Getting Around India: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around India is easiest with a mix of prepaid airport taxis or rideshares, metro and trains in big cities, and sleeper trains or budget flights between regions. Budget about ₹500–1,500 ($6–18) for most airport transfers and ₹50–200 ($0.60–2.50) per day for public transport in 2026.

India is vast, busy, and incredibly rewarding to explore when you understand the transport basics. For city travel, metros in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata are fast, cheap, and air‑conditioned, while city buses and auto‑rickshaws fill in the gaps. For longer hops, India’s rail network – one of the world’s largest, carrying over 8 billion passengers a year according to Indian Railways – connects almost every region, with budget flights covering the rest.

You’ll use your phone a lot to book Ubers, check metro routes, and monitor train PNR status, so arriving with mobile data via a Hello eSIM for India makes your first days far smoother. This India transport guide covers airport transfers, public transport, ride‑hailing apps, inter‑city travel, and driving tips so you can plan confidently, avoid common scams, and choose the best option for your time, comfort, and budget.

For airport transfers in India, the safest and simplest options are prepaid taxis, app‑based cabs (like Uber), or metro/airport trains where available, costing roughly ₹400–1,500 ($5–18) in 2026, depending on the city, time of day, and traffic.

Major international gateways – Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), and Chennai (MAA) – all have 24/7 taxi counters in the arrivals area. Prepaid taxis are government‑approved: you pay at the counter, get a slip, and hand it to your driver outside. Typical 2026 fares:

• Delhi Airport → Connaught Place: ₹500–700 ($6–8)
• Mumbai Airport → Colaba: ₹700–1,000 ($8–12)
• Bengaluru Airport → MG Road: ₹900–1,400 ($11–17)

Where available, airport metro/rail links are often faster than taxis in rush hour:

• Delhi Airport Express Line: ~20 minutes to New Delhi Station, ~₹60–80 ($0.70–1) one way
• Hyderabad Airport Pushpak bus: AC shuttle to key city points, ~₹250–300 ($3–3.60)

App‑based rides (Uber, Ola) are widely used for airport transfers and can be slightly cheaper than prepaid taxis. However, they rely on mobile data and GPS. Landing with an activated Hello eSIM for India lets you order your ride the moment you clear customs.

Tip: Always confirm whether your hotel offers paid or free airport pickup. In 2026, many mid‑range hotels in tourist hubs like Delhi and Jaipur charge ₹800–1,200 for a private airport transfer – often worth it for late‑night arrivals.

India’s public transport – especially metro systems and suburban trains – is the most budget‑friendly way to get around cities, often costing under ₹100 ($1.20) per day if you use smart cards or passes in 2026.

Metro systems in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata are clean, safe, and heavily used by locals. Delhi Metro alone carried over 5 million passengers per day in 2024, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Fares typically range from ₹10–60 ($0.12–0.70) per ride, depending on distance.

Useful options:

• Smart cards: Available at metro stations with a refundable deposit (usually ₹50–100). They give small fare discounts and skip ticket queues.
• Tourist cards (Delhi Metro): 1‑day (₹200) and 3‑day (₹500) unlimited passes (prices 2026), ideal if you’re sightseeing heavily.

City buses are the cheapest but can be crowded and confusing. Fares are usually ₹10–40 per ride, paid in cash or via a local smart card app in some cities (e.g., Bengaluru’s “Shakti” and smart cards). Air‑conditioned “Volvo” buses cost a bit more but are more comfortable.

In Mumbai and Kolkata, suburban/local trains are lifelines. Second‑class travel is very cheap (₹5–30 per ride) but can be extremely crowded at rush hour. Consider first‑class tickets for more space.

Tip: Women‑only compartments/coaches exist on many metro and train systems – look for pink signage. Use Google Maps or local apps for real‑time directions; a Hello eSIM keeps those transit directions available without hunting for Wi‑Fi.

For door‑to‑door trips in Indian cities, ride‑hailing apps like Uber and Ola, plus auto‑rickshaws for short hops, offer a flexible mix of price and convenience, with most rides costing ₹80–400 ($1–5) in 2026.

Ride‑hailing apps (Uber, Ola) operate in most big and mid‑sized cities. They’re often cheaper than traditional taxis and reduce haggling. Example 2026 fares:

• 5 km ride in Delhi: ₹120–180 ($1.50–2.20)
• 10 km ride in Bengaluru: ₹200–300 ($2.40–3.60)

Choose “Uber Go / Ola Mini” for budget, or “Premier” for nicer cars. Cash and card/UPI payments are available, but international cards sometimes fail; keep some cash handy.

Option	Typical Cost (2026)	Best For
Uber / Ola	₹15–25 per km	Tourists, clear pricing, comfort
Auto‑rickshaw	₹80–250 for short rides	Short inner‑city hops, fun local
Local taxi (meter)	₹20–30 per km (if metered)	Longer rides where apps are rare

Auto‑rickshaws are iconic three‑wheelers found almost everywhere. Always insist on the meter (“meter se chalo”) or agree a price beforehand. In cities like Jaipur, a 3–4 km ride typically costs ₹80–150 ($1–2).

Traditional taxis are less common now but still used in older city centers and tourist hubs. They may not use meters, so confirm the fare before boarding.

Because all these services depend on GPS and app booking, having mobile data via a Hello eSIM means you can check live fares, avoid scams, and navigate directly to your stay without relying on offline directions.

For inter‑city travel in India, trains are the best blend of price and experience, buses fill gaps on popular routes, and domestic flights save time on long distances, with one‑way fares typically ₹500–6,000 ($6–72) in 2026.

Trains: India’s rail network is one of the world’s largest, with over 68,000 km of track according to Indian Railways. Book early, especially for popular tourist routes.

Typical 2026 sleeper fares (per person, one‑way):

• Delhi → Jaipur (5–6 hrs): ₹300–800 (Sleeper/AC 3‑tier)
• Delhi → Varanasi (10–12 hrs): ₹500–1,600
• Mumbai → Goa (10–12 hrs): ₹600–1,800

Use classes 2S (seated), SL (Sleeper), or 3A/2A (AC sleepers) depending on comfort and budget. Reservations can be made on IRCTC or partner apps; foreigners can also use tourist quotas on some routes.

Buses: Private and government buses connect cities where trains are full or inconvenient. Sleeper night buses between big hubs generally cost:

• Bengaluru → Goa: ₹900–1,800
• Delhi → Rishikesh: ₹400–900

Look for “Volvo” or “AC sleeper” for better comfort.

Domestic flights: India’s aviation market is booming; the Directorate General of Civil Aviation reports tens of millions of domestic passengers annually. Low‑cost carriers often run sales, so you can sometimes fly:

• Delhi → Mumbai: from ₹2,000–5,000 (2 hrs)
• Mumbai → Kochi: from ₹2,500–6,000 (2 hrs)

Flights are fastest for long distances (e.g., India north–south), while trains give you a great window into local life. Use Hello’s budget‑tracking features to compare time vs. cost across routes and see which option fits your trip style.

Driving yourself in India is possible but best for confident, experienced drivers; most visitors are happier hiring a car with driver, especially for multi‑day itineraries in Rajasthan, Kerala, or Himachal Pradesh.

Traffic can be chaotic, with varied road conditions, unpredictable pedestrians and animals, and a very flexible approach to lanes. If you do want a car, the safest and most common option is “car + driver” from a local agency:

• Day hire in 2026 for city touring (8 hrs/80 km): ₹2,000–3,500 ($24–42)
• Inter‑city day trips (e.g., Jaipur–Agra return): ₹4,000–6,000, plus tolls and parking

This lets you enjoy road trips without the stress of navigating and local driving norms.

For self‑drive rentals, you’ll usually need:

• A valid home country licence, plus
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) – strongly recommended and sometimes required by rental agencies
• Passport and credit card for security deposit

Daily self‑drive rates for compact cars start around ₹1,800–3,000 ($22–36) in 2026, excluding fuel and tolls.

Things to keep in mind:

• Drive on the left; most cars are manual.
• Avoid night driving on highways due to poor lighting and heavy truck traffic.
• Expect frequent tolls on major expressways (₹60–200 each segment).

Even if you’re not driving, saving your hotel and key addresses in a maps app and using live navigation (with a Hello eSIM for constant data) helps you verify routes and feel more in control when using taxis or hired cars.

Travellers’ most common questions about getting around India focus on safety, costs, and whether to prebook or decide on the spot; with basic planning and mobile data, it’s straightforward to move between cities and navigate busy streets.

Is public transport in India safe for tourists? Yes, overall it’s safe, especially metros and AC buses. Use common sense: avoid very late‑night empty carriages, keep valuables close, and use women‑only coaches if you prefer. In 2024, city metros reported millions of daily commuters with relatively low incident rates.

How much should I budget per day for transport? For most travellers in 2026:

• Budget travel (mostly public transport): ₹200–400/day
• Mid‑range (mix of metro + rideshares): ₹400–800/day
• Comfort‑focused (taxis, car+driver days): ₹1,000–2,500/day

Track these easily in Hello with multi‑currency expense tracking and AI receipt scanning.

Do I need to book trains and buses in advance? For popular tourist routes (Delhi–Agra, Delhi–Varanasi, Mumbai–Goa) and holidays, yes – book trains at least 1–2 weeks ahead. Buses and flights can sometimes be booked closer, but prices rise near departure.

Are ride‑hailing apps available everywhere? Uber and Ola work well in major cities and many tier‑2 cities, but coverage thins in rural areas and mountain regions. There, you’ll rely on local taxis or shared jeeps; always agree the fare beforehand.

How important is mobile data in India? Very. You’ll use it for ride‑hailing, train PNR checks, digital tickets, and maps. An eSIM from Hello activated before you land means you’re connected for bookings, translations, and budget tracking from day one – no need to queue for local SIMs.