Travel to India
Flying to India
Most international visitors arrive in India by air, with the country served by a wide network of international airports and direct connections from all major regions of the world. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai are the main gateways, handling the largest share of long-haul arrivals. Other important international airports include Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, which offer direct or one-stop connections to Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
Airlines operating direct or one-stop services to India include Air India, Vistara, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific and several major US carriers. The Middle East serves as a key transit hub, with frequent onward connections to multiple Indian cities.
Flight frequency is generally high, particularly on routes linking India with the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Europe. Travellers from North America and Australia usually reach India via a single stop in Europe, the Middle East or East Asia. On arrival, airport facilities at major hubs are modern and efficient, with clear signage, currency exchange, transport options and immigration services.
International arrivals should ensure they have the appropriate visa or electronic travel authorisation before travel, as visas are checked prior to boarding. Arrival procedures can take time at busy airports, especially during peak travel periods, so allowing extra time for immigration and baggage collection is advisable.
Flight times
From London to Delhi: 9 hours.
Travelling to India by Rail
International rail travel into India is possible on a small number of routes from neighbouring countries. Trains are mainly used for cross-border travel with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, although services can be suspended due to political conditions and security considerations.
The best-known international train service is the Samjhauta Express, which operates between Lahore in Pakistan and Attari in India, near Amritsar. This service is tightly regulated, requires a valid visa issued in advance, and includes security checks and border formalities at the crossing. Services can be suspended at short notice depending on diplomatic relations.
Rail connections with Bangladesh include services linking Kolkata with Dhaka and Khulna, such as the Maitree Express and Bandhan Express. These routes are among the more reliable international rail options and are used by both locals and foreign travellers. Passengers must hold the appropriate visa before boarding, as visas are not issued at the border.
There are also limited rail links between India and Nepal, including services connecting Bihar with southern Nepal. These routes are primarily used by regional travellers but are open to foreign visitors with the correct documentation.
India does not have international passenger rail connections with Bhutan, Myanmar or China.
Driving to India
India shares land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, and a limited number of official border crossings are open to foreign travellers, subject to visa requirements and security regulations.
The most frequently used road crossings are with Nepal and Bhutan. From Nepal, popular entry points include Sunauli–Bhairahawa (for travel between Varanasi and Kathmandu), Raxaul–Birgunj (used by travellers heading towards Bihar and eastern India), and Panitanki–Kakarbhitta near the Indian state of West Bengal. From Bhutan, the Phuentsholing–Jaigaon crossing is the main gateway and is widely used by travellers entering India from western Bhutan.
Road crossings with Bangladesh are also possible, with Petrapole–Benapole (near Kolkata) being the busiest and best known, particularly for travellers moving between eastern India and Dhaka. Entry from Myanmar is possible at the Moreh–Tamu border in Manipur, though this crossing is subject to additional restrictions and permits and may not always be practical for casual travellers.
Overland entry from Pakistan is limited. The Attari–Wagah border near Amritsar is the only official crossing open to civilians, and travel is tightly regulated with strict visa conditions. Entry into India by road from China is not generally available to foreign travellers.
Travellers entering India by road must hold the correct visa in advance, as visas on arrival are not issued at land borders. Border procedures can be slow, and facilities vary by location, so travellers should allow extra time and ensure all documentation is in order before attempting an overland crossing.
Getting to India by boat
Sea travel to India is possible on a small number of international routes.
Passenger ferry services operate between India and Sri Lanka, with routes linking ports in southern India to northern Sri Lanka. These services are usually infrequent and may be suspended due to weather or political considerations. All travellers must hold the appropriate visa in advance, as visas are not issued on arrival by sea.
India also has ferry connections with Bangladesh on inland waterways, particularly between Kolkata and ports in Bangladesh. These services are primarily used for regional travel but are open to foreign visitors with valid visas and travel documents. Schedules and availability can vary, so advance planning is essential.
Cruise ships
India is a regular stop on international cruise itineraries in the Indian Ocean and Asia. Major cruise ports include Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and Goa.
