If you’ve got a layover in Allahabad, don’t let it go to waste sitting at IXD. The city, in India, is within easy reach — roughly 70 minutes by Taxis / Auto-rickshaws. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of IXD:
- Can you legally enter India? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by Taxis / Auto-rickshaws, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the INR. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
What’s Worth Seeing in Allahabad
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Allahabad, two standouts are:
- City Center Walk — No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
- Local Market — Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at IXD, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
How to Get Into Allahabad
You have two main options for getting from Allahabad Airport into town:
- Taxis / Auto-rickshaws: About 70 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 90 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Best Bites Near IXD
In Allahabad
If you make it into town, Local Restaurant is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Popular Eatery.
Inside IXD
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Cafe is your main option. Terminal Restaurant works too if you want something quick.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Allahabad might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$5 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$20 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Allahabad.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at IXD, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Allahabad itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for India that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Bag Storage Near IXD
Luggage storage options at IXD can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Allahabad for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Sleep & Lounge Options at IXD
Long overnight layover? Your options at IXD include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in India also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Allahabad with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Allahabad may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.