Pune to India: flights, entry and hotels
A guide for travellers from Pune flying to major Indian cities. Covers routes, entry rules, timing, and practical tips.
Getting there from PNQ
Pune International Airport (PNQ) at Lohegaon is about 10 km north-east of the city centre. Domestic flights operate from a single terminal. Airlines offer non-stop services to all seven cities listed. Flight durations range from about 1 hour 10 minutes to Goa to about 2 hours 30 minutes to Kolkata. Check the current schedule for exact timings.
Pune is also connected by road and rail to Mumbai, about 3 hours away by the Mumbai–Pune Expressway or express trains such as the Deccan Queen. For travellers heading to Mumbai, road or rail may be more practical than a short flight. The airport shares its runway with an Indian Air Force station, so flight schedules can be affected by military operations.
Entry rules for Indian passport holders
Indian citizens do not need a visa or passport for domestic travel within India. Airlines and railways require a government-issued photo ID: a driving licence, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport. The ID must match the name on the ticket. For international travel from Pune, a valid passport and visa are necessary.
Rules for domestic travel change occasionally. Always check the official website of the airline or the Bureau of Immigration for the latest requirements. For international flights from PNQ, check the Indian embassy or consulate website of your destination country. The e-Visa system is available for many nationalities visiting India.
When to go
The best time to visit Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad is from October to March, when the weather is dry and mild. Goa is pleasant from November to February, though the monsoon (June to September) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Chennai and Kolkata are best visited in winter (December to February) to avoid high humidity and heat.
Pune itself has a mild climate from October to February. Travellers from Pune may find the heat in Delhi, Ahmedabad, or Chennai in summer challenging. Monsoon travel to coastal cities like Goa and Mumbai can bring heavy rain. Check the local forecast before booking.
- Delhi: October to March for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
- Goa: November to February for beaches; June to September for green landscapes and lower prices.
- Chennai: December to February for cooler weather and less humidity.
- Kolkata: October to February for the Durga Puja season and mild climate.
Where to go
Delhi offers historic monuments such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb, along with markets like Chandni Chowk. Bengaluru is known for its gardens, tech parks, and food scene. Goa has beaches, Portuguese-era churches, and water sports. Hyderabad features the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Hyderabadi cuisine.
Chennai has Marina Beach, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and colonial architecture. Kolkata is famous for the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Bengali sweets. Ahmedabad offers the Sabarmati Ashram, the Adalaj Stepwell, and the Kankaria Lake. Each city has its own character and attractions.
- Delhi: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Chandni Chowk.
- Goa: beaches, Goa Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, spice plantations.
- Hyderabad: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake, Ramoji Film City.
- Kolkata: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Indian Museum.
Money and practical tips
Carry a mix of cash and a debit or credit card. ATMs are widely available in all cities. Many establishments accept digital payments via UPI apps such as Google Pay or PhonePe. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and for hotel staff. Haggling is common in street markets.
Local transport options include app-based auto-rickshaws, taxis, and metro systems in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. Always agree on the fare before boarding a rickshaw, or use a metered service. Keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Booking a stay
Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. In Delhi, areas like Karol Bagh and Paharganj offer budget stays, while Connaught Place and Chanakyapuri have upscale hotels. In Bengaluru, Indiranagar and Koramangala are popular for mid-range options. Goa has beachside cottages and resorts across its coastal towns.
Hyderabad's Hitech City and Banjara Hills have many business hotels. Chennai's T Nagar and Egmore offer budget to mid-range stays. Kolkata's Park Street and Salt Lake have a range of hotels. Ahmedabad's CG Road and Ashram Road are convenient. Book in advance during festivals and peak seasons.