Last updated: October 30, 2026. All prices are economy round trips in USD from Google Flights, checked on October 30, 2026 for the dates shown. Prices change daily.
Short answer: the date matters most. New York–Delhi cost $742 round trip in February 2027 but $1,730 for the same two weeks around Christmas, more than twice as much. The Air India nonstop was only $206 more than the cheapest one-stop flight in February, and departing on a Wednesday instead of a Friday saved $100.
New York – Delhi: our price test
| Dates (14 days) | Cheapest | Air India nonstop |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Feb 10 – Feb 24, 2027 | $742 (Gulf Air, 1 stop, 22 hrs) | $948 |
| Fri, Feb 12 – Feb 26, 2027 | $842 | $1,099 |
| Wed, Dec 16 – Dec 30, 2026 (holidays) | $1,730 | $2,119 |
Source: Google Flights, JFK–DEL, economy, USD, checked October 30, 2026.
What this shows:
- Avoid the December holidays if you can: the same trip cost 2.3 times as much.
- Midweek helped here: leaving on a Wednesday instead of a Friday saved $100 on the cheapest fare and $151 on the nonstop.
- Nonstop is not always much more: in February, the 15-hour Air India nonstop cost $206 more than a 22-hour one-stop. Etihad via Abu Dhabi (18 hours) was $883.
Is Newark cheaper than JFK?
Not in our test. For February 10–24, 2027, the cheapest Newark–Delhi round trip was $985 (Emirates, 2 stops), and the United nonstop was $1,418. From JFK it was $742, and the Air India nonstop $948. Always compare all New York airports, but do not assume one is cheaper.
West Coast: San Francisco – Bengaluru
For February 10–24, 2027, the cheapest round trip was $887 with Singapore Airlines (one short stop in Singapore, about 23 hours). Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong was $1,039, and Emirates via Dubai $1,107.
Flights within India are cheap
A one-way flight from Delhi to Mumbai on February 15, 2027 cost $71 with IndiGo and $75 with Akasa Air (about 2 hours 20 minutes). If your long-haul flight to your final city is expensive, compare it with a flight to Delhi or Mumbai plus a separate domestic flight. Keep enough time between the two tickets, because the airline will not protect a missed connection on separate bookings.
Tips that save money on US–India flights
- Pick the season first. Late December and early January are the most expensive weeks. February was less than half the price in our test.
- Check midweek departures in the Google Flights date grid (here’s how).
- Compare Gulf and European hubs: Etihad, Qatar, Emirates, Gulf Air, Lufthansa and British Airways all connect the US with India. Short layovers make a big difference to your energy on arrival.
- Check the baggage allowance. Many US–India economy fares include two checked bags, but some light fares do not.
- Be careful with unknown booking sites. If a price is far below all others, check the seller’s reviews and change rules before paying.
More on timing: the cheapest day to buy airline tickets.
Before you fly
- Visa: most foreign visitors, including US citizens, need a visa for India. For tourism you can usually apply for an e-Visa online on the official Indian government website; avoid unofficial agents that charge extra.
- Mobile data: see our eSIM guide for Asia.
FAQs
How much is a flight from the US to India?
In our check, New York–Delhi started at $742 round trip for February 2027 and $1,730 for mid to late December 2026. San Francisco–Bengaluru started at $887 in February.
When is the cheapest time to fly to India?
Avoid the December holidays. In our test, February was less than half the price of the Christmas period.
Is a nonstop flight to India much more expensive?
Not always. In February, the Air India nonstop from JFK cost $948, $206 more than the cheapest one-stop flight.
How much are domestic flights in India?
Delhi–Mumbai one way cost $71–75 on February 15, 2027 with IndiGo and Akasa Air.
Do US citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. Most tourists apply for an e-Visa online before travel on the official Indian government website.
