India is vast, diverse, and full of contrasts. One of the first questions international travellers face is: how do I get around? From high-speed trains to cycle rickshaws, India’s transportation options are as diverse as the country itself. Choosing the right mode depends on your destination, budget, and appetite for adventure. Here’s a guide to help you navigate India’s transport options with confidence.
1. Air Travel | Best for Covering Long Distances
India has a well-connected domestic flight network, served by major airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. While all major cities and key tourist hubs are connected by air, the network has expanded rapidly in recent years, reaching smaller towns as well.
Depending on which region of India you want to explore, it’s smart to choose the right international gateway:
- Delhi / Mumbai: Convenient for northern India, including Rajasthan.
- Kolkata: Best for eastern and northeast India.
- Chennai: Ideal for southern India along the Coromandel Coast.
- Bengaluru / Kochi: Convenient for South India along the Malabar Coast.
Tip: Airfares are dynamic. Booking early often brings significant savings.
2. Indian Railways | A Cultural Experience
The railway network, one of the largest in the world, connects cities, towns, and even remote villages.
- Day Trains: Efficient and punctual, with good seating options.
- Overnight Trains: Equipped with sleeper berths that double as seating during the day.
- Premium Trains: Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Gatimaan, and Vande Bharat are known for cleanliness, punctuality, and comfort. Travel also includes meal options.
- Air-conditioned or Non-air-conditioned Coaches: Premium trains are fully air-conditioned, providing a modern and comfortable travel experience. On most regular trains, however, only a few compartments are air-conditioned, while the majority are non-AC, catering to budget-conscious travellers. AC compartments are available both in seating and sleeper formats, ideal for different journey lengths.
- Seat and sleeper configurations:
- Overnight trains in India generally offer berth-style seating, with several classes to choose from:
- Sleeper Class (non-AC): The most common and affordable option. Passengers share open compartments with bunk beds along the passageway. It is often crowded but offers a quintessential local experience. Generally not recommended, but we include this in a few places for a very short ride just to experience and connect with local people.
- 3AC (Three-tier AC sleeper): Arranged with three bunks on one side. The middle berth folds down during the day to create bench-style seating, making it a practical mid-range option. Bedding is provided at night.
- 2AC (Two-tier AC sleeper): With two bunks per side, this class offers more space, quieter compartments, and added comfort. Curtains or sliding doors often provide greater privacy. This is our preferred option for an overnight train journey on some routes.
- 1AC (First-Class AC sleeper): The most luxurious option, offering lockable cabins with either two or four berths, complete with bedding and the highest level of comfort on board.
- Seating Classes for Day Journeys:
These classes are common on intercity trains like Shatabdi Express and Vande Bharat, where journeys last only a few hours: - Chair Car (CC): Air-conditioned coaches with comfortable reclining seats arranged in a 3+2 layout, similar to an aeroplane economy section but with more legroom. Meals may be included on premium trains.
- Executive Class (EC): A step up from Chair Car, featuring wider seats in a 2+2 layout. It offers more space, quieter compartments, and superior onboard service, often compared to business-class seating in airlines.
A train journey is not just about getting from A to B; it’s an immersion into India’s everyday life. Landscapes shift from urban skylines to rural fields, mountains, or rivers, and every station brings the lively rhythm of chai vendors, food hawkers, and fellow travellers.
Tip: Tickets can be booked online through IRCTC, but using a reliable travel agent is often more efficient. For example, a city may have multiple stations, and an agent will guide you to the most convenient option.
3. Private Car & Driver | Comfort with Flexibility
Hiring a private car with a driver is one of the most popular choices for international visitors. It offers flexibility, safety, and local insights perfect for multi-city itineraries like the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur).
Vehicle choice depends on group size, comfort preferences, and budget:
Solo Travellers or Couples
- Sedan Cars (Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Toyota Etios)
- Affordable, comfortable for two with luggage.
- Ideal for intercity transfers and shorter road trips.
- SUVs (Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra Scorpio)
- More legroom, higher seating, smoother rides, better suited for longer journeys or hilly terrain.
- Luxury Cars (Mercedes, Audi, BMW)
- Available in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai for those seeking premium comfort.
Tips:
- If the budget allows, the Toyota Innova Crysta is the smartest choice spacious, comfortable, and excellent for sightseeing.
- Always agree on rates in advance and hire through a reputed operator, as there is a huge variance in the experience, as the upkeep and the standards of the vehicle, and the quality of the driver will make or mar the total trip experience
Group of 3–4 Travellers
- SUVs (Innova Crysta, Maruti Ertiga, Kia Carens, Mahindra Scorpio)
- Seating up to 5 passengers with luggage.
- Tempo Traveller (6-seater)
- Ideal for better storage of luggage and spacious seating
Tip: For added comfort, opt for a compact Tempo Traveller with individual seats.
Group of 4–9 Travellers
Traditionally, Tempo Travellers have been the default choice. But now, many groups prefer the modern Force Urbania, which offers a premium upgrade.
- Force Urbania
- Available in multiple seating configurations.
- High roof and wide body for spacious interiors.
- Plush pushback seats, individual AC vents, USB ports.
- Large panoramic windows, airbags, ABS, and Euro-6 engines.
- Feels more like a mini luxury coach than a van.
- Tempo Travellers
- Widely available and economical.
- Comfortable, with customizable seating layouts.
- Good option if budget is the priority.
Tip: Choose Urbania for style and comfort, or Tempo Traveller for economy.
Groups of 10–20 Travellers
- Minibuses (18–27-seater)
- Comfortable, air-conditioned, and easy to manoeuvre compared to full-size coaches.
- Luxury Coaches (35–45-seater Tata, Volvo, BharatBenz)
- Best for longer journeys.
- Reclining seats, overhead storage, AC, and sometimes onboard entertainment.
4. Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps
- Uber and Ola are widely available in major cities safe and convenient.
- Prepaid taxis at airports and railway stations are another reliable option.
Tip: Always confirm whether the driver will use the meter and double-check the route to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Auto Rickshaws | The Quintessential Indian Ride
The three-wheeler auto is inexpensive and a fun way to zip through traffic.
Tip: Agree on the fare beforehand if the meter isn’t used, and avoid late-night rides in unfamiliar areas.
6. Metro Systems | Fast & Modern
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata have clean, efficient metro networks ideal for beating city traffic. Delhi Metro particularly covers all places of interest with the metro and would be quite ideal for active travellers.
Tip: Buy a MetroCard for hassle-free travel, and if possible, avoid the morning and evening rush hour travel.
7. Buses | Budget-Friendly but Basic
- Government & Private Buses: Extensive network across states.
- Luxury Volvo/Scania Buses: Comfortable for popular tourist routes like Delhi–Manali.
- City Buses: Cheap but often crowded can be challenging for first-time visitors.
8. Two-Wheelers & Bicycles | For the Adventurous
- Scooters and motorbikes are popular in Goa, Leh, and other tourist towns.
- Bicycles generally would be available with the hotel of stays in a leisure destination.
Tip: Always wear a helmet and carry an international driving permit if renting.
Practical Tips for Travellers
- Safety First: Book through trusted operators; avoid unregistered taxis.
- Cash vs Digital: Digital payments are common, but keep small cash handy.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended, especially if renting vehicles.
- Plan Ahead: Indian roads can be an unpredictable factor in delays.
Before you plan how to get around, it’s important to prepare for your arrival. From understanding entry requirements and currency exchange to mobile connectivity and local etiquette, our guide Essential Tips for Travellers Before Arriving in India covers everything you need to know to start your journey with confidence.