Rajiv Gandhi International is one of India’s more manageable airports, with everything under one roof in a single terminal. That’s the good news. The reality check: India does airports differently compared to most places, with more document checks and procedures that take time. The airport offers various shops and dining options throughout the airside (post-security) area, and it functions well compared to busier Indian hubs. Knowledge is power here.
Getting to and from the airport
Getting between Hyderabad Airport and the city takes about 45 minutes, though traffic can add more time.
Your two main options are taxi or bus, and staff at arrivals can help you navigate both. While metro expansion proposals have been discussed, no rail service currently operates to the airport.
For taxis and rideshare services, you’ve got the usual options: Uber, the local Ola app (plus Rapido), radio taxis (OHM, Meru, Skycabs), prepaid taxis, and pre-booked services.
Most hotels will be glad to arrange a pick-up as well, which can smooth the whole process (sometimes it’s nice to be met at arrivals and not have to think about where you need to go).
Those hotel pick-ups tend to be a lot more expensive, though. Uber is my usual choice because it’s easy enough and very affordable.
The airport has a direct bus service called the TSRTC Pushpak Airport Liner that works well. These are comfortable electric buses with phone chargers and other perks. They are also wheelchair accessible. The buses stop at a number of locations around the city and are a good, affordable option if you don’t feel like taking a taxi or Uber.
Hiring a car is possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it for most drivers. You need special skills to drive in India, and honestly I’ve never considered it worth the stress when taxis and Ubers are very affordable, even when hired for several hours. Unless you’re looking for an adventure or have experience driving in India, I’d skip it.
What to expect at Hyderabad Airport
One of the great things about Hyderabad is that everything is under one roof in the same terminal. That means no complications with changing terminals, which can create delays in many other airports.
Passengers transferring here should know that procedures vary by connection type. For domestic-to-domestic (D-D) and international-to-international (I-I) transfers, you can stay within the terminal with security checks. However, for international-to-domestic (I-D) or domestic-to-international (D-I) connections, you’ll need to go through border control and customs, then check in again. It’s worth checking your specific connection type to know what to expect.
Also, like all airports in India, you’ll face more document checks than you might be used to. Always get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Make sure you have all your documents ready, and I’d recommend printing them out too. A digital copy on your phone usually works, but you never know. You’ll typically need to show your ticket or boarding pass and ID at various checkpoints.
Security at HYD
Once you’re inside, you’ll see the check-in desks and, just beyond them, the security check. You’ll need to scan your boarding pass to access the area, and the organisation here leaves something to be desired. The layout means passengers end up grabbing trays from the security conveyer belt and then going to the back of a snaking queue some distance away, but it’s not uncommon for some passengers to head straight to the belt and skip the queue if they spot an opening.
Once you reach the conveyer belt, be prepared to remove electronics from your bag. I’ve had all kinds of things scrutinised and confiscated at Indian airport security, including seemingly innocuous things like electrical tape. Go in with plenty of time, take a few deep breaths, and be patient.
Tip: it can be well worth paying for fast-track services that airlines like IndiGo offer. Queues for both check-in and security can become long, and this can save you a lot of hassle. It’s also a good idea to print a paper boarding pass, even if you have a mobile one. It just makes every checkpoint that much smoother.
Terminal layout
After you go through security, you’ll find that all of the double-digit gates are on the main level. If your gate number has three digits, that means you’re heading to a remote stand and will be taking a bus. You’ll need to go down two levels to find those gates. It’s all reasonably intuitive and well-signposted
Food & retail outlets
You’ll find lots of new shops and dining options popping up in the main airside area, and the selection is already good. You’ll find a good mix of local chains, some spots you may not recognise, and international brands like Tim Horton’s, whose growing presence in India always takes me by surprise.
Lounges
The main third-party lounges at Hyderabad are the Encalm Lounges, with locations in both the Domestic departure area (Level E, near Gate 21) and International departure area (Level E, near Gate 23). You can typically access them through various lounge programmes or paid entry. They’re usually bustling; the entry process varies, though it’s not too difficult to work out.
The usual offering of seating, food, and drinks is available. It’s fine, but nothing special.
The lounge has its own Wi-Fi, but international visitors may need staff assistance to complete the login process. Most are happy to oblige when asked. Mobile data coverage is not great in the lounge, so Wi-Fi is pretty essential, and it’s an annoying process unfortunately.
Airport Wi-Fi
The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. Like at most airports in India, the free Wi-Fi system exists but is needlessly complicated. The network at Hyderabad Airport is supposed to be able to send a login code to any phone number in the world, which is a big help for international travellers. That code isn’t guaranteed to arrive, but it usually does. Just know it might take a full five minutes, so have patience and it should work.
What to do on a stopover
Hyderabad is famous for its biryani. Some would say the delicious rice dish is worth a couple of hours of driving instead of sitting around at the airport. I’d say it depends on your energy level. If you have a longer stopover, you could potentially head into town for a taste. Head to Charminar, and you can see the famous monument while you’re there too.
If you have less time or just aren’t feeling up for a biryani quest, you could take a quick 15-minute taxi ride to the nearby Swayambhu Balaji Temple. It’s a great way to get a dose of culture and a change of scenery without worrying too much about traffic on your way back to the airport.
Airport hotels
When it comes to airport hotels at Hyderabad, I’d only really consider two options. The first is the full-service Novotel Hyderabad Airport right next to the airport. Its location and quality help it stand out among the traditional hotels, though it’s not quite within walking distance of the terminal.
Your second option is the Transit by Encalm (formerly the Transit Hotel by Plaza Premium), which is the only place to sleep inside the terminal itself, located at the Arrivals level (Level D) near Cafe Nilofer. That convenience is a huge selling point, but they do charge for it, and rooms are on the small side. It’s a perfectly fine choice, but you might find better value at a proper hotel just down the road.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
