Direct flights connect major U.S. cities like San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to New Delhi and Mumbai via airlines such as Air India, United and American Airlines. These nonstop flights take around 13-17 hours, with fares starting at about US$745. If you are looking to save money, indirect flights with layovers in Europe or the Gulf can be cheaper, sometimes as low as US$500. It is best to book early through airlines’ websites or use aggregators like Skyscanner and Kayak to compare airfares and find the best deals.
Once you arrive, India’s extensive transportation network makes getting around easy. Trains are among the best ways to travel between cities and towns, categorized into Express (the fastest, stopping only at major stations), Passenger, and Mail (both with more frequent stops). There are a range of travel classes to suit various budgets: SL (sleeper class, with three-tiered bunks and fans; no air conditioning), 3AC (three-tier air-conditioned class with berths in groups of six), 2AC (two-tier air-conditioned class with four berths and curtains for privacy), and 1AC (first class air-conditioned with lockable two or four-berth cabins).
For the fastest journeys, hop on the sleek Vande Bharat trains that link major hubs or the Rajdhani Express from Delhi to state capitals. Shatabdi and Duronto Express trains whisk you between India’s biggest cities. For a scenic, old-world ride, take a ‘toy train’ chugging up narrow-gauge tracks into the Himalayan foothills.
You can book train tickets up to 60 days in advance and as late as four hours before departure, either at railway stations or online via the official Indian Railways website. The former requires you to fill out a short form at the station with your details, including name, age, gender, travel date, and train information. Most stations have computerized counters that instantly confirm availability. To use the latter service, you’ll need a mobile phone to create an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) account, verify it via phone and email, and pay a small fee using a card. A slightly easier option is to book through private Indian travel platforms like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip. However, these also require an IRCTC account. The advantage is that they accept foreign Visa and MasterCard payments, though they charge an additional service fee. If you’re looking for a hassle-free alternative, international booking sites like 12GoAsia cover major routes, but options are limited to big cities. After booking, print your e-ticket and bring it along with a valid photo ID, such as a passport, when boarding. To check a train’s name, live running status, and route, visit Erail.
If your train is full, you can still try for a ‘tourist quota’ seat, available at major stations—ask at the tourist counter or check with the stationmaster. Another option is Tatkal tickets, which are last-minute seats released at 10 a.m. one day before departure. These can be booked online or at the station for an extra fee. However, demand is high, so arrive early with an ID if booking in person.
INSIDER TIPFor more personal space, opt for a side lower berth or choose an upper berth to avoid folding it down during the day, unlike the middle one. And when traveling overnight, secure your bag with a padlock—most lower bunks have an attached chain underneath for this purpose.
For a comfortable and immersive journey through India, consider luxury tourist trains like Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, Deccan Odyssey, and The Golden Chariot. Running from September to April, these trains offer spacious suites, en-suite bathrooms, private lounges, restaurants, and well-stocked bars. Fares vary by season and accommodation, covering meals, guided sightseeing, and entry to cultural sites. A three-to-seven-night trip for two costs between $3,160 and $11,900.
If you want to cover a lot of ground, flying is the quickest and easiest way. Over 80 destinations are connected by domestic airlines, offering both budget and full-service options. IndiGo is a popular low-cost carrier, while Air India provides a full-service experience.
INSIDER TIPFor the best prices, book flights 4–6 weeks in advance, preferably on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when fares are usually lower. International travelers can easily compare and book through Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak.
Some parts of India, especially the mountainous regions, are inaccessible by flight or train. In such cases, buses—run by both private operators and state transport corporations—are the main option. State-run buses are basic and non-AC, while private deluxe buses (often called ‘Volvos’) offer more comfort with reclining seats. For overnight trips, sleeper buses with flat beds are available. You can book tickets online through MakeMyTrip or RedBus, which also have easy-to-use apps.
INSIDER TIPFor a safer journey, women should opt for front-row seats. If booking a sleeper, go for a 2+1 layout—two-person bunks on one side and single bunks on the other, often with curtains or sliding doors for privacy. Also, keep your luggage locked–you can use an AirTag or Tile to keep track of it.
In mountainous areas, shared 4WDs, often called “Sumos,” are a convenient way to get around. Fares are per seat, and they leave when full—unless you book the whole vehicle. They cost more than buses but offer a smoother ride, especially on rough or landslide-prone roads.
For more flexibility, you can hire a car with a driver through a travel agency or local taxi stands, which offer fixed-price routes or custom trips. For multi-day hires, confirm if fuel, food, and the driver’s stay are included. Also, check if they speak a language you understand to avoid any miscommunication.
Within cities, getting around is easy with local buses, trains, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and metro services. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi all have metro systems. Each metro station features a display showing the next train’s arrival, and you can purchase a token or metro card at the station. When entering, you will need to pass through a security check, similar to an airport metal detector.
INSIDER TIPAvoid rush hours, i.e., 8 a.m.-10 a.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws (three-wheeled motorized vehicles) are supposed to use meters, but many drivers prefer not to, so it is best to agree on a fare before starting your journey. At major transport hubs, you will find prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaw stands with fixed prices.
INSIDER TIPConfirm with the driver that the agreed fare covers all passengers and their luggage. Also, rickshaw drivers may not have change for large bills, so it’s a good idea to carry ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 notes for easy payment. Taxis near tourist spots often charge extra, so it’s better to hail a passing cab for a fairer fare.
You can also find eco-friendly electric rickshaws in cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Jaipur. Additionally, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are available in metro cities, making trips even more convenient. For women travelers, there are female-driver-only services, such as GoPinkCabs, WomenCabs, and TaxShe in Bangalore, Sakha Cabs in Delhi, and Pink City Rickshaws in Jaipur.
