Situated in the international terminal, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and business workstations. Access is available for first and business-class passengers or via paid entry and memberships.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad serves as a major gateway to southern India. Opened in 2008, it handles millions of passengers each year with modern facilities including duty-free shops and food courts. The terminal features spacious layouts and clear signage for easy navigation. Located about 25 kilometers from the city center, it connects Hyderabad to domestic hubs like Delhi and Mumbai as well as international destinations such as Dubai and Singapore. Daily operations include security checks and baggage handling systems designed for efficiency.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M
Type C:
Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Indian Rupee (INR) £1 ≈ ₹126.52 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations. |
| Independence Day (15 August) |
A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades |
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| Diwali (October-November) |
The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
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| Taxi apps: | Ola, Uber |
| Other: | India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region. |
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located approximately 24 kilometers south of Hyderabad’s city center, featuring a spacious, architecturally acclaimed terminal designed to handle over 20 million passengers annually. It boasts modern amenities including a variety of restaurants, lounges, shopping outlets and efficient immigration and security facilities.
The airport’s advanced infrastructure and aesthetic appeal make it one of India’s leading airports, frequently awarded for passenger experience. However, traffic to and from the city can be heavy during peak hours, so travelers should plan transfers accordingly.
English is widely spoken throughout the airport and signage is bilingual, making navigation straightforward for international visitors. Efficient public transport options including airport shuttles and metro connectivity have been developed to ease passenger movement.
Whether you’re visiting Hyderabad’s historic sites, shopping hubs or IT parks, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport offers a seamless start and end to your journey.
Helpful tips for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
- Arrive two hours early to navigate security and customs efficiently.
- Use the airport's free Wi‑Fi and charging stations before boarding, but keep valuables secure in a lockable bag.
- Check the airport’s official app for real‑time gate changes, lounge access policies and local transportation options to Hyderabad city center.
- Explore the airport’s art installations and cultural displays; they reflect Telangana heritage and offer unique photo opportunities during layovers.
Available airport lounges
Operated by The Taj, this lounge provides luxury amenities including gourmet dining, relaxation areas, and business services. Available primarily to premium travellers or for purchase.
Where to stay near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Hyderabad offers a wide array of accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, primarily centered around the city’s major business districts and cultural areas, all well connected to the airport.
Hotel recommendations
How to get from Hyderabad Airport to popular destinations
To Hyderabad City Center:
The city centre is about 24 km from the airport. Options include Hyderabad Metro’s Airport Express Line offering a direct and affordable route to central areas, as well as taxis and app-based ride services. Taxi fares range from ₹400 – 700 (£3.16 – 5.52) depending on traffic and exact destination, and travel times vary from 30 minutes to over an hour during rush hours.
To Cyberabad:
This IT-centric district is reachable via metro or taxi from the airport. The metro provides a rapid connection with regular service, while taxis offer flexible door-to-door service, particularly during late hours.
To Secunderabad:
Located adjacent to Hyderabad, Secunderabad can be accessed via metro and taxi with similar travel times and fares as the main city centre, offering additional lodging and cultural sites.