Lounge access rules change often — confirm in the lounge's app or the card's benefits page before you fly.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is India's busiest airport and the main gateway for flights from the US. Delhi airport lounges with Priority Pass are mostly Encalm lounges: Priority Pass lists five departure lounges across Terminals 1, 2 and 3, all open around the clock. Amex Platinum cardholders also have a Centurion Lounge, which moved to Terminal 1 in 2026 and serves domestic flights only.
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Quick answer
- Best card for Delhi airport lounges: Chase Sapphire Reserve — Priority Pass with two free guests, then $27 each
- Best for domestic flights from Terminal 1: Amex Platinum — the Centurion Lounge plus Priority Pass
- Best value: Capital One Venture X ($395) — Priority Pass, but guests cost $35 each
- Flying international from Terminal 3: use the Encalm Lounge in the international departures area; domestic lounges are on the other side of immigration
Airport snapshot
Delhi has three passenger terminals. Terminal 3 handles all international flights and many domestic ones, and its domestic and international areas are split by immigration, so a lounge only helps if it's in the area you depart from. Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal, and Terminal 2 has been used for domestic flights. The terminals aren't connected after security, so plan on a lounge in your own terminal.
Where to go by terminal
- Terminal 3, international departures: Encalm Lounge (Priority Pass).
- Terminal 3, domestic departures: Encalm Lounge and the Domestic Lounge (both Priority Pass).
- Terminal 1 (domestic): Encalm Lounge (Priority Pass) and the Centurion Lounge (Amex Platinum).
- Terminal 2 (domestic): Encalm Lounge (Priority Pass), if your flight uses Terminal 2.
Lounges at DEL
Encalm Lounge, Terminal 3 International
- Location: Terminal 3, international departures, after immigration.
- Access: Priority Pass, paid entry and other lounge programs. Priority Pass lists it as open 24 hours.
- Guest policy: Set by your Priority Pass membership: two free on Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum, $35 each on the personal Venture X.
- Best for: US-bound and other international flights.
Encalm Lounge and the Domestic Lounge, Terminal 3 Domestic
- Location: Terminal 3, domestic departures.
- Access: Priority Pass lists both lounges, open 24 hours.
- Guest policy: Set by your Priority Pass membership.
- Best for: Domestic connections after you arrive in Delhi.
Encalm Lounge, Terminal 1
- Location: Terminal 1 (1D), domestic departures.
- Access: Priority Pass, open 24 hours.
- Guest policy: Set by your Priority Pass membership.
- Best for: Domestic flights from Terminal 1.
The Centurion Lounge, Terminal 1
- Location: Terminal 1, Level 4 near Gate 2, domestic departures. It was reported added to Amex's network on March 31, 2026, replacing the former Terminal 3 lounge.
- Access: Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders flying from Terminal 1.
- Guest policy: Guest rules at Centurion Lounges outside the US differ from the US lounges, so confirm fees with Amex before you bring anyone.
- Best for: Platinum cardholders on a domestic flight.
Encalm Lounge, Terminal 2
- Location: Terminal 2, domestic departures.
- Access: Priority Pass still lists it, open 24 hours. One 2026 guide reported Terminal 2 closed in April 2025, so confirm which terminal your flight uses.
- Guest policy: Set by your Priority Pass membership.
- Best for: Flights that use Terminal 2.
Priority Pass at DEL
- Lounges: Encalm Lounge (Terminal 3 International); Encalm Lounge (Terminal 3 Domestic); Domestic Lounge (Terminal 3); Encalm Lounge (Terminal 1); Encalm Lounge (Terminal 2).
- Arrivals: Priority Pass also lists an Encalm arrivals lounge in Terminal 3. It's for arriving passengers, so it isn't covered here.
- Access: Enroll through your card issuer before you travel, and show your Priority Pass membership with a same-day boarding pass.
Best credit cards for DEL
| Card | Annual fee | Lounges you get at DEL | Guests | Best if you… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | All five Priority Pass lounges | 2 free, then $27 | Travel with family |
| Amex Platinum | $895 | Priority Pass lounges and the Centurion Lounge (T1) | 2 free at Priority Pass | Fly domestic from Terminal 1 |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | All five Priority Pass lounges | $35 each | Travel solo |
| Citi Strata Elite | $595 | All five Priority Pass lounges | 2 free, then $35 | Also fly American |
Recommended strategy
- If you're flying home to the US: you'll depart from Terminal 3 international, so any Priority Pass card covers the Encalm Lounge there. Pick the Sapphire Reserve if you travel with a companion or two.
- If you connect onward within India: check whether your domestic flight leaves from Terminal 3 domestic or Terminal 1, then use the lounge in that area.
- If you hold the Amex Platinum: the Centurion Lounge is only in Terminal 1, so it helps on domestic flights from there. On international flights, use Priority Pass.
- If you mainly want lounges at the lowest fee: Venture X covers every Priority Pass lounge at Delhi for $395, but you pay for guests.
FAQ
Which lounges at Delhi airport accept Priority Pass? Priority Pass lists five departure lounges: the Encalm Lounge in Terminal 3 international, the Encalm Lounge and the Domestic Lounge in Terminal 3 domestic, and Encalm lounges in Terminals 1 and 2. All are listed as open 24 hours.
Is there a Centurion Lounge at Delhi airport? Yes. It moved to Terminal 1, Level 4 near Gate 2, in 2026, so it serves domestic flights from Terminal 1. It is not in Terminal 3, where international flights leave.
Can I use a domestic lounge before an international flight at Delhi? No. Terminal 3's domestic and international areas are split by immigration, so use the Encalm Lounge in international departures.
Do Indian credit cards work in the same lounges? Many Indian credit cards also use Priority Pass or similar programs at these lounges, but each card sets its own visit limits, often per quarter. Check your card's terms.
Related guides
- Fly to India with points
- New York to India with points
- Mumbai (BOM) lounges
- Dubai (DXB) lounges
- Doha (DOH) lounges
- Which credit cards include Priority Pass
Lounge access rules, guest policies and locations change. Always confirm current details with the airline, lounge operator or card issuer before you travel.
