Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad is the gateway to Hyderabad and much of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is also one of the easiest airports in India to start a self-drive trip from, thanks to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and well-signed national highways. This guide covers what to expect when you collect a rental car at RGIA, how to choose a vehicle, and the routes people drive most.
Where the airport sits
RGIA is about 22–25 km south-west of the city centre, depending on whether you are heading to Banjara Hills, Hitech City, Secunderabad or the Old City. The airport connects directly to the eight-lane, access-controlled Outer Ring Road, which loops around Hyderabad and lets you skip city traffic altogether. In normal conditions the drive to Hitech City takes around 40–50 minutes via the ORR; Banjara Hills usually takes 50–70 minutes, and the Old City a little more.
How airport pick-up works
When you book RGIA on S.S. Travels, your voucher names the exact pick-up point and the hours of the desk. The airport location is open 24 hours, which matters because many flights land after midnight. A typical pick-up looks like this:
- Collect your bags and walk to the arrivals area; follow the rental car signage or the meeting point on your voucher.
- Show your driving licence, photo ID and the card used for the deposit.
- Sign the rental agreement and review the inclusions (kilometre policy, fuel policy, insurance).
- Walk around the car with the agent and note existing marks on the handover sheet.
- Check fuel level, odometer and that the spare wheel, jack and FASTag are in place.
Plan 15–20 minutes at the desk. If your flight is delayed, call or WhatsApp +91 86885 69723 so your car is held — bookings without a flight update can be released after a grace period.
Choosing the right car for Hyderabad
- Mini or Economy (Kwid, Swift, Tiago): ideal for city and short drives. Easy to park around Charminar, Gachibowli and Banjara Hills, and the most fuel-efficient option.
- Compact sedan (Dzire, Honda City): better boot for two large suitcases and more comfortable for highway runs to Warangal or Nagarjuna Sagar.
- Compact SUV (Creta, Seltos): worth it if you plan to cover ghat sections, visit Srisailam, or want the higher seating position on busy roads.
- 7-seater (Innova Crysta): the family favourite for temple trips to Yadagirigutta or longer drives with grandparents and luggage.
- Traveller van: for groups of ten or more going to Ramoji Film City, Nagarjuna Sagar or weddings.
Automatic cars are available in the SUV and luxury classes. If you are not used to Hyderabad's stop-and-go traffic with a manual gearbox, pick an automatic.
Popular routes from RGIA
To the city. Take the ORR to the exit nearest your destination (Gachibowli for Hitech City and Financial District, Narsingi for Gandipet and Kokapet). Tolls apply on the ORR and are charged electronically via FASTag, which your rental should have fitted.
Hyderabad to Warangal. Roughly 150 km on NH163, around three hours. Good road, a few toll plazas, and the Kakatiya heritage sites at the end.
Hyderabad to Vijayawada. About 275 km on NH65, usually 4.5 to 5 hours. This is a fast, mostly four-lane highway with several toll plazas, popular for one-way rentals — you can drop the car in Vijayawada and fly or take a train back.
Hyderabad to Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam. Scenic but with slower stretches near the forest sections; leave early and avoid driving the ghat road after dark, as stray animals and poor lighting are common.
Parking and navigation tips
Most malls, hotels and offices in Hitech City and Banjara Hills have paid parking, but street parking in the Old City and Abids is limited — use a multi-level car park near Charminar and walk. Download offline maps before you leave the airport Wi-Fi, and keep a phone charger in the car. Speed cameras are widespread on the ORR and PVNR Expressway, and the posted limit is enforced; challans are sent to the registered owner, who will deduct them from your deposit.
Fuel and returns
Most rentals are full-to-full: you get the car with a full tank and return it full. There are fuel stations close to the airport on the Shamshabad road, so fill up in the last 10 km and keep the receipt. If you are returning to RGIA at night, remember the car-park entry fee and allow 20 minutes for the return inspection. Late returns are billed per hour up to a limit and then as an extra day, so plan your buffer.
Season and pricing
Hyderabad is busiest from October to January, when pleasant weather and the festival season lift demand, and rates follow the seasonal calendar on S.S. Travels. Summer (February to May) is hot but cheaper; the monsoon months are the lowest-priced. For a weekend or festival, book at least a week ahead. Prices are shown in INR with GST included in the final total, and a weekly rate applies automatically from seven days.
Quick tips
- Book the airport terminal or a partner hotel pick-up point near the airport if you land late at night.
- Carry a credit card for the deposit.
- Photograph the car at pick-up and return.
- Ask for an additional driver if two people will share the wheel.
- Save the branch number before you land.
With a car waiting on arrival, Hyderabad and the surrounding region are easy to explore at your own pace.
