Rajiv Gandhi International Airport serves Hyderabad, a major technological and historic center in southern India, approximately 25 km from the city center.
It is the access point for Hyderabad's old city, including the famous Charminar, and for the technology district of HITEC City.
How to get to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to HYD
Parking near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
Next to the terminal is a multi-story parking structure.
The parking lot, monitored by cameras, charges moderate rates.
How to get to Hyderabad from HYD
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
Desks of the major car rental operators are located near arrivals.
To rent a vehicle you need a driver's license, passport, credit card, and generally also an IDP.
Hotels near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
Shamshabad
About 3.2 km from the terminal, 5 minutes by car.
Best for: Short layovers and flights in the very early hours of the morning, when you want to stay a few minutes from the terminals.
- The only international-standard hotel a few minutes on foot or by car from the terminals
- Outdoor pool and in-house restaurant useful for anyone with several hours to wait between flights
- Nothing around but the Shamshabad airport area: for dinner you stay at the hotel
- Banjara Hills or Hitec City still require 40-60 minutes by taxi
Banjara Hills and Begumpet
About 33 km from the airport, 25-40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic on the PV Narasimha Rao Expressway.
Best for: Anyone who wants the restaurants, malls like GVK One and the evening life of the heart of Hyderabad.
- GVK One Mall and Inorbit Mall a few minutes away, with the city's highest concentration of restaurants
- Central and safe area, also convenient for the hospitals of Banjara Hills
- Heavy traffic heading towards the airport during the evening rush hour
- Residential and business district: little to do on foot outside the malls
Recommended hotels
- Taj Krishna On Road Number 1 in Banjara Hills, one of the city's first 5-star hotels; pool and free parking, about 25 minutes from the airport in normal traffic. View availability
- Park Hyatt Hotel and Residences, Hyderabad On Road Number 2 in Banjara Hills, 3 minutes from GVK One Mall; 251 rooms with Select Comfort beds and Frette linens, among the most luxurious hotels in the city. View availability
- ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad In Begumpet, near a city metro station and one minute from Hyderabad Central Mall; 188 rooms, two restaurants and an in-house spa. View availability
Hitec City and Gachibowli
About 24 km from the airport, 40-43 minutes by taxi.
Best for: Business travel in the IT corridor to the west of the city, between Mindspace, Cyber Towers and Gachibowli.
- Within walking distance of Mindspace IT Park, Cyber Towers and Inorbit Mall
- HITEC City metro station 15 minutes on foot, useful for getting around the city
- An area meant for the office: in the evening you mostly move between hotel and malls
- Far from Hyderabad's historic attractions, such as Charminar and Golconda
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 4
- with Priority Pass
- 2
- paid entry
- from 3,375 INR
- open 24 hours
- 3
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, modern and among India's most efficient, is appropriately sized for its heavy tourism and business traffic.
It is wise to account for longer-than-usual customs checks and to arrive 3 hours in advance on international flights.
Map of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the Charminar?
Hyderabad's iconic monument, a monumental 16th-century mosque-gateway in the heart of the historic center, surrounded by traditional markets.
Q. What is HITEC City?
Hyderabad's modern tech district, home to numerous international IT companies, closer to the airport than the historic center.
Q. Is Hyderabad known for pearls?
Yes, it has a long tradition of pearl trading and processing, among the most renowned in India.
Q. Is Hyderabad Airport run under a public-private model?
Yes, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, opened in 2008 in Shamshabad, was among the first major Indian airports built as a public-private partnership, replacing the old city airport at Begumpet.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Encalm Lounge (Level E) and Encalm Lounge (Level E).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is 3,375 INR, at Encalm Lounge (Level E).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Encalm Lounge (Level E), Encalm Lounge (Level E) and Encalm Privé.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
