India has one of the largest public transport networks in the world. Trains reach small towns and big cities alike, state buses climb mountain roads and shared jeeps fill the gaps in the public transport network. If you know how to use them, you can travel the whole country without a car and for very little money.
This guide lists the cheapest places to visit in India using trains and public transport. For each one, you will find the best public transport route, rough fares and tips to make the journey smooth.
Why Travel by Public Transport in India?
- It is cheap. A 500 km sleeper train ticket often costs less than a city taxi ride, which makes public transport the clear budget choice.
- It is everywhere. Trains and buses reach almost every corner of the country.
- It saves hotel nights. Overnight trains and buses double as your bed.
- It is greener. Shared transport means less fuel per person.
- It is an experience. Chai on a train platform and chats with fellow passengers are part of the fun.
Types of Public Transport You Will Use
| Type | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper class train | Long overnight trips | ₹350–700 for 500–1,000 km |
| 3AC train | Comfortable long trips | ₹1,000–2,000 for 500–1,000 km |
| State bus (ordinary) | Short and medium routes | ₹1–2 per km |
| State Volvo or AC bus | Overnight comfort | ₹1,000–1,800 for 500 km |
| Shared jeep or sumo | Hill roads | ₹100–400 per leg |
| Metro and city bus | City travel | ₹10–60 per ride |
| Shared auto | Short town hops | ₹10–40 per ride |
Cheapest Places to Visit Using Public Transport
1. Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Route: Train from Delhi to Haridwar (about 4.5 to 6 hours), then a shared auto to Rishikesh.
Haridwar is one of the best-connected pilgrim towns in India by public transport. From there, shared autos run to Rishikesh all day. Inside Rishikesh, you can walk or use shared autos between Tapovan, Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. It is a model trip for public transport users. Read Rishikesh on a Budget: Cheap Stays, Food and a 3-Day Itinerary.
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Route: Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and many other cities.
Varanasi Junction is one of the busiest stations in the north. Once there, take a shared e-rickshaw, the most common public transport, to the ghats. Inside the old city, walking is the only way. Sarnath is a cheap shared auto ride away. See Varanasi on a Budget: Affordable Hotels, Food and Sightseeing.
3. Amritsar, Punjab
Route: Direct trains from Delhi, including fast day trains.
Amritsar station is close to the Golden Temple. Free shuttle buses run from the station to the temple, a rare free public transport option. Shared autos go to the Wagah border in the afternoon. Read Amritsar on a Budget: A Low-Cost Golden Temple Trip.
4. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Route: Frequent trains and buses from Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Jaipur has a metro, city buses and countless shared autos. Buses run to Amber Fort from the city centre. It is easy to explore by public transport without a taxi. Read Jaipur on a Budget: How to Explore the Pink City for Less.
5. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Route: Train to Ajmer, then a local bus or shared jeep to Pushkar (about 30 minutes).
Pushkar is small enough to explore on foot, and public transport links it well to Ajmer. Buses to Ajmer leave regularly. See Pushkar on a Budget: Affordable Places to Stay and Things to Do.
6. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Route: Overnight HRTC bus from Delhi to McLeod Ganj, or a train to Pathankot and a bus onward.
HRTC buses are reliable, cheap public transport in the hills. Inside McLeod Ganj, walk or use local taxis for short trips. Read McLeod Ganj on a Budget: A Low-Cost Dharamshala Holiday.
7. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Route: Train to Kalka, then the Kalka–Shimla toy train or an HRTC bus.
The toy train is a heritage ride and the most scenic public transport in Himachal. The Mall Road and the Ridge are pedestrian areas, so you walk everywhere. See Shimla on a Budget: Affordable Travel, Food and Sightseeing.
8. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Route: Train to New Jalpaiguri, then a shared jeep to Darjeeling.
Shared jeeps, the main public transport in the hills, leave from outside the station and the Siliguri stand. Inside Darjeeling, walk or take shared jeeps to nearby spots. Read Darjeeling on a Budget: Cheap Stays and Tea Garden Visits.
9. Hampi, Karnataka
Route: Overnight train from Bengaluru to Hosapete, then a local bus to Hampi (about 30 minutes).
Local buses run often between Hosapete and Hampi. Rent a bicycle for the ruins. See Hampi on a Budget: Cheap Accommodation and Heritage Sightseeing.
10. Goa
Route: Konkan Railway trains to Thivim (North Goa) or Madgaon (South Goa). Local Kadamba buses connect towns and beaches.
Goa’s local buses are cheap but slower than scooters. Mix buses with walking to keep costs low. Read Goa on a Budget: Cheap Beaches, Accommodation and Food.
11. Pondicherry, Puducherry
Route: Frequent state buses from Chennai (about three hours). Trains also run from Chennai and Villupuram.
Inside town, walk or rent a cycle. Buses run to Auroville. See Pondicherry on a Budget: An Affordable 3-Day Coastal Holiday.
12. Mysuru, Karnataka
Route: Frequent trains and buses from Bengaluru (under three hours).
Mysuru city buses go to Chamundi Hill and Brindavan Gardens. The palace area is walkable.
13. Kochi and Alleppey, Kerala
Route: Trains to Ernakulam. Public ferries in Kochi. KSRTC buses and trains to Alleppey.
The state-run ferry from Alleppey to Kottayam is one of the cheapest backwater rides in Kerala. Kochi’s water metro and ferries are fun and affordable. See Best Affordable Weekend Getaways from Kochi.
14. Puri, Odisha
Route: Direct trains from Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and other cities.
Buses run from Puri to Konark. The beach and temple area are walkable.
15. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Route: Many fast trains from Delhi.
Shared autos and e-rickshaws link the station with the Taj Mahal area. Buses run to Fatehpur Sikri.
How to Book Trains Cheaply
- Use the IRCTC website or app. Register before you need to book.
- Book early. Popular routes fill up quickly, especially around festivals.
- Choose sleeper or 3AC for the best value.
- Check alternate stations. Nearby stations sometimes have more seats.
- Use the waiting list wisely. Low waiting list numbers often confirm.
- Avoid tatkal if you can. Tatkal tickets cost more and sell out in minutes.
For more detail, read Cheapest Ways to Travel Across India by Train.
How to Use State Buses
State buses are often the cheapest public transport for short and medium trips. HRTC (Himachal), UTC (Uttarakhand), RSRTC (Rajasthan), KSRTC (Karnataka and Kerala), MSRTC (Maharashtra) and TNSTC (Tamil Nadu) all run large networks. Many have online booking for long-distance and AC buses. For local buses, simply buy a ticket from the conductor.
Sample 5-Day Trip Using Public Transport
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Delhi
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train Delhi to Haridwar (sleeper or chair car) | ₹200–600 |
| Shared auto to Rishikesh | ₹50–80 |
| 4 nights in a hostel | ₹1,600–2,400 |
| Food | ₹1,500–2,000 |
| Local shared autos | ₹300–500 |
| Bus back to Delhi | ₹400–800 |
| Total | ₹4,050–6,380 |
Public Transport Tips for Beginners
- Keep small change. Conductors and auto drivers may not have change for large notes.
- Ask locals. People are usually happy to point you to the right bus or platform.
- Use offline maps. They help you know when to get off.
- Travel light. A backpack is easier than a suitcase on crowded buses.
- Carry snacks and water for long journeys.
- Keep valuables close. Use a small cross-body bag.
Safety on Public Transport
Indian trains and buses are generally safe. On overnight journeys, lock your bag to the berth with a small chain. Choose upper berths in sleeper class for privacy. Women travellers can use the ladies’ seats on buses and the ladies’ quota on trains. Share your travel details with family.
Best Public Transport Routes by Region
North India
Delhi is the main hub. Trains and buses run to Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Dehradun. From Chandigarh and Delhi, HRTC buses climb into Himachal. From Haridwar and Dehradun, Uttarakhand buses reach the hill stations. Public transport in the north is frequent and cheap.
West India
Mumbai and Pune are the hubs. The Konkan Railway runs down the coast to Goa and Karnataka. MSRTC buses reach hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala. Ahmedabad links to Udaipur, Mount Abu and Gujarat’s heritage towns by public transport.
South India
Bengaluru and Chennai are the hubs. Trains reach Mysuru, Hampi, Pondicherry and Kerala. KSRTC and TNSTC buses link hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coorg and Munnar. Kerala’s ferries add a fun water route to your public transport options.
East and Northeast India
Kolkata is the hub. Trains reach Puri, Darjeeling (via New Jalpaiguri) and Guwahati. Shared sumos and jeeps are the main public transport in the hills of Sikkim and Meghalaya.
Common Public Transport Mistakes
- Not booking early. Popular trains sell out weeks ahead.
- Missing the platform change. Listen to announcements and check display boards.
- Overpaying autos at stations. Walk a little away from the exit or use a prepaid booth.
- Carrying too much luggage. Large suitcases are hard on buses and crowded trains.
- Relying only on one app. Keep the IRCTC app, a map app and the state bus app ready.
Learning a few simple public transport habits will save you money on every trip.
Cost Comparison: Public Transport vs Taxi
For a 300 km trip, a sleeper or second-class train costs about ₹150 to ₹300. A state bus costs ₹300 to ₹600. A private taxi costs ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. Even split between four people, the taxi costs far more per head. Over a two-week trip, choosing public transport can easily save ₹15,000 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Transport in India
Is it possible to travel all of India by public transport?
Yes. Trains and buses reach nearly every town. Remote areas may need shared jeeps for the last stretch.
What is the cheapest public transport for long distances?
Sleeper class trains are the cheapest for long trips. Ordinary state buses are next.
Is public transport safe for solo travellers?
Yes, in most cases. Choose busy compartments, keep valuables close and share your plans.
Which hill stations are easy to reach by public transport?
Shimla, McLeod Ganj, Darjeeling, Mussoorie and Nainital all have good bus or train links.
Can I use public transport in Goa?
Yes. Kadamba buses connect most towns, though scooters are more flexible.
Final Thoughts
Public transport is the secret to cheap travel in India. With a train ticket, a bus pass and a little patience, you can reach temples, mountains and beaches for a fraction of the cost of driving. Start with one of these easy routes and enjoy the journey. For more ideas, read Cheapest Ways to Travel Across India by Train and 25 Cheapest Places to Visit in India for a Budget Holiday.