Rajiv Gandhi Airport is about 25 km from central Hyderabad, and getting into the city is remarkably affordable. Transport costs range from INR 250 (~EUR 2.70) to INR 3,500 (~EUR 38) depending on the option.
Full cost comparison
| Option | Cost (INR) | Cost (EUR) | Extras to Budget | |--------|------------|------------|------------------| | Pushpak Bus | 250 | 2.70 | None | | Uber Auto / Ola Auto | 350-500 | 3.80-5.40 | None | | Uber Go / Ola Mini | 600-800 | 6.50-8.70 | Surge possible | | Uber Sedan / Ola Prime | 800-1,000 | 8.70-10.90 | Surge possible | | Uber XL / Ola SUV | 900-1,200 | 9.80-13.00 | Surge possible | | Pre-paid taxi (sedan) | 800-1,100 | 8.70-12.00 | None | | Pre-paid taxi (SUV) | 1,200-1,500 | 13.00-16.30 | None | | Private transfer (sedan) | 1,500-2,500 | 16.30-27.20 | Usually all-inclusive | | Private transfer (SUV) | 2,500-3,500 | 27.20-38.00 | Usually all-inclusive |
Prices by destination
| Destination | Distance | Uber Go (INR) | Uber Go (EUR) | |-------------|----------|---------------|---------------| | Banjara Hills | 25 km | 600-800 | 6.50-8.70 | | Jubilee Hills | 27 km | 650-850 | 7.10-9.20 | | Secunderabad | 30 km | 700-900 | 7.60-9.80 | | Hitech City / Madhapur | 22 km | 550-750 | 6.00-8.20 | | Charminar / Old City | 28 km | 700-950 | 7.60-10.30 | | Gachibowli | 18 km | 450-650 | 4.90-7.10 |
Hidden costs and tips
- Surge pricing: Uber and Ola apply surge during peak hours and late nights. Prices can go 1.5-2x the normal rate. Check the app before confirming.
- Toll charges: The route from the airport uses the ORR expressway. App cabs usually include tolls in the quoted price, but verify.
- Pre-paid taxi rates are fixed and printed. No surprises.
- Tipping is not expected in India for app cabs. For pre-paid taxis, rounding up is a nice gesture but not obligatory.
Best value by situation
Tightest budget: Pushpak Bus at INR 250 is the clear winner. It is air-conditioned and clean.
Best overall value: Uber Go or Ola Mini at INR 600-800 gives you a door-to-door AC car ride for under EUR 9. This is what most local professionals use.
Groups of 3-4: An Uber XL or Ola SUV at INR 900-1,200 split between the group comes to INR 225-400 per person (~EUR 2.50-4.30), which is absurdly cheap for door-to-door service.
First-time India visitors: A private transfer at INR 1,500-2,500 gives you a known driver, flight tracking, and a smooth experience. At EUR 16-27, this is still very affordable by global standards.