Study highlights how male and female students travel differently in India

Goibibo has released new insights into the travel habits of students in India , based on data from 50,000 verified travellers who booked through its Student GoPass programme since January 2025. The findings highlight how male and female students differ in their choice of transport, payment methods, and devices, while both remain strongly focused on affordability.

The study shows that female students are more likely to book flights. Around 36% of them chose domestic flights, compared to 23% of male students. In contrast, half of male students (50%) prefer ground transport such as buses and trains, while only 34% of women do the same. Safety and time considerations are likely reasons for this difference.

Device use also varies. More than one in three female students use an iPhone, compared with one in four males. Payment choices reflect similar divides: 71% of women prefer UPI, compared to 64% of men. Male students are also far more likely to use “Pay Later” options, while female students tend to avoid them.

Despite these differences, affordability is the key factor for both groups. About 74% of all student bookings were for accommodation priced under ₹3,000 per night. Students also plan ahead, with 63% making bookings more than a week in advance. This is in contrast with the general traveller base, which usually books within a week of travel. “The female student traveller is digitally savvy, deliberate in her choices, and values both convenience and safety,” said Raj Rishi Singh, CMO, Goibibo. “While her preferences may differ from her male counterpart what unites them is a sharp eye on value. That’s precisely what we’ve aimed to address with our GoPass program—making Goibibo the preferred platform for student travellers seeking smart, affordable options.”