Safety notice: The US Department of State rates India Level 2 (exercise increased caution) overall, but advises Do Not Travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except eastern Ladakh and Leh), areas within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, parts of Central and East India affected by Maoist violence, and Manipur. It also advises reconsidering travel to the northeastern states. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except air travel to and within Jammu city), against all travel within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, and against all but essential travel to Manipur. Read the current US State Department advice and the UK FCDO advice before you book.
What Is the Best Way to Travel Around India?
The best way to travel in India depends on distance. Domestic flights suit long routes, trains suit most trips of up to about eight hours, and a car with a driver suits short regional journeys. City metros and ride-hailing apps cover local travel. Book trains early, allow buffer time for delays and check timetables on official sites.
Last checked: November 2026
This guide covers travel inside the country. For international arrivals and airport transfers, see flights to India. To decide which cities to link, start with the best places to visit in India and the India itineraries.
Domestic Flights
Flying saves the most time on long routes, such as Delhi to Mumbai or Mumbai to Kochi. The main airlines include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet. Fares are often lowest when you book early, and cheaper fares can carry strict baggage limits, so check the allowance before you pay for extra bags.
Delays happen, especially when fog affects northern airports in winter. If you connect to an international flight, leave a generous gap or travel the day before. Mumbai now has a second airport, Navi Mumbai (NMI), and Delhi has Noida International Airport (DXN), so check which airport your ticket uses.
Trains
Indian Railways is the most practical way to cover medium distances and one of the best ways to see daily life. Fast reserved services such as the Gatimaan Express and the Vande Bharat chair-car trains are comfortable and well suited to day trips between major cities. Air-conditioned classes are the usual choice for visitors: chair car on day trains, and 3AC, 2AC or 1AC on overnight trains. India launched its first Vande Bharat sleeper train in January 2026, between Howrah and Kamakhya in the east.
- Book online: create an account on IRCTC, enter passport details and pay by international card.
- Foreign Tourist Quota: selected trains hold seats for foreign tourists, bookable up to 365 days before departure.
- Carry your passport: staff can check it against the booking on board.
- Check availability early: popular trains sell out weeks ahead, and a waiting list may not confirm.
Timetables and services change, so confirm each train on the Indian Railways site or the IRCTC app before you travel.
Intercity Buses
Buses reach places trains do not, such as many hill towns and smaller cities. State transport corporations and private companies run them, from basic coaches to air-conditioned sleepers. For long journeys, trains are usually more comfortable, so keep buses for gaps in the rail network. Book through the operator’s official site or a well-known booking platform, read recent reviews and avoid unmarked buses.
Car Rental and Driving
India drives on the left. Most visitors hire a car with a driver rather than driving themselves, because traffic is dense and road conditions vary. Agree the price, route, daily distance and extra charges in writing before you start. If you plan to drive yourself, foreign visitors are generally asked for their home licence plus an International Driving Permit, so confirm the current rules with the rental company and local authorities.
Heavy rain can cause flash floods and landslides on mountain roads, which the FCDO also warns about, so keep spare days in hill regions during the monsoon.
Taxis, Auto-Rickshaws and Ride-Hailing
Several ride-hailing apps operate in large cities, and they show the fare before you book. A local SIM or eSIM makes them easier to use. Auto-rickshaws and metered taxis are common, so ask for the meter or agree the fare before you get in. At airports and big stations, use the prepaid taxi counter instead of drivers who approach you, because unofficial taxis are a common source of scams.
City Public Transport
Metro systems run in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and several other cities. They are fast, air-conditioned and avoid road traffic. The Delhi Metro publishes maps, fares and ticket options on its website, including smart cards. Mumbai’s suburban trains are crowded at rush hour, so avoid them with luggage. Local buses are cheap but hard to use without Hindi or the local language. Ferries link places such as Kochi, Alleppey and the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai.
Travel Times Between Main Cities
These times are rough guides. Traffic, season and service type change them, so check the operator’s timetable.
| Route | Flight | Train | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Agra | No regular flights | About 2 hours on fast trains | About 3 to 4 hours |
| Delhi to Jaipur | About 1 hour | About 4.5 to 5.5 hours | About 5 to 6 hours |
| Delhi to Varanasi | About 1.5 hours | About 8 to 12 hours | Not advised, it is very long |
| Delhi to Mumbai | About 2 hours 15 minutes | About 16 to 17 hours | Not advised |
| Mumbai to Goa | About 1 hour 15 minutes | About 8 to 12 hours | About 10 to 12 hours |
| Jaipur to Udaipur | About 1 hour 20 minutes | About 7 to 8 hours | About 6 to 7 hours |
| Kochi to Alleppey | No flights | About 1 to 1.5 hours | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
Choose the Right Transport
- Choose a flight if the journey is over about 700 km and you want to save a day.
- Choose a train if you want a fair price, a seat with a view and a city-center station.
- Choose a car with a driver if you visit several small stops, travel with children or carry heavy luggage.
- Choose the metro if you want to avoid traffic inside a city.
- Choose a scenic route if time allows. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu is slow but scenic, so check its operating status first.
Common Mistakes
- Taking unofficial taxis from stations and airports.
- Booking tight connections between trains, flights and tours.
- Not checking timetable changes in the days before travel.
- Leaving train bookings until the last week in busy months.
- Planning legs through areas covered by government travel warnings.
Quick Checklist
- Register on IRCTC and book popular trains early.
- Download a ride-hailing app and an offline map.
- Carry your passport and a printed copy of each ticket.
- Keep one spare day for delays.
- Check fares and timetables on official sites.
Getting Around India FAQs
Is train travel in India safe for tourists?
Millions of people use Indian trains every day, and reserved air-conditioned classes are the usual choice for visitors. Keep valuables close, carry your passport and book through IRCTC or authorized agents. Check current government advice for the regions you plan to cross.
Can tourists book Indian trains online?
Yes. Create an IRCTC account, enter passport details and pay with an international card. Foreign tourists can also use the Foreign Tourist Quota on selected trains, which opens up to 365 days before departure. Popular trains sell out, so book early.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in India?
Foreign visitors are generally asked for their home licence plus an International Driving Permit, and India drives on the left. Confirm current rules with the rental company and local authorities, and consider hiring a car with a driver, which many visitors find simpler.
Which ride-hailing apps work in India?
Several ride-hailing apps operate in large cities, including international and Indian brands, and they show the fare before you book. A local SIM or eSIM helps. Prepaid counters at airports and major stations are a safe alternative.