MakeMyTrip vs Yatra: A Complete Travel Booking Platform Comparison Guide with Tips & Insights

In 2025, online travel planning has become an essential part of how Indians book flights, hotels, buses, trains, and holiday packages. Two of the most widely used platforms in this space are MakeMyTrip and Yatra. Both offer a range of travel services through easy-to-use mobile apps and websites, but they differ in pricing structures, loyalty programs, service support, and more.

This article helps travelers make an informed decision by comparing MakeMyTrip vs Yatra across key features, categories, user experience, and recent innovations—based on current trends and user feedback.

Benefits and Limitations

MakeMyTrip: Pros and Cons

Benefits:

• Extensive selection of international and domestic hotels

• Strong app interface and website usability

• MyRewards and MyCash loyalty programs

• Multiple bundling options for travel packages

• Better personalization using recent search data

Limitations:

• Customer support may vary across services

• Some users report delays in refunds

• Service charges may apply depending on the booking

Yatra: Pros and Cons

Benefits:

• More competitive pricing on domestic flight routes

• Easy booking for trains, buses, and cabs in one place

• Loyalty rewards via Yatra eCash

• Partnered credit cards offer exclusive cashback deals

• Reliable phone support and offline service options

Limitations:

• Fewer international hotel options compared to MakeMyTrip

• Slightly dated app interface in comparison

• Reward system mainly supports flight redemptions

Categories of Services Offered

Key Features to Consider

1. User Interface

MakeMyTrip provides a cleaner, modern interface and faster mobile performance. Yatra’s app is stable but not as refined in terms of design.

2. Loyalty Programs

• MakeMyTrip MyCash and MyRewards: Accumulates with every transaction, redeemable on multiple services.

• Yatra eCash: Earned after bookings, usable for flight discounts and special promotions.

3. Offers and Coupons

MakeMyTrip frequently offers discounts during festivals and flash sales. Yatra focuses more on cardholder-specific deals and frequent flyer perks.

4. Customer Support

• MakeMyTrip: Chat support is responsive for app users.

• Yatra: Call support tends to be quicker and more personal.

5. Cancellation & Refund

Refunds through both platforms depend on airline or hotel policy, but Yatra often processes domestic refunds faster.

Latest Trends and Innovations (2025)

AI-Driven Personalization

Both MakeMyTrip and Yatra now use AI algorithms to show customized hotel and flight options based on past searches and preferences.

Sustainable Travel Options

Green hotel tags and eco-tourism packages are highlighted on both platforms to promote responsible travel.

Voice Search & Booking

Yatra is beta testing voice search for booking domestic flights—particularly for non-metro regions.

Instant Refund Automation

Automated refund tools are now integrated into MakeMyTrip for certain airlines and hotels, speeding up the process.

Co-Branded Credit Card Integration

• Yatra SBI Credit Card

• MakeMyTrip ICICI Travel Card
  Both offer cashback, travel insurance, lounge access, and exclusive holiday discounts.

How to Choose the Right Platform

Here’s a simple decision checklist to guide your choice:

Tips for Smart Booking

Tips for MakeMyTrip Users

• Use MyCash for booking round trips or hotels for longer stays

• Enable app notifications for time-limited discounts

• Consider MakeMyTrip Black for extra travel perks

• Use promo codes from partnered wallets or banks

Tips for Yatra Users

• Apply for the Yatra SBI Card to save on domestic flights

• Check for flash offers every Wednesday and weekend

• Use eCash wisely—only applicable on select flights and hotels

• Combine eCash and card discounts during major holidays

FAQs: Real-User Questions Answered

Q1. Which platform is better for last-minute domestic flights?
Yatra tends to offer better pricing and has more relevant filters for Indian domestic travel.

Q2. Can I use loyalty points for hotel bookings on both platforms?
Yes, but MakeMyTrip’s MyCash can be applied more flexibly than Yatra’s eCash.

Q3. Which platform gives better support for visa or travel insurance?
Both offer basic travel insurance and visa add-ons during booking, but MakeMyTrip’s options are more diverse for international trips.

Q4. Do both support payment through UPI or wallets?
Yes. Both accept UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.), major digital wallets, and EMI options.

Q5. Are refunds guaranteed for cancellations?
Only if your booking comes with free cancellation. Always check cancellation terms before finalizing your booking.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between MakeMyTrip and Yatra

Both MakeMyTrip and Yatra are excellent choices for online travel bookings in India. Choosing the better option depends largely on your travel patterns, priorities, and preferences.

• Choose MakeMyTrip if you’re planning an international trip, want a modern interface, and often use loyalty points for bundled services.

• Choose Yatra if you prioritize domestic flight deals, prefer phone-based support, or use co-branded credit cards for extra savings.

 

Ultimately, both platforms are safe, user-friendly, and efficient. The key is to check real-time prices, compare offers, and use available rewards wisely to get the best value for your travel needs.