Getting Around India
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use metros and app-based rides in Delhi and Mumbai. Rural: Rent a car for Rajasthan exploration. Coast: Buses and trains. For convenience, book airport transfers from Delhi to your destination.
Train Travel
Indian Railways Network
Vast and affordable train system connecting all major cities with frequent services across classes.
Cost: Mumbai to Delhi ₹500-2000, journeys 12-24 hours depending on class and speed.
Tickets: Book via IRCTC app, website, or station counters. Advance booking up to 120 days.
Peak Times: Avoid festivals like Diwali for better availability and prices.
Indrail Pass
Indrail Pass offers unlimited travel for 7-90 days from ₹3,000 (under 12) or ₹7,000 (adults).
Best For: Multiple city visits over weeks, significant savings for 4+ long trips.
Where to Buy: IRCTC website, authorized agents, or app with e-ticket delivery.
High-Speed Options
Vande Bharat Express and semi-high-speed trains connect Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and more.
Booking: Reserve seats 30-120 days ahead for best prices, discounts up to 40%.
Major Stations: New Delhi Station central hub, with connections to Mumbai CST and Chennai Central.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring Rajasthan and southern roads. Compare rental prices from ₹2,000-5,000/day at Delhi Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Third-party mandatory, comprehensive coverage advised for highways.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: National highways use FASTag electronic tolls (₹200-500 per trip).
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and cows, honking common but regulated in cities.
Parking: Valet or paid lots ₹50-200/day, street parking challenging in urban areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at ₹90-100/liter for petrol, ₹80-90 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or MapMyIndia for navigation, download offline maps.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Delhi and Mumbai during rush hours and monsoons.
Urban Transport
Metro Systems
Modern networks in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore; single ticket ₹10-60, day pass ₹100-200.
Validation: Use smart cards or app for contactless entry, security checks common.
Apps: Delhi Metro Rail app for routes, live tracking, and digital tickets.
Bike Rentals & Rides
Ola/Uber bikes and Yulu sharing in cities, ₹50-150/hour with stations or app booking.
Routes: Dedicated lanes in select cities like Pune, great for short urban trips.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in Goa and Kerala for scenic coastal rides.
Buses & Rickshaws
State buses (e.g., DTC in Delhi), autos, and app cabs operate daily networks.
Tickets: ₹10-50 per ride, use UPI or cash; Ola/Uber for AC comfort.
Intercity Buses: Volvo AC services connect cities like Bangalore to Chennai for ₹500-1,000.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near metro stations in cities for easy access, old quarters in Jaipur for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for winter (Oct-Mar) and festivals like Holi.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for monsoon-affected plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and 24-hour security before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities, 3G/4G in rural areas with improving coverage.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from ₹400 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate on arrival, works nationwide.
Local SIM Cards
Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea offer prepaid SIMs from ₹200-500 with extensive coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or kiosks with passport and visa required.
Data Plans: 2GB/day for ₹300/month, unlimited calls, valid 28-84 days.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, malls, and cafes; public hotspots in train stations and airports.
Public Hotspots: Jio hotspots and government WiFi in tourist areas.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban zones, suitable for streaming and navigation.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST), UTC+5:30, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Delhi Airport 20km from city center, metro ₹50 (45 min), taxi ₹500, or book private transfer for ₹1,000-2,000.
- Luggage Storage: Available at stations (₹100-200/day) and airport lockers in major cities.
- Accessibility: Metros and modern trains wheelchair-friendly, many sites have ramps but stairs common.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains in AC coaches (₹100-500 fee), confirm with hotels.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains for ₹50-200, local trains in Mumbai carry cycles free off-peak.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to India
Indira Gandhi International (DEL) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Delhi (DEL): Primary international gateway, 20km south of city with metro connections.
Mumbai (BOM): Major hub 25km north, train to center ₹100 (1 hour).
Bengaluru (BLR): Tech-focused airport 40km from city, cab ₹800 (1.5 hours).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Oct-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Dubai or Singapore and connecting domestically for savings.
Budget Airlines
IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express serve domestic routes with international links.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and airport transfers when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 48 hours before, web check-in avoids queues.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Ubiquitous, typical withdrawal fee ₹100-250, use bank ATMs to avoid surcharges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in cities, less in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: UPI apps like Google Pay dominant, cards less common for small vendors.
- Cash: Essential for markets, street food, and small towns, carry ₹1,000-5,000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, 5-10% in restaurants or ₹20-50 for porters/taxis.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with high fees.