Cheap flights to India

No matter how many times you’ve been, India tends to hit a lot of people like a bolt of something strong. Think traffic horns, chai steam, temple bells, and a soundtrack that’s never really quiet. One minute, you’re haggling over street snacks, and the next minute, you’re watching the sun drop behind an ancient fort. It’s massive, messy in parts, warm in a lot of ways, and just a little wild; kind of perfect for folks craving a proper change of pace.

Which airlines fly direct to India

• Qantas: Full-service, so you’re looking at proper meals, decent legroom, and checked baggage. You’ll earn Qantas Points and Status Credits too.
• Air India: Traditional Indian meals (often with a fair bit of kick), comfy seating, and a pretty generous baggage allowance. They’re linked to Star Alliance, so you can earn or use points if you’re part of a program like KrisFlyer or Miles & More.

If you’re looking for some budget-friendly options, there are low-cost carriers that can get you to India in just one stop including AirAsia and Scoot.

Where you can fly direct to India from with these airlines

• Qantas: Sydney, Melbourne
• Air India: Sydney, Melbourne

How long is the flight to India

• Sydney to New Delhi: 12 hrs 55 mins
• Melbourne to New Delhi: to 12 hrs 35 mins
• Melbourne to Mumbai: 12 hrs 5 mins
• Sydney to Bengaluru (Bangalore): 12 hrs

What are some popular destinations in India?

• Mumbai: Mumbai is one of the largest cities in India frequented by tourists. The city is also the favorite location in the film industry in India and the most productive industry in the world. While in Mumbai, catch cricket at Kala Ghoda and see the Gateway of India.
• New Delhi: New Delhi is the largest city in India that offers a variety of flavors and colors from social, cultural, and artistic in the daily life of the Indian people. Here you can find many historical mosques and ancient temples. Don't forget to visit the Safdarjung Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Presidential Palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Agra: Agra is one of the grandest cities in India, where the Taj Mahal is located. The city is also famous as a historical city with most of the Mughal monuments. Not only that, but this city is also famous for its cuisine, which you should take advantage of.
• Jaipur: If you're interested in India's infrastructure, Jaipur is a great place to visit. The City Palace is a beautiful historic landmark located in Pink City. In the suburbs, you can find relics from ancient Indian kingdoms, including the Galta temples, home to many monkeys.
• Kolkata: Kolkata is one of the largest urban centers in India. It was once a center of trade in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This city is a world tourist center with many artistic, cultural, and historical values. One of the famous places in Kolkata is Maidan, a place to relax. Remember to visit the Asiatic Society, the Victoria Memorial, and shop at New Market.

Where are the major airports in India?

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International is where most direct flights land. It sits around 16 kms west of the main city. Usually takes 30 – 40 minutes if traffic is cooperating. There’s the metro too which is a cheap but fast option.

Mumbai’s airport is closer to the centre at just 8 kms away. Still, the roads can be a bit packed at peak hours. Best to lock in a prepaid transfer or hop in a rideshare.

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is roughly 40 kms from the city. It’s about an hour’s drive with a cab or airport shuttle.

When is the cheapest time to fly to India

May through early September tends to bring the cheaper fares. Could be the heat. Could be the monsoons. Either way, it’s not as crowded, and flights are way less pricey.

December and January are a whole different story. The holiday season cranks the prices up and domestic travellers flood the airports. Also, keep an eye out for Indian New Year celebrations and Diwali when many Indians living abroad fly home so you might want to dodge that rush.

Visa/Passport requirements when flying to India

Aussies can usually just hop online and apply for an e-Visa. It takes a few days to process and will set you back between US$25 and US$40, depending on what kind you need. Just double-check your passport's good for another six months, minimum.

How early to arrive at the airport

Get to your home airport about 3 hours early for India-bound flights. Security lines can get lengthy, and check-in can be hectic.

Thinking beyond the flight? You can sort your India hotel, pick an activity, or line up a hire car with Traveloka too.

Time difference between Australia and India

India keeps it simple with just one time zone, making keeping track of the clock easy once you land. Here's how the time zone differs from Australia's states:

• Western Australia is 2.5 hours ahead (All year)
• South Australia is 4 hours ahead (5 hours ahead during daylight savings)
• Northern Territory is 4 hours ahead (All year)
• ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria are 4.5 hours ahead (5.5 hours ahead during daylight savings)
• Queensland is 4.5 hours ahead (All year)