Under 300 km: Bus or a self-drive car usually wins — flights aren't worth the airport time, and trains can be slower than direct road routes on many short corridors.
300–800 km: This is where it gets route-specific. An overnight AC sleeper bus can save you a hotel night, while a flight saves the most time if your schedule is tight.
800+ km: Flights are almost always the better choice once you factor in total travel time, unless you're specifically after a scenic overnight train journey.
Budget-conscious and flexible on time: Non-AC or AC seater buses remain the cheapest option for most domestic routes in India.
Our advice: compare all three on Vacation India Online before booking — total cost and time can vary more than you'd expect on the same route.
