India’s Cheapest Flights: Top Destinations for Budget Travelers

Traveling does not have to cost you money, at least not if you know where to look for cheap flights. As a solo backpacker, a family vacationer, or even a business traveler who wants low-cost flights, India has many low-cost flight offers that can make traveling within the country as well as internationally cheaper for your pocket.
Here we are discussing the lowest-fare flight routes in India, low-cost international destinations from India, and how-to guides to book flights on the lowest fare.
India possesses an advanced aviation system with several low-cost airlines like IndiGo, AirAsia India, SpiceJet, and Go First providing affordable air travel. The most budget-friendly domestic routes if you're taking a domestic journey are:
: Air India
: ₹1,481
Why Take This Route? Chennai is a cosmopolitan city with good beaches, temples, and heritage attractions. It is one of the less costly routes in India and hence a popular choice for backpackers.
QP (Akasa Air)
₹2,021
Why Do It This Way? Ahmedabad, the economic and cultural hub of Gujarat, is famous for its heritage sites, street food, and Sabarmati Ashram.
: IndiGo
: ₹2,100
Why Take This Route? Jaipur, or the Pink City, is India's leading tourist hub. It is an easy, low-cost flight from Delhi, so it is an ideal weekend break destination.
: AirAsia India
: ₹2,200
Why Go This Way? Hyderabad is renowned for its biryani, ancient monuments like Charminar, and IT parks, which make it a professional and tourist favorite.
These are relatively inexpensive routes, though they vary depending on booking date and demand.
For those who are planning to fly to places other than India on a tight budget, the following are some of the cheapest
: ₹10,628
Why Go? Abu Dhabi boasts beautiful architecture, malls, and historical places like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
: ₹12,000
Why Go? Nepal is a cheap overseas destination with stunning scenery of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, and adventure sports.
: ₹14,500
Why Go? Bangkok is famous for shopping, temples, street food, and nightlife. It's a cheap international holiday with many cheap airlines flying to this destination.
: ₹15,000
Why Go? Sri Lanka boasts stunning beaches, stunning views, and a unique heritage, and thus is an ideal budget holiday destination.
₹19,012
Why go there? Bali has gorgeous beaches, inexpensive luxury hotels, and rich culture. Though it's a bit more expensive than others, budget carriers make it a low-cost tourist spot for Indians.
Securing the best airfare deal takes smartness. The following proven tips will guide you to the best deals:
Flights are more affordable when reserved 1-3 months in advance. Booking at the last minute is costly, so it is best to prepare ahead.
Airfares are demand-sensitive. Try to reschedule your trip to mid-week flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) or travel during off-peak seasons for lower fares.
Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and ixigo allow you to compare fares on different airlines, giving you the best prices for your trip.
Sign up for airline and website airfare alerts so you will be notified when prices fall.
Budget airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and AirAsia are usually more affordable. But compare them with other charges like extra baggage charges before you buy.
Use frequent flyer miles, cashback rewards, and travel cards to reduce the price of flights. Look for bank and credit offers.
Major metro airports often have higher fares due to high demand. Flying into secondary airports can save you money. For instance, check flights to Pune or Goa instead of Mumbai if traveling in the western region.
Sometimes, booking a connecting flight instead of a direct one can be significantly cheaper. Use layovers wisely to cut down costs.
Websites like Skiplagged find flights where the layover city is your actual destination. While this can save money, be mindful that airlines may penalize passengers who intentionally skip a leg of their flight.
According to travel experts, the best time to book budget-friendly flights is:
: 30-60 days in advance
: 60-90 days in advance
: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday usually have cheaper fares compared to weekends.
Traveling on a budget is possible if you know where to look and how to book. India offers a variety of affordable domestic and international flight routes that cater to different travel needs. From short domestic hops between major cities to budget-friendly international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, and Colombo, you can explore the world without overspending. By following smart booking strategies such as using fare comparison websites, setting price alerts, and being flexible with travel dates, you can secure the best deals on flights.