Goibibo’s data from 50,000 verified student bookings via its Student GoPass program since January 2025 reveals key gender-based travel trends among Indian students. While both male and female students are digital-first and budget-conscious, the report highlights notable differences in travel choices and payment behavior.
Female students show a stronger preference for flights, likely due to safety and time efficiency, while male students lean more towards budget-friendly ground transport like buses and trains. Payment modes also vary subtly between genders, indicating unique priorities and comfort levels when booking travel.
ALSO SEE: iQOO Z10R Set to Launch in India on July 24 With Dimensity 7400 & 50MP Camera
Female students in India are more likely to choose air travel over buses and trains, with 36% of them booking domestic flights compared to just 23% of male students, according to Goibibo’s Student GoPass data. Safety and time efficiency are likely key factors influencing this preference. On the other hand, half of the male students (50%) opt for ground transport such as buses and trains, while only 34% of female students do the same.
The gender divide in travel preferences is mirrored in device and payment choices as well. Over one in three female students reportedly use an iPhone, versus just one in four male students. In terms of payments, UPI is the top choice for both, but more so for women (71%) than men (64%). This suggests a stronger reliance on seamless and secure digital payments among women.
Interestingly, female students are far less likely to use “pay later” options—50% less than their male counterparts—indicating a more cautious and planned approach to spending. This aligns with broader behavior patterns suggesting that women prioritize convenience, security, and control in their travel planning.
Goibibo’s CMO Raj Rishi Singh summarized it well, stating, “The female student traveller is digitally savvy, deliberate in her choices, and values both convenience and safety.” He emphasized that despite the gender-based differences, both male and female students remain value-conscious—a trait central to the GoPass program’s growing popularity among India’s young travelers.
ALSO SEE: Movies and TV Will Get Better with AI, Not Just Cheaper: Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos
