How to get around India
Navigating India is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For intercity travel, trains are a popular and generally inexpensive option. For example, a long journey in First AC can cost approximately ₹6,000-₹8,000. For budget travelers, basic sleeper class fares are significantly lower, with an overnight journey from Bangalore to Hampi potentially costing around $15 USD, saving accommodation costs.
Buses are also widely available and often cheaper than trains, with an overnight sleeper bus from Bangalore to Chennai costing approximately $10 USD. Air travel is the most expensive but fastest way to cover long distances. Domestic flights can be found starting from ₹419 to ₹878 for one-way journeys, with the average price around ₹878.
Private car rentals with drivers offer comfort and flexibility, with daily transport costs averaging around INR 3,500 (USD 45 / EUR 38) for a comfort traveler. Luxury trains, such as the Maharajas' Express, offer an opulent experience with prices starting from ₹390,600 (USD 4,890) per person for a 3-night journey.
Travel Within Cities
Within cities, auto-rickshaws are a common and affordable choice, with fares typically starting from around ₹100-₹150 for the initial distance and varying per kilometer. In Delhi, non-AC taxis may charge ₹40 for the first 2 KM, then ₹17 per KM, while AC taxis charge ₹20 per KM. Night charges (11 PM to 5 AM) can add 25% to the fare.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely used in major cities and offer competitive pricing, with an hour-long cab ride potentially costing $4-$5 USD and many shorter rides costing $1-$2 USD. These apps can also help in negotiating fares with auto-rickshaw drivers.
Public city buses are the cheapest mode of transport for intercity travel, with intra-city fares often less than half a dollar. Metro systems, where available, provide a fast, clean, and affordable way to travel within cities.
