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Metro, autos, ride-hailing & trains
Getting Around
India’s local transport has transformed fast — metro networks now cover most major cities, and ride-hailing apps have made getting a fair-priced ride far easier than it used to be. Here’s what actually works city to city.
General guidance — fares and app availability change by city. See our full disclaimer on the hub page.
Metro: the best option where it exists
Metro systems now run in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Nagpur, Kochi, Lucknow, and several others — clean, air-conditioned, and genuinely the fastest way to beat traffic. Delhi’s is the most tourist-friendly, with an Airport Express Line and short-stay tourist cards available.
Ride-hailing apps
Uber & Ola
Available in all major cities, transparently priced (~₹8-12/km for standard cars), payable by card or cash. The default recommendation for most visitors — no negotiation, GPS-tracked, and generally the safer choice at night or for solo travelers.
Regional alternatives
Rapido (two-wheeler taxis, very popular for short hops), Namma Yatri (Bengaluru), and other city-specific apps have emerged alongside the big two — worth checking what’s active in your specific city after you land.
Auto-rickshaws
India’s classic three-wheeler, cheap and everywhere. Meters exist but drivers don’t always use them — always agree a fare (or insist on the meter) before you get in, not after. Typical short-ride cost: ₹50-150. A useful trick: ask your hotel what a fair local price would be for your destination, and use that as your starting point. App-based auto booking (via Uber/Ola auto options) is increasingly available and removes the negotiation step entirely.
Trains
Booking
Book via IRCTC (the official portal — requires account setup, a bit fiddly from abroad) or a travel aggregator like Cleartrip/MakeMyTrip, which simplifies the process for a small fee. Book 5-10 days ahead for popular routes.
Classes
Sleeper Class (cheapest, no A/C) → AC 3-Tier → AC 2-Tier (increasingly comfortable and private). For overnight or long-distance journeys, AC 3-Tier or above is worth the modest extra cost.
City-by-city notes worth knowing
Agra
A strict eco-zone bans petrol/diesel vehicles within 500m of the Taj Mahal — Uber/Ola can only drop you at designated parking areas, then it’s electric rickshaw or foot from there.
Jaipur
Amber Fort and other hilltop attractions often have no app-cabs waiting when you’re ready to leave — negotiate your return trip with a driver, or book a private car for the whole circuit.
Mumbai
Local suburban trains are the fastest way across the city but genuinely crowded at rush hour (8-10am, 6-9pm) — women-only coaches are available and worth using if traveling alone during those windows.
Goa
No metro or strong bus network — scooter rental (₹300-500/day) is the practical way most visitors get around the beaches.
A general safety habit worth adopting
Whatever you’re riding, sharing your live location with someone (via WhatsApp) for longer or late-night trips costs nothing and adds real peace of mind — especially relevant if traveling solo. See also Solo Female Traveler Safety.