India is vast, vibrant, and full of contrasts, from the beaches of Goa to the backwaters of Kerala, from the palaces of Jaipur to the ghats of Varanasi. Travelling across such a large country can seem daunting, but with the right approach, navigating domestic flights in India is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how to plan your internal journeys efficiently and save both time and money.
Understanding India’s Domestic Flight Network
India’s aviation system is one of the busiest in the world, connecting over 100 airports across metros, regional hubs, and remote towns. The key players include:
- IndiGo – India’s largest low-cost carrier, known for punctuality and frequency.
- Air India Express – Ideal for longer routes, often with included baggage and meals.
- Akasa Air – A newer budget airline with modern aircraft and competitive fares.
- SpiceJet and Go First – Popular for low fares and extensive domestic coverage.
- Vistara – A full-service airline offering comfort similar to international standards.
Most major routes operate several times a day, so finding a flight between big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai is rarely an issue.
When to Book
Domestic flight prices in India can fluctuate sharply. For the best fares, it’s wise to book four to six weeks in advance. Avoid peak travel times such as Indian festivals (Diwali, Holi), winter holidays (December–January), and long weekends when fares can surge.
If you’ve just landed from an international route and are planning to continue onwards, it’s smart to align your arrival and departure times carefully. Many travellers search for cheap flights to India that include a long layover in Delhi or Mumbai — giving them the flexibility to connect seamlessly to a domestic service without rechecking bags or changing terminals.
Typical Travel Times Between Top Destinations
India’s domestic flights make covering long distances quick and easy. Here’s what to expect for some of the country’s most popular tourist routes:
- Delhi → Jaipur: About 1 hour. A quick hop if you want to skip the 5-hour road trip.
- Mumbai → Goa: Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes — one of the most popular leisure routes.
- Kochi (Kerala) → Bengaluru: Around 1 hour. Frequent daily services.
- Delhi → Varanasi: Just over 1 hour, ideal for those on a spiritual or cultural tour.
- Jaipur → Udaipur: About 1 hour — a scenic alternative to the long overland route.
With such short flight times, it’s easy to plan multi-city itineraries without losing entire days to travel.
Making Smooth Connections from International Flights
If you’re arriving from the UK or elsewhere, most international flights land in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bengaluru — all major hubs for domestic connections. Here’s how to make the transfer easier:
- Book on one ticket where possible. This ensures baggage is checked through to your final destination.
- Allow at least 3 hours between landing and your next flight to clear immigration and security comfortably.
- Use the same terminal if available — Vistara and Air India often operate from the same international terminals in Delhi and Mumbai.
- Keep rupees handy for minor purchases or domestic terminal transfers.
Insider Tips for Domestic Travel
- Check-in early online: Most low-cost carriers charge extra for last-minute check-ins or seat selection at the airport.
- Pack light: Budget airlines in India usually allow only 15 kg checked baggage.
- Expect punctuality from IndiGo and Vistara: These airlines are known for on-time performance.
- Choose morning flights: Less chance of delays and smoother connections with international arrivals.
The Bottom Line
Travelling around India by air is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your trip. With dozens of routes, reliable low-cost carriers, and competitive prices, you can hop from one corner of the country to another in just a few hours.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Goa, drifting through Kerala’s backwaters, or exploring Jaipur’s royal forts, planning ahead and understanding the domestic flight network will help you fly like a pro, and enjoy every minute of your Indian adventure.
