India Travel Cost Breakdown: How Much Does a Trip to India Really Cost?
When people plan a vacation in India, they ask:
“How much does travelling in India cost?”
The travelling cost depends on how an individual travels.
You can find low-cost options to travel through India and you can also find high-cost luxury travel options.
With this travel guide, you will be able to learn how to budget for your India trip. You will be able to budget for any travel expenses related to your visit, including accommodation, transport, food, tourism and guided tours.
Is India an Affordable Travel Destination?
In response to the above question, the answer should be YES; because of the fact that India is an extremely valuable travel destination. (One of the most valuable in the world!)
When you compare your trip to USA or European destinations, you will find:
- Food is much more affordable.
- Transportation is also considerably more affordable.
- Guided tours are frequently considered to have great value.
Luxury travels (there are many different types of luxury travels) will seem to be very reasonably priced.
The above represents some of the factors that will have an impact on the travelling cost for your trip to India; below are 4 other factors that affect your travel cost.
- The time of travel.
- The cities you visit.
- The style of accommodation you book.
- Whether the type of travel you use is private or group.
Average India Travel Cost (Daily Estimate)
Here is an estimate for foreign visitors on a daily basis:
Budget (USD $40 – 60)
(Showing)/usually at least the prices when staying within Guesthouses; eating at local eating establishments; using public transport
Mid-Range (USD $80 – 150)
(Showing)/generally 3–4 star rated as well as having access to private motor vehicles and guiding sightseeing trips.
Luxury (over USD $250)
Luxury accommodation in 5-star hotels and premium sightseeing experiences/holiday tours, etc.
The majority of foreign visitors to India will travel using the mid-range model, which provides comfort, safety and convenience to our clients.
Accommodation Cost in India
Budget Accommodation (Hotels/Guest Houses; etc.)
(Transportation & Employment): (USD $15) – (40)
Budget accommodation usually consists of clean, basic facilities, and are recommended for individuals traveling alone.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Mid-Range Accommodation (UDS50/120)
Mid-Range accommodations are usually more comfortable, providing good service, and are designed for couples or families traveling together.
Luxury Accommodation
– Budget Accommodation (Hotels)/Luxury Accommodation
Cost for 5-star hotels and Heritage hotels; differ relatively greatly compared to equivalent prices in other regions of the world; or provide a good value when compared to other locations.
Tip – Using a Local Tour Operator, you can occasionally obtain better Hotel rates by booking through a locally-based tour operator.
Transportation Cost in India
The most affordable option for transportation in India is Train travel.
Prices for each type of train are:
• Short-distance trains range from $5 – $15
• Long-distance, air-conditioned trains range from $20 – $50
• Fast trains (Gatimaan Express) are very popular with tourists.
The best option for tourists traveling in India is through the use of Private Cars.
• Price Range: $40 – $80 daily, (with driver)
• Private Cars offer comfort and flexibility
• Private Cars are great for the Golden Triangle and cultural tours.
Domestic flights prices range from $40 – $120 for a one-way ticket.
Domestic flights will also save you time over long-distance travel.
The safest and most convenient way for first-time visitors to travel in India is by using a Private Car.
Food Cost in India
The cost of eating at restaurants in India is as follows:
• Street-food Restaurants: $3 – $7
• Moderate-priced Restaurants: $8 – $15
• Upscale Restaurants: $20 – $40
There is a wide variety of vegetarian options, and they are usually less expensive than non-Vegetarian meals.
Street-food is often very delicious; however, look for clean and reputable establishments.
Sightseeing & Entry Fees
Entry Fees to Monuments (For non-Indians):
Taj Mahal Entrance Fees = Approx. $15-$20
Other Entrance Fees = Approx. $5-$10
Cost of Guided Tours = Approx. $20-$40 per day
Recommended for better understanding history and culture.
Provides assistance to avoid tourist traps and adds value to experience.
Tour Packages Cost in India
Travelers often choose to book tour packages for convenience as there is little to no planning required.
Example of Package Pricing:
Taj Mahal Same Day Tour
Cost: Approx. $80-$150 per person
Includes transportation, tour guide, entrance fee to the Taj Mahal, tickets
Golden Triangle Tours (5-7 Days)
Cost Range: Approx. $600-$1,200 per person (mid-range)
Includes hotels, transportation, and sightseeing.
Tropical/Safari or Western India
Cost: Approx. $900-$2,000 (depends on length of stay and class of hotels)
Tour packages are often less expensive than organizing everything individually as well as providing convenience and reducing the amount of time/effort required to plan each individual component.
India Travel Cost by Season
Winter (October–March)
- Peak season
- Higher hotel and tour prices
- Best weather
Summer (April–June)
- Lower costs
- Fewer tourists
- Hot weather
Monsoon (July–September)
- Cheapest season
- Green landscapes
- Occasional travel delays
If budget is a priority, monsoon and early summer offer great deals.
Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
While India is affordable, consider these additional costs:
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Shopping and souvenirs
- Visa fees
Planning a small buffer in your India vacation cost is always wise.
Sample India Trip Budget (7 Days – Mid-Range)
- Hotels: USD 500–700
- Transport & sightseeing: USD 300–500
- Food: USD 150–250
- Entry fees & extras: USD 100
Total: approx USD 1,100–1,500 per person
This gives a comfortable and memorable experience.
How to Reduce Travel Cost in India
Here are some intelligent methods for saving money:
- Traveling during off peak periods or during the middle of the year
- Purchasing tour packages rather than purchasing services separately
- Choosing a smaller number of destinations and traveling at a much slower pace to give you more time to enjoy each location
- Partnering with local operators with a proven reputation
Final Thoughts: Is India Worth the Cost?
It is certainly worth the cost.
India provides:
- Rich culture
- Famous landmarks throughout the world
- Exhiding, providing distinct experiences
- Great deal of value at a low price
Whether traveling on a shoestring budget, reserving luxury hotels or otherwise staying with someone, you can have more of an experience for every dollar in India than in any other country in the world.
Planning your trip properly can allow for these types of experiences.
