Driving across cities is a thing of the past. What your maverick soul now needs is a road trip across countries. Yes, you heard that right! After proper planning and acquiring all necessary permits from nations you wish to visit, you can set off on the most cherishable journey of your life. The experience of riding across different countries & continents, the vivid mix of cultures you experience, the sights you witness, the people you meet, the memories you make, and even the hassles you encounter, are sure to move your heart and transform you from within.
So simply check out all these places you can visit, grab your travel documents, hop into your cars, and set off on the most intoxicating international road trips from India that’ll stay in your hearts forever!
1. Nepal
What do you call a country with limitless beauty and where you can enter at any time of the year without prior permissions? You got that right! When on a road trip from India to Nepal, the best way to enter the country is through the Sunauli border in UP, which is about 180 km from Gorakhpur. And once you’re through, the charming views of snowy Himalayas, tranquil stupas and rustic forests are all yours!
Distance from Delhi, India to Nepal by road: Approx 800 km
Travel time (Delhi to Nepal): Approx 3 days
Documents required: Indian driving license, photo ID proof
Must Read: Nepal: A Paradise Then. A Paradise Now. Your Holiday Can Bring A Thousand Smiles
2. Bangladesh
One can drive to Bangladesh through different entry point like Kolkata, Siliguri, Agartala, depending on where one’s coming from. After completing all formalities at the border, the country’s vibrant culture, pristine rivers, ancient ruins & friendly people will welcome you with open arms on one of the most spectacular international road trips from India.
Distance from Delhi to Bangladesh by road: Approx 1,400 km
Travel time (Delhi to Bangladesh): Approx 5 days
Documents required: Valid passport, Visa, special permits, carnet (a customs permit allowing a motor vehicle to be taken across a frontier for a limited period)
3. Bhutan
It’s the nation proudly flaunting the tag of the ‘happiest country in Asia’ and is ridiculously easy to drive to from India. Do you need more reasons to visit this elusive paradise? It is preferred to enter Bhutan through the Jaigaon-Phuntsholing border in West Bengal, since the popular cities of Paro & Thimphu are closer from there. Once in, the charging atmosphere, overwhelming scenic beauty, and cheerful faces of locals won’t let you want to leave this surreal kingdom.
Distance from New Delhi to Bhutan by road: Approx 1,400 km
Travel time (Delhi to Bhutan): Approx 5 days
Documents required: Indian driving license, Photo ID proof (other than driving license), pre-registration of Indian vehicle at Phuntsholing border’s immigration post & the Department for Vehicle Registration.
4. Myanmar
Though driving to Myanmar can be a task in itself, it’s worth every effort. One can travel all the way from New Delhi to Myanmar by road via the newly built and spectacular Delhi to Bangkok Highway. You’ll need to complete all these formalities for international tourists travelling through Border Checkpoints before starting your trip. But in return for all your backbreaking efforts, you’ll be rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime experiences amidst golden pagodas, legendary traditions, astounding landscapes, and the old-world architecture of this ancient kingdom.
Distance from Delhi to Myanmar by road: Approx 2,400 km
Travel time (Delhi to Myanmar): Approx 9 days
Documents required: Valid passport, Visa, special permits, carnet (a customs permit allowing a motor vehicle to be taken across a frontier for a limited period)
Suggested Read: 4197 Km . 3 Countries . 1 Epic Road Trip – New Delhi To Bangkok [INFOGRAPHIC]
5. Thailand
Who wants to go in for flights when one can have a beyond-awesome road trip from India to Thailand on the the newly built Delhi-Myanmar-Thailand Highway! And once you’re there, get ready to indulge in diverse experiences like exotic beaches, a happening nightlife, temples & churches, night markets, adventure opportunities, and remarkable cuisines. Thailand, no doubt, has something for everyone, be it a budget backpacker, a rich tycoon, or two nervous newlyweds.
Distance from New Delhi to Thailand by road: Approx 3,000 km
Travel time (Delhi to Thailand): Approx 13 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa, international driving license, special permits, carnet (a customs permit allowing a motor vehicle to be taken across a frontier for a limited period)
6. Malaysia
Though one might find problems with independent vehicular movement in Tibet, the diversity of fabulous experiences this country offers to its visitors will totally make up for it! With towering skyscrapers standing beside Hindu temples, Chinese sanctums, & mosques on one hand, and a surplus natural biodiversity on the other, the unique cultural ethos of this nation is breathtaking. Mountains, coral islands, tropical rainforests, rare species of flora and fauna . . . the list of natural experiences one can indulge in Malaysia is endless. Some of the best places to visit in Malaysia include Batu Caves, KL Tower, and Bird Park in Kuala Lampur.
Distance from Delhi to Malaysia by road: Approx 4,400 km
Travel time (Delhi to Malaysia): Approx 19 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa, Indian driving license
Suggested Read: 32 Budget International Trips For Your Holiday Which Will Cost You Less Than An iPhone!
7. Singapore
One can merely use the Delhi-Myanmar-Thailand Highway to drive all the way up to this bustling island city-state that is a heaven for shopaholics. Though not yet a very popular option for international road trips from India, Singapore is one rocking destination with a glitzy nightlife and loads of natural and man-made attractions that India’s wandering souls would love to explore! Don’t forget to read our best places to visit in the Singapore guide before departure.
Distance from Delhi to Singapore by road: Approx 5,000 km
Travel time (Delhi to Singapore): Approx 22 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa, special permits, international driving license
8. Sri Lanka
You may be like “Whaaaaat???”. But it’s true folks. You can actually drive to Sri Lanka. One can simply drive down to Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu and get to the Colombo Port in Sri Lanka via the Scotia Prince ferry that offers a drive in & drive out facility for cars. Thanks to this ferry system, travelers can now easily explore the sandy beaches, lush mountains, tea plantations & diverse wildernesses of this tropical heaven on a road trip from Delhi to Sri Lanka.
Distance from Delhi to Sri Lanka by road: Approx 2,400 km
Travel time (Delhi to Sri Lanka): 10 days by road + 45 hours by ferry
Documents required: Valid Passport, photo ID proof, copy of Visa On Arrival confirmation
Tip: If not the ferry, you can wait for the first ever bridge between India and Sri Lanka to be built by our government soon.
Suggested Read: 14 Wheels, 11 Souls, One Dream: The Epic Road Trip Down South!
9. China
This is one of the most challenging and risky international road trips from India. Though one is required to obtain permits two months before setting off, the whole trip hangs on various uncertainties as these applications are very likely to get rejected by the Chinese govt. But if happen to be one of those lucky few who make it, you have a myriad of experiences, some engaging architecture, & delicious Chinese food, simply waiting for you at the other side! The best route into China is via Nepal, which takes you to Lhasa, & then to Xining, before you finally enter China.
Distance from Delhi, India to China by road: Approx 1,600 km
Travel time (Delhi to China): Approx 8 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit, temporary driving license
10. Russia
To witness the grandeur of this massive country, one shall have to first drive to China (refer above), then to Kazakhstan, before finally entering Russia. They would need a Visas and border permits for all the countries falling on the way. The road may be a long one, but to explore Russia’s happening places, picture-perfect landscapes, and its magnificent castles, the trip will be worth it!
Distance from Delhi to Russia by road: Approx 7,200 km
Travel time (Delhi to Russia): Approx 32 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for China, Kazakhstan & Russia, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit, temporary driving license
11. Finland
Further up from Russia is Finland, a country that’ll never fail to bewitch you with its beauty no matter what season it is. You can visit either during winters when the landscapes is covered in crisp white snow, or during summers when the warm light of the sun illuminates the vast tracts of forests and striking blue lakes. If you don’t wanna visit merely for the spellbinding views, you can visit for Finland’s unending adventure opportunities and its diverse wildlife.
Distance from Delhi to Finland by road: Approx 8,300 km
Travel time (Delhi to Finland): Approx 36 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
Suggested Read: 20 Dream Roads Across The Globe Fetched Right Out Of A Traveller’s Fantasy
12. Turkey
If driving to nearby countries is subtle for you, why not go all the way to Turkey and experience a different culture altogether! The ideal route map for a road trip from India to Turkey would be:
New Delhi — Lhasa (Tibet) — China — Kyrgyzstan — Uzbekistan — Turkmenistan — Iran — Turkey. One can also go via Russia & Georgia but that might only add to the distance to be driven. Once there, you’ll be greeted with enchanting views of balloon filled skies, queer caves, splendid mosques, breathtaking natural wonders, glam beaches, & architectural marvels of the Roman Empire.
Distance from Delhi to Turkey by road: Approx 7,500 km
Travel time (Delhi to Turkey): Approx 32 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations mentioned, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
Suggested Read: 37 Best Places To Visit In March In World To Satisfy Your Wanderlust
13. Italy
A road trip from India to it’s neighbouring countries is one thing, but driving all the way to Europe, you’d certainly need to have one hell of a daring soul! Refer above for the route map of Turkey, and add to it a little Greek architecture, the experience of riding a ferry on the mystical Adriatic Sea, and finally the rustic landscapes, soothing music, quaint village life, & mind blowing cuisine, of Italy!
Distance from Delhi to Italy by road: Approx 9,000 km
Travel time (Delhi to Italy): Approx 40 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, Indian driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
14. Switzerland
Driving on the smoothest roads among the most beautiful landscapes of the country that is everyone’s dream destination, who’s up for that? If you decide to drive further from Italy, (and you must!) you’ll be warmly welcomed by the mesmerising Swiss Alps, the friendliest of people, cleanest of roads, postcard-perfect houses adorned with colourful flower pots, and the most delicious chocolates you’d ever have tasted on an incredible road trip from India to Switzerland!
Distance from Delhi to Switzerland by road: Approx 10,000 km
Travel time (Delhi to Switzerland): Approx 42 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
Suggested Read: 11 International Road Trips You Can Take With Your Indian Driving Licence
15. France
If you wish to add a tad bit of romance to your road trip from India to Europe, then you can simply ride on to France. And while you set out to admire its rich blend of art, music & poetry and its centuries old churches and palaces, or merely sit by a chic cafe enjoying delicious gourmet pastries and the finest of French wine, you’ll surely have made this one of your most memorable international road trips from India!
Distance from Delhi to France by road: Approx 10,500 km
Travel time (Delhi to France): Approx 44 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, Indian driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
16. Spain
Now who’d want to come all the way to Europe and miss out on the marvelous experience of visiting Spain! We bet you’ll be enticed to drive further and witness Spain’s heart-warming architecture, watch a Flamenco performance, check out art galleries & museums, relax on the beaches of Barcelona, and gorge on a bowl of Paella or two! Who’d want to give up on that, right?
Distance from Delhi to Spain by road: Approx 11,200 km
Travel time (Delhi to Spain): Approx 46 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, Indian driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
17. United Kingdom
To make this international road trip from India even more rocking, you can go on to United Kingdom from France, either via a ferry from Port de Calais with drive in drive out facility, or through the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle that was specially made to transport vehicles across the two countries. Either way, you’ll end up at this glamorous cosmopolitan famous for its fast-paced, contemporary culture that will spoil you for life on your road trip from India to UK.
Distance from Delhi, India to UK by road: Approx 10,000 km
Travel time (Delhi to UK): Approx 42 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
Suggested Read: Delhi to London By Road: These 3 Indian Super Moms Drove Across 17 Countries in Just 95 Days
18. Czech Republic
Not into modern cosmopolitans? We got you covered. Take a detour to Czech Republic and be transferred back in time as you set foot amidst its historical towns, buildings with an ancient architecture, and its medieval looking landscapes. You can either drive through the earlier mentioned route, or you can go through Russia, depending on which type of cultures you wish to experience on the way.
Distance from Delhi to Czech Republic by road: Approx 7,800 km
Travel time (Delhi to Czech Republic): Approx 34 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
19. Uzbekistan
If you don’t want to go on a very long road trip, but still wish to treat your eyes to fascinating views of different cultures, go on to Uzbekistan. The unbelievably elegant architecture of the mosques, mausoleums, fortresses and palaces lying hidden in the ancient cities of this erstwhile gem of the Silk Road will make your jaw drop.
Distance from Delhi to Uzbekistan by road: Approx 4,000 km
Travel time (Delhi to Uzbekistan): Approx 17 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
20. Turkmenistan
Another jewel in the crown of Central Asia is Turkmenistan, a relatively unexplored piece of the world that houses mysterious, yet extraordinary natural attractions like the seemingly endless Karakum Desert and the ‘Door to Hell’. Other than it’s natural wonders, you’re also likely to fall for the unmatched hospitality of the Turkmen people, which is a legend worldwide.
Distance from Delhi to Turkmenistan by road: Approx 4,800 km
Travel time (Delhi to Turkmenistan): Approx 20 days
Documents required: Valid Passport, Visa for all nations to be crossed, international driving license, carnet, Special Overland Permits for Indian registered vehicles, Tibet Travel Permit
Further Read: 35 Spectacular Road Trips In India For That Passionate Traveler In You
Roads let you explore each town, city, countryside, & village you pass on the way to your destination, unlike other modes of transport. They let you discover & learn more about the world than you plan to do on your trip. So stop thinking, and go! Also, share this with all your buddies you’d want as your travel companions on this trip. And if you know of any more international road trips from India that one can take, pop them in the comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About International Road Trips From India
Can we go to Singapore by road from India?
Yes, you can take a road trip from India to Singapore provided you have the required travel documents with you. It is possible to reach Singapore from India by road by crossing all the nations that fall on the way, which means you’ll need the travel documents for entering all those countries as well. The road distance between India to Singapore is around 5970 kilometres, and one can reach there in about 96 hours (exclusive of rest time).
Can we go to Russia by road from India?
Yes, you can drive from India to Russia, provided you have acquired the travel documents and permits required to enter all the countries you’ll be entering enroute, including China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and of course, Russia. You will also need a permit for your car so that you can be allowed to drive on international roads.
Can we travel by road from India to London?
Though hectic and extensive, a road trip from India to London is totally possible. You just need to travel documents and permits you’ll require to enter the various nations that fall on the way, including China since you won’t be allowed to pass through Pakistan by land on an Indian Passport. See how these three women traveled from Delhi to London by road and take tips on how to plan yours.
Can Indian cars enter Nepal?
Yes, Indian nationals are allowed to travel to Nepal in their personal vehicles with an Indian driving license. However, you do need to acquire a permit at the border of Nepal to be able to enter the territory.
How can I go to America from India?
In order to travel to America, one needs to carry the following documents to their visa interview:
1. Your valid passport (and your old passports, if any)
2. Your passport size photograph
3. Your DS160 Confirmation page stamped at the VAC
4. Your Visa application fee receipts (in case you’re applying at a US consulate in India)
5. Your Interview Appointment letter
6. All supporting travel documents
Can I go to China by road from India?
Though it is possible to travel to China by road from India, there are numerous restrictions in place. Firstly, you have to travel via Nepal and Tibet, and independent travel is prohibited in Tibet, unless you have arranged everything through an approved Chinese tour operator. The entire process of arranging the visa documents and permits for entering China is very tedious and time consuming, and can usually take up to 5-6 months.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
