The easiest ways to get around India are trains for long distances, domestic flights to save time, and a mix of ride-hailing apps, auto-rickshaws and hired cars for local travel. Indian Railways is the backbone of the country, reaching almost everywhere at low cost, while budget airlines connect the big cities in a couple of hours. For touring a region such as Rajasthan or Kerala, many visitors hire a car with a driver.
What are the main ways to travel in India?
| Mode | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Long distances, scenery, budget | Book early on IRCTC; choose AC classes for comfort |
| Domestic flight | Saving time on long routes | IndiGo, Air India and others fly nationwide |
| Car with driver | Regional tours and day trips | Flexible and good value for two or more people |
| Ride-hailing and auto | Getting around cities | Ola and Uber avoid haggling over fares |
| Bus | Routes with no train | Private sleeper buses cover many hill and rural areas |
Trains: the classic way to see India
Indian Railways carries millions of people every day and is often the most rewarding way to travel. Reserve ahead through the official IRCTC website or app, as popular routes sell out. For overnight journeys, air-conditioned classes (3AC, 2AC and 1AC) are comfortable and secure, while sleeper class is the cheapest. Fast Vande Bharat and Rajdhani services link major cities.
Flights, buses and metros
- Flights: worth it when a train would take a full day, such as Delhi to the south.
- Buses: government and private operators reach hill stations and small towns; sleeper coaches suit overnight trips.
- Metros: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and others have clean, cheap metro systems that beat traffic.
Getting around towns and cities
For short hops, use ride-hailing apps such as Ola and Uber to avoid negotiating, or agree an auto-rickshaw fare before you set off. In tourist areas, prepaid taxi counters at airports and stations give fixed, fair prices. Plan your route between highlights with our India itinerary, and see what to prioritise in our guide to the best things to do in India.
Practical tips
- Create an IRCTC account before you travel, as it is the only official site for train tickets.
- Keep a digital and paper copy of tickets and your passport.
- Allow buffer time between connections, as trains can run late.
- Carry small change for autos, porters and local buses.
For the bigger picture before you plan, see our India travel guide.
Travellers who would rather have trains, flights and drivers arranged for them often start from curated India tour packages and let a local team handle the logistics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to travel around India?
Trains for long distances and scenery, flights to save time on very long routes, and a hired car with a driver for touring a region. In cities, ride-hailing apps and the metro are quickest.
How do I book train tickets in India?
Use the official IRCTC website or app, which is the only authorised booking channel. Popular routes sell out, so reserve as early as you can, ideally weeks ahead.
Are trains or flights better in India?
Trains are cheaper and reach almost everywhere, while flights save a lot of time on long routes. Many travellers combine both, taking trains for scenic legs and flying the longest distances.
Is it safe to use taxis and auto-rickshaws?
Yes, with sensible care. Use ride-hailing apps or prepaid counters for fixed fares, and agree a price before riding in an auto-rickshaw that is not metered.
Should I hire a car and driver?
For regional tours it is popular, flexible and good value, especially for two or more travellers. A driver handles the roads and parking while you focus on the sights.
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