How to Get to Another City: Transportation in India

Now that you have figured out how to get around your city, it’s time to expand your horizons! Traveling around India is fun and guaranteed to give you a great story. Just by traveling as few as 200 km away, you might find yourself in what seems like a whole new country! #IndiasNotIndia

You have four main options to get to a different city (unless you plan on getting there on your own):

Airplane

Traveling by airplane is the fastest and most expensive option. Airports and airlines have improved steadily in the last ten years, and you will likely be impressed at the service.

When it’s the best option:

• If you need to get there fast
• If you have the money to spend
• If you are traveling across the country
  • A train from Chennai to Delhi lasts 33 hours, while a flight is only 3 hours
• If you are booking last-minute
  • Plane tickets are available even one or two days before your departure

How to get a ticket:

Most ticketing is done either online or through a travel agent. A few of the most popular online booking sites are Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and Expedia. There was a time when foreigners had to pay a different amount for a ticket, but that is no longer the case.

The major private airlines are Jet Airways, Indigo, SpiceJet, and GoAir. You will find a similar high level of service for all of them. Air India is the government-run airline. Many people use them without a problem, but they are often in the news for crashes, false pilot licenses, and other embarrassing things. My wife won’t let me book a ticket through them. Kingfisher was a popular airline, but they are not in business anymore.

Hazards:

• It is the most expensive way to go, but prices are fairly reasonable and competitive.
• The biggest hassle is that many airports are located quite a far distance from the city. Bangalore is the worst; it will take you one to two hours to reach nearly any point in the city.
• Airlines are becoming stricter about limiting your baggage weight, so if you are carrying a heavy load, you may have to pay extra fees.

Rules of the road:

• Flying on an Indian airline is no different than any other airline, except you might find the staff to be friendlier.
• When you enter the airport, you will need to show your ticket (either printed or on your phone) and passport to the security.
• You may need to have any checked luggage screened by x-ray before you check in.
• You will get one small tag for every piece of hand luggage. It may have lines for your name and contact information. You do not need to fill this out. The tag is used to show a stamp when your bags are cleared for security. Before you get on the flight, they will check the tag to make sure it was stamped, not that it was filled out.
• Once the plane lands, be prepared for everyone to jump up, grab their hand luggage, and fight for positioning in the aisle. If you are in a rush, you will have to fight for your place.
• If possible, plan out your transportation from the airport ahead of time. If you don’t have a friend or taxi waiting for you, get a prepaid taxi or use the bus or metro service if you are familiar with the system.
• If you walk out of the airport with a lost look on your face, you will be endlessly harassed by taxi drivers. Don’t use these unless you know exactly where you are going, how to get there, and how much it should cost. Otherwise, you might end up at their “brother’s” hotel/shop where they get a commission if you stay/shop there.

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Train

Click here for the full article on train travel in India.

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Bus

Buses can be a surprisingly great way to get from city to city. Their biggest advantage is that there is virtually always a ticket for a cheap price.

When it is the best option:

• If you don’t have money for a flight
• If the train you want is fully booked
• If you want to get picked up from a nearby place
• If you are going to a place (like the mountains) where the trains don’t go

How to get a ticket:

• Travel agents can get you a ticket, but you can also book private bus tickets through Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, RedBus and TicketGoose.
• There are some state-run buses that are very reputable, but you must look them up in your specific area.
• It is worth it to choose a nice bus. The better buses are the AC Volvo multi-axles, and more higher-end buses are set to hit the market soon. These are actually pretty comfortable rides and the equivalent of a charter bus.
• A sleeper means that you can lay down totally horizontal (good for an overnight ride). A semi-sleeper means you are in a chair that reclines nicely.
• Factor in a lot of extra time if you are in transit somewhere. Your bus may arrive up to 1 hour late or more due to frequent stops and traffic.

Hazards:

• Bus safety is a concern, as there have been some accidents in the recent past.
• The private bus industry is highly unorganized. Anyone can set up a travel company and rent a bus out. If you are provided a number for customer service, it is likely just some guy’s cell phone. Don’t do a bus unless you have a little bit of comfort getting around India and talking with Indians.
• Buses that run during the day will nearly always play a movie for everyone. This can be great if you are into them. It can also be really distracting if you don’t like the movie or if you are trying to sleep. Bring earplugs if it might be an issue for you.
• Bus drivers are usually good, but many of them may have been working very long hours. They may drive wildly and accidents are a risk.

Rules of the road:

• You will be given a location and time to board the bus. It will not be early, so if you arrive 1-2 minutes late, don’t freak out that the bus has left without you. If you are really late, try calling any number you have and seeing if the bus can wait for you.
• Your boarding point might be a major bus hub with more than 100 buses, or a smaller station. Arrive early to a major hub as traffic will be tight and it will take you time to find your bus. At smaller stations, look for a crowd of people or ask around to see from where your bus is leaving.
• You will need to show some ID proof and any ticket printout.
• Once you are on the bus, everyone basically stays to themselves. The bus will stop from time to time for tea and toilet breaks (no toilets on the bus). A toilet break might also just be on the side of the road.
• There is usually a driver and another man who functions like a conductor. If you are not riding the bus until the last stop, tell the conductor where you are getting off, and he will make sure you reach the right stop.
• Your luggage is kept with you in the bus, stored underneath, or put on top (for the more primitive buses). Be sure everything is locked up well if you are giving your luggage to be stored somewhere away from you.

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Car and Driver

If you prefer, you can rent out a car and driver for a long trip. You can also rent a small minibus if you are traveling with a group. This is the most private way to travel, but it can also be more expensive than a flight in some circumstances.

When it is the best option:

• If you hate flying and don’t like the train or bus
• If you are planning multiple stops along your journey and need ultimate flexibility
• If you are traveling with a group and can split the cost

Hazards:

• Use a car service you know to be very reliable. Otherwise, you could end up with a very disappointing experience.
• While drivers are capable of driving through the night, they are often over-tired, and you will need to make sure your driver stays well-rested.

How to get a ticket:

• If you do not already know the name of a good car service, ask an Indian. It will be very hard to find one on your own, and by asking someone for advice, you indirectly make them responsible for finding a good service.
• Be clear while booking what kind of car/van you want, how many people will be traveling, where you are going, and what the fees will be. Both you and the booking agent should be crystal clear on these things ahead of time.
• The price quoted to you will likely be inclusive of the fee for the car and driver for a set duration of time (or distance). Extras will be petrol, tolls, and food for the driver (about Rs. 100 per meal).

Rules of the road:

• Once you begin the journey, the driver is at your service for the duration of the time. Simply let him know where you are going, when you plan on stopping, etc.
• If you are staying overnight somewhere, let the driver know when you need to be picked up in the morning. He will find his own accommodation or sleep in the car/van.
• A tip for the driver is appreciated at the end of a long journey.

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