This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on November 17, 2025 by Mani Karthik
When I moved back to India in 2017 with my family, travel booking became a new challenge.
In the USA, I used Expedia and Kayak for everything. Simple. Reliable. No confusion.
But India had its own travel app ecosystem. MakeMyTrip and Goibibo kept popping up everywhere.
My first booking disaster happened within two months of our return. I needed flights to Chennai for a family function. Booked through one of these apps. Got charged extra fees I never saw coming.
That experience taught me the importance of understanding Indian travel booking platforms.
Here’s everything I learned about MakeMyTrip vs Goibibo after three years of extensive use for both business and family travel.
The Shocking Truth Most Indians Don’t Know
MakeMyTrip owns Goibibo.
This blew my mind when I first discovered it.
In October 2016, MakeMyTrip acquired Goibibo’s parent company, Ibibo Group, for $1.8 billion. It was the biggest merger in Indian online travel history.
Yet both platforms operate as separate brands. They compete against each other for your business.
Think of it like this. You have two restaurants owned by the same person. One focuses on fine dining. The other targets budget customers.
“It’s like Uber and UberEats. Same company, different strategies.”
This changes how you should approach travel booking in India.
Personal Background: Why Travel Apps Matter to NRIs
Let me give you context about why this comparison matters for our community.
As returning NRIs, we have unique travel needs:
Frequent India to USA trips for visiting family still in America
Domestic India travel to explore our own country after years abroad
International leisure travel with newfound location advantage
Business travel as we build careers back in India
For our family, travel booking became a monthly activity. Not the annual vacation planning we did in the USA.
My wife initially struggled with the numerous options and confusing pricing structures. My US born son kept asking why apps looked different from American ones.
Understanding these platforms became essential for managing our travel budget effectively.
Platform Overview: Different Philosophies
MakeMyTrip’s Premium Approach: Founded in 2000 by Deep Kalra, MakeMyTrip started as a platform for US based Indians traveling to India.
They built their reputation on international travel expertise and premium service.
Their average transaction value is higher. They focus on comprehensive travel solutions.
Goibibo’s Budget Focus:
Launched in 2009 under Ibibo Group, Goibibo targeted domestic Indian travelers.
They emphasized competitive pricing and simplified booking processes.
Their strength lies in budget hotels and domestic flights.
What this means for you: MakeMyTrip feels familiar if you’re used to American travel sites. Goibibo feels more like local Indian e commerce.
Feature Comparison: The Real Differences
Here’s where the platforms actually differ:
| Feature | MakeMyTrip | Goibibo |
|---|---|---|
| Airlines Listed | 500+ airlines | 400+ airlines |
| Hotel Properties | 60,000+ properties | 50,000+ properties |
| Primary Strength | International travel | Domestic budget travel |
| Average Pricing | Moderate to Premium | Budget friendly |
| User Interface | Professional, detailed | Simple, colorful |
| Customer Support | 24/7 phone support | Chat focused support |
The numbers tell only part of the story. The real difference is in approach and user experience.
For insights on managing your overall finances while traveling, check out my guide on how to transfer money from USA to India efficiently.
My Personal Experience: Real Bookings, Real Results
My MakeMyTrip Experience: Last year, I booked a family trip to Thailand through MakeMyTrip.
Total cost: Rs 1,85,000 for 4 people for 6 days.
The booking process was smooth. International flight options were extensive. Customer service was helpful when we needed to change dates.
But the price seemed higher than other options I researched.
My Goibibo Experience:
Two months later, I needed domestic flights for a business trip to Mumbai.
Goibibo showed flights Rs 3,500 cheaper than MakeMyTrip for the same route.
Booking was faster. The interface felt more intuitive for quick purchases.
Customer service was adequate but not as responsive as MakeMyTrip.
Pricing Strategy Analysis
This is where things get interesting for budget conscious NRIs.
MakeMyTrip Pricing:
- Transparent pricing with fewer hidden fees
- Higher base prices but includes more services
- Better deals on international flights and premium hotels
- Loyalty program (MMTBLACK) offers significant benefits for frequent travelers
Goibibo Pricing:
- Lower base prices, especially for domestic travel
- More aggressive promotional offers
- GoCash rewards system for repeat bookings
- Sometimes adds fees during checkout process
Real Price Comparison (Based on My 2024 Bookings):
| Route/Service | MakeMyTrip Price | Goibibo Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-Mumbai Flight | Rs 6,850 | Rs 6,200 | Goibibo |
| 3-Star Hotel Mumbai | Rs 4,200/night | Rs 3,800/night | Goibibo |
| India-USA Flight | Rs 65,000 | Rs 68,500 | MakeMyTrip |
Goibibo consistently wins on domestic travel. MakeMyTrip has edge on international routes.
User Experience: The Daily Usage Reality
Coming from American travel sites, I had certain expectations about user experience.
MakeMyTrip Interface:
- Feels professional and trustworthy
- Detailed filters and search options
- Comprehensive travel information
- Can be overwhelming for quick bookings
Goibibo Interface:
- Colorful, modern design
- Simplified booking flow
- Mobile first approach
- Sometimes lacks detailed information
Mobile App Performance: Both apps work well on mobile. Goibibo feels faster for domestic bookings. MakeMyTrip provides better information for international travel planning.
For more insights on adapting to Indian digital platforms, read my guide on best apps to invest in mutual funds in India.
Customer Service: When Things Go Wrong
This is crucial for NRIs who might need assistance with complex international bookings.
MakeMyTrip Customer Service:
- 24/7 phone support
- Dedicated NRI customer care
- Better handling of complex issues
- Response time: Usually within 2-4 hours
Goibibo Customer Service:
- Primarily chat and email support
- Limited phone support hours
- Good for simple domestic issues
- Response time: 4-8 hours typically
My Personal Experience with Issues:
Last December, my flight to USA got cancelled due to fog in Delhi.
MakeMyTrip proactively called me with rebooking options. Their agent spent 45 minutes finding alternative routes.
Earlier this year, I had a hotel booking issue in Goa through Goibibo. The chat support was helpful but resolution took two days.
For complex international travel, MakeMyTrip wins. For simple domestic issues, both work fine.
Loyalty Programs: Long term Value
MakeMyTrip MMTBLACK:
- Earn points on bookings
- Priority customer support
- Free cancellations on select bookings
- Airport lounge access
- Membership fee: Rs 1,499 annually
Goibibo GoCash+:
- Earn GoCash on every booking
- Use GoCash for future payments
- Social rewards for sharing
- Free membership
- Points expire in 1 year
If you travel frequently, MMTBLACK provides better value. For occasional travelers, GoCash+ is sufficient.
The NRI Angle: What Really Matters
As returning NRIs, we have specific needs that differ from typical Indian travelers:
International Travel Frequency: We travel to USA more often than average Indians.
Quality Expectations: We expect service levels comparable to international standards.
Complex Itineraries: We often book multi city trips combining business and leisure.
Payment Preferences: We prefer credit cards and international payment methods.
MakeMyTrip better serves these NRI specific needs. Their international focus and service quality align with our expectations.
For guidance on managing your international finances, check out my detailed article on filing US taxes after returning to India.
Hidden Costs and Fees Analysis
Both platforms have hidden costs that can catch you off guard.
Common Hidden Costs:
- Payment gateway charges (varies by payment method)
- Convenience fees for certain bookings
- Cancellation charges beyond airline/hotel policies
- Service fees for customer support assistance
MakeMyTrip Transparency: Generally more upfront about total costs. Fewer surprises at checkout.
Goibibo Transparency:
Sometimes adds fees during payment process. Read the fine print carefully.
Pro tip: Always compare final checkout price, not just the initial quote.
Regional Performance: Where Each App Excels
MakeMyTrip Strong Regions:
- International destinations
- Metro cities in India
- Premium hotel bookings
- Business travel routes
Goibibo Strong Regions:
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities
- Budget accommodation
- Domestic leisure travel
- Last minute bookings
For NRI families planning India exploration trips, both apps work well. Choose based on your budget and service expectations.
Technology and Innovation
MakeMyTrip Tech Features:
- Advanced search filters
- Price prediction tools
- Trip planning assistance
- Integration with international systems
Goibibo Tech Features:
- Quick booking interface
- Smart recommendations
- Social sharing features
- Voice search capabilities
Both platforms have invested heavily in AI and machine learning. The user experience continues improving.
Travel Insurance and Protection
MakeMyTrip Insurance:
- Comprehensive travel insurance options
- Trip protection plans
- Medical coverage for international travel
- Higher coverage limits
Goibibo Insurance:
- Basic travel insurance
- Limited coverage options
- Focus on domestic travel protection
- Budget friendly premiums
For USA trips, MakeMyTrip’s insurance options provide better coverage.
Business Travel Features
For those of us building careers back in India, business travel features matter.
MakeMyTrip Business:
- Corporate travel solutions
- Expense management integration
- Flexible cancellation policies
- GST compliant invoicing
Goibibo Business:
- Basic corporate accounts
- Limited expense features
- Standard cancellation terms
- GST invoicing available
MakeMyTrip clearly leads in business travel functionality.
Current Market Position (2025 Update)
The travel market has evolved significantly since the merger.
MakeMyTrip Metrics:
- Market leader in premium travel segment
- Strong international booking growth
- Revenue focus on high margin services
Goibibo Metrics:
- Leader in budget domestic travel
- High volume, lower margin business
- Strong mobile app engagement
Both brands continue operating independently despite common ownership.
Payment Options and Security
MakeMyTrip Payments:
- All major credit and debit cards
- International payment methods
- EMI options with multiple banks
- Secure payment processing
Goibibo Payments:
- Credit and debit cards
- Digital wallets
- UPI payments
- EMI options
- GoCash wallet integration
Both platforms maintain high security standards. Choose based on your preferred payment method.
Making the Right Choice: My Framework
After three years of using both platforms extensively, here’s my decision framework:
Choose MakeMyTrip if:
- Budget is above Rs 25,000 per trip
- You travel internationally frequently
- You value premium customer service
- You need complex itinerary planning
- You prefer established, professional platforms
Choose Goibibo if:
- Budget is below Rs 15,000 per trip
- You primarily travel domestically
- You want the lowest possible prices
- You prefer quick, simple bookings
- You travel occasionally
My Family’s Strategy: We use MakeMyTrip for USA trips and important family occasions. We use Goibibo for domestic weekend getaways and business travel.
This approach gives us the best of both worlds.
Common Mistakes NRIs Make
Based on discussions in our returning NRI community:
Mistake 1: Booking based only on initial price quotes Hidden fees can change the total significantly.
Mistake 2: Not reading cancellation policies
Indian travel has different cancellation rules than USA.
Mistake 3: Ignoring customer service quality When things go wrong, good support becomes crucial.
Mistake 4: Not using loyalty programs Frequent travel makes these programs valuable.
Mistake 5: Comparing Indian prices to US prices Different market dynamics and cost structures.
Special Considerations for US Born Children
My younger son was born in the USA. Traveling with US born children requires extra documentation.
Both platforms handle this well, but:
- MakeMyTrip has better international travel expertise
- They understand NRI documentation requirements
- Customer service can help with complex visa situations
For detailed guidance on documentation, check out my article on managing legal documents for NRIs.
The Verdict: Both Have Their Place
There’s no clear winner between MakeMyTrip and Goibibo. They serve different needs within the travel ecosystem.
For your first few bookings after returning to India: Start with MakeMyTrip. The experience feels familiar and customer service is more reliable.
Once you’re comfortable with Indian travel booking: Add Goibibo for domestic trips where price matters more than service.
For international travel to USA: Stick with MakeMyTrip. Their expertise and service quality justify any price difference.
The reality is that most experienced travelers use both platforms strategically.
What matters most is finding platforms that make your travel planning efficient and stress free.
Coming home to India should include exploring our incredible country and maintaining connections with family abroad.
Practical Tips for Smart Booking
From our family’s extensive travel experience:
Before Booking:
- Check prices on both platforms for same dates
- Read recent customer reviews for hotels
- Understand cancellation policies completely
- Verify payment gateway charges
- Consider total travel time, not just price
During Booking:
- Use incognito browser to avoid price tracking
- Take screenshots of price quotes
- Read all terms and conditions
- Verify passenger details carefully
- Save booking confirmations immediately
After Booking:
- Join loyalty programs for future benefits
- Set calendar reminders for travel dates
- Download mobile boarding passes
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy
- Leave honest reviews for other travelers
Regional Travel Insights
Different Indian regions have different travel patterns:
North India Travel: Both apps work well for Delhi NCR region. MakeMyTrip slight edge for international flights from Delhi.
South India Travel:
Strong performance from both platforms. Goibibo particularly good for Bangalore and Chennai domestic routes.
West India Travel: Mumbai being business hub, both platforms competitive. Price differences minimal.
East India Travel: Fewer flight options overall. Both platforms provide similar service levels.
Technology Integration
MakeMyTrip Integration:
- Works well with international booking systems
- Smooth connectivity with US airline databases
- Good integration with hotel global reservation systems
Goibibo Integration:
- Optimized for Indian domestic systems
- Fast processing for local bookings
- Strong railway and bus integration through redBus
Future Considerations
The Indian travel market continues evolving rapidly.
Emerging Trends:
- Increased AI personalization
- Voice activated booking
- Augmented reality hotel previews
- Blockchain based travel verification
Both platforms invest heavily in these technologies.
For NRI families, staying updated with platform improvements helps optimize travel experiences and costs.
The Cultural Adaptation Angle
Travel booking in India requires cultural adaptation for returning NRIs.
Different Expectations:
- Service levels vary from US standards
- Price negotiation sometimes possible
- Relationship based customer service
- Festival season pricing fluctuations
Both MakeMyTrip and Goibibo help bridge this cultural gap differently. MakeMyTrip feels more international. Goibibo feels more locally Indian.
Choose based on your comfort level with cultural adaptation.
Final Recommendation
Based on three years of extensive usage across dozens of trips:
Use both platforms strategically.
Download both apps. Compare prices for every booking. Choose based on specific trip requirements rather than platform loyalty.
Start with MakeMyTrip for your first few bookings to build confidence.
Add Goibibo once you understand Indian travel booking nuances.
The competition between these platforms benefits us as customers. Lower prices, better service, continuous innovation.
What matters most is making travel planning efficient so you can focus on enjoying incredible India and maintaining global connections.
That’s what the returning NRI journey is really about.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Factor | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flight Pricing | Goibibo | Consistently 10-15% lower |
| International Flight Booking | MakeMyTrip | Better options, service |
| Hotel Selection | MakeMyTrip | 60,000+ vs 50,000+ properties |
| Customer Service | MakeMyTrip | 24/7 phone support |
| Mobile App Performance | Tie | Both apps work well |
| Loyalty Program Value | MakeMyTrip | MMTBLACK more comprehensive |
| Quick Booking Experience | Goibibo | Simpler, faster process |
| Payment Options | Tie | Both support major methods |
| Business Travel | MakeMyTrip | Better corporate features |
| Overall NRI Experience | MakeMyTrip | International focus, service quality |
Sources and References:
- Xplro – Comprehensive MakeMyTrip vs Goibibo Comparison
- Travekia – Hotel Booking Analysis
- The Business Rule – GoIbibo vs MakeMyTrip Market Analysis
- Similarweb – Traffic and Performance Comparison
- Wikipedia – MakeMyTrip Company Profile
- Tracxn – Ibibo Group Acquisition Details
- Business Standard – Merger Analysis
- Personal travel booking data and experiences from 2021-2024
Note: Prices and features mentioned are based on 2025 research and personal experience. Travel prices fluctuate daily based on demand, seasonality, and market conditions. Always verify current pricing before booking.