Unlock significant savings on your trip to India with our comprehensive guide. We provide insider tips and practical strategies to help you find cheap flights to India. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to embark on an unforgettable, budget-friendly journey through the captivating treasures of The Land of Diversity.
Top Airlines Offering the Cheapest Flights to India
A nonstop or U.S. to India direct flight provides the convenience of travel with reduced transit time, making it an ideal option for business travelers and others who value efficiency. A variety of airlines provide cheap, direct flights from the USA to India. Here are some of the prominent ones:
Air India
As the flag carrier airline of India, Air India offers direct flights from several cities worldwide to primary Indian airports. It operates daily direct cheap flights to India from SFO or San Francisco, as well as to Delhi (DEL) from New York and to Hyderabad (HYD) from Chicago (ORD).
American Airlines
American Airlines operates direct flights to India, including services from New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Chicago (ORD) to major Indian cities such as Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).
Delta
Delta operates nonstop flights from Atlanta (ATL) and New York (JFK) to Mumbai (BOM).
United Airlines
A major American carrier, United Airlines provides daily nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).
Emirates
Emirates offers frequent direct flights from Dubai (DXB) to several Indian cities such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), and Kolkata (CCU).
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Find Major Airports in India
India’s vast expanse is serviced by several international and domestic airports, each of which offers various modes of ground transportation to popular destinations. Here is a guide to the primary airports in the country and their transportation options:
Indira Gandhi International Airport
As the busiest airport in India, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi, connects major domestic and international routes. From the airport, you can avail of Metro services, and prepaid taxis, or choose to ride on the Airport Express Line, a dedicated rail line that connects the airport with the city center in just 20 minutes.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Located in the financial capital of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai, has a robust public transportation network. The most convenient way to travel to downtown Mumbai from the airport is by prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Uber or Ola. Alternatively, you can take a local train, although it can be crowded during peak hours.
Kempegowda International Airport
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore, has a well-organized system of taxis and ride-sharing services with dedicated pick-up zones. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) provides regular bus service from the airport to various parts of the city.
Chennai International Airport
From Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai, you can use the Metro Rail system to reach the city center. There are also prepaid taxis available at the airport that can take you to any destination within the city.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
At Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata, you can avail yourself of the services of prepaid taxis and app-based cabs to reach your desired destination in the city. Alternatively, the airport is connected to the city center through the Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport Metro Station, offering a quick and cost-effective commute.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad, offers efficient and convenient transport options such as prepaid taxis, app-based cab services like Uber and Ola, and the Pushpak – Airport Liner, connecting it with major points in the city.
Compare Prices for One-Stop and Two-Stop Flights
Here’s a breakdown of air tickets to India when flying from Chicago:
Comparison for Economy
| Round trip | One-stop | Two-stop |
| United | $1,137 (ORD) | $7,344 (ORD) |
| One-way | One-stop | Two-stop |
| Qatar | $642 (ORD) | $927 (ORD) |
| Swiss | $774 (ORD) | $793 (ORD) |
Comparison for Premium Economy
| Round trip | One-stop |
| United | $2,928 (ORD) |
| One-way | One-stop | Two-stop |
| LOT | $1,557 (ORD) | – |
| Swiss | – | $1,943 (ORD) |
Comparison for Business Class
| Round trip | One-stop |
| United | $10,278 (ORD) |
| One-way | One-stop | Two-stop |
| Ethiopian | $4,663 (ORD) | – |
| Gulf Air | – | $3,989 |
Comparison for First Class
| Round trip | One-stop |
| United | $13,075 (ORD) |
| One-way | One-stop | Two-stop |
| United & Air India | $9,717 (ORD & JFK) | – |
| Delta | – | $7,566 (ORD) |
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Find the Cheapest Time to Fly to India
India’s climatic landscape is as diverse as its cultural fabric, making it imperative to plan your trip based on weather conditions and budgetary considerations. Understanding India’s major seasons can be your guide to planning a trip that aligns with your comfort and preferences.
Typically, the monsoon season (June-September) sees a drop in tourist numbers, leading to reduced airfares and hotel rates. This often-overlooked season is your chance to secure some excellent deals. However, do bear in mind that heavy rainfall might restrict certain activities and travel to some regions.
On the other hand, the winter season (November-March), specifically around Christmas and the New Year, is the high season for travel to India. Mild and pleasant weather attracts a large number of tourists, causing a spike in airfares and accommodation prices.
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Can I go to India without a visa?
No, U.S. citizens cannot travel to India without a visa. All US citizens must have a valid visa to India before they depart. India does not provide a visa on arrival for U.S. citizens and most other foreign travelers. Instead, you can apply for an e-Visa online, which, if approved, must be presented upon arrival in India.
FAQs
How long is the flight to India
The duration of flying to India from the USA varies depending on the departure and arrival airports. Nonstop flights from the U.S. to major Indian cities range from 13-17 hours, while flights with stops can take up to 25 hours.
What’s the best time to go to India?
The cheapest month to fly to India from the United States is usually February. However, it’s important to note that prices can vary depending on the airline, departure location, and time of year.
In addition, India is a land known for its colorful festivities and grand celebrations. While these events provide a fascinating glimpse into the country’s cultural richness, they can also significantly impact your travel plans. Here are a few that you should consider:
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- Hemis Festival (June/July): The Hemis Festival, celebrated in the remarkable Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, is a vibrant two-day affair that commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. It is characterized by its mesmerizing Cham dance, a masked and costumed dance that symbolizes the banishment of evil spirits, accompanied by the energetic rhythms of traditional musical instruments.
- Holi (March): Holi, often referred to as the “Festival of Colors”, is a boisterous celebration marking the arrival of spring. It involves people throwing colored powder and water at each other, creating a vibrant spectacle of joy symbolizing the victory of good over evil, and fostering a sense of unity and renewal.
- Navaratri (October): Navaratri is a significant Hindu festival revered for its spiritual value. For nine nights, participants indulge in fasting, prayer, and dance to honor the divine feminine Devi Durga, culminating in a grand celebration that brings together families and communities.
- Dussehra (September/October): Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. It features dramatic enactments of the Ramayana epic, effigy burnings of Ravana, and a variety of cultural performances.
- Diwali (October/November): Diwali, revered as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of India’s most significant celebrations, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This five-day festivity witnesses the illumination of cities and homes with millions of earthen lamps or ‘diyas,’ the bursting of fireworks, exchanging gifts, and feasting on sweet delicacies.
What are the airports operating flights to India?
Numerous airports in the US provide flights to India, with the top three being Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). These airports connect to India’s three major hubs: New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Which airlines fly from the United States to India?
Several airlines operate flights from the United States to India. Major ones include Air India, American Airlines, Emirates, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines provide direct or nonstop services from key U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Newark to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Can I go to India without a visa?
No, U.S. citizens cannot travel to India without a visa. All US citizens must have a valid visa to India before they depart. India does not provide a visa on arrival for U.S. citizens and most other foreign travelers. Instead, you can apply for an e-Visa online, which, if approved, must be presented upon arrival in India.
