Getting Around Raipur: A Practical Guide for Visitors
Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is a major commercial and business hub in Central India, and getting around the city is generally straightforward for a visitor. The city offers a mix of auto-rickshaws, city buses, app-based taxis and ride-hailing services, plus a rail connection that links it to much of the country. This guide covers the practical options for moving around Raipur and for reaching the city from its airport.
How Tourists Move Around the City
For most visitors, the everyday choices are auto-rickshaws, city buses, and app-based taxis or ride-hailing services. Autos and city buses are readily available from the train and bus stations, which makes them a convenient first option when you arrive. If you want to save a few rupees, booking through a mobile app is cheaper than hailing on the street.
Rail Network
Raipur Junction (station code: R) is the city's main railway station and is served by the South East Central Railway (SECR). It connects Raipur with a wide range of major cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Pune, Jamshedpur and Ambikapur. The area around the station is well supplied with shops, and there is an internet café across from Raipur Junction (look for the orange sign).
For a visitor, the railway is the most practical way to arrive from another major Indian city, and the station's central location makes it a useful starting point for exploring the city.
Metro and Tram
Visitors should not expect metro or tram services; the city's public transport is based on buses and the BRTS described below.
Buses and Other Public Transport
City buses operate in Raipur and are available from the train and bus stations. In addition, Raipur and the nearby Naya Raipur are served by the Raipur and Naya Raipur Bus Rapid Transit System (Raipur-Naya Raipur BRTS), which has been in operation since 2016. This system links the city with Naya Raipur, making it a useful option if your plans take you to that area.
There are also intercity bus services connecting Raipur with other destinations, including Nagpur, Amravati, Mandla, Jagdalpur, Ambikapur and Sambalpur.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
App-based ride-hailing services such as Uber, Ola and Rapido are available in Raipur. Booking through a mobile app is generally cheaper than arranging a ride on the spot, and it also gives you a clearer idea of the fare in advance.
If you are arriving at the airport, it is better to book a taxi in advance. The travel counter inside the airport charges high prices, and taxi drivers outside the airport charge the same high rates if you have not booked ahead. Booking through an app or in advance is the practical way to avoid overpaying.
Walkability
As a general matter, visitors should plan on using autos, buses or app-based taxis for most trips rather than relying on walking, particularly for longer journeys across the city.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Swami Vivekananda Airport (RPR, also known as Raipur Airport) is located south of the city centre. For travelling from the airport into the city, it is better to book a taxi in advance. Services like Uber, Ola and Rapido are available in the city and can be used for this trip. Be aware that the travel counter in the airport has high prices, and the taxi drivers outside the airport charge the same high rates as the counter if you have not booked in advance. Arranging your ride ahead of time is the most reliable way to get into the city without paying a premium.
Practical Tips
- Book airport transfers in advance through an app or a pre-arranged service to avoid the high prices charged at the airport counter and by drivers outside.
- Use mobile apps for autos and taxis where possible; app booking is cheaper than hailing on the street.
- Autos and city buses are available from both the train and bus stations, so you can find transport as soon as you arrive.
- Raipur Junction is the main rail gateway, with direct connections to many major cities across India.
- The Raipur-Naya Raipur BRTS connects the city with Naya Raipur if your travels take you there.
- Intercity buses are available for trips to nearby destinations such as Nagpur, Amravati, Mandla, Jagdalpur, Ambikapur and Sambalpur.