.