GST for Transportation Services: Goods and Passengers

Transportation plays a vital role in every business—whether it’s moving goods across cities or ferrying passengers from place to place. But under GST, different transportation services attract different tax rates. In this guide, we’ll explore the gst for transportation in India and break it down by type of service.

BOOK A FREE DEMO




    Types of Transportation Services Under GST

    Transportation services under GST are broadly divided into:

    • Goods transportation
    • Passenger transportation

    The GST rate, exemptions, and Input Tax Credit rules differ for each.

    GST on Goods Transportation Services

    Goods transport services are provided by various operators, such as:

    • Goods Transport Agency (GTA)
    • Courier services
    • E-commerce logistics companies
    • Household movers

    GST Rate for GTA Services

    Category GST Rate ITC Eligibility
    GTA service (with ITC) 12% ✅ Yes
    GTA service (without ITC) 5% ❌ No
    Courier & express parcel services 18% ✅ Yes

    Get a Free Trial – Best GST Accounting Software For Small Business

    GST on Transportation of Household Goods

    The gst on transportation of household goods is 18%, as it includes both:

    • Goods transport
    • Packing and loading/unloading services

    These services are treated as composite supply, hence 18% GST applies.

    GST on Passenger Transportation Services

    GST also applies to transportation of people by:

    • Buses
    • Cabs
    • Trains
    • Flights
    • Rental vehicles
    Mode of Transport GST Rate GST Rule
    AC Bus (Intercity or Intracity) 5% No ITC
    Non-AC Bus or Stage Carriage 0% Fully exempt under GST
    Cab services (Ola/Uber/local taxis) 5% or 12% Depends on aggregator/ITC claim
    Rail transport (AC classes) 5% GST applicable on ticket fare
    Air travel – economy 5% GST on base fare
    Air travel – business class 12% GST on base fare

    GST Rate on Transportation Charges: Quick View

    Transportation Type GST Rate
    Goods Transport Agency (without ITC) 5%
    Goods Transport Agency (with ITC) 12%
    Courier & e-commerce logistics 18%
    Household goods shifting 18%
    AC passenger transport 5%
    Non-AC passenger transport 0%
    Air (economy/business) 5% / 12%

    Who Pays GST: Transporter or Client?

    In most GTA transactions, the recipient of services (registered under GST) is liable to pay GST under Reverse Charge Mechanism. However, if the GTA opts for forward charge (12% GST), they can collect GST and pay directly.

    Conclusion

    Knowing the correct gst for transportation helps businesses plan better, charge correctly, and stay compliant—whether they move goods, passengers, or even households.

    Please Wait

    BUSY is a simple, yet powerful GST / VAT compliant Business Accounting Software that has everything you need to grow your business.

    phone Sales & Support:

    +91 82 82 82 82 82
    +91 11 - 4096 4096