Train
The train is the best way to travel long distances in India. The network is vast, the prices are reasonable, and for overnight journeys a reserved sleeper car beats every other option: comfortable berths, air conditioning, and a parade of curious fellow passengers who will likely engage you in lengthy conversations about education, politics, and cricket.
Book tickets in advance — popular routes fill up weeks ahead. The official booking site is irctc.co.in. A helpful booklet called Trains at a Glance lists all services with numbers and times; buy it at larger stations. If you're stuck, major tourist centres have special counters selling "tourist quota" tickets for the following day. At smaller stations, ask the stationmaster about the emergency quota. Foreigners can also access a quota reserved specifically for them, often through a dedicated counter or office in big cities; Indrail passes are another option, worth checking at indianrail.gov.in.
For overnight trips, Sleeper class is usually the best value — request an upper inside bunk. 2 A/C or 3 A/C gives you a compartment with 4 or 6 berths and proper air conditioning; the A/C in upper classes can be extreme, so bring a layer. Second class (unreserved) is often wildly overcrowded and best avoided for long journeys. Bring food and water for the full trip including delays — bananas, bread, and snacks are sensible basics, since station hawkers selling chai and peanuts aren't something to rely on for an 18- or 40-hour ride. Watch your bags at stations and in lower classes: keep them locked to your bunk (under it on the bottom berth, at your head on top), and lock exterior pockets too.
Most guesthouses will arrange ticket purchases for a small fee — worth it if you're short on time.
Bus
Buses go where trains don't, which is much of the country. Quality ranges from modern private coaches on tourist routes (Goa to Hampi, say) to state-run buses that are crowded, slow, and involve a lot of horn-honking over deeply potholed roads. On unreserved state buses, people throw bags through windows to claim seats before boarding — your safest move is to book a reserved seat whenever possible.
Overnight "sleeper buses" run on many tourist routes and can save a night's accommodation cost, though the quality of sleep depends heavily on road conditions.
Domestic Flights
Flying saves enormous amounts of time on longer routes. IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara operate dense domestic networks. Fares are competitive if booked ahead; last-minute prices can be steep. The main hubs are Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the default short-distance option in most cities — three-wheeled, noisy, and essential. Always agree on a fare before setting off, or insist on the meter. In some cities, app-based ride services (Ola, Uber) work well and eliminate the negotiation.
Taxis are available in larger cities. Ola and Uber are reliable and generally cheaper than unmetered cabs.
Metro systems operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and several other cities — fast, cheap, and air-conditioned.