Wondering whether to or how to travel by bus in India? Traveling by train in India is the most atmospheric way to explore the country, but buses are the backbone of Indian travel.
India has a large network of buses that ply the roads from city to city, and state to state. Buses run almost everywhere at almost any time of day or night.
The decision as a traveller though is which bus to take.
Here is everything you need to know about how to travel by bus in India including local buses, tourist buses and sleeper busses in India.
- Indian Buses vs. Trains?
- About Bus Travel in India
- Types of Bus Travel in India
– Local Bus
– Sleeper Bus
– Tourist Bus - Tickets
- Practicalities
- Tips for Travel By Bus in India
- More About Travel in India
The Great Debate: Indian Buses vs. Trains
India boasts one of the most massive rail networks on the planet, with over 13,000 trains traversing 68,103 km of track. Serving a staggering 8 billion passengers annually, the railway is undoubtedly the country’s heartbeat. You might wonder: with a system that vast, is there even a reason to step foot on a bus?
The answer is a resounding yes. While the train is iconic, Indian buses are a vital and often surprisingly convenient alternative for the savvy traveler.
Buses are an inexpensive solution if trains are fully occupied or if there isn’t a railway station in the destination you are heading for.
Sometimes the train schedules to end of line destinations like Jaisalmer mean departing or arriving at ungodly hours of the night.
But the buses offer a daytime alternative.
Travel in India is already an emphatic adventure.
So why not add a different mode of transport in just to jazz up that already vibrant affair? 🙂
About Bus Travel in India
Is bus travel in India really like the pictures?
Most of India gets around via bus. Each region or state has their own bus system, and India has a huge and impressive bus network overall.
The buses can get very crowded.
Taking a local bus in India can look as crowded and swelteringly hot as images depict. But the advantage to using them is that they run more often than trains and can sometimes, be quicker.
There are quite literally buses that run almost anywhere in the country at almost any time of day or night.
Types of Bus Travel in India
If you decide to swap the rails for the road, you’ll find that bus travel in India is a spectrum.
Depending on your budget and tolerance for ‘character-building’ experiences, you generally have three main choices:
1. The Local Bus
Run by state-owned corporations or local private operators, these are the backbone of Indian transit.
- The Vibe: Authentic, chaotic, and incredibly cheap.
- The Reality: They notoriously stop for everyone waving from the roadside. Expect the bus to be packed well beyond capacity, with passengers filling the aisles and sometimes even the roof. There is no AC, and the suspension has likely seen better days, but it’s an unbeatable way to see local life up close.
2. The Tourist Bus (Express & Deluxe)
When you want to travel between major cities without stopping at every village, you step up to the “Tourist” or “Intercity” buses. Don’t be fooled by the name—these are mostly used by domestic travelers, not just foreign tourists.
- Express/Deluxe: These offer a significant jump in comfort. You can usually expect air-conditioning and seats that (hopefully) recline.
- Luxury/2×2: This is the top-tier seating option. ‘2×2’ refers to the seating layout—two wide, airplane-style reclining seats on each side of the aisle.
A Note on “Luxury”: In the world of Indian bus travel, the term ‘luxury’ is highly subjective. One company’s “Super Luxury” might be another’s “Standard Deluxe.” It’s always a good idea to check recent reviews of the specific bus operator before booking.
3. The Sleeper Bus
For long-haul journeys, India offers sleeper buses. Instead of seats, these buses feature literal bunk beds (berths) stacked two high along the sides of the bus.
- The Setup: You can usually book a single berth or a double berth if you’re traveling with a partner.
- The Experience: They are a great way to save on a night’s accommodation while moving toward your next destination, though the ‘sleep’ part depends heavily on the quality of the road!
Local Buses in India
Local buses in India operate the short and mid-distances.
Sometimes these are buses within a city or to a destination on the outskirts. Or they operate the short route between cities in destinations that are not otherwise accessible by plane or train.
On many local services, every seat and every inch of space in the aisle will be filled with passengers.
These buses are notoriously older vehicles and can look seriously battered from the outside.
Just take that with a grain of salt as the new norm for local bus transport!
There is usually no air conditioning on these babies either. Rather the local buses in India travel with windows open and Bollywood tunes blasting. 😁
What is it Like Taking a Local Bus?
We most recently took a local bus in India while in Bikaner.
The bus we took was from Bikaner city to the Shree Karni Mata Mandir (otherwise known as the Rat Temple) in Deshnoke about 30km away.
The journey was a short one (relatively). But it was a hot day in July in Rajasthan.
When we boarded in the morning to get the bus to Deshnoke there were just three seats right at the back of the bus. I put Oscar (8) on my knee and Harry and Gavin squished into the back seat row of the bus.
I am not normally a fan of travelling right at the back of the bus in any country. But if I was to recommend to anyone traveling by bus in India for more than a short in-city distance, I would say to request seats at the front.
There was no air conditioning on the local bus. Which is common for the local buses in India anyway.
But if you aren’t sitting right next to the window and able to get some fresh(ish) air it can be seriously hot and stuffy!
Tips for Taking a Local Bus in India
On local buses, someone will wander up and down the aisle collecting fares. There are usually two staff on board the bus – one driver and one assistant or conductor.
Don’t panic if the conductor doesn’t bring your change right away. This may only be handed over when you disembark.
Just follow the actions of locals and they will give you a nod.
- Tip: Avoid the back of the buses in India where it’s the bumpiest and most nauseating.
Overnight or Sleeper Buses in India
On longer routes, you can also find Sleeper Buses in India.
Albeit there are sleeper buses in Europe and the Americas. But coming from little old New Zealand, we aren’t used to long distance bus travel.
However, Indian buses are surprisingly efficient.
There is a large network of sleeper buses in India making it a viable option for travel, especially in the regions where trains don’t go all the way to the final destination.
Sleeper buses in India are those built with either 2-level or 3-level sleeping bunks, or beds.
What is it (Honestly) Like?
Sleeper buses in India cover mid-long distances between the cities.
Sometimes these buses are used interchangeably as tourist buses and travel during the daytime as well as overnight.
The bunks are laid out in either 2-level or 3-level berths. Or in some they have an upper row of bunks above a standard 2-seat arrangement and 2-levels of bunks on the other side.
I first took an overnight sleeper bus in India from Siliguri (near Darjeeling) south to Kolkata.
It isn’t the most relaxing style of travel in India (especially as a female). However at the time it was convenient.
The upper bunks are sometimes laid out with two bunks side by side.
This is alright if you are travelling with a friend or partner but it isn’t ideal for solo travellers. It might involve sleeping next to a stranger unless you’re willing to pay more for a solo berth!
On the more expensive single-row bunks of sleeper buses in India, passengers can pull a curtain or screen to get a private bed onboard the bus.
Private Intercity and ‘Tourist’ Buses in India
For many travellers, the biggest draw of intercity buses in India is their frequency. While trains often run on a rigid, limited schedule, buses on popular routes frequently depart every hour, offering a level of flexibility that the railways simply can’t match.
Timing is Everything
The value of the bus becomes clear when you look at specific routes like Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. The train schedules for this leg are notorious for arriving or departing in the middle of the night.
Arriving in a new city at 3:00 AM is rarely ideal, but if you’re travelling with kids, it can be downright exhausting and stressful. In these cases, the bus is the superior choice. With hourly departures throughout the day, you can travel in broad daylight and arrive in time for dinner.
What are the Tourist Buses Like?
When you see a bus in India plastered with signs promising “Deluxe,” “Luxury,” or “Super Comfort,” take the labels with a grain of salt. In the world of Indian road travel, these terms are often used interchangeably and rarely align with the high-end “luxury liners” you might find in Europe or the plush, leather-seated VIP buses of Southeast Asia.
That said, for the price point and the convenience, they get the job done.
We’ve taken buses in West Bengal and Rajasthan and overall, they aren’t too bad.
Here is what you can actually expect:
The ‘Deluxe’ is a Spectrum
- Temper Your Expectations: A “deluxe” bus in Rajasthan or West Bengal is usually a standard intercity coach. It won’t have a showroom finish, but it’s a significant step up from the local state buses.
- The Condition: Quality varies wildly between operators. Some buses are brand new with crisp AC, while others have seen better days.
- Seating: Expect stock-standard, upright seats. They aren’t incredibly soft, but for a 5–6 hour trip, they are perfectly functional.
- The “Deluxe” Promise: While they are generally not bad and quite reliable, it’s always worth checking a booking app like redBus to see photos and ratings of the specific vehicle you’re booking.
A Typical Journey: Jaisalmer to Bikaner
To give you an idea of the logistics, we took an early morning bus on this route.
We departed on an early morning bus from Jaisalmer and arrived just after midday in Bikaner.
The bus stopped twice during the 5 – 6-hour journey. And the seats were stock-standard and as comfortable as to be expected for our 400 INR ticket.
If I was to rate this particular trip:
- Duration: The trip took just over 5 hours.
- Pit Stops: The driver stopped twice at roadside dhabas (local eateries), giving everyone a chance to use the restroom, grab a chai, or stretch their legs.
- Cost: We paid approximately 400 INR per ticket—an absolute bargain for the distance covered.
- The Verdict: We arrived shortly after midday, feeling relatively fresh and ready to explore.
Tips for Taking a Tourist Bus
It is sometimes tricky travelling on a tourist bus with luggage as they don’t have overhead luggage storage and there isn’t room under the seat.
In this scenario it’s best to go with the flow and offer some baksheesh to the conductor or assistant. They can make sure your bag is safely stored and in eyesight for your trip.
That might mean it ends up on the gearbox space beside the driver. But hey, this is bus travel in India!
Practicalities of Bus Travel in India
The buses in India vary tremendously in condition and comfort. For the most part, the buses don’t have toilet facilities on board.
On intercity journeys they do have planned stops along the way that are scheduled to include washrooms.
But the buses usually halt at roadside Dhaba’s (restaurants) and the facilities are frequently far from sanitary.
- Tip: Check the route for a general idea of distance and make sure if you have the opportunity to get off for a break stop that you do.
Buying Tickets for Bus Travel in India
For longer journeys and trips taking the tourist bus companies, it is straightforward to book tickets online.
- Tip: Check RedBus or12GoAsia.com for the buses in India.
For other intercity buses it is simpler to book through a ticket agent in India or through your accommodation.
This July in Jaisalmer we got the bus to Bikaner and our host at Wanderlust Guesthouse rang and booked a bus ticket the day before.
We turned up and were given a paper ticket as we boarded.
Tips for Travel by Bus in India
Travelling by bus in India is a masterclass in patience and spontaneity.
Here are our top tips to help you navigate the bus stands like a pro:
1. Embrace Extreme Flexibility
Like, really be extreme with that flexibility!
The “rules” of the road can change depending on where you board. Though quite seriously, there often isn’t a rule or standard at all.
Some buses follow a strict schedule, while others (especially local private ones) won’t budge until every single seat—and a portion of the aisle—is occupied. If you booked through your accommodation, you can ask, “Is this a scheduled departure or a ‘fill-and-go’?”
- Tip: Do ask ahead. Then if you’re boarding at a midway point rather than the starting station, be prepared to stand for a while. Seats usually open up as people cycle through local stops.
2. Distance ≠ Time
Never plan your itinerary based on kilometres alone. A 200km trip on a modern motorway is a world away from 200km on a winding mountain road or a potholed rural highway.
We always budget more time than what is suggested. Don’t book a flight after the quoted bus arrival time!
- Tip: Always add a 20-30% “time buffer” to whatever the conductor or booking site tells you. Between traffic jams, unexpected cattle on the road, and extended chai breaks, delays are the standard, not the exception.
3. Lean on Local Knowledge
Indian bus stations can be sensory overload, often lacking clear English signage or digital boards.
Don’t be shy. If you’re standing at a dusty junction and feeling lost, just say the name of your destination to a fellow traveller or a shopkeeper.
- Tip: But – we reckon to trust your gut. Triple check if you don’t feel confident. Sometimes locals will nod “yes” just to be polite, even if they aren’t 100% sure. It’s a good idea to ask two or three different people. If they all point in the same direction, you’re golden.
4. Track Your Journey
Don’t rely on the conductor to tell you when your stop is coming up, as announcements can be hard to hear over the engine. Or sometimes they won’t even announce it.
Ideally, have a local SIM card active. Being able to see your blue dot moving along the route on GPS is the best way to ensure you don’t miss your stop in a city you don’t recognise.
- Tip: Download your route on Maps.me or Google Maps for offline use.
Travel by Bus in India
Our advice is to give buses a chance.
We come from New Zealand and long-distance bus travel isn’t really a thing. But taking a bus in India is all part of the adventure of travel in this vibrant subcontinent.
Just give it a chance.
Choosing your Itinerary for India?
Read more about the best things to do in Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Amritsar and Agra.
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before taking a sleeper bus in India!
