Rent a Self-Drive Car in India as a Tourist
From ~$33 USD/day (₹2,800). Drive India's Golden Triangle, explore Rajasthan's forts, or cruise Goa's coastline. All rentals include insurance, free cancellation & 24/7 English-speaking support.
How to Rent a Car in India as a Tourist
4 simple steps — book from anywhere in the world
Get Your IDP
Apply at your country's automobile association (AAA, AA, NRMA) before your trip. Takes 1-2 weeks. ~$20-40.
Browse & Book Online
Choose your car on baecars.com. Pre-book weeks in advance. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
Land & Get a SIM
Buy an Airtel or Jio SIM at the airport (~$5 for 30-day unlimited data). You'll need it for OTP verification & Google Maps.
Pick Up & Drive
Airport pickup or doorstep delivery. Show your IDP + passport, get the keys, and start your India road trip.
Essential Driving Tips for India
What international drivers need to know
Drive on the LEFT
Same as UK, Australia, Japan. Steering wheel is on the right side. If you're from a right-driving country, take 30 minutes to adjust in a quiet area first.
Highways are Great
National Highways (NH-48, Yamuna Expressway) are 4-6 lane toll roads. Intercity driving is smooth. City driving is intense — use doorstep delivery for urban areas.
Use Google Maps
Download offline maps for your route before starting. Google Maps has accurate navigation for India including toll locations. Jio/Airtel 4G works on all highways.
Fuel is Cheap
Petrol costs ~₹100/liter (~$1.20 USD). Fuel stations accept UPI and cards. For diesel cars (most SUVs), it's even cheaper. Pumps are everywhere on highways.
Toll Roads
Most highways have toll plazas. Pay with cash (INR) or FASTag (ask your host if the car has one). Typical toll: ₹100-300 per plaza. Google Maps shows toll costs.
Avoid Night Driving
Drive during daylight (6 AM - 6 PM). Highways are poorly lit, and animals/pedestrians may cross. Plan overnight stops on multi-day trips.
Popular Self-Drive Routes for Tourists
Pre-book your car and explore India your way
Popular Pickup Cities
Pick up a car at these locations across India
Popular Rental Cars
All vehicles include insurance, free cancellation & 24/7 roadside assistance
Document Checklist for International Tourists
Must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date
Issued by your home country's automobile association. Must be physical copy — digital not accepted
Your home country's driving license (in addition to the IDP)
Buy a local SIM at the airport. Needed for OTP verification during booking. Airtel or Jio recommended (~$5)
International credit/debit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard). UPI also available if you set it up with your Indian SIM
Frequently Asked Questions — International Car Rental India
Can foreigners rent a self-drive car in India?
Yes. International visitors can rent self-drive cars on BaeCars with a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in their home country, along with their original driving license and passport. IDP must be obtained before arriving in India.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP) and where do I get one?
An IDP is a translation of your domestic license recognized in India. Apply at your country's automobile association (AAA in USA, AA in UK, NRMA in Australia) before your trip. It costs $20-40 and is valid for 1 year. India does not accept digital IDPs.
Which side of the road do you drive on in India?
India drives on the LEFT side of the road, same as the UK, Australia, and Japan. Steering wheels are on the right side. If you're from a right-hand-drive country, budget an hour to adjust — start in a quiet area before hitting highways.
Is it safe for tourists to self-drive in India?
Highway driving between cities (Jaipur-Udaipur, Delhi-Agra) is manageable with a GPS. National Highways are well-maintained. City driving is intense — we recommend pickup/drop service within cities and self-driving on intercity routes. All BaeCars rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance.
What documents do I need as a foreign tourist?
You need: (1) Valid passport, (2) International Driving Permit (IDP), (3) Original driving license from your country, (4) Indian phone number for OTP verification — buy a local SIM at the airport. Some hosts accept WhatsApp verification for international numbers.
How much does car rental cost in India for tourists?
Self-drive car rental starts at ₹2,800/day (~$33 USD). This is 60-70% cheaper than international rental chains like Avis or Hertz in India. All BaeCars rentals include insurance, free cancellation, and roadside assistance.
Can I drive from Delhi to Jaipur to Agra (Golden Triangle)?
The Golden Triangle is India's most popular self-drive tourist route. Delhi→Agra (233 km, 3.5 hrs) → Jaipur (240 km, 4 hrs) → Delhi (281 km, 5 hrs). Total: ~750 km over 5-7 days. SUV recommended. Book from BaeCars Delhi or Jaipur.
Do BaeCars vehicles have GPS navigation?
Most cars don't have built-in GPS, but Google Maps works perfectly across India. Buy a local SIM with data at the airport (Airtel or Jio, ~$5 for 30 days unlimited data). Download offline maps for Rajasthan before your trip.
Ready to Drive India?
Pre-book your car now. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup. International Driving Permit + passport is all you need.
