Exploring Options: Australia To India Travel

how to travel from australia to india

Planning a trip from Australia to India or vice versa? There are a few things you should know. First, you'll need to obtain a visa. The type of visa you need depends on your specific circumstances, so be sure to use the Visa Finder to explore your options. Second, when it comes to transportation, flying is the best option as there are no direct cruises or trains between the two countries. There are various flight operators to choose from, including Air India, Qantas, and Thai Airways, with flights departing from cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, and Sydney. If you're looking to travel within Australia or India, you can consider driving, taking a train, or flying domestically.

Characteristics Values
Travel options Air, road, cruise
Flight time 12 hours 25 minutes (Delhi to Sydney)
Flight operators Qantas, Air India, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, SriLankan Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways
Direct flights Delhi to Sydney
Layover flights Kolkata to Sydney (via Bangkok)
Airports Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Darwin
Travel within Australia Train, road, flight
Travel time within Australia Sydney to Melbourne (9 hours by road), Sydney to Brisbane (10 hours by road), Sydney to Adelaide (15 hours by road), Sydney to Perth (41 hours by road)
Travel planning Rome2Rio, australia.com
Visa Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601), eVisitor (subclass 651), Visitor visa (subclass 600), Working Holiday Maker visa

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Direct flights from India to Australia

Australia is an island continent with ten international airports, including popular destinations such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast. The best way to travel to Australia from India is by air, and there are various airlines offering flights between the two countries.

Air India and Qantas Airways are the only airlines offering non-stop direct flights between Australia and India. The Air India flight from New Delhi to Sydney takes 12 hours and 25 minutes. Qantas Airways also offers direct flights from Melbourne to Mumbai. These direct flights reduce travel time by about two hours compared to flights with layovers.

Other airlines such as Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Jetstar also offer flights between India and Australia, but these include stopovers. For example, Thai Airways offers a flight from Kolkata to Sydney with a half-hour stop in Bangkok, taking 13 and a half hours in total.

Once you arrive in Australia, you can travel between cities like Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Brisbane by train or road. The country is approximately 4000 km from west to east and 3200 km from north to south, so travelling by air can save a lot of time.

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Airlines and flight routes

The total flight duration from India to Australia is 10 hours and 24 minutes. This is calculated based on the straight-line distance from India to Australia, which is about 4,952 miles or 7,969 kilometres. The flight direction from India to Australia is southeast.

There are numerous flights operating from India to Australia with carriers such as Thai Airways, Qantas Airways, and Cathay Pacific, to name a few. Melbourne and Sydney are among the busiest airports in Australia, while Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast are also popular options.

There are a few low-cost airlines in Australia that can help with budgeting for travel, but these typically offer limited services such as no meals or extra charges for carry-on luggage. Some well-known budget airlines in Australia include Jetstar, an offshoot of Qantas, Australia's national airline, and TigerAir. There are also region-specific airlines such as REX and SkyTrans.

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Visas and entry requirements

Indian law allows people of Indian origin in some countries to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI). This includes people in Australia. Australian citizens holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards must update their OCI every time they renew their Australian passports. OCI cards are multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visas to visit India. OCI holders are entitled to live and work in India.

If you are not an OCI holder, you must apply for a visa before arriving in India. Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are eligible for a Visa on Arrival. For all other nationalities eligible for e-Visa, the e-visa application must be filled out online, and the applicant must wait for the confirmation/grant of the ETA before travelling to India. The cost of an Indian tourist visa varies based on the time of year in which you travel. Currently, if you visit between April and June, it is USD$10, and for travel between July and March, it is USD$25.

You must travel on the passport you have applied for your e-Visa. Entry will be allowed into India on a new passport even if the ETA has been issued on the old passport, but in such cases, the traveller must carry the old passport on which the ETA was issued. The passport should have at least six months of validity at the time of the application for the grant of the e-Visa and a re-entry permit, if that is required under the law of the country of nationality of the applicant. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.

The foreigner should have a return or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during their stay in India. Nationals of Yellow Fever-affected countries or travellers arriving from these countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card at the time of arrival in India; otherwise, they may be quarantined for six days upon arrival.

Australian passport holders are required to apply for a tourist visa before travelling to India. Depending on your passport country as an Australian resident, you may also need to secure a visa before arriving. You can check whether this is required for your passport via India's Indian Visa Online website.

When applying for an Australian visa, there are specific criteria for the type of photo you must upload. As per the guidelines, the photograph must be in colour, with a 35x45mm size and a white background (JPEG) and without specs. Documents can be uploaded in either PDF or JPG format. Ensure that your documents are saved in one of these formats when submitting them for your Australian visa application. The Australian visa processing time is approximately 2–4 weeks from the date of submission.

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Travel within Australia

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, with very different regions and climates. Given the scale of the country, flying is the best way to cover Australia's large distances in a short time. Australia's domestic airlines—including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex—serve all state capital cities and many regional cities, making it an easy way to travel between Australia's iconic destinations. However, flying in Australia can be expensive, so it is best to look for deals or only fly if you are in a rush.

Long-distance rail travel in Australia is an option, but it is not necessarily cheap, convenient, or fast. That said, trains are more comfortable than buses, and there is a certain "romance of the rails" that's alive and well in Australia. The most notable long-distance rail journeys in Australia are the Indian Pacific between Sydney and Perth, the Overland between Melbourne and Adelaide, the Great Southern between Brisbane and Adelaide, and the Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin via Alice Springs.

Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads, and some of the most beautiful road trips in the world. When travelling long distances, you'll find rest stops and service stations at regular intervals. You can hire a car, 4WD, or caravan, or you can buy your own vehicle, which gives you the freedom to go where and when you like. However, buying a vehicle comes with admin costs and repairs.

Coach travel in Australia is comfortable, efficient, and reasonably priced. Greyhound, Australia's national coach operator, offers a range of travel passes. Backpacker buses are another option, which are great for younger backpackers looking to have fun and meet other travellers.

Within Australian cities, there are plenty of public transport options, including buses, metros, trains, and trams. Some services, such as Melbourne's City Circle Tram, are free. Ferries are also available in some cities, connecting suburbs around Sydney Harbour, on the Swan River in Perth, and on the Brisbane River.

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Travel agencies

One of the most prominent advantages of using a travel agency is their expertise and on-the-ground knowledge. Agencies like Mann Travel and AusIndia Travel offer comprehensive travel solutions, understanding the local customs, etiquette, and cultural practices in India. This ensures that travellers not only respect cultural norms but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves deeply in the local culture. With their nuanced understanding of both Australian and Indian aviation policies, travel agencies can navigate complex international travel landscapes, providing up-to-date advice and ensuring a smooth journey.

Indian travel agencies provide 24/7 support, addressing any issues that may arise during the trip, such as missed connections or accommodation concerns. They offer guidance on visa requirements and application processes, which can be daunting for Australian travellers. Agencies can simplify these complexities by providing expert knowledge on the necessary documentation. Additionally, they can assist with other important considerations, such as airport departure tax, currency exchange, and money transfers between Australia and India.

Using a travel agency for your Australia-to-India trip provides peace of mind and assurance. Their industry expertise, local knowledge, and personalised support ensure a memorable and enriching travel experience, allowing travellers to focus on enjoying their journey.

Frequently asked questions

The best way to travel between Australia and India is by air. There are numerous flights operating between the two countries with carriers such as Thai Airways, Qantas Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Air India, to name a few. The only direct flight from India to Australia is Air India's New Delhi to Sydney route, which lasts 12 hours and 25 minutes. There are also convenient layover flights connecting most of Australia's capital cities.

You must have a valid Australian visa to enter Australia. There are different types of visas available, such as the Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601), eVisitor (subclass 651), and Visitor visa (subclass 600). It is recommended to apply for the visa well in advance and ensure that all details are correct and supporting documents are provided.

Travel requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check the latest COVID-19 travel advice and restrictions before departure. Additionally, certain items must be declared for inspection when entering Australia, and there are penalties for failing to declare or making a false declaration.

Australia offers a range of experiences, from sunny beaches and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Sydney is known for its iconic architecture, including the World Heritage-listed Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Other activities include exploring coastal hikes, visiting the Taronga Zoo, shopping along Pitt St Mall, and experiencing the eclectic neighbourhoods of Newtown and Surry Hills.

There are no direct train or cruise options available for travelling between India and Australia. However, within Australia, you can travel between cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra by train.

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