Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideAirport: Pune International Airport (PNQ), 10km from city
Pune Junction (PUNE)
Main railway station with trains from all major cities, centrally located.
Shivaji Nagar (SVJR)
Smaller station with some intercity trains, convenient for certain areas.
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
Note: Trains more comfortable
₹30-150 depending on distance
Best for: Short distances, navigating traffic
Bargain for the fare before starting the ride. Use Ola or Uber Auto for fixed prices.
₹10-30 per ride
Best for: Budget travelers, covering longer distances
The bus network is extensive, but it can be crowded. Check the route and schedule in advance.
₹150-500 depending on distance
Best for: Comfortable and convenient travel, airport transfers
Uber and Ola are readily available. Taxis can be hailed from the street or booked in advance.
₹300-500 per day
Best for: Independent exploration
Ensure you have a valid license and wear a helmet. Be cautious of traffic.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Monsoon season (July-September) offers empty attractions in most regions
seasonSunset visits are less crowded than sunrise at most attractions
timingVisit Northeast India - spectacular and chronically under-touristed
alternativesSkip Jaipur's Amber Fort at midday - visit before 9 AM instead
timingSchool vacation periods (May-June, Dec-Jan) bring domestic tourist rush
seasonMeghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh barely see international tourists
alternativesBook heritage hotels - they limit daily visitors unlike popular hostels
strategyAvoid: 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.
Arrive at train stations 30 minutes early - Stations are massive and confusing; you'll need time to find your platform and coach.
Holi intensity varies dramatically - Played with abandon in UP and Rajasthan, more subdued in Kerala, barely observed in some northeastern states.
Observe local couples' behavior - Watch how Indian couples in the area interact publicly and mirror that level of affection or less.
River routes connect states uniquely - Ganga connects Uttarakhand-UP-Bihar-Bengal; Brahmaputra links Northeast states. Consider boat journeys.
Buy state-specific handicrafts in origin states - Kashmiri shawls in Kashmir, Mysore silk in Karnataka, Madhubani paintings in Bihar cost less at source.
Hotel staff may refuse unmarried couples - Some hotels won't allow unmarried couples to share rooms, especially if you've been seen being affectionate.
Private operators fill interstate gaps - Companies like VRL, SRS, and Orange Travels run long-distance buses between states where government services don't.
Education emphasis differs - South Indian states prioritize technical education; West Bengal emphasizes arts and literature; each state has cultural education focuses.
Sharing food in restaurants is common - Couples sharing dishes or feeding each other small bites in restaurants is increasingly accepted in urban areas.
Kissing is absolutely taboo - Even a peck on the cheek in public can cause serious problems, from verbal harassment to police intervention.
Border towns offer unique experiences - Places like Siliguri (Bengal-Sikkim-Nepal junction) or Belgaum (Karnataka-Maharashtra border) have blended cultures.
Tax rates change at borders - GST is uniform, but local taxes on hotels, restaurants, and services vary by state government.
Goa is the most permissive state - Beach culture and tourism history make Goa relatively accepting of PDA, though limits still exist.
Pharmacies stock different medicines - Some medications available over-the-counter in one state require prescriptions in another due to state regulations.
Street photography is generally accepted - India's chaotic streets are photographic gold, but be respectful and unobtrusive.
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