Getting Around Hyderabad
Hyderabad offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city, from modern metro trains to traditional auto-rickshaws. The public transport network has expanded significantly in recent years, giving travellers several practical options depending on their destination and preferences.
Metro Rail
The Hyderabad Metro is a fast, clean, and efficient elevated rail system that serves many parts of the city. Trains run frequently throughout the day and into the evening, making it a reliable choice for many journeys. The metro operates three colour-coded lines covering various areas of the city.
Ticketing is straightforward. You can purchase single journey tickets starting from ₹10, with fares rising depending on distance—a journey from one end of the city to another costs approximately ₹60. Reloadable cards are also available for regular users. Ticket vending machines are present at stations, though they may not always function reliably.
Station facilities are well-designed for visitors. Lifts connect street level to the above-ground ticketing areas and platforms at all stations, with escalators available at many. Signage is clear and available in English alongside local languages, and train announcements are helpful and easy to understand.
The three lines are:
- Red Line: runs from Miyapur in North Hyderabad through the central and old city areas to L B Nagar in East Hyderabad
- Blue Line: connects West Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and East Hyderabad, running from Raidurg (HITEC City) to Nagole
- Green Line: links Secunderabad with the Old City, running from Jubilee Bus Station to Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station
Key interchange stations where you can transfer between lines include Ameerpet, Parade Ground, and Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station. The metro has a partnership with ride-hailing service Ola, with booking kiosks at stations to arrange onward travel by cab.
Commuter Rail (MMTS)
The Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) is a local train network serving several areas of the city. Service frequency peaks at approximately every 10 minutes during busy times, though frequencies are reduced during off-peak hours and Sundays. This is one of the cheapest transport options available. First-class tickets are available if you prefer a less crowded journey. Daily, monthly, and quarterly passes can be purchased at MMTS stations.
Buses
Hyderabad has extensive bus coverage operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). City buses are the primary mode of transport for many residents and serve as a practical option for visitors, though services can be crowded during peak times.
TSRTC offers different types of services with varying levels of comfort:
- E Metro AC—electric, air-conditioned buses
- Metro Deluxe—premium air-conditioned service
- Metro Express—standard express service
- E Metro Express—electric express buses
- City Ordinary—basic local service
- E City Ordinary—electric basic service
- Pushpak—dedicated air-conditioned service connecting the airport to key city locations
Most local buses depart from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (also known as Imlibun). Other significant bus stations include Jubilee Bus Station in Secunderabad and stations at Uppal, Charminar, Dilsukhnagar, Koti, and several other locations across the city.
In addition to TSRTC buses, minibuses operated by Setwin also provide local transport services between different parts of the city.
Auto-Rickshaws and Taxis
Auto-rickshaws, commonly called "autos," are widely available throughout the city. Metered auto-rickshaws are the standard option, though shared autos also operate on fixed routes. Expect that metering practices may vary and can be a point of negotiation.
Several taxi options are available:
- Metered cab services approved by the airport, such as Meru and Sky cabs
- App-based ride-hailing services including Ola and Uber, which operate across the city
- Pre-paid taxi counters at major transport hubs
- She Cab, a government service featuring female drivers, available to passengers when at least one traveller is a woman
Walkability
The article does not provide specific information about walkability in different areas of Hyderabad. When exploring, be prepared that comfort with walking may vary depending on which neighbourhoods you visit and local conditions.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located at Shamshabad, approximately 22 kilometres from the city centre. Several transport options connect the airport to Hyderabad:
Bus Service: The Pushpak Airport Liner is an air-conditioned bus service operated by the Telangana government. It serves multiple destinations across the city including Jubilee Bus Station in Secunderabad, Miyapur, BHEL, and Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station near Charminar. Buses run every 10 to 40 minutes depending on the time of day and route. Ticket prices range from ₹106 to ₹265 depending on your destination. The airport website provides detailed information about pickup points and schedules.
Metered Cab Services: Meru and Sky cabs are approved metered services available from counters in the airport departure area. These operate at ₹20 per kilometre. A pre-paid taxi counter operated by Hyderabad Traffic Police is also available.
App-Based Services: Ola and Uber operate at the airport. You can book rides through their apps at the baggage carousel and meet your driver in the designated pickup area.
Women-Only Service: She Cab, a government service with female drivers, is available to passengers when at least one traveller is a woman.
Be cautious of unofficial taxi touts near the airport entrance, as they typically charge inflated fares. The airport is well-connected to the city by expressways, particularly the P V Narasimha Rao Expressway and the Nehru Outer Ring Road.