How to get to India
Flights
India has four international airports in the major centres of Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras). The government-run Indian Airways is the country’s largest domestic airline, although other airlines do exist, and there are frequent domestic flights between the main cities. Tickets are cheap and easy to obtain in Delhi and departure tax is almost always automatically included in the price. See our travel advice.
Transfers
SELF-DRIVE
Car hire is freely available in India, although most rental companies limit the mileage included in the hire price. However, the traffic in India, particularly in the cities, is rather chaotic and it is recommended that visitors hire a driver rather than braving the busy roads on their own. In larger towns taxis and rickshaws are easily available.
TRAINS
India has a relatively cheap and extensive railway system, and it is possible to reach many destinations by rail. However, trains are often very crowded, and visitors may find a rail journey an exhausting, although colourful, experience. Trains are divided into separate classes and it is important to pay attention to this when booking your trip, as it will determine how much space you will have on the train. Mention that you are a tourist when booking your tickets, as a number of tourist tickets are allocated to each route, making seats easier to book.
BUS / COACH
The bus service varies widely between different regions, with private operators, as well as government transport, active on many routes. Although more expensive, privates busses are faster and more comfortable. However, most bus transport remains slow and cramped, and is generally not recommended.
What to Remember when travelling around India
India is a large country and, unless you are travelling by air, your journey is likely to take a fair amount of time. Plan your time accordingly and remember to break your journey at reasonable intervals. Click here for Frequently asked questions about India.
