Navigating India’s transportation options can be an exciting and diverse experience. From the iconic Indian Railways to local buses and auto-rickshaws, there are various ways to explore the country. With numerous options available, you can select the mode of transportation that best suits your comfort level, budget, and adventure style.
Domestic Flights
- Book early for the best prices.
- Expect Delays, especially during winter, due to dense fog in Northern India.
Check out Travel Bookings Made Easy,
which lists India’s most trusted and reliable booking platforms.
Cabs, Taxi & Auto travel
Quick Tips:
- Indian phone number is needed for registration.
- Share a code to start the ride.
- Cash is commonly accepted; however, digital payment is also available.
Cabs and Taxis are a convenient way to travel around India. Depending on the distance from the main city, these can be booked for either short or long stays.
Uber, Easy Cabs and Meru Cabs offer safe travel booking options and provide ride-sharing options.
For local travel, Auto-Rickshaws are the best option, especially in crowded places. If taking these on the run, ask the driver to use the meter for a much more reliable price.
Self-drive options
Self-driving options offer the freedom and flexibility to explore destinations at your own pace. A rental car, motorbike or scooter allows for spontaneous detours to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations.
Important to know
They will require you to submit a few copies of your ID for security purposes.
Metro & Trains
- Consider purchasing a rail pass, available to foreigners and non-resident Indians, which provides unlimited rail travel for up to 90 days.
- Consider Express and Deluxe trains for better accommodation.
- Indian Railways reserves specific compartments and berths exclusively for women, ensuring safety and comfort. These are typically available in suburban trains and certain long-distance services.
Indian Railways runs almost all of the country’s trains, each identified by a name, number, and service category. Trains generally fall into three main types: Passenger, Mail, and Express.
Some of the fastest and most efficient travel between major cities includes Vande Bharat trains, the premium Rajdhani Express linking Delhi to state capitals, or the Shatabdi and Duronto Express for swift intercity connections.
Important links for train bookings are:
IRCTC
Delhi metro
Kolkata metro
Bangalore metro
Mumbai Local Trains
Chennai Metro
Bus Travel
Bus travel is good for short travel distances. Tickets can be purchased from direct bus outlets or local bus depots.
Important to know
Buses in India are categorised based on comfort level, route type, service provider, and features.
Quick guide to choosing bus travel in India
Based on Comfort & Seating Configuration
Ordinary / Non-AC Seater:
Basic city or intercity buses with simple seating and no air conditioning. Cheapest option.
Deluxe / Semi-Deluxe:
Slightly more comfortable, often with cushioned seats, and may or may not have air conditioning.
AC Seater:
Air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating; suitable for shorter to mid-range travel.
Sleeper / AC Sleeper:
Designed for overnight travel, with reclining or full-flat sleeper berths. AC versions offer better comfort.
Volvo / Luxury / Multi-Axle Buses:
High-end AC buses (often Volvo, Scania, or Mercedes) are used for long-distance travel with superior suspension, reclining seats, and sometimes Wi-Fi or charging points.
Based on Routes and Usage
City Buses: Operate within cities. Includes low-floor buses (like in Delhi, Mumbai) for easy boarding.
Intercity / Interstate Buses: Connect towns and cities across states. Managed by state transport or private operators.
Chartered Buses: Hired for private groups, events, school or office use.
Tourist Buses: Operated by government tourism boards or private companies for sightseeing tours.
Based on Operator Type
State Transport Buses (STUs):
Operated by government agencies (e.g., MSRTC, KSRTC, APSRTC, TNSTC). Typically cheaper and cover a wide network.
Private Buses:
Run by private companies. Offer more flexible timings, newer fleets, and more premium options (e.g., Orange Travels, SRS, VRL, Neeta).
RedBus – RedBus allows you to view a real-time bus layout when booking. You can choose a preferred seat (window, aisle, upper/lower berth on sleepers), filter options by seat type (e.g., sleeper, semi-sleeper, AC, non-AC) and as a solo woman traveller, it lets you choose to sit next to other women for added comfort.
- Delhi Transport Corporation
- Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
- Metropolitan Transport Corporation
GoTravelTrek
Transform your experience in India with our travel guides to India’s iconic and hidden destinations. So start your adventure and discover lesser-travelled destinations with GotravelTrek.
