The traditional travel-demand models for urban areas mainly focus on commuting to work, with an emphasis on analyzing the choice of transportation for these trips. However, due to growing traffic problems and changes in lifestyle, it is important to consider trips made for other reasons as well. Research has shown that shopping trips are the second most common trips after work commutes. Shopping trips play a significant role in urban life and affect traffic congestion and the environment. Despite their importance, there is a lack of research on this topic in India, particularly outside of Tier-I cities. With the significant increase in vehicle ownership in India, especially in smaller cities, studying shopping trip transportation choices in these areas has become crucial. This research aims to address this gap by focusing on Tier-II Indian cities. The study begins by identifying relevant indicators through a thorough review of existing literature. Primary data collection was conducted, resulting in 391 survey responses from two Tier-II Indian cities. The data analysis used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the underlying factors influencing shopping trip mode choices. The analysis identified six factors that affect how people choose their transportation modes for shopping trips in the Indian context. These factors provide a deeper understanding of the variables that influence individuals’ decisions regarding transportation modes for shopping trips in Tier-II cities. This study emphasizes the importance of considering non-work trips in transportation planning and highlights the need for tailored strategies to manage traffic and promote sustainable transportation methods. The findings have important implications for policymakers looking to improve citizens’ well-being by addressing the factors that influence shopping trip transportation choices. By contributing to more efficient and sustainable urban transportation systems, this research supports the goals of the National Urban Transport Policy, which advocates for comprehensive changes and the promotion of sustainable transportation methods.