Distances in India are huge: Delhi to Kerala is more than 2,500 km. Smart travellers combine domestic flights for long jumps, trains for classic routes and a private car with driver for sightseeing. Here is how each option works.
Private car with driver
This is the most comfortable and flexible way to explore a region such as Rajasthan or Kerala. You stop wherever you like, luggage stays in the car and the driver knows the roads. All Amazing India tours include an air-conditioned car with an experienced driver.
- Average road speed: 40–60 km/h outside expressways.
- Plan no more than 5–6 hours of driving per day.
- Drivers usually stay with you for the whole trip.
Trains and domestic flights
- Trains – Indian Railways runs over 13,000 trains a day. For tourists we recommend AC Chair Car, 1AC or 2AC classes and fast trains such as the Vande Bharat or Shatabdi Express.
- Book early – popular trains sell out weeks ahead, especially in the high season.
- Domestic flights – a 2-hour flight replaces a 24-hour train ride. Low-cost airlines connect all major cities; allow 15 kg of checked luggage.
Getting around in cities
- Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) – fun for short rides; agree the price before you start.
- App-based cabs such as Uber and Ola – fixed prices and air-conditioning.
- Metro – fast, clean and cheap in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
- Cycle-rickshaws – perfect for the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.
Quick Overview Table
| Route | By car | By train | By air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Agra | 3.5 hours | 1h 40 min | – |
| Agra – Jaipur | 4.5 hours | 3.5 hours | – |
| Delhi – Varanasi | 12 hours | 8 hours | 1h 20 min |
| Mumbai – Goa | 10 hours | 8 hours | 1h 10 min |
| Delhi – Leh | 2 days | – | 1h 20 min |
| Kochi – Munnar | 4 hours | – | – |
