Top methods for traveling across India

India offers an expansive travel experience. Just how expansive? Consider this: its 28 states and 8 union territories span almost 3.8 million sq km, with the distance from northern Ladakh to southern Tamil Nadu exceeding 3200km (1988 miles) – that's farther than the distance from London to Istanbul.

Traversing this immense nation requires time and effort. Fortunately, India’s extensive rail network is here to help, featuring over 13,000 trains operating daily on 68,103km (42,317 miles) of track, serving an impressive 8 billion passengers each year.

Alongside train journeys, countless bus, 4WD, taxi, and rickshaw rides are available. To save time (though not carbon emissions), budget flights connect every part of the nation, from the sacred sites of South India to the historic towns of the northern plains, as well as remote mountain airstrips in the Himalayas.

No matter what you aim to experience in India, here’s our comprehensive guide to navigating a country that’s nearly as vast as a continent.

Exploring India by train is the most enchanting experience.

Train travel in India offers a uniquely atmospheric way to see the country, despite some aging infrastructure on parts of the extensive rail network. Fares are very affordable, and trains reach nearly every corner of the nation, including nostalgic “toy trains” that ascend the Himalayas on narrow-gauge tracks. Recently, high-speed Vande Bharat trains have begun operating between major cities, providing enhanced comfort with wide aisles, modern toilets, and strong air conditioning.

Indian Railways manages nearly all of the country's train services, which are designated by name and number, as well as service category. Most trains fall under Express, Passenger, or Mail classifications—Express services are the fastest, with fewer stops at minor stations. For quick travel, look for Vande Bharat trains connecting major hubs, Rajdhani Express trains linking Delhi to state capitals, or Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express trains traveling between India's largest cities.

Tip for Planning: Always ensure you're aware of both your departure and arrival stations. Many cities feature multiple stations—often a main city station and a 'cantonment' stop from the colonial era, which served military barracks alongside urban areas. For some locations, the closest station might be in a nearby town with a different name altogether. If direct access isn’t possible, check for connecting trains—you might just pass through a tiny town that you’ll see only for the briefest moment while switching platforms.

A brief guide to reserving train tickets

India offers a variety of train classes, with significant price differences. Air-conditioned 1st class (1AC) is the top tier, featuring two- or four-person compartments with lockable doors, seats that convert into beds, and in-seat meal service. Two-tier and three-tier air-conditioned coaches (2AC and 3AC) offer nearly the same comfort, with berths arranged for six in compartments. Sleeper coaches resemble 3AC but have fans instead of air conditioning. All options are ideal for overnight journeys, allowing you to save on hotel costs while traveling in comfort.

Unreserved 2nd class is essentially a free-for-all—extremely affordable, often overcrowded, and best suited for short rural trips. For all reserved classes (sleeper and above), there are specific quotas for certain passenger groups, including tourists; you might find a seat even if the train seems fully booked, but you’ll need to locate the correct booking desk, and this service is typically available only at major stations.

Always aim to book several days in advance, or even longer during peak times like festivals. If the train is fully booked, you might still secure a Waiting List (WL) seat—many travelers cancel their reservations, so a spot may open up, and you’ll receive a refund if there’s no availability. If there are fewer than 10 people ahead of you on the list, your chances are generally good.

Train tickets can be purchased at stations or online. However, the online booking process on the official Indian Railways website can be complex—you’ll need a mobile phone to create an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) account, a payment card to pay a fee, and you must verify your account via phone and email to access the service.

Booking through an international site like 12GoAsia may be simpler, though it only covers trains between larger towns. To reserve trains using efficient Indian services like Cleartrip and Make My Trip, you’ll need an IRCTC account.

Booking Tips for India's Trains: When planning your trip, you’ll need the train number and the names (or the official two- to four-letter codes) for your departure and arrival stations. Refer to the printed guide Trains at a Glance (available at station bookstands), utilize the journey search engine on the Indian Railways website, or visit Erail. The site Seat 61 is a valuable resource for information on Indian rail travel.

Buses are essential for traveling in India.

India boasts an extensive and impressive bus network managed by both state-run and private companies. Buses operate nearly everywhere at any hour, day or night. Even if a direct route isn’t available, there’s usually a bus that can take you partway, followed by another to complete your journey.

However, some travelers opt to avoid night buses, as drivers may exploit the quieter roads to drive recklessly. During mountain trips, it’s best to steer clear of sitting over the wheels or behind the rear axle unless you enjoy being jostled around like spaghetti in a colander.

State-run 'ordinary' buses and local private operators offer incredibly low fares, but they stop frequently and can get packed, often filling the aisles with passengers. Prices rise for various classes of 'deluxe' and 'express' buses, reaching even higher for “Volvo” or “2x2” buses that feature reclining seats akin to those on airplanes. On longer routes, sleeper buses with flat beds are available, though sharing your space with a stranger is common unless you opt for a more expensive solo berth.

Private bus companies generally charge slightly more than government-operated ones, but their buses typically depart from convenient city offices and drop passengers off at multiple locations within towns. If you’re taking an overnight bus, be mindful of the arrival time, as some services may arrive very early in the morning, often before hotel staff are awake. The journey duration to or from major cities can greatly depend on traffic conditions.

On many local routes, every seat and available space in the aisle will be occupied. To ensure you can get off the bus at your stop, make your way toward the doors before you arrive. Luggage is typically stored under the bus or on the roof (you may need to lift it up using a ladder). Keep your bags secured and stay alert during food and restroom breaks; using a device like an electronic AirTag or Tile can provide peace of mind in tracking your belongings.

For those traveling beyond India, international buses service routes to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan, although some services may not be available to foreign tourists. State-run international bus services are generally dependable, but be cautious of “tourist buses” from travel agencies, as it’s common to pay luxury prices for two local buses operating on either side of the border.

Bus Travel Tips in India: More comfortable bus classes can often be reserved in advance at the bus station or through travel agencies. On local buses, a conductor will typically walk through the aisle collecting fares—don’t worry if your change isn’t given back right away; it’s usually provided upon disembarking. If your change doesn’t arrive, a gentle reminder should suffice.

Utilizing shared 4WDs is the ideal way to explore the Himalayas.

While buses ascend into the mountains, an array of shared 4WDs is also available, ranging from classic British-colonial Land Rovers to robust local models made by Tata and Maruti. These vehicles are often referred to as 'shared jeeps' or 'Sumos,' named after one of India’s popular 4WD brands. Drivers charge per seat (the spacious seat next to the driver may come at an additional cost) and depart once full, or you can hire the entire vehicle for immediate travel.

Although shared 4WDs are pricier than buses, the difference is minimal, and they offer the most comfortable option for reaching hill towns like Darjeeling and Leh in Ladakh. Their smaller size allows them to navigate around landslides and maneuver on dirt roads that buses cannot safely traverse due to flooding or snow. Additionally, shared jeep services transport Indian tourists to temples and attractions from bus and train stations at a fraction of taxi fares.

Renting a motorcycle or hiring a car with a driver is an excellent way to discover the region.

While few opt for self-driving rental cars in India, it's straightforward to rent motorcycles and scooters for long journeys across the Himalayas. Delhi’s Lalli Singh Adventures boasts decades of experience in renting classic Royal Enfield motorcycles to those embarking on epic road-trip routes like the trek from Delhi to Ladakh.

To ride a motorcycle in India, you will need an international driving permit; rental companies may not always request this, but it could be asked for by traffic authorities. When renting for local exploration, you might be required to leave your passport as a deposit, which is typically stored securely until your return, though a large cash deposit may be accepted instead. Ride cautiously and defensively, and always yield to larger vehicles.

If the challenging driving conditions seem daunting, hiring a car with a driver is a convenient alternative, and costs can be quite affordable when shared among several passengers. You can find rental vehicles through travel agencies or at taxi stands managed by local driver groups.

Many stands feature printed lists of excursions with fixed prices, or you can customize half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips. Be sure to ask about the languages your driver speaks, as communication can be tricky if there's a language barrier. For multi-day trips, confirm that the price includes fuel and the driver’s meals and accommodations (drivers typically arrange their own food and lodging).

Taxis and rideshare services are ideal for shorter journeys.

Taxis are widely available throughout India and can be hired for local rides, day excursions, and multi-day trips. However, some taxis are restricted to specific areas, so don’t assume every cab can take you across state lines. In addition to traditional taxis, rideshares can be requested through apps like Uber, Ola, Lyft, and Bla Bla Car. Keep in mind that some apps are limited to certain cities, and many rideshare drivers operate autorickshaws instead of cars.

While taxis are supposed to use meters, many drivers prefer not to, so you’ll need to negotiate a fare before your journey begins. Taxis near tourist attractions and train stations often charge more, so try to flag down a moving cab for a better chance at a fair price. Prepaid taxi stands at major transport hubs offer rides at set prices.

Public transport in Indian cities is affordable and readily available.

India's urban transport system includes bustling city buses, taxis, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, urban trains, and, in some places, clean, modern metro systems. The metros in major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi provide a convenient way to navigate, including routes to the airport. However, be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs and go through security checks like at airports when entering the stations.

Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, which are small motorized vehicles accommodating two or three passengers plus the driver, are the preferred choice for short trips in Indian towns. While auto-rickshaws typically have meters, drivers often hesitate to use them. If a metered ride isn’t available, it's best to negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey, unless you're using prepaid stands at major train stations and airports.

Eco-friendly electric autorickshaws are becoming more prevalent, though they may lack the power needed for steep journeys, such as those to hilltop forts in Rajasthan. It's wise to confirm that your driver can manage the route. Many autorickshaw drivers also offer rides via Uber and other rideshare platforms at reasonable rates.

Tips for rickshaw travel: Be prepared for rickshaw walas (drivers) to lack change for larger notes. It's advisable to carry ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 denominations to ensure you can pay the fare. When negotiating prices, remember that drivers earn modest wages, so a few extra rupees can significantly impact their earnings.

Cruising on boats provides a charming way to explore India’s waterways.

Ferries operate across numerous rivers in India, but direct trips along rivers or coastal routes are rare. There are also slow sea ferries servicing Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands. On the other hand, some fantastic luxury multi-day cruises navigate major Indian rivers, including memorable journeys on the Ganges and Brahmaputra with Assam Bengal Navigation.

Overnight boat cruises explore the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal and meander through the tranquil backwaters near Alappuzha (Alleppey) in Kerala. In rural areas, delightful wooden rowboat or coracle rides can be found, such as those at the ruins of Hampi. In the sacred towns along the Ganges, boat operators offer rowboat tours, particularly well-known in Varanasi.

Domestic flights can be time-savers, though they come at a carbon cost.

In the past, domestic air travel in India was often unreliable, featuring outdated planes and high fares for non-Indian travelers. Since the 1990s, with the liberalization of the aviation sector, domestic flights have seen tremendous growth, offering affordable prices through budget airlines that make air travel accessible to everyone.

Considering its environmental footprint and the many low-cost alternatives, many travelers prefer not to fly within India. Nonetheless, a short flight can be a practical option to bypass overland routes in areas with security concerns (like Kashmir and the Northeast States) or to save time on grueling journeys in ancient 4WDs that may not be the safest or most eco-friendly options.

If you prefer to limit your flights, reserve internal routes for journeys into the Himalayas. The flights to Leh in Ladakh and Pakyong in Sikkim are among the most breathtaking in the world, offering stunning views of the highest peaks on the planet. With fierce competition in the market, airlines frequently change: currently, Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet are the major players.

Accessible transportation options are quite limited in India

Traveling in India can be difficult for those with mobility challenges. While locals are generally very helpful, the infrastructure varies widely, and the crowds along with uneven sidewalks can complicate exploration at ground level. Having a companion can make a significant difference.

Wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments encounter significant challenges. When sidewalks exist, they are often uneven, potholed, and crowded with pedestrians and vendors. Walking on the road can be hazardous due to fast-moving vehicles, so exercise caution when crossing streets, as traffic signals are frequently ignored. Additionally, be cautious of concrete slab sidewalks over open drains, as they can be unstable or damaged.

The absence of ramps and the presence of steps pose further difficulties. Even where hotels and buildings have elevators, these may only stop at intermediate levels. Higher-end hotels are more likely to offer proper elevators and fully accessible rooms with bathrooms suitable for wheelchair users.

Navigating the numerous small steps and curbs makes a folding manual wheelchair a more practical choice than an electric one. If you hire a car or 4WD with a driver, you might find it more comfortable to explore, but keep in mind that in some cities, the trunks of taxis are occupied by LPG/CNG tanks, leaving no room for a folding wheelchair.

Buses and trains in India offer little support for travelers with disabilities. They are often overcrowded, which presents a serious challenge for those with mobility issues. When traveling by train, staff can assist with boarding and disembarking, but it's advisable to choose the more spacious air-conditioned classes. The IRCTC provides an 'e-wheelchair' service at select train stations. Various agencies, including Royal Indian Voyages, Disabled Holidays, and Enable Holidays, offer specialized tours for travelers with disabilities.