Ahmedabad to India: flights, entry and hotels

Getting there from AMD

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) connects Ahmedabad to most major Indian cities. Non-stop flights operate to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Pune. Flight times range from about 1 hour 10 minutes to Mumbai to about 2 hours 30 minutes to Chennai or Kolkata. Check the current schedules for exact timings. For destinations without a direct flight, travellers can connect through hubs such as Delhi or Mumbai. Layovers vary and can add several hours to the journey. Booking a single ticket with a single airline often simplifies transfers. Always confirm the total travel time and baggage rules before booking.

Non-stop flights are the most efficient option for travel within India. Early morning and late evening departures often have more availability. For connecting flights, allow at least two to three hours between legs. Some airports, like Delhi and Mumbai, have multiple terminals, so check the terminal for each flight. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights. Online check-in can save time at the airport. Keep a digital copy of the boarding pass and ID on a phone.

Entry rules for Indian passport holders

Indian citizens do not need a visa or passport to travel within India. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all flights and train journeys. Acceptable IDs include a driving licence, voter ID, Aadhaar card or passport. Carry the original document, not a photocopy. Rules change occasionally. Check the official website of the airline or the Bureau of Immigration before travel. Some airlines may have additional requirements for minors. Always confirm the ID rules at the time of booking.

For domestic flights, the name on the ticket must match the name on the ID exactly. Any discrepancy can lead to denial of boarding. For children, a school ID or birth certificate may be accepted, but check with the airline. Keep the ID in a secure, easily accessible place during travel. A passport is the most widely accepted ID for domestic flights. If the ID is lost while travelling, contact the airline and local police immediately. Carry a photocopy and store a digital copy on a phone.

When to go

The best time to travel from Ahmedabad to any Indian city is from November to February. The weather is warm across most of the country, with cool nights. This period avoids the extreme heat of summer and the heavy rains of the monsoon. It is also the peak tourist season in many destinations. March to June is very hot in most of India, with temperatures often above 40 °C in many cities. July to September brings the monsoon, which can disrupt travel plans. For specific destinations, check the local climate before booking. For example, Goa is pleasant during the winter but humid in the monsoon.

For coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Goa, the monsoon can bring heavy rain and high humidity. Inland cities like Delhi and Hyderabad experience dry heat in summer. Bengaluru has a milder climate year-round due to its elevation. Kolkata has a tropical climate with hot summers and a distinct monsoon season. Pune is pleasant in winter but hot in summer. Booking flights and hotels well in advance for travel between November and February is advisable, as demand is high. Consider shoulder months like October or March for fewer crowds.

Where to go: eight cities

Delhi, the capital, offers historic monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, as well as modern attractions. Mumbai, the financial hub, has the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Bengaluru is known for its parks and tech parks. Goa offers beaches and Portuguese-era architecture. Hyderabad has the Charminar and Golconda Fort. Chennai has the Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Kolkata has the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. Pune has the Aga Khan Palace and Shaniwar Wada. Each city has its own character. Delhi and Mumbai are busy and crowded. Bengaluru and Pune are more relaxed. Goa is a beach destination. Hyderabad and Chennai are cultural centres. Kolkata has a distinct old-world charm. Choose based on interests: history, beaches, food or nightlife. All are well connected by non-stop flights from Ahmedabad.

For a short trip, consider cities with direct flights of under two hours, such as Mumbai, Pune or Delhi. For a longer stay, Goa or Bengaluru offer more to explore. Hyderabad and Chennai are good for history and culture. Kolkata is ideal for those interested in colonial architecture and literature. Each city has a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. Book the stay in advance, especially during peak season. Use reputable booking platforms and read recent reviews. Consider location and proximity to public transport when choosing where to stay.

• Delhi: non-stop flights, about 1 hour 40 minutes.
• Mumbai: non-stop flights, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
• Bengaluru: non-stop flights, about 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Goa: non-stop flights, about 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Hyderabad: non-stop flights, about 1 hour 50 minutes.
• Chennai: non-stop flights, about 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Kolkata: non-stop flights, about 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Pune: non-stop flights, about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Money and practical tips

Indian rupees are used everywhere. Carry some cash for small purchases and tips. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit and debit cards. ATMs are widely available in all cities. Notify the bank before travelling to avoid card blocks. For international travel, inform the bank about the destination. Gujarat is a dry state, but other states have different alcohol laws. In Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Pune, alcohol is widely available. Check local rules before buying. For mobile connectivity, buy a local SIM card at the airport or a store. Aadhaar-based eKYC can speed up the process.

Carry a mix of cash and cards for flexibility. Use ATMs inside airports or banks for safety. Keep a photocopy of the ID and cards separately from the originals. For public transport, use app-based cabs or auto-rickshaws in most cities. Metro systems are available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. They are affordable and efficient. For intercity travel, trains are an option, but flights are faster. Book train tickets in advance through the official IRCTC website. Always check the current rules and schedules before travel.