UPI
Best choice- Exact fare, to the rupee
- Nothing to count, nothing to break
- A record of every ride on your phone
- Visitors can use a UPI One World wallet with a passport and visa
Meter on,pay by UPI.
The black-and-yellow auto-rickshaw is the fastest way to cover a few kilometres around BKC and Bandra. Two questions before you sit down, and you are set.
- minimum fare
- ₹27
- per km after that
- ₹18.22
- for a 5 km ride
- ~₹90
- how most drivers get paid
- UPI
How it works
Ask twice, then ride.
Flag one, or book one
Wave one down on the street, or book Uber Auto, Ola Auto or Rapido Auto for a fixed fare.
Ask “Meter?” and “UPI?”
Do it before you get in. Nearly every driver says yes to both. If one does not, take the next auto.
Ride by the meter
Until meters are updated, drivers carry a printed fare card. The fare on the card is the fare.
Scan and pay
Scan the driver’s QR code and pay the exact amount. No change, no haggling.
UPI or cash
Both work. One is easier.
Cash
Fine as a backup- Carry ₹10, ₹20, ₹50 and ₹100 notes
- Drivers rarely have change for ₹500
- Keep ₹200–300 handy in case a QR code fails
- No tipping needed for autos
Where autos go
Suburbs yes, South Mumbai no.
Autos run here
BKC, Bandra, Kalina, Santacruz, Andheri and the airport
Not here
South Mumbai: Worli onward, Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive. Take a cab or the metro.
Rough meter fares from BKC
- Kalina3 kmabout ₹55
- Bandra West5 kmabout ₹90
- Airport T28 kmabout ₹145
Worked from the ₹27 minimum and ₹18.22 per km. Night rides cost more.
Walk away if
Three lines you will hear.
“Meter is broken.”
Take the next auto. There is always a next auto.
“Flat ₹300.”
A flat price is nearly always above the meter. Say “meter” or move on.
“Cash only.”
Fine if you have small notes. If not, the next driver takes UPI.
Keep going
