Domestic flights
IndiGo dominates. Air India (post-merger with Vistara) has better legroom on longer sectors. Book on Skyscanner or ClearTrip; prices are competitive. Web check-in mandatory for domestic — do it 24 hours ahead. Baggage weights are strict: 15 kg checked, 7 kg cabin for most airlines.
Long-distance buses
Only worth it in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and the northeast where flights don't reach. Volvo AC sleeper buses ("Sleeper Bus") are the sweet spot — cot-shaped berths, curtain, blanket. Book on RedBus. Overnight is the safest — you sleep through the road.
Taxis + Ola/Uber
Ola + Uber both work in every major city. Fare-metered. Cash or app-based payment (UPI is faster for locals; Visa/Mastercard works on Ola). Kerala + Goa: prepaid taxi counters at airports are worth it — 15% cheaper than app-hail.
Private drivers
The best money you spend on a first India trip. £40-£70/day inclusive of driver + fuel + tolls. Book through your hotel or a company like Cox & Kings. Tip: ₹500 at the end of a good day; ₹100 for a short shift.