🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around India
✈️ Flying to India
Main International Airports
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) - Delhi - India's largest and busiest airport. 16km from central Delhi. Three terminals. Well-connected globally. Modern, efficient.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) - Mumbai - Second largest. 30km from central Mumbai. Gateway for travelers heading to South India and Goa.
Other Major International Airports:
- Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) - Bangalore, tech hub entry
- Chennai International Airport (MAA) - South India gateway
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) - Kolkata, East India
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) - Hyderabad
- Dabolim Airport (GOI) - Goa, charter flights common
💡 Insider Tip
Delhi is best for Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). Mumbai for beaches (Goa). Bangalore for South India exploration. Choose entry airport based on itinerary.
🚗 From Delhi Airport to City Center
Delhi Metro Airport Express (Fastest & Cheapest)
Airport Express Line runs between Terminal 3 and New Delhi Station. Journey time: 20 minutes. Ticket: ₹60. Trains every 10-15 minutes, 5am-11:30pm. Clean, air-conditioned.
Metro + Connection
Airport Express connects to Delhi Metro network at New Delhi Station. Transfer to reach different parts of city. Total cost: ₹60-120 depending on final destination.
App Cab (Ola/Uber - Recommended)
Book Ola or Uber from airport. Pre-paid pricing, no haggling. Terminal 3 to central Delhi: ₹400-700 depending on surge pricing. 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Pre-paid Taxi
Pre-paid taxi counters at arrivals. Fixed rates based on destination. Around ₹600-900 to central Delhi. Safer than random taxis.
⚠️ Avoid Unlicensed Taxis
Touts approach at arrivals offering "cheap rides." They're scams. Use official pre-paid counter, metro, or app cabs only.
✈️ From Mumbai Airport to City
Mumbai Airport sits 30km from city center. Traffic is legendary. Allow extra time.
Metro (Mumbai Metro Line 7): Connects airport to city. Around ₹10-50 depending on distance. Fastest during rush hour. Still expanding network.
Ola / Uber: ₹500-1,000 to South Mumbai depending on traffic and surge. 45-90 minutes. Book from app, ignore touts.
Pre-paid Taxi: Counter at arrivals. Around ₹700-1,200 to South Mumbai. AC vs non-AC pricing. Traffic adds time.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most foreign nationals need a visa for India. E-visa (Tourist) is easiest option for most travelers. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in
E-Tourist Visa Options:
- 30-day e-visa: Double entry, valid 30 days from arrival. Around $25 USD.
- 1-year e-visa: Multiple entry, valid 365 days from visa issue date (not arrival). Around $40 USD. Max 180 days stay per calendar year.
- 5-year e-visa: Multiple entry, valid 5 years. Around $80 USD. Max 180 days stay per calendar year.
Important:
- Apply at least 4 days before arrival (up to 120 days in advance)
- Processing usually 72 hours, sometimes instant
- Print e-visa approval—required at immigration
- E-visa valid for arrival at major airports and seaports
- Passport must be valid 6 months from arrival date
Visa on Arrival:
Only available for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (with previous e-visa/regular visa history). 60-day validity. Available at Delhi and Mumbai airports.
Apply for India e-visa →🚂 Getting Around India
Trains (Indian Railways - IRCTC)
India's train network is legendary. 12,000+ trains daily. Essential for intercity travel. Classes range from basic Sleeper to AC 1st class.
Booking: Use IRCTC Rail Connect app or website irctc.co.in. Registration required (takes 24hrs to activate). Book weeks ahead for popular routes.
Popular Routes & Approximate Fares:
- Delhi-Agra (Gatimaan Express, 1.5hrs): ₹750-1,500
- Delhi-Jaipur (4-6hrs): ₹500-2,000 depending on class
- Mumbai-Goa (10-12hrs): ₹600-3,000
- Delhi-Mumbai (Rajdhani, 15-17hrs): ₹2,000-5,000
Classes: Sleeper (cheapest, no AC), AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, AC 1st Class. Foreign tourists can book Tourist Quota if regular quota full.
Buses (Long Distance)
Extensive network. Government and private operators. Sleeper buses for overnight journeys. Book via redBus app. Cheaper than trains but less comfortable.
Domestic Flights
IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India operate domestic flights. Worth considering for long distances (Delhi-Goa, Mumbai-Bangalore). Budget airlines cheap—sometimes cheaper than AC trains.
🎫 Train Booking Tips
Tatkal tickets release 24hrs before departure for last-minute booking. Book premium trains (Rajdhani, Shatabdi) for guaranteed comfort. Waitlisted tickets often confirm—check PNR status regularly.
🚇 Local Transportation in Major Cities
Delhi Metro
Most extensive metro in India. Clean, air-conditioned, efficient. Covers most tourist areas. Tickets ₹10-60 based on distance. Smart cards available (₹150 including ₹100 balance).
Mumbai Local Trains
Mumbai's lifeline. Crowded during rush hour (avoid 8-10am, 6-8pm). Cheap (₹5-50) but overwhelming for first-timers. Mumbai Metro expanding—easier than local trains.
Auto-Rickshaws
Three-wheeler taxis. Everywhere in India. Metered but drivers often refuse. Use Ola/Uber auto option for fixed pricing. Typical city ride: ₹30-100.
Ola / Uber
Essential for safe, hassle-free rides. Ola more popular than Uber. Auto-rickshaw option available. Prime/Sedan/SUV choices. Surge pricing during rush hour.
🚗 Renting a Car or Hiring Driver
Self-drive car rental: Available but not recommended. Indian traffic is chaotic. Driving rules loosely followed. Insurance complications. Road conditions variable.
Hiring driver (with car): Better option. Around ₹2,000-4,000/day including car, driver, fuel. Driver knows roads, handles traffic, finds parking. Book through hotel or reputable agency.
Things to Know About Hiring Driver:
- Negotiate rate upfront (per day, per km, or fixed route)
- Driver accommodation usually included in multi-day trips
- Tip ₹200-500/day for good service
- Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) popular driver route: around ₹10,000-15,000 for 5 days
⚠️ Driving in India
Unless you have experience with chaotic traffic (Southeast Asia, Middle East), hire a driver. Self-driving adds unnecessary stress. Let someone else navigate the madness.
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: Indian Railways offers Advance Booking—cheaper fares 60-120 days ahead
- Use Sleeper class: No AC but functional and cheap. Overnight trains = save hotel cost
- Fly budget airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet often cheaper than AC trains for long routes
- Metro over taxis: Delhi/Mumbai metro fraction of taxi cost
- Use Ola/Uber auto: Cheaper than car rides for short distances
- Government buses: Cheaper than private but less comfortable