Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
From big-city airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and others), use the prepaid taxi counter, an app cab (Uber/Ola) or the airport metro where available (e.g. Delhi Airport Express). Avoid touts offering rides. Fix or confirm the fare before you set off, and have your hotel address written down.
- Options
- Prepaid taxi, Uber/Ola, metro
- Delhi
- Airport Express metro
- Avoid
- Touts at arrivals
- Confirm the fare first and keep your hotel address handy
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata have modern metro systems that are cheap, air-conditioned and tourist-friendly. Buses are extensive but can be crowded and hard for visitors. Auto-rickshaws fill short trips; agree the fare or insist on the meter before you ride.
- Metro
- Delhi, Mumbai, others
- Buses
- Extensive but crowded
- Autos
- Agree fare / use meter
- Metro is the easiest option for visitors in big cities
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
There is no single nationwide transit card; each city has its own metro smart card or token (for example Delhi Metro's card). India has been rolling out the interoperable "One Nation One Card" (NCMC) on some networks. Buy the local metro card on arrival, or use QR tickets in apps where offered.
- Nationwide
- No single card
- City cards
- Each metro has its own
- NCMC
- Rolling out on some networks
- Buy the local metro card or use in-app QR tickets
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Self-driving is not recommended for most visitors: traffic is intense, road rules are loosely followed and conditions vary widely. Hiring a car with a driver is the common and safer choice, often booked by the day. If you do drive, you need a valid licence with an International Driving Permit. India drives on the left.
- Best option
- Car with driver
- Self-drive
- Needs licence + IDP
- Side
- Drives on the left
- Traffic is intense — a hired driver is the safer choice
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Indian Railways is vast and iconic, with many classes from air-conditioned sleepers to seated coaches; book ahead on IRCTC (or a partner) as popular routes sell out. Long-distance buses and shared cabs connect towns. For very long distances, domestic flights save time. Keep your ticket and ID for onboard checks.
- Trains
- IRCTC, book ahead
- Buses
- Connect towns
- Long routes
- Consider flying
- Popular train routes sell out — book early
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
India has a well-developed domestic network with carriers such as IndiGo, Air India and others linking major cities and regions; flying saves a lot of time over long train journeys. Book ahead for better fares and arrive early for security. Carry your passport as photo ID for domestic flights.
- Airlines
- IndiGo, Air India, others
- Benefit
- Saves time vs. long trains
- ID
- Carry passport
- Book early and arrive in good time for security
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Use app cabs (Uber/Ola) or prepaid taxis to avoid fare disputes, and agree the price before any auto-rickshaw ride. Book trains and popular flights early. Traffic is intense and India drives on the left, so cross roads with great care. Keep small notes, your hotel address and offline maps handy.
- Fares
- Apps / prepaid / agree first
- Roads
- Left-hand, cross carefully
- Book early
- Trains and flights
- Keep small notes, hotel address and offline maps