This destination in India is beautiful to travel. Srinagar is placed within the enchanting Kashmir Valley, and it includes fabulous landscapes, serene Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and snowy peaks. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year. So, if you want to travel from Delhi to Srinagar, you must be wondering which is the best route. Whether you like flying for its speed and efficiency, a road trip for its adventure, or train journey for its view, all the details are there to help you plan your tour.
How to Reach Srinagar
Under the above heads, we take up the different options of reaching Srinagar from Delhi. It would bring out several advantages and routes, together with a few tips or tricks which may help in one’s tour. Be it air travel or roads let us see what are the steps needed to visit this heavenly place in the Himalayas.
By Air: The Fastest and the Easy Route
Flight from Delhi to Srinagar would be the quickest and most convenient access into the city. Most Indian major cities have an airport connectivity with Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, SXR, Srinagar providing excellent connectivity by domestic and international flights. That is indeed one of the popular entry points for those traveling to Kashmir.
i. Flight Duration
DEL Indira Gandhi International Airport to SXR Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, and the flight takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The distance covered is relatively short by the flight, and this is part of the reason why the air route has become more by preference for the route.
ii. Non-stop direct flights
There are non-stop direct flights operating directly from Delhi to Srinagar as follows: Air India, IndiGo, GoAir SpiceJet. These airlines fly several times in a year. The flights are flown more often during the tourist seasons. It includes summer from May to October. It is advisable to advance booking to ensure people obtain their tickets early and at cheaper rates.
iii. Flight Booking Tips
Book in Advance
Best deals are achieved by making advance bookings so that fares do not go through last-minute hikes. Advance bookings will obviously save you a lot of money as prices get pretty high when it’s peak season (be it summer or winter holidays).
Off-peak seasonal travel: If possible, saving a few dollars by moving the travel dates even a few days might be flying mid-week or during shoulder season-spring or fall-that has cheaper fares and an absence of crowds.
Flight Times: The major climatic factors that may yet make the flight to Srinagar late is that of a relatively high degree of fog prevailing at sometime during the winter season. Thus there is still scope for reducing the probability of getting late with morning flights or the late afternoon ones. The weather at Kashmir is often unpredictable, especially during winter seasons. High fog and snow can sometimes lead to flight delays. Follow weather updates before taking the flight. Apart from that, do some research with the airlines regarding whether cancellation or rescheduling is possible if traveling in winter since snow plays a huge effect on views and delays flights.
iv. Benefits of Air Travel
Speed: By air, the communication from Delhi to Srinagar is the fastest.
Ease: By air, you save long hours on road and get a chance to relax when you are on the destination.
Accessibility: The airport in Srinagar is also well-equipped with all necessary facilities which help tourists reach the city easily.
By Train: A Scenic and Relaxing Journey
As Srinagar has no railway station so you could reach to Delhi to Jammu that distance is approximately 270 kilometres from Srinagar. From Jammu, you can further journey towards Srinagar through road. Thus, by train you may enjoy journey from Delhi to Jammu that may fill different facets of Northern India right into your eyes.
i. Delhi to Jammu Options by Train
There are several trains which connect the two cities. Delhi and Jammu city are approximately 600 kilometers apart. Here are a few of them connecting both cities:
Jammu Rajdhani Express: The fastest express train covering both Delhi and Jammu nearly in 10-12 hours.
Shalimar Express: This is a very popular service that could connect Delhi and Jammu within nearly 12 hours.
Jammu Mail: Highly economical travel; this train covers almost 12-14 hours.
ii. Train Travel Time
The train travel from NDLS to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, JAT takes around 10 to 12 hours. Thus, it is quite a smooth train travel for those who are in favor of a non-speedy travel. Some trains even have sleeper coaches wherein you can sleep during the night journey.
iii. By Road from Jammu to Srinagar
Jammu to Srinagar: Take another road trip from Jammu to Srinagar. You may hire private taxi, book your seat in a bus, or you can even rent a car to cover the remaining 270 km to Srinagar.
Private Taxi: Nothing is a problem if one is traveling in a private taxi. It takes six to seven hours by road from Jammu to Srinagar due to the road conditions and weather.
Bus: The JKSRTC also conducts multiple bus services from Jammu to Srinagar. Besides, private companies also have services between the two places. Distance from Jammu to Srinagar with road journey will take about 8 to 10 hours depending on the type of bus and the road conditions.
iv. Road Trip Scenic Route from Jammu to Srinagar
Through rolling hills and green valleys, the distance of Jammu to Srinagar covers scenery as well as a very memorable drive. In some parts of the stretch, the Himalayas open up so majestically, do not forget to pack your camera if you are traveling by road. However, sometimes it is exposed to weather. So you have to face traffic sometimes during snow or fog in winters. Confirm the road condition beforehand.
Easy Travel: The trains give comfortable sitting arrangements, many of them provide you with the facilities for food, the toilets are clean, and there are even power outlet arrangements.
Cost-Effective: Train tickets are relatively cheaper than flight tickets and especially when booked in sleeper class or 3rd AC class.
Scenic Views: The northern plains view en route from Delhi to Jammu is breathtaking and the ride from Jammu to Srinagar is equally wonderful.
By Road: A Long but Rewarding Journey
It is the perfect option for the road journey enthusiast and those wanting to bask in the grandeur of Northern India. The road journey from Delhi to Srinagar takes nearly 16-20 hours, however, most of the tourists enjoy the experience.
i. Route Options
The most popular road route from Delhi to Srinagar is via NH-44 that passes through Jammu. Major routes are as follows:
Delhi to Jammu (Approx. 600 Kms): It will take around 10-12 hours. The best highway through which one has to travel from Delhi to Jammu is NH44.
Jammu to Srinagar (Approx. 270 km): Jammu to Srinagar will take at least 6-8 hours of road condition.
Other routes would be available through Pathankot or Amritsar, but the recommended one is that through Jammu.
ii. Road Trip Tips
Check the Road Condition: It is always good to check the road condition and the weather condition before traveling through road. Sometimes, the roads get blocked due to snow and rain. Winter months are particularly bad for this reason.
Rest at Intervals: The journey is too long. So, it is a good idea to stop and take rest and refreshment from time to time, if you are driving yourself.
Roadside Attractions: There are many towns and places worthwhile to visit enroute, among them Amritsar, Jammu and Udhampur-all presenting a different slice of Indian culture and history.
Fuel Up: Fill up your fuel tank, especially as there might be some stretches where you’d find very few petrol stations.
iii. Advantages of Road Travel
Flexibility: Road travel is totally flexible about halting and detours. You can visit small towns and take a break at your wish.
Scenic Beauty: The road is scenic with huge fields, mountains, and valleys, making the long journey worthwhile.
Adventure: For the people who like their thrill in road trips, winding roads up the hills can be an exciting experience.
By Bus: Inexpensive Mode of Travel
Delhi to Srinagar by bus is one of the most feasible alternatives for those with lesser budgets. There are numerous private and government-run buses operating between Delhi and Srinagar.
i. Bus Time
It would take approximately 18 to 22 hours to cover by bus from Delhi to Srinagar. However, time and route depend entirely upon the route, road conditions, and may count the number of stoppages in between.
ii. Bus Operators
Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation: They have ordinary buses daily from Delhi to Srinagar. These are the cheapest modes of transports available for the public.
Private Bus Operators: Several private companies operated on this route in luxuries and semi-luxuries. These are relatively much more comfortable but highly cost-inefficient.
iii. Bus Travel Tips
Overnight Buses: Accommodation hardly becomes a question when travelling by overnight buses. You will hardly save much on this though then it is not quite the most comfortable ride in the world.
Pack Comfortable: Since it is a long ride, carry all the basic amenities including water, snacks, a pillow, and whatever medicines you might require for the trip.
Online Booking: Tickets can be booked easily online from RedBus or by enquiring at ISBT, Delhi.
iv. Benefits of the Bus Travel
It is the cheapest mode of traveling and any person with a budget can avail it.
The bus may save you transfers from mode to mode thereby making the journey relatively easy.
Best Time to Visit Srinagar
Plan the visit to Srinagar during the best season. The change in weather conditions changes with each passing season, hence, it is crucial that you choose a season to alter your experience.
i. Summer (March to June)
The peak seasons of the year to visit Srinagar are summer. Pleasant weather ranges from 15°C to 30°C. It is the right time to visit the celebrated Mughal gardens, Dal Lake, and Shankaracharya Temple.
ii. Autumn (September to November)
The autumn season would also be another best time to visit Srinagar as the Kashmir Valley turns into a rainbow-colored paradise covered with red, orange, and yellow tints.
iii. Winter (December to February)
Gulmarg is almost like an oasis for winter sports enthusiasts, heavy snowfalls in months at times cause hassle while traveling so it is advanced.
One may reach Srinagar from Delhi through airlift, railway route, road transport, and also by buses. One finds that the best medium, or course of getting over there, is actually an airlift as traveling via trains also presents wonderful picturesque pathways to the eager eye, which will always provide another form of experience during traveling, and a thoughtful tour program does guarantee making the maximum profit for traveling to this marvellous place.
Conclusion
Beauty in Srinagar lies in the charm of its natural sceneries, so whatever be the means of travel, when you reach the city, it welcomes you with majestic vistas and a vibrant culture of Kashmir. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to one of India’s most beautiful cities!
How to book Kashmir tour online?
Contact Brown Chinar at +91 6005039532/+91 9906188874 or Email us at brownchinartourtravels@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. What is the best way to reach Srinagar from Delhi? |
| The best ways to reach Srinagar from Delhi are by flight, train, or road. Flights are the quickest, taking around 1.5 hours, while train and road options take longer but offer scenic views. |
| 2. How far is Srinagar from Delhi? |
| The distance from Delhi to Srinagar is approximately 870 kilometers (540 miles) by road. By air, the distance is shorter, around 670 kilometers (416 miles). |
| 3. How long does it take to travel from Delhi to Srinagar by flight? |
| A direct flight from Delhi to Srinagar takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| 4. Are there direct flights from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| Yes, there are several daily direct flights from Delhi to Srinagar, operated by airlines like Air India, GoAir, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. |
| 5. What is the cost of a flight ticket from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| The cost of a one-way flight ticket from Delhi to Srinagar can vary based on the season and the airline. Prices typically range from INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 for economy class. Booking in advance can help reduce the cost. |
| 6. Can I travel by train from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| Yes, you can travel by train to Jammu, which is the nearest railway station to Srinagar. From Jammu, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Srinagar, which takes around 6-7 hours. |
| 7. How long does it take to reach Srinagar by train? |
| The train journey from Delhi to Jammu takes around 8-10 hours. From Jammu, you need an additional 6-7 hours to reach Srinagar by road. |
| 8. What is the distance between Delhi and Jammu by train? |
| The distance from Delhi to Jammu by train is approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles). |
| 9. Which train is the best for traveling from Delhi to Jammu? |
| Some of the best trains for this route are: |
| Shalimar Express: Delhi to Jammu |
| Vaishno Devi Express: Delhi to Jammu |
| Jammu Rajdhani Express: Delhi to Jammu (faster, but more expensive) |
| 10. How to get from Jammu to Srinagar? |
| From Jammu, you can hire a taxi, take a bus, or opt for a shared cab to reach Srinagar. The drive takes around 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions. |
| 11. Is the road from Jammu to Srinagar safe? |
| Yes, the road from Jammu to Srinagar is generally safe. However, travelers should check the weather and road conditions before traveling, especially in winter months when snow or landslides may cause delays. |
| 12. Can I travel from Delhi to Srinagar by bus? |
| Yes, buses are available from Delhi to Srinagar, though this is a long journey. The bus ride takes about 18-20 hours depending on the road conditions. Luxury buses and sleeper buses are available for this route. |
| 13. What are the road conditions from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| The road conditions between Delhi and Srinagar vary. The highways are generally in good condition, but the route passes through hilly areas, especially near Jammu and Kashmir, so the roads can be narrow and winding. During winter, snow or landslides can affect travel. |
| 14. How long does it take to travel by road from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| The road journey from Delhi to Srinagar usually takes 18-20 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. |
| 15. What is the best route to drive from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| The most popular route to drive from Delhi to Srinagar is via NH 1A (National Highway 1A). The route generally goes through Ambala, Jammu, and Udhampur before reaching Srinagar. |
| 16. Are there direct buses from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| Yes, there are several government and private buses that run between Delhi and Srinagar. These buses are typically operated by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) and other private operators. |
| 17. Can I hire a cab for a Delhi to Srinagar trip? |
| Yes, you can hire a taxi or rent a car for a private journey from Delhi to Srinagar. This option allows you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way. |
| 18. How much does a taxi cost from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| Hiring a taxi from Delhi to Srinagar can be quite expensive, with prices ranging between INR 12,000 to INR 18,000 depending on the type of vehicle and season. |
| 19. What is the cost of a bus ticket from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Delhi to Srinagar can range from INR 800 to INR 2,500, depending on the type of bus (luxury, sleeper, or regular). |
| 20. Can I travel from Delhi to Srinagar during the winter? |
| Yes, you can travel to Srinagar during winter, but you should be prepared for cold temperatures, especially if traveling by road. Some routes may be closed due to snow, so it’s important to check weather updates before planning your journey. |
| 21. Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Leh or Ladakh? |
| While there are direct flights from Delhi to Leh (Ladakh), there are no direct flights to Leh from Srinagar. However, you can travel by road from Srinagar to Leh, which takes around 2 days and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas. |
| 22. Can I do a road trip from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| Yes, a road trip from Delhi to Srinagar is a popular option for those who enjoy scenic drives. The journey is long but offers views of the beautiful landscapes of the northern plains and the Kashmir valley. |
| 23. What should I carry while traveling from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| When traveling to Srinagar, pack light but warm clothing (especially in winter), a good pair of walking shoes, a camera, and some cash. It’s also wise to carry a first-aid kit and personal medicines. |
| 24. Are flights to Srinagar operational year-round? |
| Yes, flights to Srinagar are generally operational year-round, although flights may be affected by adverse weather conditions like heavy snow or fog during winter months. |
| 25. What documents do I need to travel from Delhi to Srinagar? |
| Indian citizens typically need valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, etc.) for travel. Foreign nationals may require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain restricted areas in Jammu and Kashmir. |
