How to Get Around in India: A Complete Transportation Guide

Figuring out how to get around in India can feel overwhelming at first, but with so many options, traveling through the country can be both exciting and budget-friendly.

From bustling city streets to remote rural villages, India’s transportation network connects travelers to every corner of the country. Whether you're looking for comfort, speed, or affordability, there's a mode of transport for every kind of traveler, all over the country.

Planning ahead is the key to making the most of your time in India, and knowing what to expect, how to book tickets, and the general flow of travel can save both time and stress. Whether you're traveling on a budget or looking for comfort, this India transportation guide will help you explore the country with ease.

How to Get Around in India Step 1: Getting There

India is a massive country, so the first step to exploring it is deciding which area you'd like to start with.

In the first part of our guide we're going to share the best way to travel to India, and the different options for doing so as a tourist.

🤔 What is the Best Way to Travel to India?

The best way to travel to India is definitely by flight, especially since many of the land borders are not easily accessible or may be unsafe.

Places like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are best reached by flight, while some of the coastal cities of India can also be reached by cruise ship!

The most popular port cities in India include Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai, Mormugao, and New Mangalore.

✈️ Are There Direct Flights from the US to India?

You can fly direct from the US to India! The cities that you can fly directly into from the US include New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Direct flights to Delhi leave from Chicago, Newark, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. Flights to Mumbai leave from Newark, New York, and San Francisco, and you can also fly to Bengaluru direct from San Francisco.

Search for a flight to India:

How to Start Traveling in India

Now that you know the different ways to get to India, let's start helping you get around the country itself!

🚐 How do Tourists Get Around in India?

India is massive, and there are a variety of ways to get around. The way that tourists get around in India can definitely be a bit different than how locals get around. However, there is a wide variety of transportation options, including:

• Trains: Ideal for long-distance travel and are budget-friendly.
• Domestic Flights: A faster option for covering large distances.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Ola operate in most major cities.
• Auto-Rickshaws: A convenient and affordable option for short distances.
• Buses: Both public and private buses connect cities and rural areas.
• Private Car Hires: Many tourists hire a driver for convenience, especially for road trips.
• Group Tours: This is perfect for those that want to avoid the hassle all together, and move around with a fun group of like-minded people.

India’s transportation system is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. Whether you are looking for something as comfortable as possible, or a full cultural immersion, there are plenty of options you can choose from. The key though, it to be prepared ahead of time!

How to Get Around in India: A Breakdown of How to Get Between Cities in India

Now that you know how to get to India, let's look at how to get around in India from one city to another.

We're going to break down all of the options for moving around this massive country, so that you can properly plan an incredible trip.

✈️ How to Get Around in India with Domestic Flights: Covering Long Distances Quickly

India has over 100 domestic airports, making flying a great option for covering large distances quickly. Budget airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and AirAsia India offer affordable fares, especially if you book in advance.

✅ Tips for Flying in India

• Book early to get the best prices, as last-minute flights can be expensive.
• Use price comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
• Check baggage allowances, as budget airlines may have charge extra or have lower weight allowances.

🚊 How to Get Around in India with Trains: The Core of Indian Travel

Train travel is one of the most popular and scenic ways to explore India, and it was one of our favorites! 

The Indian Railways network is the fourth-largest train network in the world, covering nearly every part of the country. You can choose from various classes, from budget-friendly options to comfortable AC coaches with private cars and luxurious tourist trains like the Palace on Wheels.

The breakdown we saw for the different classes was typically as follows:

• 3rd class: the most budget friendly option, which was super crowded and hot (tourists should avoid this - especially for long journeys)
• 2nd class: there were two options - one with AC and one without. Opt for the AC! The cars without AC were brutal.
• 1st class: these were private cars that had beds, a desk, AC, and a butler to bring us any food and drinks we wanted. For the price difference, we found this option a no-brainer.

🎫 Booking Train Tickets

• The best way to book train tickets is through the official IRCTC website or apps like Cleartrip and Paytm.
• Train tickets sell out quickly, so book at least a few weeks in advance, especially for popular routes like Delhi to Varanasi or Mumbai to Goa.
• If tickets are unavailable, you can opt for Tatkal tickets, a last-minute booking system that opens one day before departure.

🤔 Can Foreigners Book Train Tickets in India?

Yes, international tourists can book train tickets online! We're not going to lie, we were so incredibly confused, so we had our Indian freidn take care of it, but you can certainly do it on your own.

First, go to irctc.co.in and then register using the Foreign Tourist Quota (FT) facility to book tickets, and then you can pay with your international credit card up to a full year in advance.

✅ Train Travel Tips

• Book in advance, as tickets sell out sometimes weeks ahead.
• Always carry a copy of your ticket and passport for verification.
• Bring snacks and water, as food options may be limited.
• Keep your belongings secure, especially in second or third class.
• We recommend first class for those that want the most comfort and best security.

🚌 How to Get Around in India with Buses: Another Budget-Friendly Option

For travelers looking for an affordable way to get around in India, buses are an excellent option. State-run and private buses operate on almost every major route, connecting cities, towns, and even remote villages.

We even found that the overnight buses have beds on them! This was a super comfortable option, and also very budget-friendly.

🚎 Types of Buses

• State-Run Buses: Operated by each state’s transport department, these are the cheapest but can be slow, crowded, and less comfortable.
• Private Sleeper Buses: Comfortable for long-distance travel, with reclining seats or bunk beds.
• Luxury Coaches: AC Volvo buses offer a smooth and comfortable ride, especially on routes like Bangalore to Hampi or Delhi to Manali.

🎫 Booking Bus Tickets

• Use apps like RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and AbhiBus to book online.
• Always check reviews and opt for reputable private operators for better comfort and safety.
• Opt for getting a bed for the overnight journeys.
• Bring tissues and hand sanitizers for using the bathroom at stops along the way.

🚗 How to Get Around in India by Renting a Car or Scooter

Renting a vehicle in India is not for the weak. From congested streets to confusing traffic rules, this is not our recommended option for how to get around in India, but we also would like you to know it's there!

If you're one or two people then renting a scooter can be a run and adventurous way to explore the country, and if you have more luggage and plan on doing super lond distances, then renting a car would be the better option of the two.

🚙 Car Rental Tips

• Self-drive rentals are available from companies like Zoomcar and Revv, or you can easily book car rentals from one of the main airports.
• International travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in India (make sure it is a license in English).
• Opt for a smaller car, and try to only use is outside of city centers.

🛵 Scooter & Bike Rentals

• Scooters are great for getting around in India's cities that are closer.
• Always wear a helmet, as fines for not wearing one can be strict.
• Pack light so that you can travel in comfort.

🚐 How to Get Around in India with a Tour/Guide

If you're looking for pure comfort and to avoid all of the hassle that comes with exploring on your own, then joining a group tour is a great way for you to experience the country. This is particularly something solo travelers or pairs of young women should consider.

Popular tours are exploring the Golden Triangle or visiting cities nearby Delhi, but there are an endless amount of group tours you can join all over the country.

Here are a few fun ones that we found:

⛴ How to Get Around in India by Sea

If you’re visiting coastal areas, ferries can be a scenic and enjoyable way to travel. Here are some of the places where you could get around by ferry or boat rides in India:

• Goa: Local ferries connect different parts of the state.
• Kerala: Houseboats and ferries operate in the backwaters.
• Andaman Islands: Ferries are the primary way to travel between islands.

⭐️ How to Get Around in India with Unique Transportation Experiences

Other than the traditional options for how to get around in India, there are some fun and different options for getting around the country! Here are a few of them:

• Toy Trains: Travel on narrow-gauge railways like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
• Cycle Rickshaws: A fun way to explore old city areas.
• Houseboats in Kerala: Stay overnight on a luxurious houseboat.

How to Get Around in India: Traveling Within Cities

Now that you know how to get around India from city to city, we're going to help you get around inside of each city you visit.

🏙 How Do Tourists Get Around Indian Cities?

There are a number of ways to get around cities in India. Here are the different options that you can consider:

• ride-sharing apps
• auto rickshaws
• taxis
• local buses
• metros
• renting a car or scooter

🚙 Ride-Sharing Apps in India

One of the most popular ways to get around for tourists is using ridesharing apps. Here are the most popular options:

• Uber and Ola: Offer affordable rides in most major cities. Ola also has "Ola Rentals" for hourly bookings.
• Rapido: A bike taxi service available in some cities for short rides.

The most popular app for tourists learning how to get around India is Uber, as it's certainly one of the easiest ways to get around as a foreigner. You can just order your ride and also pay on your credit card or with cash if you please. Out of all of the cities in India, we found Delhi to be the least stressful using Uber.

That being said, there are a few things that absolutely drove us crazy about using Uber in India in general, so much so that we've written a completely separate guide for using Uber in India!

🛺 Auto-Rickshaws (Tuk Tuks)

In pretty much every city and small town there's one mode of transportation you can count on finding, and those are the tuk tuks, or what the locals call auto-rickshaws. They are a great option since they are convenient, fun, and quicker than cars (they can weave in and out of traffic better).

One thing you should know is that you'll always have to negotiate! We suggest checking prices on the Uber app, and then aiming a bit lower. Rides should cost anywhere from 100-200 INR for most places inside bigger cities, and all rides must be paid in cash.

Another thing we didn't love about taking rick shaws or tuk tuks is that you'll constantly have people harassing you for money anytime you're stopped at a light or in traffic, so this is something you should be prepared for - always hold your belongings tight!

🚆 Using Metros in India

Some of India’s biggest cities have modern metro systems that are efficient, safe, and affordable. While we didn't get a chance to use them often, we'd certainly always recommend this as the first option if the opportunity is there.

Ⓜ️ Metro Systems in India

• Delhi Metro: Extensive network covering major areas.
• Agra Metro: A brand new network connecting to the heart of the city.
• Mumbai Metro: Limited but useful for avoiding traffic.
• Bangalore & Chennai Metro: Growing networks for easy city travel.

🚌 Local Buses in India

If you're looking for how to get around India in the cheapest way, then local buses are the best option. Riding the bus isn't for the weak though - they're intense, crowded, and quite often confusing. If you want to truly feel like a local, use the app Chalo for tracking them.

🚗 Renting a Car or Scooter in India

Trying to drive in India as a non-Indian is basically a death sentence. While we typically love having the freedom to drive around a new destination, this country is certainly not the place for it.

If you are feeling particularly confident though, you can rent a car easily from the airport, or you can get a scooter, which is much more practical.

👨‍✈️ Hiring a Driver

Looking for how to get around Indian cities in the most relaxing and easy way possible? Well, hiring a driver is the best option for those that seek comfort from a local expert. You can either hire an auto rickshaw or taxi to be your driver for the day, or you can go on full-day tours by booking one on Viator or Get Your Guide.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

How to Get Around in India: Travel Tips & Safety Advice

Now that you know how to get around in India, let's go over one of the most important topics, which is safety! We're going to give you information about staying safe while traveling around India, as well as general tips for having a seamless journey.

👮🏻‍♀️ Which is the Safest Transportation in India?

The safest mode of transportation in India for long distances is the train, as you can get your own private compartment! In first class you also have your own butler, which is very helpful for making sure you get off at the right stop, and for ordering food and drinks during your journey.

When it comes to shorter distances, the safest option is using Uber, especially at night. While Uber can be frustrating at times, as far as how to get around in India safely, it's usually your best option after hours.

The absolute safest option though is having your own driver. While we don't think it's always necessary, we definitely would have loved to have that as an option. We had a local friend with us the entire time, and if it weren't for her, our experience would have been very different.

🤬 What is the Major Problem with Transportation in India?

Transportation in India can honestly just be really confusing as a foreigner! From tricky booking systems to Uber drivers cancelling and tuk tuks trying to overcharge you, it takes quite a bit of wit and patience to travel around India.

The train stations can also be overwhelming and crowded. Sometimes you'll even find monkeys trying to rob your food!

Here are some helpful tips for learning how to get around India with ease:

• Book in advance! Whether it's a train or overnight bus, spots fill up, especially in first class (which we'd recommend taking as a tourist).
• Avoid travel scams by use official ticketing platforms.
• Women travelers: Opt for ladies' compartments in trains and metros or get your own private cabin on trains.
• Download Google Maps offline to navigate without internet.
• Cash & digital payments: Many places still prefer cash, but UPI, Google Pay, and Paytm are widely accepted.
• Use Airtags in your belongings to be able to track your bags in case something happens.
• Use locks on your luggage to secure them.
• Since you'll need to bring a lot of cash, we recommend a travel safe - you can also hook onto all of your belongings to keep them from being stolen.
• Try to travel with a buddy (having a male or an Indian is extra helpful)
• Bring tissues and hand sanitizer as many buses and trains don't have soap or toilet paper
• Have plenty of cash for food purchases and for stops on longer routes
• Get the chai at at the train stations or onbaord - they're amazing!

How to Get Around in India: Conclusion

Now that you have all of the information, let's wrap things up by making it a bit easier for you to choose. We've chosen a few common questions about traveling in India, and we're going to answer each one in the simplest way possible, so that you can be ready for a seamless trip!

🚌 What is the Most Common Way of Transportation in India?

The most common mode of transportation in India is the railway network, as it connects almost every part of the country and is widely used by both locals and tourists.

Other popular transport options include buses, auto-rickshaws, and scooters or motorcycles. In cities (Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore), metro systems  are also commonly used.

🚄 What is the Most Efficient Way to Get Around in India?

• For long distances: Domestic flights are the most efficient in terms of time, but overnight buses and trains can be more comfortable and affordable.
• For semi-long distances: trains (we'd recommend first or second class with AC)
• For inside major cities: Metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) and app-based taxis (Uber/Ola) are the most efficient.
• For inside rural areas: Hiring a private car or taking a government bus is the best option.

⭐️ What is the Best Way to Tour India?

The best way to tour India depends on the distance, budget, and amount of time that you have.

If you plan on traveling in various areas of India (like going to the north and south) we'd recommend doing domestic flights, but for intercity travel within specific regions then we think the best way to go is via overnight trains or buses.

Booking in advance is crucial, and we'd highly recommend having someone for India book your tickets for you, or you can also go with a group tour for a comfortable and stress-free experience.

💸 Is it Cheap to Travel Around India?

Yes! India is known for its affordable transportation options, especially if you book in advance. 

Local buses and trains are extremely cheap, while budget airlines also offer competitive prices. Rickshaws and taxis can be inexpensive, but it's important to know that negotiating fares or use metered taxis/ride-share apps is the key to avoiding overpaying.

Long-distance travel by sleeper trains is one of the most economical options, and we particularly loved our overnight bus from Udaipur to Jaisalmer since it had full sized beds.

Now you know how to get around in India! We hope this guide has helped you for planning your trip, and that now you'll feel better prepared for visiting this incredible country.

Want to learn more about traveling throughout India? We have plenty of other India travel guides, as well as others coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date! (We also provide exclusive content for our email list!).

Ready to start planning your trip to India? We're here to help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services so that you can travel with ease while we can take care of the details. Not only that, but we're creating a really awesome group trip to India soon! Email us to join the wait list.

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