Every traveler who’s flown out of a major airport knows that the journey begins long before take-off — it starts with navigating the airport’s access roads, knowing where to go, and understanding the entry rules before check-in. For passengers flying from Terminal 3 (T3) of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, India, the T3 Departure Road is the first real checkpoint in that journey. This guide explains its location, how to get there, and what entry rules you need to know so you can make your departure smooth, stress-free, and on time.
What Is T3 Departure Road?
The T3 Departure Road refers to the primary drive leading up to the departure level of Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). It’s a dedicated roadway that funnels incoming vehicles — cars, taxis, and app-based cabs — toward the terminal’s departure forecourt.
This stretch of road runs immediately in front of the T3 departure entrance, where check-in counters, security checks, and airline desks are found. Its layout and signage guide drivers toward the right curbside lanes that facilitate passenger drop-offs before security.
Location: Where Is the T3 Departure Road?
The T3 Departure Road is located on the forecourt of Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is in the Palam area of New Delhi. This part of the airport is one of the busiest international and domestic hubs in India, and T3 is designed to serve both domestic and international flights.
Here’s how the setup works:
- Ground Floor: Primarily the arrival area for incoming passengers.
- Upper Floors: The departure levels — accessed via the T3 Departure Road — where passengers check in and clear security.
The road runs parallel to the terminal front, allowing vehicles to pull over safely for quick drop-offs.
Directions: How to Reach T3 Departure Road
🚗 By Road (Car / Taxi / Cab)
Whether you’re coming from Delhi city or Gurgaon (Gurugram), access to T3 is relatively straightforward:
- From South or Central Delhi: Take the NH48 / Rao Gajraj Singh Marg route toward the airport service road, which eventually leads you onto T3 Terminal Road heading straight to T3’s departure forecourt.
- From West Delhi or Dwarka: Follow Sector 22 Dwarka Road → UER-II → Service Road NH48 → T3 Terminal Road to reach the departure area.
- From Gurgaon / South West: Use NH-48 toward Delhi → airport service roads → T3 Terminal Road.
Navigational apps like Google Maps or Waze identify this exact location as IGI Airport Terminal 3 – T3 Departure / T3 Arrival Road, New Delhi, DL, IN.
Tips for Driving:
- Follow airport signboards for T3 Departures — they’re well marked on the expressway and service roads leading to the airport.
- Expect heavier traffic during early morning and evening peak flight hours.
- Be prepared for lane merges and multiple entry/exit points as vehicles near the terminal.
Public Transport Routes to T3 Departure Area
🚇 Metro
The Airport Express Line (Orange/Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 Line) is one of the most efficient ways to reach the airport:
- The IGI Airport Metro Station is just a short walk from both T3 arrivals and departures.
- From the metro exit, signage will guide you to either the departure forecourt (upper level) or the arrivals area.
The metro runs frequently, making it a reliable option especially during peak traffic times.
🚌 City Buses
Several city and airport-linked buses stop near T3, connecting it with various points in Delhi. Routes like AIRPORT EXP & DTC services make stops near this terminal.
Entry Rules & Vehicle Access at the T3 Departure Road
Airport road entry rules are designed for safety, security, and traffic flow. Here’s what you should know about entering the T3 Departure Road:
🚗 Passenger Drop-Off Only
- The T3 departure forecourt is meant for quick drop-offs. Vehicles should stop only briefly to let passengers out with their luggage before proceeding ahead or exiting.
- Prolonged parking or waiting on this road is generally not permitted to keep traffic moving.
🚕 Cab & Ride-Hail Vehicles
- Most pre-paid taxis, app-based cabs (e.g. Ola, Uber), and private vehicles are allowed to approach the departure drive, but must adhere to traffic control and curbside rules.
- Some services may be directed to designated queuing zones to avoid congestion.
🅿️ Parking Rules
- If you need to park — for say, meeting someone — there is dedicated multi-level parking (MLCP) opposite T3. This is normally where vehicles should go instead of waiting on the departure road.
- Curbside rules often allow a short grace period (for example, 15–25 minutes) before parking charges begin.
🚦 Access Restrictions & Security
- Airport security officials may direct or restrict vehicles entering certain lanes depending on flight traffic, VIP movements, or security alerts.
- Expect to show identification or flight information if asked to enter busier vehicular zones — especially during heightened security periods.
- Only authorized vehicles might be allowed close to the terminal curb at certain times (e.g., official airport taxis, emergency vehicles, or those with special passes).
👥 Pedestrian & Passenger Access
- Passengers walking from drop-off points to the terminal entrance may need to follow designated pedestrian paths or use ramps/elevators to reach the departure check-in levels.
- Once inside the terminal building on the first level, passengers proceed to airline desks, security screening, and immigration.
Best Practices for Smooth Access
To avoid confusion and travel stress, consider these tips:
✔ Arrive Early: It’s recommended to reach the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. This gives you time to navigate traffic, access the departure road, and complete security check-in.
✔ Follow Signage: Once inside airport premises, clear signs direct you to departures, parking, and pickup zones.
✔ Respect Rules: Airport officials may redirect traffic as needed — cooperate for safety and efficiency.
✔ Use Official Parking: If you’re meeting or dropping off someone, it’s often cheaper and less stressful to use the MLCP rather than stopping on the departure drive.
Conclusion
The T3 Departure Road at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi is more than just a stretch of pavement — it’s the first step in your air travel journey. Knowing where it is, how to navigate to it, and the basic entry rules that govern its use can save you precious time and stress on travel day.
Whether you’re dropping off loved ones, catching a flight yourself, or coordinating a pickup, understanding this critical airport access point will help you glide into the terminal with confidence and ease.
Girish 
Suman Gupta