Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) handles over 60 million passengers annually, making a reliable place to rest during a layover essential. You have more choices than a terminal bench: a dedicated transit hotel inside Terminal 3, airside sleeping pods, and dozens of nearby hotels within a few kilometres. This guide compares on-airport options with nearby accommodation, drawing on the airport’s own official listings, independent traveller reviews, and expert guides to help you choose what fits your stopover best.
Last checked: 2026-06-01
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Airport code: DEL · Terminals: 3 (T1, T2, T3) · Transit hotel: Yes, inside Terminal 3 · Sleeping pods: Available (Terminal 3)
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-06-01.
Sources reviewed: Delhi International Airport official website, TripAdvisor reviews, Agoda listings, SleepingInAirports guide, Snooze at My Space official site, and a transit‑pod information blog.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification was conducted. All price ranges cited are qualitative and based on published rate descriptions.
Delhi Airport sleeping options at a glance
- Delhi Airport has an on‑airport transit hotel in Terminal 3 airside area (Delhi International Airport official site).
- SAMS Sleeping Pods (Snooze at My Space) operate inside the airport on Level 6 of the MLCP building, marketed as airport transit sleeping pods (SAMS official site).
- Infinity Sleeping Pods is a pod‑style accommodation near the airport, described by TripAdvisor guests as “affordable and comfortable” (Tripadvisor – Infinity Sleeping Pods).
- SleepingInAirports confirms that both sleep pods and a transit hotel are available inside the airport for uninterrupted sleep, while dozens of hotels sit within 2 km of the terminals (SleepingInAirports Delhi guide).
| Key fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Airport code | DEL |
| Terminals | 3 (T1, T2, T3) |
| Transit hotel | Yes, inside Terminal 3 |
| Sleeping pods | Available (Terminal 3 airside) |
| Annual passengers | Over 60 million |
| Nearest hotel cluster | Within 2 km of terminals |
Is there a place to sleep in Delhi Airport?
Yes. Delhi Airport offers two main on‑airport sleeping options: a full transit hotel inside Terminal 3 and sleeping pods operated by SAMS (Snooze at My Space) located on Level 6 of the Multi‑Level Car Park building. Both are airside, meaning passengers with a valid boarding pass can access them without leaving the secure zone (Delhi International Airport official site).
Transit hotels inside terminals
The transit hotel in Terminal 3 is the only hotel physically located inside the airport. It operates with traditional rooms booked by the night. Because it sits airside, international‑to‑international transit passengers can use it without visa formalities, though domestic passengers may need to check connecting‑flight rules. The airport operator advises booking in advance during peak periods because rooms are limited (Delhi International Airport official site).
Nearby hotels within 2 km
Outside the terminal, dozens of hotels cluster along the road leading to the airport. These range from budget chains to five‑star properties, all served by free shuttle buses or short taxi rides. SleepingInAirports notes that these off‑airport options are practical for passengers who have time to exit the terminal (and, if international, meet visa requirements) (SleepingInAirports guide).
How to spend an overnight layover in Delhi Airport
A long layover at DEL doesn’t have to mean dozing on a plastic seat. The airport remains open 24/7 for passengers, and you have three well‑documented paths to a proper rest.
Step‑by‑step layover plan
- Check your terminal and visa status. If you’re on an international‑to‑international transit, you can stay airside. If you plan to leave the airport, confirm you have an Indian visa or qualify for visa‑free transit.
- Choose your accommodation. For stays under 8 hours, sleeping pods (SAMS or Infinity) are often the most cost‑effective. For longer stops, the transit hotel in T3 gives you a private room. If you prefer a larger bed and don’t mind exiting, nearby hotels offer more space.
- Book in advance. Both the transit hotel and the most popular pods fill up during busy hours (midnight–6 am). Official airport guidance recommends reserving ahead (Delhi International Airport official site).
- Set an alarm. Pods and the transit hotel both offer wake‑up calls. Give yourself 45 minutes to reach your departure gate.
Tips for long layovers
- Use the free Wi‑Fi throughout the terminal to stay connected.
- Shower facilities are available inside the transit hotel and some premium lounges – the pods do not include private showers.
- Food outlets in T3 are open around the clock; grab a meal before settling in.
“If you’re looking for uninterrupted sleep during your layover, there are sleep pods, and a transit hotel inside the airport.”
– SleepingInAirports New Delhi Airport Guide
How much do Sleeping Pods cost in Delhi Airport?
Sleeping pods at DEL are billed by the hour or by time blocks, making them cheaper than a full hotel night for short stays. Exact dynamic pricing isn’t publicly published, but independent sources describe pods as “excellent value” compared with premium lounges or nearby hotels for 3–8 hour stays (Transit Pod Services blog).
Sleeping pod locations
SAMS Sleeping Pods are in the MLCP building, Level 6, connected to the terminals (SAMS official site). Infinity Sleeping Pods are near the airport but not inside the secure zone – you must exit the terminal to reach them (Tripadvisor – Infinity Sleeping Pods). A third option, Delhi Airport Snooze – Sleeping Pods Hotel, is listed on Agoda as a pod‑based hotel close to the airport (Agoda listing).
Price comparison (qualitative)
| Provider | Pricing model | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transit hotel (T3) | Per night | Premium – comparable to a 3‑star city hotel |
| SAMS Sleeping Pods | Hourly / block | Mid‑range – cheaper than transit hotel for short stays |
| Infinity Sleeping Pods | Hourly / block | Budget‑friendly – noted as “affordable” by TripAdvisor reviewers |
| Nearby budget hotels | Per night | Economy – can be very cheap if booked in advance |
“Compared to nearby airport hotels or premium lounges, Infinity Sleeping Pods offer excellent value.”
– Transit Pod Services blog
Best hotels in Delhi Airport – comparison of all options
The table below summarises the main accommodation types for layover travellers at DEL. All four categories are well represented in the area, but they serve different use‑cases.
| Option Type | Location | Price Range | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Hotel (Terminal 3) | Airside inside T3 | Mid‑high | Longer layovers (8+ h), families, privacy | Private room, attached bathroom, wake‑up service |
| Sleeping Pods (Terminal 3) | Airside MLCP Level 6 | Low‑mid | Short naps (3–8 h), solo travellers | Hourly billing, compact pod, shared amenities |
| Nearby Budget Hotels | Within 2 km landside | Low | Budget travellers, long stays | Standard room, free shuttle, lower nightly rate |
| Nearby Luxury Hotels | Within 2 km landside | High | Business travellers, luxury seekers | Full‑service, fine dining, pool, airport transfers |
Pros and cons of each option
Transit Hotel (T3)
- Pros: Most convenient – no terminal exit; private room with en‑suite; quiet.
- Cons: Most expensive on‑airport option; limited availability.
SAMS Sleeping Pods
- Pros: Affordable for short stays; airside location; booked hourly.
- Cons: Small pod dimensions; shared toilet/shower facilities; some noise reported (TripAdvisor 2025‑26 reviews).
Infinity Sleeping Pods
- Pros: Very budget‑friendly; dedicated pod space; positive reviews for hospitality.
- Cons: Landside – must exit terminal; shared bathrooms; not suitable for layovers under 3 h.
Nearby Hotels (budget & luxury)
- Pros: Larger rooms; full amenities; free shuttle often included.
- Cons: Requires visa/exit; travel time to/from airport; nightly billing less economical for short stays.
Best for segments
- Budget travellers: Infinity Sleeping Pods or nearby budget hotels.
- Luxury seekers: 5‑star hotels near the airport (e.g., those on the Aerocity strip).
- Transit / layover passengers: Transit hotel (T3) or SAMS pods – both airside.
- Business travellers: Transit hotel for productivity and rest; luxury hotels for longer stays.
Our pick: Layover travellers with long stopovers
If you have 6–12 hours between flights at DEL, the transit hotel inside Terminal 3 offers the best balance of convenience, comfort, and security. For shorter breaks (3–6 h), SAMS Sleeping Pods are the smartest choice – you stay airside and pay only for the hours you need. Budget‑conscious passengers landing with time to exit the airport will find solid value at Infinity Sleeping Pods or a nearby chain hotel.
Sample itinerary for an overnight layover (e.g., 10 h)
- Land at T3, 22:00. Follow signs to the transit hotel or pod reception.
- 22:15 – Check in. Pre‑booked transit hotel or SAMS pod. Store luggage in the room.
- 22:30 – Shower & rest. Hotel rooms have private showers; pod users visit shared facilities.
- 05:00 – Wake‑up call. 45 min to freshen up and reach the gate.
- 05:45 – Breakfast at a 24‑hour café. T3 has several options airside.
- 06:30 – Board your connecting flight.
Travelers can also consult the Indira Gandhi International Airport terminals and layover guide for detailed information on transit facilities and sleeping pods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the airport during a layover in Delhi?
Yes, but only if you have a valid Indian visa or qualify for visa‑free transit. International transit passengers without a visa must remain airside.
Do I need an Indian visa for an overnight layover?
If you stay airside throughout your layover, no visa is needed. If you plan to exit the terminal, you need a tourist visa or an e‑visa. Check current rules before travel.
Are there shower facilities inside Delhi Airport?
Yes. The transit hotel offers shower access to its guests. Several premium lounges also have showers. Sleeping pods do not include private showers.
How do I book the transit hotel in Terminal 3?
Book directly on the official airport website (newdelhiairport.in/airport-hotel/) or through major booking platforms. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak hours.
Is there free Wi‑Fi at Delhi Airport?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminal for all passengers. Connection speed is adequate for streaming and messaging.
What food outlets are open 24/7 near the sleeping area?
In Terminal 3, several cafés and fast‑food outlets operate 24 hours, including options near the transit hotel and pod area. Specific brands vary, but you will find hot meals and beverages at any hour.
Location and getting there
DEL’s terminals are connected by inter‑terminal shuttle buses (free for transit passengers). The transit hotel and SAMS pods are inside T3 or in the MLCP building accessible via walkways from T3. Nearby hotels are within 2 km and offer free shuttle buses that run every 15–30 minutes. Taxis and app‑based rides are also available landside.