Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideAirport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), 95km from city
Jaunpur Junction (JNU)
Main railway station with trains from major cities, located in the city center.
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
Note: Trains more comfortable, but buses are more frequent
โน30-100
Best for: Short distances within the city
Bargain for the fare before starting the journey. Agree on the price upfront.
โน20-50
Best for: Short distances, leisurely sightseeing
A slower but more eco-friendly option. Negotiate the fare beforehand.
โน10-20
Best for: Budget travelers
Can be crowded and uncomfortable. Check the route and schedule in advance.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Visit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour groups break for meals
timingWeekdays have 50-70% fewer visitors than weekends at popular sites
timingAvoid full moon nights at Taj Mahal - extremely popular and expensive
timingBook heritage hotels - they limit daily visitors unlike popular hostels
strategyVisit Northeast India - spectacular and chronically under-touristed
alternativesOctober-March are peak tourist months - avoid if seeking solitude
seasonAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
Purchase SIM at the airport when you arrive
Observe local couples' behavior - Watch how Indian couples in the area interact publicly and mirror that level of affection or less.
Beckoning uses downward palm motion - The "come here" gesture uses palm facing down, fingers waving downwardโopposite of Western style.
Consider crossing the Wagah Border to visit Pakistan next
Metro systems are excellent in major cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata have clean, air-conditioned, affordable metro systems that bypass traffic.
Seek quiet spaces like botanical gardens and parks
More devout Hindus avoid eating with the left hand
Start in Fort Kochi for a relaxed introduction
Wet wipes are indispensable - Use them for everything from cleaning hands to wiping down train seats and restaurant tables.
Squat toilets are the norm outside cities - Practice at home if you've never used one; they're actually more hygienic when used correctly.
Get a local SIM card immediately upon arrival
Bring your own toiletries - Familiar brands can be expensive or unavailable. Pack enough shampoo, deodorant, and personal care items.
Antiques cannot be exported legally - Items over 100 years old require special clearance. Stick to modern handicrafts to avoid customs issues.
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