How to Take A Local Bus In India?

Are you wondering whether—or how—to travel across India by bus? While train travel in India is often praised for its scenic routes, buses are truly the backbone of transportation in the country. India boasts an extensive network of buses that operate between cities, across states, and even to remote areas, running almost anywhere at any time of day.

With more than 13,000 trains operating daily across 68,000+ kilometers of railway track, carrying over 8 billion passengers annually, you might think there’s little room for buses. Yet, buses remain a crucial and convenient travel option—especially when trains are fully booked or when destinations lack railway stations.

Buses can also offer more practical timing. For example, some trains to end-of-the-line destinations like Jaisalmer may arrive or depart at inconvenient hours in the night, making daytime bus travel a more attractive alternative.

Whether you're looking for local buses, comfortable sleeper coaches, or tourist buses, India’s diverse bus options cater to all travel needs and budgets. Bus ticket booking has also become easier than ever, thanks to the many online platforms and booking offices available across the country.

Traveling through India is a thrilling adventure. So why not add a new twist to your journey with a bus ride that’s just as lively and colorful as the country itself?

What you need to know about bus travel in India. What is it like in the pictures?

Most common mode of travel: Buses are the primary way most people travel across India.

Region-specific systems: Each state or region has its own bus service setup.

Crowded conditions: Buses can be crowded, especially in urban and rural routes.

Media perception: Images often show them as hot and cramped, but this varies greatly.

Advantages over trains:

• More frequent schedules.
• Sometimes faster for short to medium distances.

Availability: Buses run across the country and operate at nearly all times of the day and night.

 

 

Bus travel types in India

In India, there are three types of bus travel:

• Local buses
• Sleeper buses
• Tourist bus

State bus companies in India run 'local' or 'ordinary' buses.

Local private operators offer super-cheap fares, but stop at every possible location and accept passengers until the aisles are filled.

 

In India, the next step in terms of price and quality for domestic bus travel is to use 'deluxe' or "express" buses. Intercity buses are more commonly referred to as "tourist" buses. Even when they are domestic travellers, tourists can be called 'tourist buses'.

Bus travel costs in India increase with the type of tourist bus. There are two options: 'express,' or 'deluxe.' These are intercity buses that are standard with air conditioning and sometimes reclining seats.

 

Some buses are advertised as "luxury" or 2x2 with reclining seats similar to those in airplanes and only two seats per row. The term "luxury" is a bit ambiguous, depending on which bus and which company you are referring to.

 

Local buses in India

In India, local buses cover short and medium distances.

These buses can be used to travel within a city or even to destinations on the periphery. They can also operate short routes between cities to destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible by train or plane.

In many local services, all seats and every inch in the aisle are filled.

The buses in this category are older and often look beaten up from the outside.

Take this with a pinch of salt, as it is the new standard for local bus transportation!

These babies also usually do not have air conditioning. Local buses in India are more likely to travel with the windows wide open and Bollywood music blasting.

This time, I was seated in the rear for a brief trip. The windows open (a little bit).

Local buses are basic, but they work.

 

What's it like to take a local bus in your area?

In Bikaner, we took a local Indian bus.

We took a bus from Bikaner to Shree Karni Mandir, also known as Rat Temple in Deshnoke (about 30km).

The trip was relatively short. It was hot in Rajasthan in July.

There were only three seats at the rear of the bus when we boarded the bus in the morning for Deshnoke. I put Oscar (8 years old) on my knee, and Harry and Gavin squeezed into the back row of seats.

In general, I don't like to travel at the rear of the bus. This is true in any country. If I were to advise anyone who is traveling by bus for a longer distance in India, I would suggest that they request front-row seats.

The local bus did not have air conditioning. Local buses are not air-conditioned in India.

If you're not sitting near a window or able to breathe some fresh air (or at least not stale air), it can get very hot and stuffy.

Tips on taking the local bus in India

Local buses have someone who will walk up and down the aisles collecting fares. On a bus, there are usually two people - a driver and an assistant or conductor.

Do not panic if your conductor does not bring you the change immediately. It may not be given to you until after disembarking.

Follow the locals' actions and you will be rewarded.