Last updated November 2026. Services and coverage change, so check the apps when you arrive. Read how we check facts in our editorial policy.
App taxis: Uber and Ola
Uber and Ola work in most large cities and are the easiest option for visitors, because the fare is set before you ride and you do not need to negotiate. You need mobile data, so sort out a SIM or eSIM first. See SIM cards for tourists.
- Foreign cards do not always work in the apps. Select cash if payment fails. See how to pay in India.
- Check the number plate before you get in, and share your trip with someone.
- Drivers may call to ask your destination. A short message through the app usually works if there is a language gap.
- Both apps also offer auto-rickshaws in many cities, which removes the bargaining.
Metro
Metro systems are cheap, air-conditioned and avoid the traffic. Delhi’s network is the largest and includes an airport express line. Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Jaipur and Lucknow also have metros. Expect a security check at every station, and avoid rush hours with luggage. The Delhi Metro reserves the first coach for women.
Auto-rickshaws
Three-wheeled auto-rickshaws are everywhere and ideal for short distances. Some cities use meters, but many drivers prefer a fixed price for tourists. Agree the fare before you get in, or book through an app to get a set price. Carry small notes.
Prepaid taxis and airport transfers
Major airports and railway stations have official prepaid taxi counters, where you pay a fixed fare at a desk and get a receipt. Use these or an app taxi and ignore touts who approach you in the terminal. Our Delhi airport arrival guide walks through the options.
Hiring a car and driver
For a full day of sightseeing, or for travel between cities, a car with driver is often better value than several separate rides. See hiring a driver, taxi or Uber in India.
Safety basics
- Do not accept a driver’s claim that your hotel is closed or full. It is a common trick. See India travel scams to avoid.
- At night, prefer app taxis, where the trip is tracked.
- Keep your phone charged and your hotel’s address and phone number saved offline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Uber work in India?
Yes. Uber operates in most large Indian cities, alongside the local app Ola. Both show the fare before you book.
Can I pay for Uber in India with a foreign card?
Sometimes. Foreign cards do not always work in the apps, so be ready to choose cash and pay the driver in rupees.
Are auto-rickshaws safe for tourists?
They are a normal way to get around for short daytime trips. Agree the fare first or book through an app, and use an app taxi late at night.
Which Indian cities have a metro?
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Jaipur and Lucknow all have metro systems, and Delhi’s is the most extensive.
