How to get to Indore

Indore, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is often called the commercial heart of central India and a city with a rich culinary heritage. There are various ways to reach this bustling metropolis: from a quick flight to a train journey or a scenic road trip through neighbouring regions.

When planning a visit to Indore, tourists discover a gateway to the unique architecture of the Holkar dynasty and famous street food, making the city an attractive destination for both history buffs and food enthusiasts.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city is by taking a direct flight. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport receives regular flights from many major cities in the country and is located just a few kilometres from the centre.

If direct tickets are unavailable, travellers often choose to fly to neighbouring Bhopal (about 170 km) or Vadodara. Indore airport is well-connected to the city's infrastructure, so getting to your hotel after landing will be effortless.

Rail transport is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get to Indore. The city's main station, Indore Junction, is a major transport hub receiving direct trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and other metropolises.

Alternatively, one can travel to major railway stations in neighbouring cities such as Bhopal or Vadodara. From there, travellers usually continue their journey to the final destination by taxi or intercity buses.

Bus services connect the city with many regions, offering a budget-friendly travel option with the chance to see the country from the window. The trip from the city of Bhopal takes only about 3.4 hours (170 km), making this route very convenient and popular.

For those travelling from further afield, there are regular services from the city of Vadodara (about 7.4 hours en route) and from the city of Jalgaon, from where the journey will take approximately 8.5 hours.

Travelling by car or taxi allows you to enjoy the state's landscapes at your own pace and make stops as desired. The road from the city of Bhopal to Indore will take approximately 4 hours, covering a distance of about 193 km on local highways.

The route from the city of Vadodara requires about 6.5 hours of driving (335 km), and the trip from the city of Jalgaon will last roughly 6.7 hours, so it is recommended to set off during daylight hours.

Indore is famous for its hospitality and cleanliness, but to ensure the most comfortable trip, it is worth considering a few local specifics. We have prepared a list of practical recommendations to assist you on your journey.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate here is hot, so choose light clothing made of natural fabrics, for example, cotton; when visiting temples, shoulders and knees must be covered.
2. City Transport: To get around, it is most convenient to use auto-rickshaws or taxi apps (Ola, Uber); with private drivers, it is best to negotiate the price in advance.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Indian Rupee; cards are accepted in hotels and malls, but always keep cash handy for street food and markets.
4. Health: Drink exclusively bottled water and avoid drinks with ice from street vendors to ensure your holiday remains pleasant.
5. Language: The main language of communication is Hindi, however, in tourist zones and hotels, staff often understand basic English.
6. Etiquette: When entering temples and the homes of locals, be sure to remove your shoes; greeting with folded palms ("Namaste") is always received positively.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph locals, especially women, without their explicit permission and try not to display large sums of money in public.
8. Gastronomic Tip: Be sure to visit the Sarafa Bazaar night market, which opens on the site of jewellery shops after sunset — this is the heart of the city's culinary life.

Following these simple rules will help you safely enjoy the atmosphere of the "city of gourmets" and take home only the warmest memories.