ARRIVING AT
HYDERABADLeaving Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: transport guide
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport · India
Low riskUpdated June 2026High confidence
Modern, well-organized airport. Pushpak airport bus and Uber/Ola work reliably.
TL;DR
HYD (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) is the main international airport serving Hyderabad, India. The recommended way out is Take the Pushpak airport AC bus or Uber/Ola (~₹250 bus / ₹500–₹900 cab, 60–90 min to Hi-Tech City or Secunderabad). Pickup is at Pushpak bay outside arrivals (signed); rideshare zone next to it. The most common scam to watch for is "SUV upsell at pre-paid counter". Fares on the HYD → Hi-Tech City route typically run ₹500–₹900; anything above ₹2,500+ pre-paid SUV is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Take the Pushpak airport AC bus or Uber/Ola
- Typical fare
- ₹250 bus / ₹500–₹900 cab
- Journey time
- 60–90 min to Hi-Tech City or Secunderabad
- Pickup
- Pushpak bay outside arrivals (signed); rideshare zone next to it
WARNING · Pre-paid taxi counter is fine but 30–50% pricier than Uber/Ola
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Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pushpak AC airport bus | ₹250 | Every 15–30 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
Uber / Ola | ₹500–₹900 | 5–10 min | 📱App | |
Pre-paid taxi counter | ₹800–₹1,200 | 5–15 min | 💳Card / Cash | — |
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Your first 30 minutes
- 1Clear immigration / customs
- 2SIM at Airtel/Jio counter
- 3Pushpak bus bay outside arrivals — direct AC routes
- 4Or open Uber/Ola for door-to-door
- 560–90 min to most parts of Hyderabad
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Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
80/ 100
- Scam risk80
- Public transport65
- Ride-hailing85
- Signage clarity90
- Payment convenience80
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Fare reality check
HYD → Hi-Tech City
- ₹500–₹900ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- ₹1,500+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- ₹2,500+ pre-paid SUVProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
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Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Pushpak AC airport bus
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- ₹250
- Journey
- 60–90 min
- Wait
- Every 15–30 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Cheap
- AC
Cons- Limited routes
- 2
Uber / Ola
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- ₹500–₹900
- Journey
- 60–90 min
- Wait
- 5–10 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Door-to-door
- Fixed fare
Cons- Surge at peak
- 3
Pre-paid taxi counter
- Cost
- ₹800–₹1,200
- Journey
- 60–90 min
- Wait
- 5–15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Set price
Cons- Pricier than apps
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Paying without surprises
- UPI dominates — most foreign visitors miss out. Cash and Uber/Ola work fine.
- Airport ATMs reliable (HDFC, SBI).
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Common scams
SUV upsell at pre-paid counter
Low riskStaff push premium vehicles even for solo travelers.
HOW TO AVOID · Specify 'basic taxi'.
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What locals & travellers say
HYD·Hyderabad
“Pushpak bus to Hi-Tech City beats traffic via the elevated expressway.”
Official AirportTSRTCChecked Feb 2025confirmed
- "Pushpak bus to Hi-Tech City beats traffic via the elevated expressway." — TSRTC
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Arrival checklist
- Airtel/Jio SIM at counter
- Pushpak bus for Hi-Tech City / Secunderabad
- Uber/Ola for everything else
- Cash + small notes as backup
✉︎
Take it with you
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HYD arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Rajiv Gandhi International Airport?
- Take the Pushpak airport AC bus or Uber/Ola. Pre-paid taxi counter is fine but 30–50% pricier than Uber/Ola.
- Are taxis at HYD safe?
- Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, confirm the meter is on before pulling away, and never accept a fare from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Risk profile for this airport: low.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at HYD?
- Yes — Uber / Ola works at HYD. Typical cost ₹500–₹900, journey ~60–90 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from HYD to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the HYD → Hi-Tech City route is roughly ₹500–₹900. Anything around ₹1,500+ is high — ₹2,500+ pre-paid SUV is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at HYD?
- Carry small local notes — Pushpak AC airport bus expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport?
- Pushpak bay outside arrivals (signed); rideshare zone next to it. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is HYD safe to arrive at late at night?
- HYD is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at HYD?
- The most reported at HYD: SUV upsell at pre-paid counter. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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