Getting Around India

Air

India has one of the world's largest domestic aviation markets, served by a mix of full-service and low-cost airlines. Frequent flights operate between major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, as well as to tourist centres including Jaipur, Goa, Kochi, Varanasi, Amritsar and Leh. Even remote or mountainous regions, such as Ladakh and parts of the northeast, are accessible by air.

Low-cost carriers dominate the domestic market, offering competitive fares and high frequencies on popular routes, while full-service airlines provide more inclusive baggage allowances and onboard services. Tickets are generally affordable by international standards, especially when booked in advance, though prices can rise sharply during festivals, school holidays and peak travel seasons.

Most domestic airports are modern and efficient, particularly in major cities, with electronic check-in, security screening and clear signage. Security procedures are thorough, and travellers should allow sufficient time at the airport, especially during busy periods. Weather conditions, including winter fog in northern India and monsoon storms in summer, can occasionally cause delays.

Road

India has one of the largest road networks in the world, connecting all major cities and regions, and road travel plays a central role in everyday life.

Highways link major urban centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad, while secondary roads extend deep into the countryside. Road journeys can be slower than distances suggest due to traffic, road conditions and frequent stops, but they offer an immersive way to experience the country's landscapes and local life. Fuel stations are widely available along major routes, though travellers heading into remote areas should refuel in advance.

Several road journeys in India are as memorable as the destinations themselves, offering dramatic scenery and cultural interest:
• Leh–Manali Highway: One of the world's highest and most spectacular mountain roads, crossing the Himalayas via high passes, barren landscapes and remote monasteries. Open seasonally (usually June to October) and best attempted with an experienced driver.
• Manali–Spiti Valley Road: A rugged and visually striking route through deep gorges, high-altitude deserts and traditional Himalayan villages. Popular with adventurous travellers seeking remote scenery.
• Mumbai–Goa Coastal Route (NH66): A scenic drive along India's western coast, passing beaches, fishing villages, coconut groves and historic towns. Often combined with detours inland to waterfalls and hill stations.
• East Coast Road (Chennai to Puducherry): A relaxed coastal drive along the Bay of Bengal, linking beaches, seaside temples and the former French colonial town of Puducherry.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Road quality in India varies significantly. Major highways and expressways around large cities are generally well-maintained, with multiple lanes and controlled access. In contrast, roads in rural areas may be narrow, uneven or poorly surfaced, and can be affected by weather, particularly during the monsoon season.

Congestion is common in and around cities, and unexpected obstacles such as livestock, pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles are part of everyday driving conditions. Night driving is not recommended outside major highways due to poor lighting and increased hazards.

Road Classification

India's road network is broadly divided into national highways, state highways, district roads and rural roads. National highways form the backbone of long-distance travel and are usually the best maintained. State highways connect towns and regional centres, while district and rural roads vary greatly in quality.

Signage is generally good on national and state highways, often in English as well as local languages, but can be inconsistent on smaller roads. GPS navigation is useful, but should be supplemented with local advice in rural areas.

Car Hire

Car hire is widely available in major cities and tourist centres, but most visitors choose to hire a car with a driver rather than drive themselves. Chauffeur-driven cars are affordable, convenient and reduce the stress of navigating traffic and local driving customs.

Self-drive rentals are available but less common, and are best suited to confident drivers familiar with local conditions. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel periods.

Taxi

Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available in Indian cities and are among the most convenient ways for visitors to get around. App-based services (Uber, Ola Cabs, Rapido, etc) operate extensively and are generally reliable, affordable and easy to use.

Auto-rickshaws are also common for short trips, though fares should be agreed in advance if not using a meter or app. Hotel-arranged taxis are often the most straightforward option for airport transfers.

Bike

Cycling is possible in India but is best suited to experienced cyclists or short recreational rides. Traffic conditions, road quality and driving behaviour can make long-distance cycling challenging, particularly in urban areas.

Some regions, such as parts of Kerala, Rajasthan and the Himalayan foothills, are more suitable for cycling tours, especially when organised with local operators. Cycling in cities is generally not recommended due to congestion and safety concerns.

Coach

Long-distance buses and coaches are widely used across India and provide an affordable way to travel between cities and towns. Services range from basic government-run buses to private operators offering air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats, onboard toilets and sleeper berths.

Luxury and overnight sleeper buses are popular on routes where rail tickets are hard to secure. Comfort and reliability vary by operator, so travellers are advised to book through reputable companies or trusted booking platforms.

Regulations

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits vary by state but are typically around 40–60 km/h in urban areas and 80–100 km/h on highways. Speed enforcement exists but can be inconsistent.

Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced, with very low tolerance levels. Seat belts are required where fitted, helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.

Breakdown services

India does not have a comprehensive nationwide roadside assistance system. Rental companies usually provide limited breakdown support, while private roadside assistance services operate mainly in large cities.

Travellers undertaking long road journeys should carry emergency supplies such as water, a spare tyre and a charged mobile phone. In rural areas, basic mechanical help is often available locally, though spare parts may be limited.

Documentation

Foreign drivers must carry a valid driving licence from their home country. An international driving permit is recommended and may be required by rental companies or requested by authorities. Drivers should also carry passport identification, visa documents, vehicle registration papers and insurance details at all times.

Urban travel

Within cities, people get around using a mix of buses, suburban trains, metro systems, taxis, auto-rickshaws and walking. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai have expanding metro networks that are clean, efficient and inexpensive.

Traffic congestion is common, and travel times can vary significantly depending on the time of day. Walking is practical in some central areas but less so in sprawling cities.

Rail

India has one of the largest rail networks in the world, and train travel is a popular and iconic way to get around. Services range from slow local trains to high-speed and premium services connecting major cities.

Long-distance trains offer multiple classes, from basic seating to air-conditioned sleeper compartments. Trains are affordable but can be extremely busy, and advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly on popular routes and during holidays.

India's railways include several iconic routes that are attractions in their own right:
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge line climbing through tea plantations and hill towns, famous for its steam locomotives and mountain views.
• Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Ooty line): Another UNESCO-listed railway, using rack-and-pinion engineering to climb steep gradients through forests, tunnels and hillside villages in southern India.
• Kalka–Shimla Railway: A charming narrow-gauge journey through the lower Himalayas, featuring numerous tunnels and bridges as it winds towards the former British summer capital.
• Konkan Railway (Mumbai–Goa–Kerala): Widely regarded as one of India's most scenic mainline routes, running between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, crossing rivers, forests and coastal plains.
• Vistadome and luxury tourist trains: Selected routes now offer panoramic Vistadome coaches, while luxury trains such as the Palace on Wheels and Maharajas' Express combine rail travel with heritage sightseeing and high-end comfort.

Water

Domestic travel by water plays a limited role in India but is available in certain regions. Ferry services operate along the Kerala backwaters, across rivers in cities such as Kolkata, and to island destinations including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

River cruises and houseboats are popular for leisure rather than transport, particularly in Kerala and along the Ganges. There are no extensive intercity ferry networks for general domestic travel.