If you are dreaming of palm trees, ancient temples, chaotic street markets, and the kind of food that makes your eyes water (in a good way), you are not alone. India is one of the most fascinating places on earth—and yes, it is also one of the most budget-friendly if you are coming from the UK.
But how much will a trip cost? And is it still worth visiting in 2025? Here is an answer to all your questions about cost of travel to India from UK.
Let us break it down. No fluff, just facts.
Budget for Travel in India-A Detailed Breakdown
Flights: The Big One
Flights from London to India (let’s say Delhi or Mumbai) range from £400–£800 for a round trip depending on:
- When you book (2–3 months early = cheaper)
- Season (Christmas = no. March or September = yes)
Average Costs:
- Economy Class: Return flights from London to major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai typically range between £400–£800, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
- Business Class: For a more luxurious experience, business class tickets start from £1,500, with prices varying based on the airline and booking time.
Tips:
- Booking Time: Aim to book your flights 2–3 months in advance to secure the best deals and reduce any last hike in cost of travel to India from UK budget.
- Travel Season: Traveling during the off-peak seasons (e.g., May or September) can result in lower airfare.
Visa Costs: Yes, You Need One
UK citizens need a tourist visa to enter India which is not that hard to get with prefect documentation.
Expect to pay £25–£80 depending on how long you plan to stay and how many mistakes you make on the form. You can apply online via the official Indian government e-visa website. Documentation: Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your date of arrival in India.
Accommodation: From Budget to “Whoa”
Beauty of India lies in the fact that it caters to everyone. Your sleeping options include everything from £5 bunk beds to £200 palaces with pools and peacocks. Here are some good accommodation options that will help you to get estimate of cost of tavel to India from UK.
- Budget: £5–£10 a night (hostels, homestays)
- Mid-range: £20–£50 (boutique hotels, nice Airbnbs)
- Luxury: £100+ (think “Instagram-worthy” heritage hotels)
- You will honestly get more bang for your buck in India than in a lot of other countries.
Booking Tips for Accommodation in India
- Location: Staying in central areas or city centre of destination city can save on transportation costs.
- Reviews: Check recent reviews to ensure quality and safety standards.
Food: Cheap, Delicious and Extraordinary
Indian food is the best part which is shockingly affordable. From classic biryani to multi country cuisine, authentic dishes to street foods variety, you will get spoiled with plenty of food options available. Eating local street will also help in reducing cost of travel to India from UK
- Street food: It will cost just £0.50–£2 for a light breakfast at some of the famous street food joint or a restaurant. For a lavish breakfast flourished with juice, veg and non veg varieties, cost can be a little higher.
- Local restaurants: £3–£10
- Trendy cafes/Western food: £15–£20
- For trendy cafes or 5 star hotel experience, check out some fine dining restaurants where billing can be £15–£35 per person, offering gourmet dishes and service.
Yes, “Delhi Belly” is real, but you can avoid it by sticking to busy spots with more public.
Health Tips:
- Water: Always opt for bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
- Hygiene: Choose eateries with high footfall to ensure food freshness.
Getting Around: Surprisingly Affordable
It is very easy to travel in India across different cities or states. Modern Infrastructure and roadways make India accessible for all. Domestic flights connect major cities and regions in India as a faster way to cover long distances. Trains are a popular mode of transport with an extensive network that connects various parts of the country. Public buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are common modes of transportation within cities and towns. You can also avail online cab services from trending booking apps. Apart from these, private tourist vehicles offer personalized trip experience. You can rent the suitable one or as per requirements to alter cost of travel to India from UK according to your choice.
- Tuk-tuks/Rickshaws: £0.30–£2 for short rides
- Trains: From £5–£20 depending on class and distance
- Domestic flights: £20–£60
- Apps like Uber/Ola: Widely used in cities and ridiculously cheap
- Private Car Rentals: £30–£100 for one day trip in city or outstation tour. For group tour, there are many vehicles such as Tempo Traveller, Bus, Caravan, and Luxury Urbania Van.
Bonus: Just walking around in India is an event. You will see more in five minutes on foot than in five hours on a tour bus.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
- SIM card with data: £5–£10
- Entry fees to attractions: £2–£10 (Depending on Rate charts as mentioned at all monuments
- Souvenirs, snacks, last-minute elephant rides: Depends on your willpower
- Travel insurance: A must to have for safe travel.
Daily Budget Estimate
- Backpacker: £15–£25/day
- Mid-range comfort: £40–£70/day
- Luxury, air-conditioned zen mode: £100+/day
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes. One thousand times yes. India is magical, overwhelming, and unforgettable with diverse places and attractions. It is not always easy—but that’s kind of the point. If you go with curiosity, patience, and a little sense of humour, you will have the trip of a lifetime.
Just maybe… don’t pack your entire wardrobe. You will end up wearing the same two outfits anyway.
Suggested Read: Heritage Tourism in India
How to Experience Best of India?
India leaves its mark on every single person who sets foot in it. To create best memories of India Tour, do not miss to explore the cultural places and grand festivals. These memories will stay with you and remind you of its magic forever. From the grandeur of its ancient monuments to the warmth of its people and flavours of authentic food, India Tourism offers experiences that are life enriching and life changing.
Whether you have been to the cities, villages or wilderness India will always surprise and inspire you. This is just the beginning, but as every one of you will discover, there’s always more to India – a country that will keep surprising you and beckoning you back for more. Hope this cost of travel to India from UK Guide will provide the necessary information you are looking for. For any other assistance to roam in India or book Packages for India Tour, contact us. We will be delighted to resolve your queries.
Embarking on a journey to India from the UK in 2025 promises an unforgettable experience with careful planning of cost of travel to India from UK. You can tailor your trip to suit your preferences and make the most of what this vibrant country has to offer. India welcomes all kind of tourists- Solo travellers, family or group travellers and offer unique experiences.