US Trip Cost from India

A trip to the United States from India offers a wide range of experiences, from the bright lights of New York city to the picturesque landscapes of national parks. To make the most of your trip, it's important to understand the costs involved.

The cost of a US trip from India includes major expenses such as flights, stay, food, sightseeing, transport, visa, insurance, and other expenses. A well-planned budget helps you make the most of your trip without unexpected surprises. Let’s break down the average cost of visiting the US and estimate major expenses to help you plan accordingly.

The India to US trip cost can vary widely depending on your travel preferences. A budget trip could cost as low as ₹1.5 lakhs, while a luxurious one could go up to ₹4 lakhs or more per person.

Let’s break down the cost by category.

Flight Costs

Round-trip flight tickets from India to the United States form a major part of your budget. Direct flights to major US cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco are offered by several airlines.

• Economy class (return): ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 per person
  

• Premium economy: ₹1,40,000 – ₹1,80,000
  

• Business class: ₹2,50,000 and above

Flying during the off-season (February–April or September–November) could help reduce ticket prices. Booking 2-3 months in advance may be advisable for better deals.

Accommodation Costs

Hotel prices in the US depend on the city and area you choose. Metropolitan cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are costlier than smaller towns.

• Budget hotels/hostels: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 per night
  

• Mid-range hotels: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 per night
  

• Luxury hotels: ₹20,000 and above per night

Homestays and motels may be low-cost alternatives. A one-week stay in a decent hotel may cost you around ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per person. Accommodation prices in the US vary based on city, season, and booking time, with higher rates in major cities and peak seasons.

Food Costs

Food costs vary based on your dining preferences:

• Budget (fast food/local eateries): ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per day
  

• Mid-range (Indian restaurants, diners): ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per day
  

• Fine dining: ₹4,000 and above

You may find Indian food across major US cities. Grocery shopping and preparing your own meals could help you save money.

Transport Costs within the US

Transportation options include public transit, taxis, ride-shares, and domestic flights.

• Public transport (bus/metro): ₹200 – ₹1,000 per day
  

• Ride-sharing apps: ₹500 – ₹3,000 per day depending on the distance and the city
  

• Car rentals: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per day
  

• Domestic flights: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 one way

Flight prices may fluctuate depending on the time of booking and the season. If you're visiting multiple cities, buying a rail or bus pass or flying with budget airlines might help reduce costs.

Activities and Sightseeing

Popular tourist attractions in the US include museums, theme parks, historical landmarks, and guided tours.

• Sightseeing passes (e.g., CityPASS): ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
  

• Theme park entry: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per ticket
  

• Museum entries: ₹500 – ₹3,000
  

• Guided tours and local experiences: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
  

Many outdoor sights like Central Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and national parks offer free or low-cost entry.

Visa Cost

Indians travelling to the US require a B1/B2 visitor visa (tourism/business).

• US visa application fee: Around ₹14,500
  

• Visa processing time: Around 2-4 weeks but may vary

People applying for a visa are expected to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate in India.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance might be worth considering for US trips due to high medical costs.

• Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per week per person
  

• Covers: Medical emergencies, flight delays, baggage loss, theft, etc.

It’s a good idea to look for plans with solid medical coverage and cashless hospitalisation, just to ensure you're fully covered in case of any unexpected situations.

Miscellaneous Expenses

These include shopping, tips, SIM cards, and unplanned costs.

• Shopping (clothes, electronics, souvenirs): ₹10,000 – ₹30,000
  

• Prepaid SIM card: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 with data plan
  

• Tips (restaurants/taxis): ₹500 – ₹1,000

Carrying a prepaid forex card or international debit card might help you manage your money efficiently.

A US travel cost could add up quickly, especially for families or longer stays. But there are plenty of ways to make it more manageable. Here are a few ideas to help you cover the costs:

Credit Cards

Use travel credit cards that offer:

• Reward points on international spending
  

• Airport lounge access
  

• Travel insurance and dining discounts
  

• Cashback and fuel surcharge waivers

These can help spread costs across months and earn rewards during your trip.

Personal Loan

You could opt for a travel loan if you're planning a high-budget US trip.

• Loan amount: Up to ₹50 lakhs
  

• Interest rates: Starting from 9.99% p.a.
  

• Repayment tenure: Up to 96 months

Quick online approval and minimal documentation could make this a practical option for last-minute travellers.

Here’s a sample cost for a 7-day US trip from India for one person. This includes basic expenses like flights, stay, food, transport, and visa:

The United States boasts several stunning destinations. Some must-visit places include:

• New York City – Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Central Park
  

• San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island
  

• Los Angeles – Hollywood, Santa Monica Beach
  

• Las Vegas –  Entertainment shows like Cirque du Soleil and more
  

• Grand Canyon – A breathtaking natural wonder
  

• Washington, D.C. – White House, museums
  

• Chicago – Navy Pier, Millennium Park
  

• Orlando – Famous theme parks and studios
  

• Miami – Known for its beaches and nightlife

Your US travel cost also depends on activities you choose:

• Visit famous theme parks and studios
  

• Watch a Broadway show in New York
  

• Explore the Grand Canyon by helicopter
  

• Take a cruise in San Francisco Bay
  

• Go shopping at outlet malls
  

• Enjoy live music and food festivals
  

• Trek in national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite
  

• Visit world-class museums like The Met or Smithsonian

The best time to travel to the US depends on the region:

• Spring (March to May) – Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing
  

• Summer (June to August) – Best for beaches and festivals
  

• Autumn (September to November) – Fewer crowds, lower costs
  

• Winter (December to February) – Best for snow activities, but cold

You could avoid peak seasons like summer and Christmas if you’re looking to cut down costs.

Here’s how you could reduce your travel cost to the US from India:

• Book flights 2-3 months in advance
  

• Travel during shoulder seasons (spring/autumn)
  

• Stay in budget hotels or homestays
  

• Cook simple meals occasionally
  

• Use city passes for sightseeing
  

• Rely on public transport or shared rides
  

• Shop at outlet malls and factory stores
  

• Avoid eating out every day

Stay alert to avoid falling into tourist traps:

• Taxi Overcharging – Use ride-hailing apps instead of street taxis
  

• Fake Tickets/Tours – Book only through verified platforms
  

• ATM Skimming – Withdraw cash from trusted bank ATMs
  

• Street Performers & Donation Scams – Politely walk away if asked for money
  

• Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas – Stay alert in metros and tourist hotspots

Here’s a comparative table for different travel styles:

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